Vietnam is a Southeast Asian destination in high demand for family trips, pool villas and honeymoons. Da Nang has become one of the best-value destinations around, with five-star resorts, pool villas, food, golf and cultural heritage all in one place.
This page covers four regions, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Phu Quoc, along with currency, transport and safety information you should know before you go.
Da Nang in particular suits families on their first trip abroad: pool villas (Premier Village, Pullman Danang, Hyatt Regency), five-star resorts (InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula), English widely spoken and a safe city center.
Visa and entry requirements for Vietnam
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
Vietnam issues e-visas (the official portal lists USD 25 for single entry and USD 50 for multiple entry) through the official portal below. Visa on arrival is available only in some cases. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining.
- Vietnam e-visa and immigration portal (Vietnam Immigration Department)
- Apply for an e-visa (fees) (Vietnam Immigration Department)
Vietnam at a glance
- Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
- Time zone: ICT (UTC+7)
- Best seasons: December to April (dry season) in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, October to April in Hanoi
- Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz, Type A and C plugs; a multi-adapter is recommended
- Safety: some border areas carry travel advisories; check your government's advice
Why travel to Vietnam
Vietnam combines value, pool villas and family-friendliness. Five-star pool villas are within reach, which makes it popular for trips with parents, honeymoons and anniversaries. Food, massage and spas are inexpensive: a one-hour massage is 300,000–600,000 dong, and a full-course dinner 500,000–1,000,000 dong.
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Be make getting around easy even on a first trip abroad.
Guide by region
Da Nang: top choice for families
A beach city in central Vietnam. It is the base for a week-long trip: My Khe Beach (6 km of white sand), Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge and theme park), Hoi An (UNESCO World Heritage, 30 minutes by car) and Hue (the old capital, two hours by car; one night recommended). Pool villas and five-star resorts are plentiful.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Vietnam's largest economic hub. District 1 (Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market) is the base for exploring on foot. A day tour of the Mekong Delta reaches My Tho and Can Tho, and you can add a desert tour at Mui Ne (four hours by car) or Da Lat (a highland city, one hour by air). Strong on night markets, izakaya, bars and shopping.
Hanoi: the capital
The political and cultural capital in the north, with 1,000 years of history: Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The main draws are Ha Long Bay (3.5 hours by car; overnight cruises USD 100–250) and Sapa (ethnic minority trekking, by overnight bus). The cool weather from December to March is ideal for city walks.
Phu Quoc: island resort
Vietnam's largest resort island. Sao Beach (white sand), the Vinpearl resort complex (theme park, safari and aquarium), pepper farms and the night market are the highlights. The dry season from November to April is best. After Da Nang, it has the most pool villas and five-star hotels in Vietnam.
Where to stay: five-star resort or pool villa
In Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Hoi An, pool villas with a private pool are popular for families, honeymoons and anniversaries. They cost around USD 200–600 per night and often come with more space, a private pool and barbecue facilities.
In the cities (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi), five-star hotels (Sofitel, Metropole, Pullman; USD 150–400 per night) win on location and access. In Hoi An's Old Town, boutique hotels (USD 80–150 per night) have real charm and suit honeymooners and couples.
Transport: Grab, cyclos and domestic flights
Grab and Be apps: no haggling, and card payment is possible. Airport pickups in Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi work fine with Grab.
Domestic flights: Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and VietJet. Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang takes one hour and costs USD 30–60.
Motorbikes: 90% of traffic in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is motorbikes. Cross the road slowly at a steady pace; stopping is more dangerous.
Cyclos and regular taxis: agree the price first. There are cases of rigged meters, so Grab is recommended.
What to eat in Vietnam
- Pho: 40,000–70,000 dong; Hoi An and Hanoi are its home ground
- Bun cha: a Hanoi specialty of charcoal-grilled pork with noodles and herbs, 40,000–60,000 dong
- Banh mi: Vietnamese sandwich, 20,000–30,000 dong from street stalls
- Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls): shrimp and vegetables in rice paper
- Bun bo Hue: a spicy noodle soup from Hue
- Ca phe sua da: Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, 15,000–30,000 dong
- Seafood: restaurants near My Khe Beach in Da Nang, 300,000–800,000 dong per person
Vietnam by season
Central (Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue): dry season February to August; rainy season and possible typhoons September to December.
South (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc): dry season November to April; rainy season May to October, though showers are short and rarely disrupt plans.
North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): cool October to April; hot and humid May to September.
Nationwide: Tet (Lunar New Year) in January–February is Vietnam's biggest holiday, and some restaurants and markets close, so check if you are traveling then.
Safety tips
- Crossing the road: walk slowly at a steady pace; stopping is more dangerous.
- Pickpockets and overcharging: take care in central District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City and the markets of Hanoi's Old Quarter; carry your bag in front.
- Taxi meters: rigged meters are common in regular taxis, so use Grab.
- Food and water: street ice and raw vegetables can upset your stomach; be cautious for the first day or two.
- Restricted areas: avoid areas under travel advisories (some border regions) except on organized tours.
- Travel insurance: medical costs can be a burden; short-term travel insurance is recommended.
FAQ
How much validity should my passport have?
At least six months remaining on entry is required. With less, you may be refused entry.
Where should I exchange money?
Changing US dollars into dong in Vietnam usually gives a better rate; gold shops in town are a good option for exchange.
Pool villa or five-star hotel?
For families, honeymoons and anniversaries, a pool villa (private pool, more space). For business or city sightseeing, a five-star hotel.
Is Vietnamese food spicy?
Northern food (Hanoi) is mild, central food (Hue, Da Nang) is spicy and aromatic, and southern food (Ho Chi Minh City) is sweeter. If you cannot eat spicy food, say "Không cay" (not spicy).
Is it safe to travel with children?
Five-star resorts in Da Nang and Phu Quoc are safe and have plenty of kids clubs. Traffic and crowds in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi can be hard with young children, so a pool villa or resort stay is recommended.
Can I use credit cards?
Five-star hotels, chain restaurants and malls accept them. Night markets, street stalls and ordinary restaurants need cash, so always carry 1–3 million dong.
Sources
- Vietnam e-visa and immigration portal · Vietnam Immigration Department · accessed 2026-10-30
- Apply for an e-visa (fees) · Vietnam Immigration Department · accessed 2026-10-30
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism · Vietnam Tourism · accessed 2026-04-25
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
