best cities in vietnam 2026 & easy vietnam evisa guide

Vietnam blends ancient heritage, tropical coastlines, mountain adventures, and some of Asia’s most exciting food scenes. Whether you’re planning a quick city break or a two-week adventure, this guide highlights the best cities to visit in Vietnam in 2026—plus a clear, step-by-step Vietnam eVisa process so you can travel with confidence.

Why Vietnam Belongs on Your 2026 Bucket List

• Diverse experiences: lantern-lit old towns, imperial citadels, karst bays, coffee highlands, and island escapes.

• Great value: world-class food, comfortable stays, and efficient transport at fair prices.

• All-year appeal: with careful routing, you can find pleasant weather in any month.

How to Choose Your Vietnam Route: North, Central, or South?

Classic 7–10 Day Highlights Itinerary

Hanoi → Ha Long Bay (overnight cruise) → Hue → Hoi An → fly out from Da Nang.

Nature & Beaches Itinerary

Da Nang → Hoi An → Quy Nhon → Nha Trang → Mui Ne → Phu Quoc.

History & Culture Deep-Dive Itinerary

Hanoi (museums/heritage) → Ninh Binh → Hue (imperial sites) → Ho Chi Minh City (war history, Chinatown).

Northern Vietnam: Culture, Heritage & Mountains

Hanoi Travel Guide 2026: Old Quarter, Lakes & Street Food

Vietnam’s capital charms with Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and elegant boulevards. Don’t miss: Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, egg coffee cafés, and evening food walks. Day trips: Ninh Binh (limestone peaks and boat rides).

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

Opt for an overnight cruise to kayak hidden lagoons, visit caves like Sung Sot, and watch sunrise on deck. Consider Bai Tu Long for fewer crowds with similar scenery.

Sapa & Ha Giang: Rice Terraces, Loops & Ethnic Markets

Trek terraced valleys around Sapa, or ride the Ha Giang Loop for Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain roads. Go with reputable guides for safety.

Central Vietnam: Ancient Capitals & Coastlines

Hue: Imperial Citadel, Mausoleums & Perfume River

Explore the Citadel, royal tombs (Khai Dinh, Minh Mang), and sample bun bo Hue. Sunset boat rides on the Perfume River are a must.

Da Nang: Beaches, Bridges & Marble Mountains

Base yourself on My Khe Beach. Climb the Marble Mountains, walk the Dragon Bridge (weekend fire/water show), and day-trip to Ba Na Hills’ Golden Bridge.

Hoi An: Lanterns, Tailors & Ancient Town Charm

UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, custom tailoring, cooking classes, and quiet An Bang Beach. Time your visit for the monthly Lantern Festival.

Buon Ma Thuot: Coffee Capital & Waterfalls

Home to Vietnam’s coffee culture and falls like Dray Nur. Visit plantations and the local museum for highland history.

Southern Vietnam: Energy, Cuisine & River Life

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): History, Cuisine & Rooftops

Buzzing markets, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Chinatown (Cholon), and a skyline of rooftop bars. Food highlights: banh mi, pho, com tam.

Mekong Delta: Floating Markets & Fruit Orchards

Cai Rang’s early-morning floating market, sampan rides through palm canals, and homestays among orchards.

Phu Quoc & Con Dao: Islands, Diving & Quiet Beaches

Phu Quoc offers resorts, snorkeling, and a laid-back vibe. Con Dao is serene, with clear waters and important historical sites.

Coastal Favorites: Nha Trang, Quy Nhon & Mui Ne

Nha Trang: Islands, Snorkeling & Seafood

Boat trips to island reefs, mud baths, and a lively promenade. Try nem nuong and seafood grills.

Quy Nhon: Underrated Beaches & Clifftop Temples

Think quiet bays, Eo Gio cliffs, and Cham culture—great for travelers who want fewer crowds.

Mui Ne: Sand Dunes, Kitesurfing & Sunsets

Famous red/white dunes, wind sports, and relaxed beach cafés—ideal from November to March.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam in 2026: Month-by-Month Tips

• Jan–Mar: Cooler in the north (great for Hanoi/Sapa), dry and sunny in much of the center/south.

• Apr–Jun: Warmer; good beach weather in central Vietnam; plan AC-friendly stays in cities.

• Jul–Sep: Northern/central rains—great prices, lush scenery; southern islands still enjoyable with planning.

• Oct–Dec: Pleasant temps return; superb time for Hanoi, Ha Long, and HCMC city breaks.

Costs & Practical Tips for 2026

Estimated Daily Budget by Style

• Backpacker: ~US$35–55 (hostels, buses, local eateries)

• Mid-range: ~US$70–120 (3–4★ stays, some flights)

• Comfort/Luxe: US$150+ (4–5★, private tours, domestic flights)

Transport: Flights, Trains & Buses

Domestic flights connect major cities quickly. Trains (e.g., Hanoi–Hue–Da Nang) are scenic; sleepers are popular. Intercity buses and tourist vans cover short hops.

Connectivity, Payments & SIM Cards

Airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with data. Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry cash for markets and rural areas.

Safety & Etiquette Basics

Vietnam is generally safe—use reputable transport, agree taxi prices in advance when meters aren’t used, dress modestly at temples, and learn simple greetings.

Vietnam eVisa 2026: Requirements, Types & Processing

Who Can Apply & Validity Options

Eligible nationalities can apply online for 30-day or 90-day single or multiple-entry eVisas in 2026, for purposes like tourism or business.

Documents You’ll Need

• Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry, with at least 1 blank page

• Digital passport-style photo meeting standard specs

• Clear passport bio-page scan

• Valid email for approval letter delivery

• Card for online payment

How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa Online (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Select Visa Type & Travel Dates

Choose 30 or 90 days, single or multiple entry, matching your itinerary.

Step 2: Fill the Online Application Accurately

Enter names as shown on your passport, correct passport number/expiry, and intended entry point.

Step 3: Upload Photo & Passport Scan

Ensure a plain background, front-facing photo, and a legible bio-page scan with no glare.

Step 4: Pay Securely Online

Use internationally accepted cards. Keep your payment confirmation.

Step 5: Receive eVisa by Email & Pre-Departure Check

Print your approved eVisa. Verify name, passport number, and dates before you fly.

CTA: Ready to go? Apply for your Vietnam eVisa now through our website for a smooth and secure approval.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Reject Applications

• Typo in passport number or name order

• Mismatched dates between application and flights

• Low-quality photo or passport scan

• Selecting the wrong entry point or visa type

• Ignoring email requests for clarification

Why Apply Through Our Professional Service

End-to-End Support, Fast Turnarounds

We guide your application from start to finish, reducing back-and-forth and helping you travel sooner.

Application Review to Reduce Risk

Manual checks catch errors that commonly cause delays or rejections.

Secure Payments & Status Tracking

Encrypted payments and proactive status updates keep you informed at every step.

CTA: Avoid avoidable delays—apply for your Vietnam eVisa through our website today.

Risks of Using Unverified Agents or DIY Pitfalls

• Fake websites and hidden fees

• Incorrect document formats that trigger rejections

• Missed emails and deadlines leading to trip disruptions

• Data and payment security concerns

Our recommendation: Use a trusted, professional service for accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind.

Ready to Explore Vietnam in 2026? Apply for Your eVisa Now

From Hanoi’s lakes to Hoi An’s lanterns, Da Nang’s beaches to Saigon’s skyline, Vietnam offers unforgettable experiences in every direction. Apply for your Vietnam eVisa through our website and start planning the trip you’ve been dreaming about.