Vietnam: main airports
Vietnam is served by numerous international airports, including the three main ones: Noi Bai Airport in the capital Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the country's largest and busiest city, and Da Nang Airport, on the central coast, gateway to Hoi An and Hue.
A country stretching over 1,600 km from north to south, from the terraced rice paddies and mountains of the north to the tropical beaches and Mekong Delta in the south, passing through the ancient imperial heritage of the central coast.
Vietnam: recommended activities
Vietnam: visa and entry requirements
Vietnam offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, obtainable online and accepted at all the country's main international airports. Some nationalities also benefit from visa exemption for short stays under bilateral agreements: check the specific rules for your country before departing.
A passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity is required.
Vietnam: safety
Vietnam is considered a safe country for tourists, with violent crime rare. The main risk is petty theft (pickpocketing, motorbike snatch-and-grabs) and scams in the busiest tourist areas, such as Hanoi's Old Quarter or the Bui Vien district in Ho Chi Minh City.
Also watch out for scams involving rigged taxi meters: prefer reliable companies (Mai Linh, Vinasun) or ride-hailing apps.
Vietnam: health situation
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are generally recommended, along with up-to-date routine vaccinations. There is a dengue risk, higher during the rainy season: use mosquito repellent, especially during the day.
It is recommended to drink only bottled or purified water and to pay attention to street food hygiene, which is nonetheless generally safe at crowded, high-turnover places.
Vietnam: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Cash remains dominant, especially outside major cities, but credit cards and local e-wallets (such as Momo) are increasingly widespread in hotels, restaurants and shopping malls in major cities.
Local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport on arrival, with generally cheap data rates.
