How Vietnam works as a travel destination
Vietnam stretches a long way from north to south, so distances are easy to underestimate. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are not neighbouring tourist stops but two major metropolitan areas at opposite ends of the country. Between them are central cities, mountain regions, bays, national parks, and beach destinations. Plan by geographic clusters rather than by a list of places you happened to see online.
| Region | What it adds to the trip | Useful bases |
|---|---|---|
| North | Capital city, mountains, karst landscapes, culture | Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long/Cat Ba, Sapa or Ha Giang |
| Central Vietnam | Sea, historic cities, short regional transfers | Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Phong Nha |
| South | Megacity, Mekong Delta, island travel | Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Phu Quoc |
How to choose your first itinerary
For a trip of up to a week, choose one region. With ten days, you can combine two parts of the country with one domestic flight. With two weeks, north, centre, and south become realistic if you avoid changing hotels every day. Count full days at the destination, not just nights between flights and buses.
Visa and entry
For Russian citizens in 2026, visa-free entry of up to 45 days is available when the current entry conditions are met. For longer trips, Vietnam's electronic visa can be issued for up to 90 days, including multiple-entry options. Visa rules are date-sensitive, so check the latest official information before buying a long itinerary.
Money
Vietnam's currency is the Vietnamese dong. The number of zeros takes some getting used to: 100,000 VND and 1,000,000 VND can look surprisingly similar after a long flight. Slow down, check the amount, and keep a mix of banknote denominations. Use banks and authorised exchange agents for cash exchange and compare the final amount you receive.
Mobile data and apps
A local SIM or eSIM solves many everyday problems: maps, Grab, address translation, messaging, and bookings. Grab is usually the first local transport app to install. It is also useful to download an offline map of your first hotel area and save the address in Vietnamese.
Getting around the country
For long regional jumps, flying is usually the most practical. For medium distances, trains and intercity buses are useful. Inside cities, use Grab, taxis, walking where realistic, and a motorbike only if you have experience and the correct driving documents. Do not rent a scooter just because it seems like everyone else does.
Food
Vietnamese food is strongly regional. Pho and banh mi are only the beginning: in the north look for bún chả and chả cá; in the centre, bún bò Huế, mì Quảng, and cao lầu; in the south, cơm tấm, hủ tiếu, and bánh xèo. Learning the names of a few dishes is the easiest way to avoid being trapped in generic tourist menus.
What to prepare before the trip
- Check your passport and legal basis for entry.
- Choose no more than two or three main bases for a short trip.
- Prepare a SIM/eSIM or a plan to buy one after arrival.
- Install Grab and maps.
- Have a backup payment method and some cash after arrival.
- Save your first accommodation address in English and Vietnamese.
- Buy insurance that matches the activities you actually plan to do.
Questions and answers
Which sea borders Vietnam?
Vietnam's coast faces the South China Sea; in Vietnamese geography the term East Sea, Biển Đông, is used.
Where should I go in Vietnam for a first trip?
It depends on the trip style: Hanoi and the north for culture and nature, Da Nang/Hoi An for an easy city-and-sea combination, Ho Chi Minh City for the south, and Nha Trang or Phu Quoc for a more resort-focused trip.
Can I travel independently in Vietnam?
Yes. Major destinations are connected by flights, trains, and buses, while city transport and booking apps are widely available.
How many cities should I visit in 10 days?
Two or three main bases are usually more comfortable than five or six short stops.