A Vietnam Travel Guide for 2026

Updated:
Pagoda in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Published on December 13, 2023 · Written by Zack Fenech

Top Travel Resources for Vietnam

# Service Best for Why we recommend it
1 QEEQ Car rental Compares major car rental desks and offers price-drop protection on bookings. Visit site
2 EKTA Travel insurance Travel insurance with online claims, including adventure sport options. Visit site
3 Drimsim eSIM & data Pay-as-you-go travel eSIM: you pay only for the data you use. Visit site
4 AirHelp Flight compensation Claims compensation for delayed or cancelled flights on your behalf, for a success fee. Visit site
5 Radical Storage Luggage storage Flat-rate luggage storage near stations and attractions. Visit site
6 WeGoTrip Self-guided tours Self-guided audio tours for cities and museums, at your own pace. Visit site
7 GetRentacar.com Car rental Marketplace of local rental suppliers with no-deposit options in some locations. Visit site

Vietnam is an incredible country with a rich history, natural wonders, and a vibrant culture. Except for a brief layover en route in Tokyo, Japan, Vietnam was my first introduction to the continent of Asia.

It’s also got a world of unique culinary dishes to explore, with Chinese, French, and South Asian influences. And, like many countries in Asia, there’s an endless array of fun and exciting things to experience and do.

Vietnam’s popularity as a top tourist destination is growing. It’s also an excellent place to travel on a budget — safe, affordable, and endlessly rewarding.

Cities to Visit in Vietnam

Book hotels online for the best deals across Vietnam.

Important Things to Know

Visa likely required — apply at Vietnamese government site. Very safe. Get travel insurance. Uses Vietnamese Dong (VND), mostly cash-only. Use Skyscanner for flights. Grab app for transport. Try Airalo eSIM. Best time: February–April.

Food and Drink

Phở, Bánh Mì, Gỏi Cuốn, Bún Chả, Bánh Xèo, Cà Phê, Nước Mía. Consider booking a food tour.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam was my first experience of Asia and it set an impossibly high bar. If you haven’t been, go.