When to visit
Spring (March-April) and autumn (October-December) give dry, mild weather across most of the country. North Vietnam is coolest December to February; the south is warm year-round with a rainy season from May to October.
What it costs
Budget travelers spend roughly $30-55 a day for a guesthouse, street food, and local transport. Mid-range comfort with tours and a 3-star hotel runs roughly $60-120 a day. Prices below were checked October 2026.
Getting around
Domestic flights link Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City in about 1-2 hours. Sleeper trains and open-tour buses cover the coast; Grab works in every major city. Rent a scooter only with a valid licence and a helmet.
Staying well
Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent at dusk in the delta and highlands, and keep a copy of your passport. Travel insurance with medical cover costs roughly $2-5 a day and is worth it for scooter travel.