Is it better to use taxis or Grab?

Download the Grab app. It prevents price haggling and ensures the driver knows your destination exactly.

How much cash should I carry?

Carry enough for the day, roughly 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND. ATMs are everywhere in cities, but they charge fees.

How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam

Plan a north-to-south (or south-to-north) route over 14 to 21 days to avoid constant travel fatigue. Prioritize securing your e-visa at least 14 days before departure and use domestic flights or overnight trains to cover the long distances between major regions.

Secure your E-visa. Apply for the Vietnam E-visa through the official government portal. It costs $25, takes 3-5 business days to process, and allows for a 90-day stay.
Pick a direction. Choose either Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa. Trying to do both in under 12 days makes the trip a blur of airports. Start in the North for cooler mountain air; start in the South for bustling city energy.
Book long-haul domestic transit. Use Vietnam Airlines or VietJet for flights between Hanoi, Da Nang (for Hoi An), and Ho Chi Minh City to save 12+ hours of travel time per leg. Book these at least 3 weeks out.
Select your base cities. Limit yourself to 4 major stops. Good combinations include Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. Adding more will leave you exhausted.

Is it better to use taxis or Grab?: Download the Grab app. It prevents price haggling and ensures the driver knows your destination exactly.
How much cash should I carry?: Carry enough for the day, roughly 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND. ATMs are everywhere in cities, but they charge fees.