Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is internationally celebrated for its freshness, herbs, and balance of flavours. Must-try dishes include pho (the national noodle soup of beef or chicken broth with fresh herbs), banh mi (a French-inspired baguette sandwich with fillings including pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs), bun cha (Hanoi-style grilled pork with vermicelli and dipping broth), cao lau (thick noodles with pork and greens unique to Hoi An), banh xeo (crispy savoury pancake), and fresh spring rolls (goi cuon). Street food is central to Vietnamese culture and exploring local markets and hawker streets is one of the top travel experiences.

Dress modestly when visiting temples, pagodas, and communal halls (dinh). Remove shoes before entering religious sites and many traditional homes. In northern regions particularly, a reserved and respectful demeanour is appreciated. Bargaining is acceptable and expected in markets, but maintain a friendly and light-hearted tone. Avoid raising your voice or showing anger. Offering and receiving items with both hands is a sign of respect. Photographing religious ceremonies and minority villagers should be done with permission.

Vietnamese is the official language. In major tourist cities and well-travelled destinations like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, English is widely spoken by guesthouse, restaurant, and tour operator staff. In rural areas and smaller towns, Vietnamese-only speakers are more common, so a translation app with offline Vietnamese capability is helpful. Some older residents in northern Vietnam may speak French from the colonial period. Young Vietnamese are increasingly learning English, making communication in cities easier year by year.

Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your visit, even in reputable restaurants. In rural and highland areas, use mosquito repellent to protect against dengue fever, which is endemic to Vietnam particularly in the wet season. Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for trekking in very remote highland border areas; consult a travel health clinic before departure. Private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have high standards with English-speaking doctors. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is essential.

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable destinations. Budget travelers staying in dormitory hostels, eating street food, and using local transport can manage on approximately USD 20 to 30 (roughly 1,700 to 2,500 INR) per day. Mid-range travelers using private hotel rooms and sitting-down restaurants typically spend USD 50 to 90 per day. A short overnight Ha Long Bay cruise starts from around USD 60 to 80 per person, while premium two-day cruises on luxury vessels range from USD 200 to 400 per person. Domestic flights between cities can be as low as USD 20 to 30 if booked in advance.

Travel insurance is not a formal entry requirement for Vietnam, but it is strongly recommended. Quality private medical care is available in major cities, but treatment for emergencies and evacuation from remote areas can be costly without insurance. A policy covering hospitalisation, medical evacuation, personal liability, and trip cancellation is advisable.

An overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most iconic travel experiences. Cruises range from budget junk boats to premium luxury vessels. A minimum of two days and one night is recommended to see the main highlights including kayaking through caves and floating villages. Quality budget cruises start from approximately USD 60 per person per night, while luxury overnight cruises on vessels with private balcony cabins range from USD 150 to 350 per person per night. Book through a verified operator and check independent traveler reviews, as the quality of budget operators varies significantly.

Tap water in Vietnam is not safe for direct drinking. While municipal water is treated at treatment plants, aging pipes and rooftop holding tanks can cause contamination. Always drink boiled or bottled water. Bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere. Using tap water for brushing teeth is generally fine for most travelers, but avoid swallowing it.

In Vietnam, emergency contact numbers are 113 for Police, 115 for Ambulance and Medical Emergencies, and 114 for Fire and Rescue. Calls from any mobile phone or landline are free. In major tourist cities, hotel reception staff or tour guides can assist with translation as emergency dispatchers may only speak Vietnamese.

To drive legally in Vietnam, tourists must hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued specifically under the 1968 Vienna Convention alongside their home national license. Driving without a valid 1968 IDP and local motorcycle endorsement invalidates travel medical insurance in the event of an accident. Traffic is dense and chaotic; taking Grab taxis or booking guided Easy Rider motorbike tours is far safer for visitors.

Vietnam primarily uses Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins), and universal combination sockets that accommodate both, operating on 220 volts at 50 Hz. Standard mobile phone and laptop chargers work without an adapter in most modern hotels.

Tipping is not customary or expected in Vietnam in everyday life. In tourist-heavy cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, leaving a small tip of 10 to 15 percent at sit-down restaurants or rounding up taxi fares is appreciated for attentive service. Tipping private tour guides (USD 5 to 10 per day) and boat rowers (USD 1 to 2) is customary.

Crossing streets crowded with hundreds of motorbikes in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City can be intimidating. The proven technique is to step off the curb with confidence, walk at a steady and predictable pace without stopping suddenly or making erratic movements, and allow motorbike riders to anticipate your path and steer around you. Look drivers in the eye and avoid stepping backwards.

High-speed 4G and 5G prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs from top operators Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone are inexpensive and can be purchased at international airports in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Passport registration is legally required at the counter. Viettel provides the strongest coverage in rural areas like Sapa, Ha Giang, and Ninh Binh.