Driving in Vietnam: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

• Driver’s License: Foreigners need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license to drive legally. However, enforcement can vary, and many tourists rent motorbikes without one—proceed at your own risk.
• Traffic Rules: Drive on the right side. Speed limits are 40-60 km/h in urban areas and 80-100 km/h on highways. Helmets are mandatory for motorbike riders (fines of 200,000 VND/$8 for non-compliance). Traffic in cities like Hanoi can be chaotic—watch for motorbikes.
• Road Conditions: Major roads are improving, but rural roads can be narrow or unpaved. Monsoon season (May-October) may cause flooding—check weather conditions.
• Motorbike Rental: Widely available in cities like Ho Chi Minh City for $5-$10 per day. Ensure the bike has a blue registration card and wear a helmet.
• Parking: Street parking for motorbikes is common and often free; larger vehicles may need designated lots ($1-$2 per day).
• Emergency Number: Dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, or 115 for medical emergencies.

Currency in Vietnam: Using the Dong for Your Trip

• Vietnamese Dong (VND): The official currency. Notes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000 VND.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange at banks or authorized exchange offices in tourist areas like Hanoi’s Old Quarter for the best rates—avoid airports due to high fees. ATMs are widespread (fees around 20,000-50,000 VND/$1-$2 per withdrawal).
• Payment Methods: Cash is king, especially in rural areas—carry small denominations (10,000-50,000 VND). Cards are accepted in cities, but small vendors may not take them.
• Costs: A street food meal costs $1-$3, a coffee $1-$2, and a mid-range hotel in Hanoi $20-$50 per night.

Legal Guide for Vietnam: Laws Travelers Should Know

• Local Laws: Public drinking is allowed, but public intoxication can lead to fines (up to 500,000 VND/$20). Drug laws are extremely strict—possession can result in severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
• Cultural Sensitivities: Respect sacred sites like temples—dress modestly and remove shoes when required. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
• Photography Restrictions: Avoid photographing military sites or anything deemed sensitive by the government—fines or confiscation may apply.
• Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are frowned upon in conservative areas. Avoid political discussions, as criticism of the government can lead to legal trouble.
• Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1.5 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $5,000 or 15,000,000 VND.
• Emergency Contact: Dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, or 115 for medical emergencies.

Travel Safety in Vietnam: Staying Safe During Your Trip

• Crime: Vietnam is generally safe, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas like Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market—keep valuables secure.
• Road Safety: Traffic is chaotic, especially with motorbikes—cross roads carefully and look both ways. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab for safety.
• Health Risks: Tap water is not potable—drink bottled water. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are a risk in rural areas—use repellent.
• Natural Hazards: Typhoons and flooding are common during the monsoon season (May-October), especially in central Vietnam—monitor weather updates.
• Scams: Beware of overcharging by taxi drivers or vendors in tourist areas—agree on prices beforehand. Fake tour operators can be an issue; book through reputable companies.
• Medical Facilities: Hospitals in Hanoi (e.g., Vinmec International Hospital) are reliable. Pharmacies are widespread—look for the “Nha Thuoc” sign.
• Emergency Contacts: Dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, or 115 for medical emergencies. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi can be reached at +84 24-3850-5000.

Culture & Etiquette in Vietnam: What to Know

• Greetings: A slight bow or nod with a smile is common. Say “Xin chao” (Hello) to greet locals—it’s polite for all ages. Avoid touching someone’s head, as it’s considered disrespectful.
• Dining Customs: Tipping isn’t expected, but a 5-10% tip is appreciated in tourist areas. Wait for the host to start eating, and don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice—it resembles funeral rituals.
• Community Respect: Dress modestly when visiting temples—cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering someone’s home or sacred spaces.
• Festivals: Tet (Lunar New Year) in January or February is the biggest celebration, with flower markets and family gatherings. The Mid-Autumn Festival in September features lantern parades.
• Language Tips: In tourist areas, you might hear “Cam on” (Thank you). Learning basic phrases shows respect and is appreciated by locals.
• Social Practices: Respect elders—address them first in conversations. Bargaining is expected in markets but not in fixed-price stores.

Local Cuisine in Vietnam: Dishes & Drinks to Try

• Pho: A fragrant noodle soup with beef or chicken, garnished with herbs—around $1-$3 on the street.
• Banh Mi: A baguette sandwich filled with meats, pickled veggies, and chili—$1-$2 from street vendors.
• Fresh Spring Rolls: Rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, and veggies, served with peanut dipping sauce—$2-$4.
• Vietnamese Coffee: Strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk, often served iced—$1-$2.
• Bia Hoi: A light, fresh draft beer, popular in Hanoi—$0.50-$1 per glass at local spots.
• Where to Eat: In Hanoi, Pho Gia Truyen in the Old Quarter serves authentic pho. In Hoi An, try local dishes like cao lau at Morning Glory Restaurant. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Vietnam: Must-Visit Places

• Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh): A UNESCO site with emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts—perfect for cruises. Search for cruises on Tiqets.
• Hoi An Ancient Town (Quang Nam): A charming UNESCO town with lantern-lit streets and historic architecture. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Mekong Delta (Southern Vietnam): Known for its floating markets, rice paddies, and river tours. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Cu Chi Tunnels (Ho Chi Minh City): Historic tunnels used during the Vietnam War, offering guided tours. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Imperial City of Hue (Thua Thien Hue): A UNESCO site with ancient palaces and temples from the Nguyen Dynasty. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Sapa (Lao Cai): Famous for its terraced rice fields, trekking routes, and ethnic minority villages. Search for tours on Tiqets.
• Where to Eat: In Hanoi, Pho Gia Truyen in the Old Quarter is a go-to for authentic pho. In Hoi An, Morning Glory Restaurant offers local specialties like cao lau (noodles with pork and herbs).

Flights to Vietnam: Travel Options

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi are the main entry points, with flights from cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Los Angeles. A taxi from HAN to central Hanoi costs $15-$20 and takes 45 minutes.

Create Your Packing List for Vietnam