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Vietnam Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, a city rich in history, culture, and French colonial charm. However, the largest and most economically vibrant city is Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), home to over 7 million people and the country's biggest port.
Hanoi offers a unique blend of ancient traditions, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. Here are some must-visit attractions:
One of the most important Buddhist temples in Vietnam, dating back to the 15th century. Free entry, donations accepted.
Built in 1049, this iconic wooden temple sits on stilts over a lotus pond, symbolizing good health and fertility.
A 1,000-year-old Vietnamese art form, water puppet performances are held at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Ticket Price: From 100,000 VND ($4.30 USD) for adults, 60,000 VND ($2.60 USD) for children.
A former prison for Vietnamese revolutionaries and later, U.S. POWs, including Senator John McCain.
Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND ($1.30 USD).
The largest market in Hanoi, offering a variety of souvenirs, textiles, and street food at bargain prices.
A must-visit for history lovers, featuring captured French and American war machinery, Soviet-supplied weapons, and wartime relics.
Admission: 70,000 VND ($3 USD), plus 20,000 VND ($0.85 USD) for photography.
Dedicated to the role of Vietnamese women in history, culture, and war.
Admission: 50,000 VND
Offers insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through artifacts, traditional houses, and cultural exhibits.
Admission: updating !
Showcasing ancient artifacts from the Dong Son culture to the Khmer and Champa kingdoms.
Admission: 40,000 VND ($1.70 USD).
Vietnam stretches 1,650 km from north to south and is located on the eastern coast of the Indochinese Peninsula. It shares borders with Cambodia and Laos to the west, China to the north, and the East Sea to the east.
Total Land Area: 330,991 km²
Coastline & Borders: 2,500 km
Highest Peak: Fansipan (3,143m) in northern Vietnam
The country is characterized by lush jungles, rice terraces, mountains, and two fertile deltas—the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong Delta in the south.
Vietnam has a population of over 84 million people, with an average density of 250 people per km².
88% are ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh)
2% Chinese, 1.5% Khmer, and various indigenous groups, including the Muong, Nung, Dao, Thai, Cham, and Hmong.
Buddhism: 55%
Catholicism: 8-10%
Other faiths (Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, and indigenous beliefs): 35%
Vietnamese is the official language.
English is widely spoken in major cities.
Older generations may speak French, while some middle-aged locals know Russian or German due to historical ties.
For travelers heading outside major cities, hiring a local guide is recommended for ease of communication.
The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
However, USD and Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Exchange Rate (as of October 2016):
$1 USD = 25xx VND
€1 EUR = ~28,000 VND
Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities, but may incur a 2-3% fee.
ATMs: Widely available; cash withdrawals are often limited to 5-10 million VND per transaction (~$230-$450 USD).
Traveler’s Cheques: Can be cashed at banks, but usually with a 2-5% fee.
💡 Tip: Bring some small USD notes for initial expenses and exchange larger denominations at banks for better rates. Avoid old, scribbled, or torn notes, as they may not be accepted.
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