vietnam 2026 travel guide - best places, top things to do & evisa steps

From ethereal limestone karsts and cave cathedrals to lantern-lit towns and mountain loops, Vietnam packs a lifetime of experiences into one trip. This guide pulls together the best places to visit, top things to do, practical costs, and a clear Vietnam eVisa process so you can plan with confidence in 2026.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam in 2026 & Weather Overview

Vietnam spans multiple climate zones, so there’s always somewhere with good weather:

• North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang): Cool/dry Oct–Apr, hot/wet May–Sep.

• Center (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Best Feb–Aug; rains/typhoons can hit Sep–Nov.

• South (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc): Warm year-round; drier Dec–Apr, wetter May–Nov.

Quick tip: If you’re touring the whole country, Feb–Apr and Oct–Nov offer the most balanced conditions.

Top Places to Visit in Vietnam (2026 Edition)

Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay: Iconic Limestone Karsts and Cruises

Halong’s 1,600+ limestone towers are iconic, but Bai Tu Long nearby offers similar scenery with fewer boats. Choose overnight cruises for sunrise/sunset views, kayaking, and cave visits.

Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay: Hiking, Lookouts, and Quiet Bays

Base yourself on Cat Ba for hikes in the national park. The Lookout Tower and Ngu Lam Peak reward with sweeping jungle vistas. Lan Ha Bay is a quieter, equally gorgeous alternative to Halong.

Ninh Binh (Trang An & Tam Coc): “Halong Bay on Land”

Limestone peaks rise from rice paddies and rivers. Take a rowboat at Trang An or Tam Coc and cycle country lanes; climb Mua Cave Viewpoint for epic panoramas.

Phong Nha–Ke Bang: World-Class Caves & Adventure

Base in Phong Nha town to explore surreal river caves like Phong Nha, Paradise, and adventure routes in Tu Lan. Son Doong, one of the world’s largest caves, requires advance booking with specialist operators.

Hoi An Ancient Town: Lantern Nights, Tailors & Food Tours

UNESCO-listed Hoi An charms with yellow-washed shophouses, Japanese Bridge, night markets, and tailored outfits in days. Add a cooking class or countryside cycling to Tra Que.

Hue & Da Nang: Imperial History Meets Modern Beach City

Walk Hue’s Citadel and royal tombs, then drive the Hai Van Pass to Da Nang for beaches, Son Tra viewpoints, and the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.

Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta: Urban Energy and River Life

HCMC’s boulevards hide street food alleys, markets, museums, and rooftop bars. Day-trip or overnight to the Mekong Delta for floating markets, orchards, and river cruises.

Ha Giang Loop & Sapa: Mountain Passes and Ethnic Villages

Ride or join a driver on the Ha Giang Loop (epic passes like Ma Pi Leng). Sapa offers terraced valleys and village homestays—great for guided treks.

Phu Quoc & Central Coast Beaches: Island Hopping & Diving

For beaches, choose Phu Quoc (island resorts, snorkeling) or central gems like An Bang (Hoi An), My Khe (Da Nang), and Lang Co (Hue).

Unmissable Things To Do in Vietnam

Overnight Halong Bay Cruise or Bai Tu Long Alternative

An overnight itinerary adds kayaking, cave visits, and sunset decks—worth the extra time.

Caving in Phong Nha & Son Doong Overview

From short river caves to multi-day expeditions, Phong Nha is adventure central. Son Doong is bucket-list-level; slots are limited—plan months ahead.

Vietnamese Coffee Culture in Buon Ma Thuot

The Central Highlands’ Buon Ma Thuot is coffee heartland. Visit farms, sample regional roasts, and time your trip for the 2026 Coffee Festival events.

Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh & Cultural Etiquette

Witness midday ceremonies at the Cao Dai Holy See. Dress modestly, speak softly, and follow photography rules inside sacred areas.

Street Food Safaris: Hanoi vs. Ho Chi Minh City

• Hanoi: bun cha, pho, cha ca, egg coffee.

• HCMC: banh mi, com tam, hu tieu, fresh tropical fruits.
  Join a guided food tour for hygiene-vetted stalls and local insight.

Suggested Vietnam Itineraries (7–12 Days) for First-Timers

• 7 Days (North Focus): Hanoi → Ninh Binh (1–2d) → Halong/Bai Tu Long (1–2d) → Hanoi.

• 9–10 Days (Classic): Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Halong cruise → fly Da Nang → Hoi An → fly HCMC → Mekong.

• 12 Days (Adventure): Hanoi → Ha Giang Loop (3–4d) → fly Dong Hoi → Phong Nha (2–3d) → Hoi An → HCMC.

Tip: Use domestic flights for long hops; trains (e.g., the Reunification Express) are a scenic alternative.

Practical Costs in 2026: Budgets, Transport & Connectivity

• Daily budget (typical):

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

  • Comfort: $60–120 (3★ hotels, mixed dining, flights)

  • Upscale: $150+ (4–5★ stays, private tours)

• Transport: Affordable domestic flights connect major hubs. Buses and trains serve most routes; for remote loops, hire drivers or reputable motorbike tours.

• Connectivity: Buy a local eSIM/SIM at airports or malls for data-heavy navigation and translation apps.

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

Eligibility & Validity Overview

Most nationalities can apply for a Vietnam eVisa for tourism. Common options include single-entry stays (e.g., up to 30 days). Always check the latest eligibility at the time you apply.

Required Documents

• Passport (valid 6+ months from entry; 2 blank pages recommended)

• Digital passport scan (biographical page)

• Recent passport photo (plain background, no glasses; religious headwear allowed)

• Tentative itinerary and first accommodation details

• Payment card and active email for approval notifications

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Complete the eVisa form with personal, passport, and travel details.

2. Upload your passport scan and compliant photo.

3. Pay the eVisa fee with a debit/credit card.

4. Receive approval by email (typically within 3–5 working days).

5. Print the eVisa and carry a digital copy for immigration checks.

Processing Time & Entry Ports

Processing usually completes in 3–5 business days, but apply earlier in peak seasons. Select your intended port of entry (air, land, sea) during the application and ensure it matches your plan.

Need help? Our team reviews documents to minimize errors and speed up approvals.

Risks & Pitfalls to Avoid (and Why Our Service Is Safer)

• Fake websites & agents: Can lead to lost fees or invalid visas.

• Data entry errors: Name/passport number mismatches cause border delays.

• Wrong entry port/dates: Mismatches can void your eVisa at immigration.

• Late applications in peak months: Increases stress and trip disruption.

Why choose our professional service at evisa-vietnams.com?

• Dedicated review of your documents before submission

• Secure payments and transparent pricing (no hidden fees)

• Status updates by email and priority assistance if changes are needed

• Support team available to answer itinerary/entry port questions

Travel Safety, Health & Responsible Tourism Tips

• Health: Carry routine meds, use bottled/filtered water, and choose reputable food tours.

• Money: ATMs are widespread; inform your bank of travel dates; use hotel safes.

• Transport safety: Use licensed taxis or trusted ride-hailing apps; wear helmets on motorbikes.

• Culture: Dress modestly in temples; ask before photographing people; avoid littering and bargain politely.

• Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for adventure activities (e.g., caving, motorbiking, trekking).

FAQs: Vietnam Trips & Visas in 2026

• Do I need a visa? Most travelers require a Vietnam eVisa; some nationalities enjoy exemptions for short stays.

• How long can I stay on an eVisa? Commonly up to 30 days for tourism (single entry).

• When should I apply? 3–4 weeks before travel—earlier for peak months or complex itineraries.

• Is Vietnam safe? Yes, with standard precautions. Use reputable tours and transport.

Conclusion & CTA

Vietnam in 2026 offers spectacular landscapes, world-class food, and friendly hospitality—from Halong and Hoi An to Phong Nha and the Ha Giang Loop. For a smooth arrival, apply for your Vietnam eVisa through our website today—fast review, secure processing, and expert support from start to finish.

Apply for your Vietnam eVisa now and lock in your 2026 adventure.