Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₫150–300k | ₫500k–1.2M |
| Food | ₫100–200k | ₫300–600k |
| Transport | ₫50–150k | ₫200–500k |
| Activities | ₫100–500k | ₫800k–2M |
| Drinks | ₫20–50k | ₫100–300k |
| Daily Total | ₫420k–1.2M | ₫1.9–4.6M |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Many nationalities get 45 days visa-free. Others can apply for an e-visa (25 USD, processed in 3 working days) for 90 days
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel — have a booking on your phone
- Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) has visa-on-arrival but e-visa is faster — avoid the queue and apply online before departure
Health & Safety
- No mandatory vaccinations. Hepatitis A and typhoid recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink — bottled water is ₫5k everywhere
- Ha Long Bay boat safety varies — check that your cruise has life jackets and safety equipment before boarding
- Pharmacies in Hanoi sell most medications without prescription at very low prices. International SOS clinic for emergencies
Getting Around
- Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: 4 hours by bus (included with cruise bookings). Express highway has cut travel time significantly
- Grab is essential in Hanoi — motorbike (₫15–30k) or car (₫40–100k) for any distance. Flagging taxis invites overcharging
- In Ha Long City, taxis and local buses connect the tourist wharf to Bai Chay. On Cat Ba Island, rent a motorbike (₫150k/day)
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone from ₫100k for 30 days with 4G data — excellent coverage
- WiFi is strong in most cafes, hotels, and hostels. Cruise boats have limited or no WiFi — download offline maps beforehand
- All websites and apps work normally — no VPN needed. Zalo is the local messaging app but WhatsApp works fine for tourists
Money
- ATMs are everywhere in Hanoi — Vietcombank and BIDV have the lowest fees (₫22k per withdrawal). Withdraw ₫3–5M at a time
- Cash is king for street food, markets, and smaller towns. Cards accepted at hotels, mid-range restaurants, and cruise boats
- Vietnamese Dong has many zeros — ₫100,000 notes are common. Double-check when paying and receiving change to avoid confusion
Packing Tips
- Light layers — Ha Long Bay evenings are cool (15–20°C in winter). A waterproof jacket is essential for boat trips and kayaking
- Water shoes for cave exploration (slippery limestone steps) and a dry bag for kayaking to protect electronics
- Mosquito repellent for Cat Ba Island and Ninh Binh. Sunscreen for boat trips where the water reflection intensifies UV exposure
Cultural tips
Greetings & Respect
A slight bow with a smile is the standard greeting. Use both hands when giving or receiving items, especially business cards or money. Address older people with appropriate honorifics — "anh" (older brother) or "chi" (older sister) shows respect.
Temple Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees. Do not point your feet at Buddha images or altars. Photography is usually permitted outside but check before shooting inside prayer halls.
Dining Culture
Vietnamese meals are communal — dishes are placed in the centre and shared. It is polite to serve others before yourself. Slurping noodles is perfectly normal and shows enjoyment. Leave a small amount of food on your plate to show you have had enough.
Haggling Etiquette
Bargaining is expected at markets but keep it friendly and respectful. Start at 40–50% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Never haggle at restaurants, cafes, or with street food vendors — prices are fixed and fair.
Photography Manners
Always ask before photographing people, especially ethnic minorities and fishermen. In floating villages, residents may be tired of cameras — a smile and gesture of permission goes a long way. Buy something small from vendors you photograph.
Traffic Zen
Vietnamese traffic looks chaotic but follows an unspoken flow. When crossing roads, walk steadily at a constant pace — motorbikes will navigate around you. Never stop or run suddenly. Making eye contact with drivers helps them anticipate your path.
