Vietnam

The best coffee, the best pho, and motorbikes everywhere — Vietnam is sensory overload in the best way.

Safety A💰Food ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💸Estimated cost for Vietnam

Real-time surcharge applied (flight +15% / lodging +5%)

Elevated jet fuel + weak JPY: real prices running ~+15% vs baseline

Updated: 2026-05-16

3N4D Budget

$672.68〜

Hostel + self-catering

3N4D Mid

$757.10〜

Mid hotel + dining out

3N4D Comfort

$954.08〜

Upscale hotel + tours

* Rough estimate: round-trip from Tokyo ¥92,000 + local costs. Actual prices vary widely by season

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📅Best Time to Visit

Best destinations now →

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Nov–Apr is cool & dry. North gets cold winters

BestGoodOKAvoid

🎉Events & Holidays

⚠️

Tet (Lunar New Year)(movable) · 7d

Late Jan–early Feb. Many shops closed, transit crowded, prices spike. Avoid or plan carefully

🗓

National DaySeptember 2

Sep 2. Tourist sites crowded. Fireworks, events

⚠️

Rainy Season (South)May · 180d

May–Oct. Afternoon showers common

Plan your trip to Vietnam

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📍Must-Visit Places

Ha Long Bay

Thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters — UNESCO wonder

Hoi An Ancient Town

Lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and incredible street food

Sapa Rice Terraces

Stunning stepped rice paddies in the northern mountains

🍜Must-Try Food

Pho

Aromatic beef or chicken broth with rice noodles and fresh herbs

Banh Mi

The world's best sandwich — crispy baguette with pâté, pickled vegetables, and herbs

Egg Coffee

Hanoi's famous creamy coffee topped with whipped egg yolk — surprisingly addictive

Bun Cha

Grilled pork with rice noodles and dipping broth — Obama ate this in Hanoi

Quick Facts

🏛

Capital

Hanoi

💬

Languages

Vietnamese

💰

Currency

VND

🌍

Region

South-Eastern Asia

Entry & Visa

* Information for Japanese passport holders. Other nationalities may differ.

Visa-free for Japanese passport holders (up to 45 days). eVisa available for other nationalities. Passport must have 6 months validity.

Visa

Not required

Max stay

45 days

Passport

6 months

💬 Language

Vietnamese is the only widely spoken language. English proficiency is growing, especially among younger people in cities and tourist areas, but remains limited in rural regions. Hotel staff in tourist areas generally speak English. Learning a few Vietnamese phrases is appreciated. French is sometimes understood by older generations.

🚆 Transport

Domestic flights are the fastest way between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Grab is essential for city transport. Overnight trains connect major cities along the coast (scenic but slow). Sleeper buses are popular for budget travel. Motorbike rental is common but traffic is hazardous for inexperienced riders. Tourist buses connect popular routes.

💳 Payment

Vietnam is heavily cash-based, especially outside major cities. ATMs are widely available. Vietnamese Dong (VND) comes in large denominations — 500,000 VND ≈ ¥3,000. Credit cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants. Street food and local shops are cash only. Some places accept USD but give poor exchange rates.

📋 Travel Basics

Tropical climate with regional variation (north has cool winters). Tap water is not safe to drink. Traffic is chaotic — crossing streets requires walking at a steady pace while traffic flows around you. Bargaining is expected at markets. Vietnamese coffee culture is world-class. Power outlets use Type A, C, and G plugs (220V).