How to plan the best trip to Vietnam: Practical travel guide 2025

Planning your adventure to Vietnam in 2025? Whether you're dreaming of vibrant cities, emerald rice terraces, or golden beaches, this comprehensive travel guide will help you prepare every detail to enjoy a smooth, enriching, and unforgettable journey. From choosing the right travel insurance to understanding visa requirements, local customs, and money tips—we’ve got you covered with the latest practical advice tailored for today’s savvy traveler.

1. What’s the best travel insurance for Vietnam in 2025?

Although travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entering Vietnam, it is highly recommended to avoid unexpected expenses or stressful situations during your trip. A well-rounded travel insurance plan should ideally include the following key protections:

• Medical coverage: Reimbursement for emergency medical treatments, doctor visits, hospital stays, and necessary medications.
• Medical evacuation and repatriation: Full coverage in case of a serious accident or illness requiring your early return home.
• Baggage and personal belongings coverage: Compensation in the event of lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items.
• Personal liability abroad: Protection in case you accidentally cause harm to someone or damage property while overseas.

​​Many trusted international insurance providers offer plans specifically tailored for travelers in Asia. Their services are typically accessible online, with 24/7 multilingual assistance, making them a reliable choice for peace of mind throughout your stay.

2. When Is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?

Vietnam’s climate is remarkably diverse, stretching from the cool northern highlands to the tropical south. To make the most of your stay, here’s a quick breakdown of the best travel seasons by region:

• In Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay), the dry season from November to April offers sunny and pleasant days, ideal for cultural visits, cruises, and nature outings.
• In Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang), the best time to go is from January to August, when the weather is warm and stable, perfect for wandering through ancient towns or relaxing on golden beaches.
• In Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta), aim for the dry season between November and April, when the days are bright, hot, and full of energy—great for exploring lively Saigon or drifting through the lush canals of the delta.

If you're planning to venture into the northern mountains, such as Sapa, be sure to bring warm clothing during winter, as temperatures can drop below 10°C (50°F), especially between December and February.

Read more: 

>>  Best Time to Visit Vietnam: A detailed weather guide

3. Visa requirements for Vietnam: What you need to know in 2025

• Great news for French travelers: if you're planning a tourist stay of less than 45 days, you do not need a visa to enter Vietnam. All you need is a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
• For longer stays, business trips, or specific cases such as double entry, you’ll need to apply for an e-visa. This process is simple and fast, with most visas issued within 3 to 5 business days. You can apply online through the official Vietnamese government website.

 Important tip: Make sure all personal information entered in your application is 100% accurate to avoid delays or issues upon arrival.

Read more: 

>> Vietnam to waive visas for Polish, Czech, and Swiss tourists

>> Vietnam Visa Requirements

4. Booking your flight to Vietnam: Practical tips for a smart purchase

Whether using a travel agency or planning everything on your own, booking the right flight is a crucial step in organizing your trip to Vietnam.

If you opt for a travel agency, your advisor will guide you through each step of the booking process, helping you find the best fares and the most convenient flight options tailored to your itinerary.

Prefer to go solo? Don’t worry — you can easily compare prices on trusted platforms like Skyscanner or Momondo. There are plenty of flight options to Vietnam year-round, and prices can be surprisingly competitive, especially if you book a few months in advance.

Pro tip: Set up price alerts and remain flexible with your dates to snag the best deals.

5. What budget should you plan for 10 days in Vietnam?

Vietnam is known for offering excellent value for money, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both comfort and affordability. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend for a mid-range 10-day trip in Vietnam:

• International flight: Round-trip flights from the US to Vietnam typically range from around $600 to over $1,600, with the average price around $1,000, but can fluctuate based on factors like travel dates, airline, and booking time. 
• Accommodation: between $20 and $55 per night for clean, comfortable hotels rated 2 to 3 stars.
• Meals: plan for around $10 to $20 per day, which allows you to enjoy plenty of delicious local dishes in both street food stalls and small restaurants.

Your overall budget will be around $1,500 per person, excluding domestic transport and paid activities like guided tours, cruises, or entrance fees to cultural sites.

6. Internet in Vietnam: Easy, Fast, and Affordable!

Staying connected while traveling through Vietnam is both simple and budget-friendly. As soon as you land at the airport or arrive in a major city, you can easily purchase a local SIM card from reliable providers like Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone. These SIM cards come with generous mobile data packages, often priced under €5, and include several gigabytes of data with excellent nationwide coverage — even in rural or mountainous areas.

 Useful tip: Ask the vendor to activate the SIM card for you and make sure everything is working properly before leaving the store.

Read more: 

>> Best SIM cards for tourists in Vietnam

>> eSIM: Complete guide for travelers in Vietnam

7. Getting around in Vietnam: Simple, Affordable, and Flexible

Getting around Vietnam is easy and cost-effective, thanks to a wide range of transport options tailored to every type of traveler.

In major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it’s best to use official taxis or the popular Grab app, a local version of Uber. Grab is safe, convenient, and lets you know the fare in advance, eliminating the need for stressful negotiations.

If you're planning to explore rural areas, smaller towns, or tropical islands like Phu Quoc, renting a scooter is an excellent choice. It’s affordable, flexible, and offers a great sense of freedom to discover Vietnam’s scenic landscapes at your own pace. Expect to pay around $6 per day, and always check the condition of the scooter before hitting the road.

8. Recommended applications for a trip in Vietnam

To make your journey across Vietnam even smoother, here are some reliable digital platforms that travelers love for their convenience and ease of use:

• Baolau: A fantastic tool for booking trains, buses, and domestic flights in just a few clicks. Great for planning multi-city itineraries.
• 12Go Asia: Perfect for comparing transport options, especially for regional travel by bus, minivan, or ferry.
• Grab: A must-have ride-hailing app for safe, fixed-price taxi or motorbike rides in urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Klook and GetYourGuide: Ideal for booking cultural tours, guided activities, and day trips across the country — quickly, securely, and often with user reviews.

Read more: The 10 essential applications during a trip to Vietnam

Ready to Travel to Vietnam?

Now you're fully equipped with the best tips and practical advice to make your Vietnam trip truly unforgettable. All that’s left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore this vibrant land of endless diversity. Don’t wait, Vietnam is calling, and it’s ready to welcome you! CONTACT US NOW via info@authentikvietnam.com or +84 (0) 9 12 12 10 91 on WhatsApp to tailor your dream trip to Vietnam!

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