Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 120K–250K VND | 400K–900K VND |
| Food | 100K–200K VND | 300K–600K VND |
| Transport | 30K–60K VND | 100K–250K VND |
| Activities | 50K–250K VND | 400K–900K VND |
| Drinks | 30K–60K VND | 80K–200K VND |
| Daily Total | 330K–820K VND | 1,280K–2,850K VND |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- E-visa available online (25 USD, 45 days) at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Many nationalities qualify for 45-day visa-free entry — check before booking
- Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) is 35km south of Nha Trang. Airport bus 18 (60,000 VND) or taxi (350,000–450,000 VND). Pre-booked shuttle is cheapest at 100,000 VND
- Passport must be valid for 6+ months. Keep a printed copy of your e-visa — airline staff check it before boarding
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required but Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Tap water is not drinkable — use bottled (5,000–10,000 VND) or filtered water
- Nha Trang is generally safe for tourists. Watch for motorbike bag snatchers on busy streets — wear bags across your body. Avoid walking the beach alone late at night
- Jellyfish can appear October–December. Check with lifeguards before swimming. The summer sun is intense — wear SPF 50+ and reapply after swimming
Getting Around
- Grab motorbike is the cheapest way to get around — 15,000–30,000 VND for most city rides. Grab car for longer distances. Download the app before arrival
- Motorbike rental is 100,000–150,000 VND per day from hostels and rental shops. International driving licence required. Traffic is hectic — only rent if experienced
- Walking is feasible along the beachfront and city centre. The Tran Phu promenade connects most tourist sights in a 4km stretch
Connectivity
- Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone SIMs cost 100,000–200,000 VND for 30GB at the airport or phone shops on Tran Phu. Passport required for registration
- Free WiFi in virtually all cafes, restaurants, and hostels. Speed is good — Vietnam has surprisingly fast internet for Southeast Asia
- All major apps work without restrictions. Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google all function normally. Grab is the essential app for transport
Money
- Vietnamese Dong (VND) — ATMs everywhere. Vietcombank and BIDV have lowest fees. Withdraw in large amounts (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND) to minimise transaction fees
- Cash is king for street food, markets, and small restaurants. Cards accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist activities. USD accepted at some travel agencies
- No tipping culture in Vietnam — it is appreciated but never expected. Rounding up at restaurants is polite. Tour guides appreciate 50,000–100,000 VND tips
Packing Tips
- Light, breathable clothing. Quick-dry swimwear for boat trips and beach days. A rain jacket if visiting during wet season (Oct–Dec)
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof phone case, and a snorkel mask if you plan to snorkel — rental gear quality varies. Water shoes for rocky beaches
- A small day bag for island trips and markets. Mosquito repellent for evening dining outdoors. Comfortable sandals — you will remove shoes frequently
Cultural tips
Temple Etiquette
Remove shoes before entering temples and pagodas. Cover shoulders and knees. Do not touch Buddha statues. At Po Nagar, free robes are provided if needed.
Dining Customs
Vietnamese meals are communal — dishes go in the centre and everyone shares. Wait for the eldest to start eating. Saying "xin moi" (please eat) before starting shows respect.
Bargaining
Bargaining is expected at markets and street vendors — start at 40–50% of asking price. Never haggle aggressively or for food prices. Smile throughout and walk away if the price doesn't drop.
Shoes Off
Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some shops. Look for shoes piled at the door as your cue. Carry easy-on/off sandals or flip-flops for convenience.
Photography
Ask permission before photographing people, especially ethnic minorities and monks. Most Vietnamese are happy to be photographed and will pose enthusiastically.
Basic Vietnamese
Learn "Xin chao" (hello), "Cam on" (thank you), and "Bao nhieu?" (how much?). Vietnamese is tonal — pronunciation is tricky but locals appreciate any attempt.
