Exploring Vietnam

Vietnam is the kind of place that constantly keeps you on your toes. Whether you’re weaving through the energetic chaos of Hanoi’s streets or unwinding on the white sand beaches of Da Nang, there’s always something new to discover. It’s a country full of contrasts, from the fast-paced urban life with motorbikes zipping by to the serene countryside dotted with rice fields and dramatic limestone peaks.

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Quick Facts

Attractions

Travel Guides

Vietnam Quick Facts

  • Visa Information: U.S. passport holders need a visa. E-visas are available online for 90-day stays. Be sure to get it from the legit government website and not a third party that charges double.
  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Approx. 1 USD = 24,000 VND.
  • Language: Vietnamese. English is widely spoken in major tourist areas.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–April) and Fall (September–November) for mild weather and fewer storms
official Visa Website

Essential Resources

Vietnamese for Tourists

Some key phrases to get you by:

Xin chào! (sin-chow) – Hello

Cảm ơn! (gahm-uhn) – Thank you

Tạm biệt! (tahm-biet) – Goodbye

Cho tôi một cà phê, làm ơn. (chaw toy mot kah-feh, lahm uhn) – A coffee, please.

Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? (nya veh sin uh dow?) – Where is the restroom?

more vietnamese for toursts

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Must-See Sights

  • Hanoi: Wander through the Old Quarter and visit Hoan Kiem Lake.
  • Ha Long Bay: Cruise among the iconic limestone karsts.
  • Hoi An: Explore the lantern-lit streets of this ancient trading port.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Sapa: Trek through rice terraces and meet local ethnic communities.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

  • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to some of the world’s largest caves.
  • Ban Gioc Waterfall: A stunning waterfall on the border with China.
  • Con Dao Islands: Pristine beaches and fascinating wartime history.
  • Da Lat: A mountainous city with a cooler climate and quirky attractions.
  • Ninh Binh: Known as “Ha Long Bay on Land” for its dramatic karst landscape.

Ha Giang Loop Tours

One of the best things you can do on your visit to Vietnam is go to the Ha Giang Loop. Whether you’re on a motorcycle or opted for comfortable sedan, you simply HAVE to see this amazing part of the world.

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Vietnam Guides

I’ve visited Vietnam twice now for a total of 4 months, and I have tons to share! Here’s all my articles about visiting Vietnam.

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