I’ve visited Vietnam in January and February 2025 for 3.5 weeks, traveling from north to south. Check a suggested travel itinerary here. From its bustling cities to serene rice terraces, Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of experiences. Here’s a comprehensive guide with tips to help you prepare before your travel to fantastic Vietnam.

Visa Requirements

First and most important is to request a visa in time! You can request an e-visa online, via this website it will take 2 to 15 days to approve, so take that into account. Check here to apply on the official website: Vietnam National Electronic Visa Website

Here you have to provide accommodation, passport details, ID resemblance and a lot more. The payment process is tricky but all good, cost around 655K VND /25 USD valid for 90 days. For longer stays or different visa types, you might need to apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

Make sure you have you Visa before boarding your flight, KLM won’t let you in if you don’t have the correct Visa number!

I requested my visa not in time and had to do a fast track. I ended up at the very helpful organization Vietnam Immi Organization. They have a very good Trustpilot review, so I could trust my visa and departure went smoothly. My time zone was in the afternoon so for Vietnam time zone at night, but they helped me perfectly. I could sleep during the night and the next morning my Visa was in my email. Right on time as promised! The service was top notch, at the airport in Hanoi, a employee of the company had a sign with my name and guided me through customs. Skipped the very long line and was the first coming though! It cost me 200 USD but you get excellent service and a good night sleep!

Please always double-check the latest visa requirements as they can change over time!

Weather and Climate

Vietnam is a long, narrow country stretching over 1,650 kilometers from north to south, resulting in diverse climates. Here’s a brief overview of the weather you might encounter:

North Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh experiences four different seasons. Winter is from November to April and can be quite cold, while summers from May to October are hot and humid. I was there in January and it was dry and sunny, during the day it was 15 to 20 degrees, but at night it dropped significantly. So bring or buy a jacket and long pants!

Central Vietnam: Hue, Phong Nha, Hoi An have the dry season from January to August with warm weather. While the rainy season is from September to December and brings heavy showers and occasional typhoons. In February it was lovely warm weather with no rain. In Phong Nha I had some rain, but what do you expect in a rainforest!

South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc have a tropical climate with the dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November, with consistently warm temperatures year-round.

Take into account your itinerary and planning when visiting Vietnam. That is why I didn’t visit Sapa in the far north of Vietnam. In January it is very cold and wet, even occasionally with snow. I traveled to Vietnam to escape the cold and wet Netherlands so no Sapa for me! The rice fields in Sapa are not green, so the landscape looks different than when you visit in June or July.

Vaccinations

Before traveling to Vietnam or Asia, consult your healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations. Vaccinations are not required for Vietnam, but commonly advised vaccines for Vietnam include Hepatitis A and B, DTP. Depending on your travel plans, you might also consider vaccinations for typhoid fever and rabies. It’s best to receive vaccinations several weeks before your trip.

Malaria and dengue are prevalent in certain areas of Vietnam. This can be transmitted by mosquitoes. Dengue mosquitoes sting during the day and mosquitoes that transmit malaria sting at dusk to dawn.

Be prepared and take mosquito repellent with you and use it!

I’ not a doctor so check all your vaccinations in advance with a professional!

Mobile SIM Cards

Staying connected in Vietnam is relatively easy and affordable. Upon arrival, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card from trusted providers like Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone. These SIM cards are available at airports, convenience stores, and mobile shops, and offer competitive data packages for internet access throughout your stay.

My H-Hotel in Hanoi arranged that a guy came to visit me and install the entire SIM card on my phone for 300k VND, like a said Vietnam is so service minded!!

Language

Vietnamese is the official language but English is widely taught in schools and spoken throughout my entire trip. In tourist areas and major attractions, you’ll find many locals who can communicate in English. However, learning a few Vietnamese phrases is always nice to interact with the locals.

Cost Per Day

Accommodation

Prices range from budget hostels at around $10-15 per night to mid-range hotels at $30-60 for example Cozy An Boutique Hotel in Hoi An. Luxury hotels and resorts like Mango Bay in Phu Quoc can cost upwards of $100 per night.

Transport

Vietnam’s cities are well-connected by public transport. Local buses are economical, but taxis apps like Grab offer convenience at a reasonable price. Please use the 12GoAsia website to book your transport in advance, all trustful and on time. I love renting a motorbike to explore the area, these cost $5-10 per day. Internal Flights could be booked from 50-150 USD, depending on the distance of course. Also think of taking the train for long distances, like I did from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha or Hue. Or book the most scenic train ride from Hue to Hoi an, or even better take the Easy Rider!!

Food

Street food is an integral part of the Vietnamese experience, with delicious meals available for as little as $2-5. Dining at mid-range restaurants like Hum in Ho Chi Minh City may cost around $10-20 per person.

Additional Travel Suggestions

• Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
• I highly recommend you to buy an extra Travel Insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations or lost belongings.
• Bring lightweight clothing for the tropical climate but also pack a jacket and long trousers for the cooler north. If you go hiking in Phong Nha bring some good grippy shoes! More packing tips here!
• If you don’t bring you can always buy fake brands in the local market!
• Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. I also always bring direct disinfect or wiping tissues.
• I wrote a full blog on the TET festivities in Vietnam, take into account when booking the entire county is traveling and hotels are booked or closed. So be prepared and read the seperate blog on TET where I tell you this is a unique experience to join the locals!!!

With these tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to travel to an unforgettable journey to Vietnam. Embrace the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming people. Safe travels!