Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Always drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice in drinks if you have a sensitive stomach.

Should I bring cash or use cards?

Bring a debit card to withdraw VND from ATMs (look for TPBank or Techcombank for lower fees) and carry cash for 90% of your daily transactions.

Do I need a SIM card?

Yes. Pick up a Viettel SIM card at the airport upon arrival; it has the best coverage in rural areas.

Planning your first trip to Vietnam

Focus on a North-to-South or South-to-North route, using domestic flights for long distances and sleeper trains or private cars for shorter hops. Dedicate at least 14 days to see the major highlights without constant travel fatigue.

Map out your route. Most first-timers follow the 'Dragon' route: Hanoi (North), Da Nang/Hoi An (Central), and Ho Chi Minh City (South). Don't try to see the whole country in under 10 days; pick two regions if your trip is short.
Sort your visa immediately. Apply for an e-visa via the official government portal at least 15 days before your flight. Do not rely on third-party sites that charge triple the price.
Book internal flights. Use Vietnam Airlines or VietJet for long hauls (e.g., Hanoi to HCMC). Flights are cheap ($40–$70) and save you 20+ hours compared to the train.
Download Grab and local apps. Install Grab (the local Uber equivalent) for fair-priced motorbike taxis and cars. Use Google Maps for navigation and Zalo if you need to coordinate with local tour operators.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: No. Always drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice in drinks if you have a sensitive stomach.
Should I bring cash or use cards?: Bring a debit card to withdraw VND from ATMs (look for TPBank or Techcombank for lower fees) and carry cash for 90% of your daily transactions.
Do I need a SIM card?: Yes. Pick up a Viettel SIM card at the airport upon arrival; it has the best coverage in rural areas.