FAQ Vietnam
Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions from our clients. If you have more questions - feel free to reach out! You can book a travel consultation with us or ask for help in organizing your dream vacation. You’re very welcome :)
When to go? Weather in Vietnam
There isn’t one perfect time to visit Vietnam. The country stretches over a long distance from cool mountains in the north to tropical beaches in the south. If it’s sunny and dry in one region, it doesn’t mean the weather will be the same elsewhere. It’s always a good idea to check the weather for the specific areas you plan to visit before your trip.
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh). The north has four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is spring (March–April), when temperatures are pleasant and flowers are blooming, and autumn (September–November), when the rice terraces turn golden. From December to February, winter can be surprisingly cold, especially in the mountains where temperatures may drop below 5°C (41°F). During the summer months (May–August), it’s hot and humid, with occasional heavy rain and seasonal winds.
Central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Quy Nhon). The best weather is usually from February to August. The typhoon season runs from August to November, with the highest risk typically in October and November. From December to February, temperatures are cooler (around 20°C / 68°F) and rainfall is more likely.
Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne). The best weather is between December and April. From May to November, there is a higher chance of rain. The heaviest rainfall usually occurs between July and October, while the hottest period is March to May.
Important: Tet – Vietnamese New Year. Tet usually takes place in January or February. If you’re not planning to celebrate it, it may be better to avoid traveling during this time. Many locals return to their hometowns, and a lot of businesses close for 3–5 days. Transportation and hotels can be fully booked and more expensive, while some tourist attractions may be closed.
If you want to travel across the entire country in one trip, the best months are usually March or April, and sometimes May.
How much cash should you bring? Euros or dollars?
The short answer is: as much as you think you’ll need, and the currency itself doesn’t matter that much although US dollars are usually the most convenient. If you already have euros at home, you can bring them, they will work just fine. If you have US dollars, make sure they were issued after 2010, as older bills are sometimes not accepted. If you need to exchange money before your trip, it’s usually better to buy US dollars, as they tend to get better exchange rates and are sometimes accepted for payments (although usually at a less favorable rate). When you arrive in Vietnam, it’s a good idea to exchange a small amount of money at the airport so you have cash for a taxi and your first expenses. If you bring more cash, simply keep it as a backup for emergencies. The best exchange rates are usually found at exchange offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Interestingly, many gold and jewelry shops also offer currency exchange.
Where can you pay by card in Vietnam?
When it comes to paying by card in Vietnam, in large cities even small neighborhood shops often have card terminals. It can be more difficult in smaller towns or on islands. You can pay by card in most mid-range and higher-end hotels, in restaurants in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang), in chain stores (Circle K, 7-Eleven, VinMart, Ministop), as well as in shopping malls or boutiques such as Vincom, Lotte, or Aeon Mall. You can of course also use your card to buy flight, train, or bus tickets, or connect it to the Grab app for taxi rides. However, when it comes to small local eateries, street food stalls, markets, small hotels or guesthouses, massage parlors, laundries, tours bought directly on the street, or other services outside the main tourist areas, it’s best to have cash with you.
North or South Vietnam - which one should you choose?
First of all, remember that Vietnam is a very long country (over 1600 km!) with huge climatic and cultural diversity. That’s why the question “north or south” is a bit like comparing two completely different worlds 🙂
Northern Vietnam is primarily Hanoi - the capital with its atmospheric Old Quarter, buzzing scooters, cozy cafés, and a more traditional vibe than Saigon. It’s also home to the famous Ha Long Bay with its limestone karsts rising from the sea, Ninh Binh often called the “Ha Long Bay on land,” and Sapa or Ha Giang - regions of mountains, rice terraces, and encounters with ethnic minority communities. The north is all about stunning landscapes, trekking, nature, and a stronger sense of “authenticity,” although the weather can be more unpredictable. The best time to visit northern Vietnam is in March/April or in autumn (September/October).
Southern Vietnam, on the other hand, revolves around Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - a modern, dynamic city with rooftop bars, excellent coffee, and street food on every corner. This region also includes the Mekong Delta with its floating markets and local river life, and for those looking for beaches - the islands of Phu Quoc or Con Dao with palm trees and a truly tropical atmosphere. The south is warmer and generally more stable in terms of weather, and the atmosphere is more relaxed and slightly more “European” than in the north. The best time to visit is during the European winter (December–February).
To sum up:
If you want iconic landscapes, trekking, and a more traditional atmosphere – choose the north.
If you dream of warm weather, a relaxed vibe, great coffee, nightlife, and beaches – choose the south.
And if you have about two weeks, the best option is to combine both regions – this way you get a more complete picture of Vietnam.
If you have a little more time, central Vietnam also hides some real gems 🙂
How much time should you spend in Vietnam?
Vietnam is an incredibly diverse country and one that’s worth returning to every year or even staying for several beautiful months. Of course, everything depends on how much time off you have and how you prefer to travel.
7–9 days - This is an option I usually don’t recommend, as flights to Vietnam are not the cheapest and take quite a lot of time. However, if you can’t travel for longer, it’s enough time to explore one region. For example, you could focus on the north and visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh, or choose the south (Saigon, the Mekong Delta, and Phu Quoc). With a short stay, it’s best to minimize travel and avoid domestic flights if possible.
12–16 days - This is the most popular choice for a first trip. During this time, you can comfortably combine two regions: north and south, north and central Vietnam, or south and central Vietnam. If you have closer to 13–16 days, you may even add a third destination. This allows you to experience cities, mountains, bays, and beaches (of course just a taste of the country, not a full exploration). That’s why I always encourage travelers to plan a bit less, so there’s still something left to discover next time 🙂
3–4 weeks - This is the perfect option for those who really want to get to know Vietnam. You’ll have time for trekking in Ha Giang or Sapa, a cruise in Ha Long Bay, exploring the imperial city of Hue, discovering charming Hoi An, and spending a few relaxing days on the beaches of Phu Quoc. It’s a journey without rushing, allowing you to immerse yourself in local life and truly appreciate the beauty of the country.
To sum up:
One week → choose one region.
Two weeks → two regions, for example north + south.
Three to four weeks → explore the whole country at a relaxed pace.
Which SIM card to choose in Vietnam?
If you’re not coming here to work, download movies, or mine Bitcoin, basically any SIM card for two weeks will be fine. The best networks are:
Viettel - the largest network with the best coverage (it even works in the mountains of Sapa or Ha Giang). This is the most common choice among travelers.
Mobifone - good quality, especially in cities and tourist areas.
Vinaphone - similar level to Mobifone, with solid internet in major cities and resorts.
If you’re planning trekking, mountain trips, or traveling to more remote areas → choose Viettel. If you’ll mostly stay in cities or by the sea → any operator will work well.
Prices:
A tourist SIM card usually costs around 150 000 – 250 000 VND (about 25–40 PLN).
In most cases you get 15–30 GB of data for 30 days, or sometimes even “unlimited internet” (with speed limits after exceeding a certain data package).
Local calls and SMS are often included in the price.
Where to buy:
Airport - the easiest and fastest option, the staff usually speaks English, though prices might be slightly higher (but honestly… only slightly).
Official operator stores in cities (e.g. Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone) - lower prices and certainty that the SIM card is properly registered.
Hotels/hostels and small shops - they often sell SIM cards, but it’s better to make sure it’s an official SIM and not an overpriced “tourist package”.
Alternative → eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM (for example newer iPhones or Samsung models), you can buy a data package online before your trip.
The most popular platforms are Airalo and Holafly.
Prices: about 20–25 USD for 10–15 GB valid for 30 days.
Pros: you’ll have internet immediately after landing. Cons: a higher price and no local phone number (which can sometimes be useful for booking tours or SMS verification).
How to find cheap flights to Vietnam?
Finding a cheap flight to Vietnam depends on several factors. First of all, you need to be flexible - the more fixed your travel dates are, the harder it will be to find good prices. Another tip: try to plan your departure and return in the middle of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) – flights are usually cheaper then.
Very important: it’s best to buy tickets directly from the airline. If you decide to use an intermediary, remember to allow at least 3 hours for a transfer. Budget airlines may tempt you with lower prices, but they often don’t include checked baggage, meals, or seatback screens – and the flight takes many hours. That’s why, especially for a first trip or when traveling with children, it’s worth considering better airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, or Turkish Airlines. Comfort really makes a difference on such a long journey. However, if your goal is to travel as cheaply as possible and you don’t mind the lack of a screen, blanket, or free drinks, you can save quite a lot with cheaper airlines and spend that extra money once you arrive.
Avoid holiday periods (Christmas, New Year’s Eve, long May weekend, summer holidays) – prices are significantly higher then. It’s also a good idea to set price alerts for specific routes and wait for email notifications.
Don’t limit yourself to one airport. Vietnam has several major international airports: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon (SGN), and Da Nang (DAD). Sometimes it’s better to fly into Saigon and return from Hanoi or the other way around – a so-called multi-city flight. This can save both time and money on domestic transfers. On the other hand, check different departure airports in Europe as well – sometimes flights from Vienna, Berlin, or Prague are much cheaper than from Poland, though you need to add the cost of getting there. If the difference is 300 PLN it may not be worth it, but if it’s 800 PLN per person, it’s definitely something to consider 🙂
Also remember that a “cheap ticket” doesn’t always mean a cheap trip. If you choose a connection on the other side of the world and spend many hours at the airport, the real cost (extra food, possible hotel stay, lost time) may end up being higher than simply paying a bit more for a better connection.
If you need help finding flights or planning transportation within Vietnam, we’ll be happy to help you find the best options and save you stress and hours spent in front of a screen.
How to get around Vietnam? Where to look for connections?
If you’re not sure how or where to travel between destinations, use 12goasia. You can buy tickets directly through them or later purchase them on the carrier’s official website. One advantage of 12goasia is that it often shows combined connections (for example when you need to transfer from a bus to a ferry) and these are usually covered by a transfer guarantee - meaning they will wait for you even if there are delays.
Medicines, vaccinations, illnesses, stomach issues, etc.
First of all, bring any medications you take regularly and a basic first-aid kit (band-aids – preferably waterproof ones, painkillers, allergy medication, probiotics). You don’t need any special certificates to carry medicines. In addition, almost all necessary medications can be easily purchased in local pharmacies in Vietnam without a prescription. It’s always better to be vaccinated than not, but there’s no need to panic, get vaccinated for Japanese encephalitis, carry adrenaline, antimalarial drugs, or other extreme preparations. Basic vaccinations (typhoid, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) should be sufficient. Everyone’s body is different though, so treat this as general advice rather than a universal rule. Before traveling to tropical countries it’s always recommended to consult a travel medicine specialist. As for stomach problems, it’s a good idea to take probiotics before the trip, continue taking them during the trip, and even after returning home - it helps both physically and mentally 🙂 If you happen to spend some extra time in the bathroom, that’s normal. You’re changing water sources, food, spices, and often eating spicier dishes than usual. If you have a sensitive stomach, brush your teeth with bottled water. In case of any health issue - if you have a fever, feel unwell, develop a rash, get bitten by something, or your diarrhea becomes severe or long-lasting - don’t wait until you return home, don’t ask on forums, and don’t start searching Google. Call your travel insurance provider. They will direct you to the nearest well-equipped hospital. First, you’ll probably be surprised by how good the medical care can be, and second, specialists will quickly determine whether it’s something simple like a cold, food poisoning, or an allergic reaction - or something tropical that requires treatment. And if it is something tropical, trust me - specialists in Vietnam will often deal with it much better than doctors back home.
Mosquitoes in Vietnam
Yes, they are there - just like everywhere else in the world. Use mosquito repellent and try not to scratch the bites. Various anti-itch creams can bring relief. Salt water and sweat can make mosquito bites itch more, so it’s a good idea to keep such ointments with you. You can buy mosquito repellents in almost every shop in Vietnam, so there’s no need to carry strong-smelling sprays like Mugga with you. Mosquitoes are most active early in the morning, at sunset, and after rain - nothing surprising there. Protect your skin, apply repellent, and go enjoy the city.
Big spiders, snakes, lizards, insects
Outside of jungles, forests, and remote nature areas, the chance of seeing a snake or a large spider is about the same as seeing a grass snake while sightseeing in cities like Gdańsk, Kraków, or Warsaw. Yes, they exist somewhere, but when was the last time you actually saw one? There’s no need to panic. Spiders are similar to those in Europe; occasionally a small one might appear, but it’s not common because hotel and resort owners usually treat their gardens regularly. Apart from mosquitoes, you might see a bee, flying ant, dragonfly, butterfly, or another harmless insect. What you will definitely see are small geckos. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a larger one. The small ones are cute, funny, and very useful because they eat mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. Sometimes they might startle you when they suddenly run out from behind a door frame - they’re extremely fast, but they’re completely harmless and won’t do anything to you. In fact, they run away from people. If one gets into your room, don’t chase it away - it will do you a favor by keeping the bugs away. Of course, if you travel alone through green or rural areas on a scooter, you should stay alert. In such places you might encounter both spiders and snakes.
Is Vietnam safe?
Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists, both for solo travelers and families with children. Organized crime is minimal, and violence against tourists is very rare. The most common issues are minor thefts, such as pickpocketing in crowded places like buses, trains, markets, or busy streets - which can happen anywhere in the world. That’s why it’s always worth staying alert in crowded areas. Vietnamese people are usually very friendly and helpful, and if you ever have a problem, you can often count on their support. By following basic precautions, traveling in Vietnam is comfortable and safe. Personally, we have never experienced theft or dangerous situations apart from the occasional crazy scooter or bus drivers who seem to flirt with collisions at almost every major intersection.
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