vietnam travel guide 2026: best places, things to do, costs & evisa

Vietnam is a dream blend of limestone bays, lantern-lit towns, epic caves, golden beaches, café culture, and street-food magic. This guide rebuilds your plan from zero: when to go, what to see, how much to budget, how to move around—and a clear, safe way to get your Vietnam eVisa in 2026.

Why Visit Vietnam in 2026: Highlights at a Glance

• World-class scenery: Ha Long, Bai Tu Long, Lan Ha & the Central Highlands

• Culture hits: Hoi An’s Old Town, Hue’s Imperial City, Hanoi’s Old Quarter

• Value for money: great stays, affordable food, easy transport

• Simple entry: streamlined Vietnam eVisa process for most travelers

Quick Trip Planner: Best Time, Duration & Budgets

Best Time to Visit Vietnam by Region

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa): Oct–Apr for cool, drier weather

• Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Feb–Aug for sunny beach days

• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Mekong): Nov–Apr is driest

Ideal Trip Durations & Sample Budgets

• 4–5 days: Hanoi + Ha Long or HCMC + Mekong highlights

• 7 days: North or Central focus with 1 beach or nature add-on

• 10–12 days: North–Central loop (Hanoi→Hoi An/Da Nang)

• Daily budget range:

  • Backpacker: $35–$60 (hostels, buses, local eats)

  • Mid-range: $70–$150 (boutique hotels, one flight, tours)

  • Comfort+: $160–$300+ (resorts, private transfers, premium tours)

Vietnam eVisa: How to Apply Online in 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Documents You’ll Need

• Passport valid 6+ months from arrival, with blank pages

• Recent passport photo (per specs)

• Travel details (entry port/date, accommodation)

• Payment method for government/processing fees

Processing Time, Fees & Entry Points

• Standard processing typically a few working days; urgent options available

• Fees vary by visa type and speed; confirm during checkout

• Use approved international airports, land borders, or seaports listed during application

CTA: Apply for your Vietnam eVisa online now for a smooth, secure entry in 2026—no embassy queues, no guesswork.

Top Places to Visit in Vietnam (2026 Edition)

Hoi An Ancient Town: Culture, Crafts & Night Markets

Lantern-lit lanes, tailor boutiques, Japanese Covered Bridge, riverside cafés. Join a lantern-making class or cycle to An Bang Beach at sunset.

Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu Long: Cruises, Kayaks & Caves

Sail past towering karsts, kayak hidden lagoons, and explore grottoes. For fewer crowds and similar scenery, pick Bai Tu Long.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang: World-Class Caves & Jungle Treks

Home to renowned cave systems (including record-breaking caverns), zip-lining, river caves, and lush jungle hikes.

Da Nang & Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills): Iconic Views

Ride the cable car, stroll the famous “hands” bridge, and pair with My Khe Beach or Marble Mountains.

Beaches: Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc & Mui Ne

• Da Nang: broad sandy stretches close to the city

• Nha Trang: lively beach vibe and island trips

• Phu Quoc: palm-fringed shores, snorkeling, sunsets

• Mui Ne: dunes, kitesurfing, boho cafés

Cat Ba Island: Hiking Ngu Lam Peak & Lan Ha Bay

A nature base for treks, viewpoints, and boat trips to quiet bays and floating villages.

Must-Try Vietnamese Food & Coffee Experiences

Street-Food Essentials

• Phở (beef or chicken noodle soup)

• Bánh mì (crispy baguette sandwich)

• Bún chả (grilled pork & noodles, Hanoi style)

• Bánh xèo (sizzling rice-flour pancakes)

• Cao lầu (Hoi An’s signature noodles)

Vietnam’s Coffee Culture

Try egg coffee in Hanoi, coconut coffee in coastal towns, and bold Robusta brews across the country.

Getting Around Vietnam: Transport Made Easy

Domestic Flights, Trains & Buses

• Flights save time on long routes (e.g., Hanoi ↔ HCMC).

• Reunification railway offers scenic rides (try a soft sleeper).

• Intercity buses & limos are budget-friendly and frequent.

Local Transport & Cashless Tips

• Ride-hailing apps for cabs & bikes in major cities

• Contactless/cashless accepted widely; keep small cash for markets

Travel Safety, Etiquette & Practical Tips

Health, Scams & Do’s and Don’ts

• Drink sealed water; use sunscreen & mosquito repellent

• Use hotel safes; beware of over-friendly “tour bargains”

• Dress modestly at temples; remove shoes when asked

Connectivity, SIM & Money Matters

• Buy a local SIM/eSIM at arrival for fast data

• ATMs common; currency is VND; notify your bank before travel

7-Day Highlights Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Old Quarter street food tour
Day 2: Museums & lakes; water puppet show
Day 3–4: Ha Long or Bai Tu Long cruise (overnight)
Day 5: Fly Da Nang → Hoi An lanterns & tailoring
Day 6: My Son Sanctuary + An Bang Beach
Day 7: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge; depart Da Nang

(Extend with Phong Nha or fly south to Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta.)

Common Trip Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

• Leaving eVisa application to the last minute

• Choosing the wrong entry port on your eVisa

• Over-packing and ignoring domestic baggage limits

• Skipping travel insurance

• Only visiting Ha Long and missing Bai Tu Long/Lan Ha alternatives

Why Apply With Our Professional eVisa Service (Risk-Free)

Applying solo can work—but errors are common (wrong photo specs, dates, or entry points) and can lead to delays, rejections, or re-application costs. With our expert team:

• Pre-submission validation so details match requirements

• Secure payment & real-time status updates

• Priority handling and support if your plans change

Get your Vietnam eVisa approved correctly the first time—apply through our trusted platform today.

Final Thoughts & CTA

Vietnam in 2026 is a powerhouse of value, culture, nature and cuisine. Book that lantern walk in Hoi An, wake up on a karst-ringed bay, sip egg coffee at sunrise—and arrive worry-free with a confirmed Vietnam eVisa.

Apply for your Vietnam eVisa now to lock in smooth entry and start exploring.