Planning Your First Trip to Vietnam

Focus on either the North or the South for a 10-day trip to avoid spending your whole vacation in transit. You will need to secure an e-visa online at least 10 days before departure and book domestic flights or sleeper trains to navigate the long distances between major cities.

1. Secure your visa. Apply for the official e-visa via the government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn). Do not use third-party 'visa agencies' that charge double; the official fee is $25 USD.
2. Choose your route. If you have 10 days, pick one half of the country. North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh) or South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc). If you have 21 days, you can comfortably travel the length of the country by train or bus.
3. Book domestic transport. Use the Vietnam Railways website for train tickets or VietJet/Vietnam Airlines for internal flights. Book these at least 3 weeks in advance if traveling during Tet (Lunar New Year) or summer school holidays.
4. Set up connectivity. Download an eSIM like Airalo or Nomad before you land. It is cheaper and more reliable than hunting for a local SIM card at the airport.

Do I need to carry cash?

Yes. While hotels and upscale restaurants take cards, 90% of street food stalls and local markets are cash-only. Use ATMs at major banks to withdraw VND.

Is it safe for solo travelers?

Vietnam is very safe. Petty theft in major cities is the only real concern; keep your phone and wallet secured in a zipped bag.