Vietnam

Vietnam Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Capital City & Major Hubs

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.

Top Things to Do in Hanoi

Hanoi offers a unique blend of ancient traditions, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. Here are some must-visit attractions:

1. Quan Su Pagoda

One of the most important Buddhist temples in Vietnam, dating back to the 15th century. Free entry, donations accepted.

2. One Pillar Pagoda

Built in 1049, this iconic wooden temple sits on stilts over a lotus pond, symbolizing good health and fertility.

3. Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Show

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.

4. Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton)

A former prison for Vietnamese revolutionaries and later, U.S. POWs, including Senator John McCain.

• Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND ($1.30 USD).

5. Dong Xuan Market

The largest market in Hanoi, offering a variety of souvenirs, textiles, and street food at bargain prices.

6. Vietnam Military History Museum

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.

7. Vietnam Women’s Museum

Dedicated to the role of Vietnamese women in history, culture, and war.

• Admission: 50,000 VND 

8. Museum of Ethnology

Offers insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through artifacts, traditional houses, and cultural exhibits.

• Admission: updating !

9. National Museum of Vietnamese History

Showcasing ancient artifacts from the Dong Son culture to the Khmer and Champa kingdoms.

• Admission: 40,000 VND ($1.70 USD).

Vietnam at a Glance

Geography & Landscape

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.

Population & Ethnic Groups

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.

Religions in Vietnam

• Buddhism: 55%

• Catholicism: 8-10%

• Other faiths (Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, and indigenous beliefs): 35%

Language

• 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.

Currency & Payments

• 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

Payment Options

• 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.