Vietnam welcomed 17.5 million international tourists annually. Ha Long Bay is visited by over 3 million tourists annually, while Hoi An's ancient town receives 5 million visitors per year. Mid-range travelers typically spend €35–80/day per day in Vietnam, with hotels available from €25/night.
Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to explore deeper, our guides cover everything — where to stay, what to eat, how to get around without overpaying, and when to go. Every recommendation comes from real visits, not press trips.
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What to experience
Ha Long Bay's emerald waters, Hoi An's lantern-lit ancient town, Hanoi's chaotic street food scene and the Mekong Delta by boat. Vietnam is long (1,650km) and each region feels like a different country.
Most travelers do a rough north-to-south route in 2-3 weeks. Hanoi (north): historic, cooler, traditional. Hoi An (centre): most photogenic. Ho Chi Minh City (south): frenetic and modern. Fly between key cities to save time.
Vietnam's food scene is one of the world's greatest. Each region has distinct dishes: Hanoi for phở and bún chả; Hue for bánh mì and bún bò Huế; Hoi An for cao lầu and white rose dumplings; Ho Chi Minh City for southern-style phở. Street food costs $1-3 per dish. Seek markets and plastic-stool spots over tourist restaurants.
Find the right neighbourhood
Hanoi's Old Quarter for colonial charm and street food. Hoi An Ancient Town for romance and lanterns. Da Nang for beach access and city convenience.
Vietnam offers some of Asia's best accommodation value. €25-40/night in Hanoi gets a clean boutique hotel with rooftop views. In Hoi An, riverside guesthouses with pool cost €40-60.
Airport transfers & transport
Noi Bai Airport is 35km from Hanoi's Old Quarter — one of the longer airport transfers in Southeast Asia. The fixed-price taxi costs around $15. Avoid unlicensed drivers at arrivals.
Use Grab (the regional Uber) in Vietnamese cities — it's metered, reliable and cheaper than street taxis. The Reunification Express train connects the full length of Vietnam. Book soft-sleeper cabins for overnight journeys.
Everything you need to know about Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the best value destinations in all of Southeast Asia. Mid-range travelers can expect to spend €35–80/day, covering a comfortable hotel (€25–60/night) and excellent food (€10–20/day). The quality of mid-range hotels in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City is exceptional relative to price.
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), approximately 27,000 VND per EUR. Cash is essential in Vietnam — many local restaurants, markets, and smaller hotels don't accept cards.
Most nationalities can apply for a Vietnam e-visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. The e-visa costs approximately €20, allows a 90-day stay, and is processed in 3 business days.
For northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay), visit February–April. For central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue), October–February is best. Southern Vietnam is best November–April.
Most travelers spend 2–3 weeks in Vietnam: 3 days in Hanoi, 2 days on Ha Long Bay, 3 days in Hoi An, 1 day in Hue, and 3–4 days in Ho Chi Minh City.