Traveling to Vietnam: Everything You Need to Know

I’m in Vietnam right now, and the first thing I want to tell you is this: IT’S ONE OF MY FAVORITE COUNTRIES (along with Iran and South Korea). Traveling to Vietnam was one of the best surprises of the year. It’s one of those destinations that changes the way you think, thanks to both its landscapes and its culture. But it’s also a country with rules, paperwork, and quirks you should know about before you board the plane. If you’re planning your trip, in this post I’ll tell you everything you need to know before traveling to Vietnam, including something many people leave for the last minute that can save your trip (and your savings): travel health insurance.

1. Vietnam Visa: The First Thing to Sort Out

The number one question for anyone planning to travel to Vietnam is whether they need a visa. The short answer: it depends on your nationality.

Visa exemption: Some countries can enter without a visa for short stays (between 14 and 45 days, depending on the case). This includes several European countries, such as Spain. If your passport is on the list, you still need to meet the entry requirements, and there is generally a waiting period between visa-free stays.
E-visa (electronic visa): Open to citizens of practically every country, valid for up to 90 days, with single- or multiple-entry options. Official fees are around USD 25 (single entry) and USD 50 (multiple entry).
Embassy visa or visa on arrival with an approval letter: More cumbersome alternatives, useful only in specific cases.

Key tip: Apply for your Vietnam e-visa only through the official Vietnamese government portal. If you Google “Vietnam visa,” the top results are often intermediary agencies that charge double or triple for the same process. Since requirements change often, always check the current information on the official website or at the Vietnamese embassy in your country before paying.

Also check whether you need to complete any online declaration before landing (there were changes and new procedures at the main airports in 2026). Five minutes of checking can save you surprises at immigration.

2. Passport and Documents: Leave Nothing to Chance when traveling to Vietnam

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry and have blank pages.
Carry printed and digital copies of your passport, visa, insurance, and reservations.
If you plan to rent a motorbike (more on that below), you need a driver’s license with the proper documentation. Check which type of international permit is recognized and whether your license specifically covers motorbikes.

3. Travel Health Insurance for Vietnam: Why It’s Essential

Vietnam has no free public healthcare system for tourists. If you get sick or have an accident, you’ll pay for your care. Private hospitals and clinics in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang are excellent, but they aren’t cheap, and it’s common to be asked for a payment guarantee or deposit before being treated in non-critical cases.

What Your Vietnam Travel Insurance Should Cover

Medical assistance for illness and accident, with a high coverage limit. As a reference, look for coverage of USD 100,000 or more (the higher, the better, especially if your family’s well-being depends on it).
Medical evacuation and repatriation. This is the coverage that weighs most on your wallet if something serious happens and you need to be transported to another country or back home.
Medication and outpatient care, not just hospitalization.
COVID-19 and other infectious disease coverage, if your policy allows it.
Baggage, delays, and trip cancellation, as a complement.
Sports and adventure activities, if you’re going trekking in Sapa, climbing, diving, or kayaking in Ha Long Bay.
Motorbike riding: Here’s a classic trap. Many policies don’t cover motorbike accidents if you don’t have a valid license for that category, or exclude them altogether. Read the fine print.

Common Mistakes When Buying Travel Insurance for Vietnam

Buying it at the last minute or when you’re already traveling (many policies don’t cover anything that happened before you purchased).
Ignoring pre-existing conditions: if you have a medical condition, declare it and confirm whether it’s covered.
Choosing based on price alone. Cheap insurance with low coverage can end up costing you a fortune.
Not saving the assistance phone number or the instructions for filing a claim or requesting reimbursement.
Not keeping invoices and medical records for reimbursement.

How Much Does Travel Medical Insurance Cost?

It depends on your age, trip length, coverage, and destination, but it generally represents a small fraction of your total trip cost (usually between 3% and 8%). Comparing at least three options and checking the exclusions matters more than looking at the final price. Before buying, also check whether your credit card or your health coverage already includes assistance abroad, and what limits they have.

Here’s the travel assistance I currently use, which comes with a little discount: Go! Assistance

4. Vaccines and Health: Prepare in Advance

Ideally, consult a travel medicine specialist 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Usual recommendations for Vietnam include being up to date on routine vaccinations and considering vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis, depending on your itinerary and length of stay. There’s no single schedule: it depends on each person.

Other precautions when traveling to Vietnam:

Dengue and mosquitoes: Use repellent with DEET or picaridin, and wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing at dusk.
Water: Drink only bottled or filtered water.
Street food: Choose stalls with high turnover, where food is cooked to order.
Basic first-aid kit: Anti-diarrheals, oral rehydration salts, pain relievers, antihistamines, and sunscreen.
Useful numbers: 113 (police), 114 (fire department), and 115 (ambulance).

5. Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is long and has three distinct climates, so there’s no single “best time”:

North (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long): Spring (March–April) and autumn (September–November) are ideal. Winter can be cold and damp.
Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): February to May has good weather. From September to December, heavy rain and typhoons can occur.
South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): The dry season runs from December to April.

Also keep in mind Tet (Lunar New Year), between late January and February: it’s the most important holiday in the country, many businesses close, prices go up, and transportation gets overwhelmed.

6. Money: Currency, Cards, and Budget

Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND). One US dollar is roughly 25,000 VND, though it varies. You’ll be handling a lot of zeros, so practice the conversions.
ATMs: They’re everywhere, but ONLY TWO BANKS don’t charge a fee: VPBank and Eximbank.
Cash: Essential at markets, street stalls, and taxis. Cards are accepted at hotels and mid-range or large restaurants.
Estimated daily budget (excluding flights): Backpacker, USD 20–50; mid-range, USD 60–100; comfort, USD 120+. It’s a country where your money goes a long way.
Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated in tourist services and hotels.

7. Getting Around Vietnam

Planes: Ideal for long distances (Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City) with affordable local airlines.
Trains: The “Reunification Express” runs the length of the country from north to south. It’s an experience, although a slow one.
Buses and sleeper buses: Cheap and widely used, with reclining seats for overnight trips.
Ride-hailing apps: Grab is the local “Uber,” works for cars and motorbikes, and helps you avoid haggling and scams.
Motorbikes: Renting one is popular, especially on routes like the Ha Giang Loop or the Hai Van Pass. But traffic is intense and accidents are common. If you don’t have experience, don’t improvise. Make sure you have a valid license, a helmet, and insurance that covers this activity.
Crossing the street: Walk at a steady, firm pace without stopping or running. The motorbikes will go around you.

8. Staying Connected: eSIM, Internet, and Apps

Get an eSIM or local SIM card (there are inexpensive options with plenty of data). Download these before you leave: Google Maps, Grab, an offline translator, your banking app, and a currency converter. Keep in mind that certain services and social networks may behave differently depending on the moment. A VPN can be useful for everyday use of your apps, always respecting local regulations.

9. Safety and Common Scams

Vietnam is, generally speaking, a safe destination, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Problems are usually minor:

Motorbike snatch-and-grab thefts (phones or bags). Walk with your backpack on the side away from the road.
Fake or rigged taxi meters: Use Grab or reputable companies.
Inflated tourist prices: Agree on the price beforehand or ask for the menu.
Money exchange: Count your bills carefully. The 20,000 and 500,000 VND notes look alike and are easily confused.
Tours that are too cheap: Be wary of offers that seem unreal.

10. Culture and Customs: Respect Above All

Dress code at temples and pagodas: Cover your shoulders and knees.
Take off your shoes when entering homes and temples.

11. Classic Itineraries for Your First Time

10 days: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
15 days: Add Sapa or Ha Giang, Hue, and the Mekong Delta.
3 weeks: Add beaches (Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, or Con Dao) and Dalat.

Mind the time difference (Vietnam is on UTC+7, about 10 hours ahead of Argentina) and keep your first day relaxed to adjust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Vietnam

Is travel insurance mandatory to enter Vietnam?
It’s not usually required for entry, but it’s highly recommended, since private healthcare must be paid for and an emergency can be very expensive.

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam as a tourist?
Yes, it’s generally a safe destination. The most important things are to be careful with traffic and opportunistic theft.

How many days do I need to see Vietnam?
A minimum of 10 to 15 days for the essentials; with 3 weeks, even better.

Can I drink tap water?
No. Use bottled or filtered water.

Do I need vaccines to travel to Vietnam?
There’s no single list. Consult a travel medicine specialist before you go.

Which is better: cash or card?
Both. Cash for everyday expenses and card for hotels, restaurants, and larger purchases.

Conclusion: Traveling to Vietnam

Vietnam is a fascinating, accessible country with a value-for-money ratio that’s hard to beat, but arriving well prepared makes all the difference. Sort out your visa through official channels, ask about vaccines, and stay safe on the road. Have your route planned yet? Save this guide, share it with your travel companion, and start checking off the list. Have a great trip!

Note: Visa, entry, and health requirements can change. Always check up-to-date information from official sources before traveling.