Vietnam

Good to know

1. 1The country stretches roughly 1,600 kilometres from north to south, and regional differences are strong: Hanoi and the north lean toward subtle broths and cooler winters, while Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south are hotter, sweeter and more tropical.
2. 2Vietnamese is a tonal language written in a Latin-based alphabet called quoc ngu, which was developed in the 17th century with the help of European missionaries. Because of this, signs and menus are readable to visitors even if the words are not familiar.
3. 3Pho and banh mi are the best-known dishes, but almost every region and town has its own specialty, such as bun cha in Hanoi, cao lau in Hoi An and banh xeo in the south.
4. 4Motorbikes are everywhere, and crossing a busy street is a skill in itself. Millions of people ride them daily, and you will see them carrying everything from families to furniture.
5. 5The currency is the dong, and the numbers on banknotes are large, so it takes a little time to get used to the zeros.
6. 6Vietnam has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Ha Long Bay, the old town of Hoi An, the imperial city of Hue and the Phong Nha caves.

Tips for a first visit

• Learn to cross the road slowly and steadily. Walk at an even pace without stopping or darting, and the motorbikes will flow around you.
• Carry some cash for markets, street food and small shops, while larger hotels and restaurants in the cities usually take cards. ATMs are easy to find in towns and cities.
• Try the street food, and pick stalls that are busy with locals. Fresh herbs, lime and chilli are often served on the side so you can adjust the flavour yourself.
• Ride-hailing apps are a convenient way to get around cities, as they save you from haggling and from explaining your destination.
• Dress modestly when visiting pagodas and temples, covering shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off when entering a home or a prayer hall.
• Bargaining is normal in markets but not in shops with marked prices. Keep it friendly and smile, and do not be upset if you do not get the lowest price.

When to go

Because the country is so long, the weather differs by region and there is almost always somewhere pleasant to be. The north has a cool, sometimes chilly winter and a hot, humid summer, with spring and autumn being the most comfortable. The centre and south are warm all year, with a wetter season in summer and autumn and a drier stretch in the first months of the year. Typhoons and heavy rain can affect the central coast in the later part of the year.

Getting around

Most visitors travel the length of the country by domestic flight, by the north-south railway, or by long-distance bus. Flights are the fastest way to cover big distances, such as Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, while the train is slower but gives a good view of the coast and offers sleeper berths on overnight routes. Buses and minibuses connect smaller towns, and in cities taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used.