Welcome to Vietnam 😊

Quick Facts About Vietnam

Money and Finances

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). The denominations of coins are 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 VND. The denominations of notes are 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000, 200000 and 500000 VND.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas of Vietnam. However, it may be difficult to find an ATM in rural areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major stores. However, some smaller vendors may only accept cash.

Internet and Phones

The average internet speed in Vietnam is relatively slow, with downloads averaging around 9 Mbps and uploads around 3 Mbps. There are reports of government interference in internet use, including blocking social media and certain websites.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Vietnam has several telco companies, including Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone, which offer both prepaid and postpaid mobile phone plans. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 150,000 VND (~$6.50 USD) per month. Some sim compatibility issues may arise for visitors bringing unlocked phones to Vietnam.

Dialling to Vietnam

To call Vietnam from another country, dial the international access code followed by 84 (Vietnam's country code) and the desired number. When dialling within Vietnam, use the area codes 2 for Hanoi, 8 for Ho Chi Minh City, and various other codes for other regions of the country.

Transport Around Vietnam

Air Travel

Vietnam has several major airports, including Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang.

Train Travel

Vietnam has a well-developed inter-city train network, with routes connecting major cities. For example, a ticket from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can cost around $50 USD and takes approximately 30 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Vietnam currently only has a metro system in Ho Chi Minh City, with plans to expand in other major cities.

Buses

Vietnam also has a vast bus network, with many routes connecting smaller cities and towns. Tickets can vary in price depending on the distance, but a bus ride from Hanoi to Hue usually costs around $15 USD and takes around 14 hours.

Rideshare

There are several rideshare companies operating in Vietnam, including Grab and GoViet. The average cost for a short trip in a standard car is around $2 USD.

Driving by Car

Driving in Vietnam can be challenging, with heavy traffic and unpredictable drivers. The speed limits are usually around 60km/h in urban areas and 90km/h on highways. Vietnam uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Vietnam, it is not customary to tip, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. Locals commonly greet each other with a handshake or a bow, depending on the age and status of the person. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to address them by their title and last name. Men and women traditionally address each other using different titles, with men using ‘anh’ and ‘em’ and women using ‘chi’ and ‘em’.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Vietnam has a public healthcare system, which is generally of acceptable quality in larger cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, the healthcare system outside of these cities is generally poor. Private healthcare is also available, but the cost can be quite high, and medical insurance is recommended for visitors. A visit to the doctor without insurance may cost around 500,000 VND (approx. 22 USD).

COVID Situation

Vietnam has been praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has reported a relatively low number of cases and very few deaths. However, there are still new cases being reported, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Travelers to Vietnam should be aware of the current situation and follow all recommended guidelines to avoid exposure to the virus.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Vietnam include malaria, dengue fever, and food poisoning. Travelers should take preventative measures, such as mosquito repellent and netting, and be careful about what they eat and drink. Water quality is also a concern in many areas and travelers should stick to bottled or filtered water.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Vietnam, the legal age for buying and consuming alcohol is 18 years old. However, alcohol is widely available and consumed in Vietnam, and there are no restrictions on the sale of alcohol. Drinking in public places is technically illegal, although it is often tolerated in practice. Some areas, such as Hanoi's Old Quarter, have banned alcohol sales on certain streets.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use is illegal in Vietnam, and penalties for drug offenses are severe, including long prison sentences and even the death penalty. Possession of small amounts of cannabis and other drugs can also result in fines and imprisonment. Enforcement of these laws is strict, and travellers should avoid any involvement with drugs while in Vietnam.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital sex is not technically illegal in Vietnam, but it is generally frowned upon, and there are societal pressures against it. Adultery is also illegal in Vietnam, although it is rarely enforced. It is important for visitors to be respectful of local customs and attitudes towards sex and relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

There are no legal protections for LGBTQ people in Vietnam, and same-sex relationships are not recognized. However, attitudes towards LGBTQ people in Vietnam are generally accepting, and there is a thriving LGBTQ community in some cities, particularly Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Firearms / Guns

Vietnam has strict laws regulating the use of firearms, and ownership and possession of guns is generally prohibited. Exceptions are made for law enforcement and military personnel, and there is some limited hunting allowed in rural areas. Travellers should be aware that bringing firearms into Vietnam can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Regions in Vietnam

There are many wonderful regions to visit in Vietnam, browse through each to see what to visit.

88 Popular Travel Destinations in Vietnam