Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₫150,000–350,000 | ₫600,000–1,500,000 |
| Food | ₫100,000–200,000 | ₫300,000–600,000 |
| Transport | ₫40,000–80,000 | ₫100,000–250,000 |
| Activities | ₫40,000–200,000 | ₫300,000–700,000 |
| Drinks | ₫20,000–50,000 | ₫100,000–250,000 |
| Daily Total | ₫350,000–880,000 | ₫1,400,000–3,300,000 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- E-visa: $25 online, 90 days single entry, 3 business days processing. Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Some nationalities (UK, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea) get 45 days visa-free — check your eligibility
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Keep a printed copy of your e-visa — immigration officers sometimes ask for it
Health & Safety
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations recommended. Tap water is not safe — bottled water ₫5,000 everywhere, or bring a SteriPen
- Motorbike snatch theft is the main safety concern — hold phones with two hands, wear bags cross-body on the building side of the pavement
- Pharmacies sell most medications OTC at very cheap prices. FV Hospital and Vinmec handle emergencies with English-speaking staff
Getting Around
- Grab is essential — GrabBike (₫15,000–40,000) and GrabCar (₫50,000–120,000) cover the city. Cheaper and safer than street taxis
- Metro Line 1 (Bến Thành–Suối Tiên) is now operational — the first metro in Vietnam. Useful for reaching District 2 and beyond
- Walking is viable in District 1 but crossing the road is an art — walk slowly and steadily, the motorbikes flow around you. Do not stop or run.
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM at the airport: Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone from ₫100,000 for 30 days with 5–10GB data — excellent coverage
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Speeds are generally good — Vietnam has surprisingly fast internet
- Grab, Google Maps, and Google Translate (download Vietnamese offline) are the three essential apps
Money
- Vietnamese Dong comes in large denominations — ₫500,000 is the largest note (~$20). Count zeros carefully to avoid overpaying
- ATMs: Vietcombank and BIDV have lowest fees. Maximum withdrawal usually ₫3,000,000–5,000,000. Bring backup cards
- Cash is preferred almost everywhere. Cards accepted at malls, upscale restaurants, and hotels only. Always carry small notes for street food
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing. A light rain jacket for sudden downpours (wet season: May–Nov). Vietnam is casual — no dress code needed except temples
- Cross-body bag worn on your building side (not street side) to prevent motorbike snatch theft. Leave valuables at the hotel
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a compact umbrella for the afternoon rain showers
Cultural tips
Crossing the Road
The golden rule: walk slowly, steadily, and predictably. Do not stop, do not run, do not make sudden moves. The motorbikes will flow around you like water around a rock. Trust the system — millions of people cross safely every day.
Food Etiquette
Vietnamese eat with chopsticks and a spoon. Slurping noodles is acceptable. Do not stick chopsticks vertically in rice (resembles funeral incense). When adding condiments to phở, taste first — each bowl is carefully seasoned by the cook.
Tipping & Haggling
Tipping is not traditional but appreciated — ₫20,000–50,000 at restaurants, ₫50,000–100,000 for tour guides. Haggling is expected at markets, not at restaurants or shops with marked prices.
War Sensitivity
The Vietnam War (called the American War locally) is a sensitive topic. Visit museums with respect. Do not make light of the history. Vietnamese people are overwhelmingly friendly to Americans and all nationalities — the country has moved forward.
Photography
Ask before photographing people, especially elderly Vietnamese and monks. Military installations, government buildings, and airports should not be photographed. Street photography is generally fine and welcomed.
Shoes Off
Remove shoes when entering homes, some shops, and all temples and pagodas. Follow the lead of locals — if shoes are lined up outside, take yours off. It is a sign of respect that is deeply appreciated.
