Welcome to Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating travel destinations — and for good reason. Stretching over 1,650 kilometers from north to south, it is a country that is unparalleled in its diversity:

• 3,444 kilometers of coastline with stunning beaches, from Halong Bay to Phú Quốc Island — swimming, diving, kayaking
• 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Imperial City of Huế, the ancient town of Hội An, and Halong Bay
• The best street food in the world — Phở, Bánh Mì, Bún Chả, Cà Phê Sữa Đá: Vietnam is one giant open-air restaurant
• Breathtaking landscapes — emerald green rice terraces in Sapa, limestone cliffs in Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta with its floating markets
• One of Asia's cheapest travel countries — a complete street meal from 1€, double room from 10€, beer from 0.30€
• A millennia-old culture, shaped by Chinese, French, and American influences — yet unmistakably Vietnamese

In the past two decades, Vietnam has evolved from a hidden gem to a trendy travel destination — without losing its character. The Vietnamese are considered one of the friendliest and most hospitable people in Asia. The country is safe, the food is spectacular, and the value for money is exceptional.

What makes Vietnam special: You can have breakfast with ethnic minorities in a misty mountain landscape in the morning, lie on a deserted beach at noon, stroll through a 2,000-year-old imperial city in the afternoon, and eat the best Phở of your life on a plastic chair by the roadside in the evening — all for less than 50€ a day.

Vietnam can be roughly divided into four travel regions. The shape of the country — long and narrow like a bamboo stick with two rice baskets at the ends — determines the travel routes:

Hanoi & the North

For whom: Culture lovers, nature enthusiasts, adventurers
The thousand-year-old capital Hanoi with its chaotically charming Old Quarter, the majestic Halong Bay (UNESCO), the rice terraces of Sapa, and the karst landscapes of Ninh Bình (the "dry Halong"). The north is rougher, cooler, and more authentic than the south.

Central Vietnam

For whom: History buffs, beach lovers, gourmets
The Imperial City of Huế (UNESCO), the lantern city of Hội An (UNESCO), the beaches of Đà Nẵng, and the spectacular Phong Nha Caves. Central Vietnam is the cultural heart of the country with perhaps the best cuisine.

Ho Chi Minh City & the South

For whom: City fans, foodies, Mekong adventurers
The bustling Saigon with its dynamic energy, the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta with floating markets and mangrove forests, and the dream beaches of Phú Quốc and Mũi Né. The south is hotter, louder, and more modern.

Highlands & Uplands

For whom: Trekking fans, cultural travelers, individualists
Đà Lạt with its cool climate and coffee plantations, the Central Highlands around Kon Tum and Buôn Ma Thuột with ethnic minorities, and the remote mountain villages in the far north. Off the beaten tourist paths, but all the more authentic.

1. Phở for breakfast in Hanoi — The steaming noodle soup at a street stall in the Old Quarter, at 6 a.m. among motorcycles and market vendors. Vietnam's national dish at its place of origin. → Chap. Hanoi
2. Halong Bay by junk — Glide through 1,969 limestone rocks on a traditional wooden boat, paddle in caves, spend the night on the water. UNESCO World Natural Heritage. → Chap. Hanoi
3. Hội An's Old Town at night — Hundreds of silk lanterns bathe the UNESCO-protected Old Town in warm light. On full moon, all street lamps are turned off. → Chap. Central Vietnam
4. Motorbike tour over the Hải Vân Pass — The "Cloud Pass" road between Huế and Đà Nẵng is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world. Crowned by Top Gear as the "best road in the world." → Chap. Central Vietnam
5. Coffee Vietnamese style — Cà Phê Sữa Đá: strong filter coffee with condensed milk over ice. Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, and the coffee here is a revelation. → Chap. Understanding
6. Mekong Delta by boat — Through a labyrinth of canals, past coconut palms, floating markets, and rice fields. Cái Bè and Cái Răng are the most famous markets. → Chap. Ho Chi Minh
7. Bánh Mì sandwich in Hội An — The best baguette outside France, filled with pâté, herbs, and chili. The most famous address: Bánh Mì Phượng (the "Bánh Mì Queen"). → Chap. Central Vietnam
8. Rice terraces of Sapa — In September and October, the terraced rice fields of the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountains glow golden. Trekking through villages of the H'Mông and Dao. → Chap. Hanoi
9. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels — 250 km tunnel system where the Vietcong lived and fought. A hauntingly fascinating insight into history. → Chap. Ho Chi Minh
10. Imperial City of Huế — The citadel of the Nguyễn dynasty, imperial tombs on the Perfume River, and the best court cuisine in Vietnam. All reachable within a day. → Chap. Central Vietnam
11. Đà Lạt — the "Little Paris" — The cool mountain town with French colonial architecture, endless coffee plantations, flower gardens, and the crazy Crazy House. → Chap. Highlands
12. Phong Nha Caves — The largest caves in the world, including the Sơn-Đoòng Cave with its own jungle and cloud formation. Phong Nha and Paradise Cave are accessible without expedition equipment. → Chap. Central Vietnam
13. Street food tour through Saigon — Bến-Thành Night Market, the food stalls in District 4, and the legendary Phở alley. Saigon's street food is endless. → Chap. Ho Chi Minh
14. Ninh Bình — the "dry Halong" — Rowboats glide through flooded rice fields between limestone rocks. Tam Cốc and Tràng An are breathtaking and less touristy than Halong Bay. → Chap. Hanoi
15. Reunification Express — The legendary train journey from Hanoi to Saigon (1,726 km, 33 hours). The most beautiful section is Huế–Đà Nẵng along the coast. → Chap. Arrival
16. Water puppet theater in Hanoi — The unique Vietnamese art form: wooden puppets dance on water to traditional music. The Thăng Long Theater by Hoàn Kiếm Lake is the best stage. → Chap. Hanoi
17. Cooking class in Hội An — Market visit, picking herbs, then cooking spring rolls, Bánh Xèo, and Cao Lầu yourself. The best cooking classes in Asia. → Chap. Central Vietnam
18. Sunrise on Fansipan — Vietnam's highest mountain (3,143 m) in Sapa. Accessible by cable car or multi-day trekking tour. Standing above the clouds, the whole valley in a sea of mist. → Chap. Hanoi
19. Nightlife in Saigon — From the rooftop bar of the Bitexco Tower to the craft beer scene in District 2 to the Bùi Viện backpacker district. Saigon never sleeps. → Chap. Ho Chi Minh
20. Bia Hơi — the freshest beer in the world — Freshly brewed draft beer daily, served on tiny plastic stools by the roadside. 5,000 VND (approx. 0.20€) per glass. The Bia Hơi intersection in Hanoi's Old Quarter is the epicenter. → Chap. Hanoi

Vietnam's climate is complex because the country spans more than 15 latitudes. There is no "one best travel time" for the whole country — but with the right planning, you can travel Vietnam year-round.

North (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay)

Best time: October – December and March – April. The north has four seasons. Summer (May–September) is hot and humid with heavy rains. Winter (December–February) can get bitterly cold in the mountains (Sapa: down to 0°C!). Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant.

Central Vietnam (Huế, Hội An, Đà Nẵng)

Best time: February – August. The rainy season (September–January) brings heavy rains and occasional typhoons. October and November are the wettest months. From February to May, it's warm and dry, June to August hot but sunny.

South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phú Quốc)

Best time: December – April. The south only knows two seasons: dry (December–April) and wet (May–November). In the rainy season, it rains heavily, but usually only 1–2 hours in the afternoon — the rest of the day is often sunny. Temperatures are 28–35°C year-round.

Highlands (Sapa, Đà Lạt)

Best time: September – November and March – May. The rice terraces of Sapa are most beautiful in September/October (golden harvest time). Đà Lạt is pleasantly cool year-round (18–25°C), the rainy season (May–October) brings afternoon showers.

Climate Table: Hanoi

Vietnam is one of the cheapest travel countries in the world. Even with a medium budget, you live like a king here. The biggest expenses are flights and organized tours — almost everything is affordable on-site.

Daily budget per person

Sample prices (estimates 2025/26)

15 things I wish I had known before my first trip to Vietnam:

1. The traffic looks chaotic — but it's systematic. 45 million motorcycles flood the streets. When crossing: walk slowly and steadily, DO NOT stop or run. The motorcycles will flow around you like water around a stone. → Chap. Practical A-Z
2. Bargaining is a must. In markets and with street vendors, the first price is always 2–3× too high. Smile friendly and start at 50–60%. No bargaining in supermarkets and restaurants with menus.
3. Grab is your best friend. The app (like Uber) works in all cities: GrabCar (car) and GrabBike (motorbike taxi). Fixed price, no bargaining, GPS navigation. Be sure to install it before the trip!
4. The Reunification Express is not an express train. 33 hours for 1,726 km. But the section Huế–Đà Nẵng (3h) along the coast is a must. Book Soft Sleeper!
5. Toilet paper is not a given. Many places and public toilets don't have any. Always carry tissues. And: toilet paper goes in the bin, not the toilet!
6. Ice is (mostly) safe. Ice in Vietnam is industrially produced and safe. Just be cautious with homemade crushed ice at very simple stalls.
7. Apply for a visa beforehand! Germans need an E-Visa (25 USD, online, 90 days) or Visa on Arrival. The E-Visa is easier — apply at least 1 week in advance.
8. Cash is King. Outside major cities and hotels, payments are made in cash. ATMs are everywhere, but watch out for fees (20,000–50,000 VND per withdrawal). Maximum amount often 2–5 million VND.
9. The Vietnamese are incredibly friendly. But: friendliness + business acumen go hand in hand. Check taxi meters, count change, and agree on prices BEFORE the service.
10. Street food is safe — if the stall is busy. High turnover = fresh ingredients. Empty stall = stay away. The plastic chair rule applies: the lower the stool, the better the food.
11. Sun protection is vital. UV radiation is intense, especially in the south. SPF 50+, hat, and long-sleeved light clothing (like the Vietnamese). Sunscreen is expensive locally.
12. Night buses are surprisingly comfortable. Sleeper buses with reclining seats are the cheapest way to cover long distances. The Sinh Tourist and Hoàng Long are reliable providers.
13. Travel light. You can buy or have everything tailored cheaply in Vietnam. Hội An is famous for bespoke tailors (suit in 24h from 80€). Laundry costs 1€/kg.
14. Vietnamese coffee is a drug. Robusta beans, brewed in a Phin filter, with condensed milk. Stronger than any espresso. Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng) in Hanoi is a must.
15. Book domestic flights early. Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air offer cheap domestic flights (from 20€). But: prices rise quickly, and VietJet's baggage rules are strict.