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Vietnam

A person in a small boat in Ha Long bay

Vietnam tours

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Travel tips

Spring

Mar-May

North: 

Average temperature:

20–25°C, Mild and pleasant

Rainfall:

50–100 mm/month

Central: 

Average temperature:

25–30°C, Warm and dry

Rainfall:

30–80 mm/month

South: 

Average temperature:

30–35°C, Hot and dry

Rainfall:

50–100 mm/month

Summer

Jun-Aug

North: 

Average temperature:

30–38°C, Hot and humid

Rainfall:

200–300 mm/month

Central: 

Average temperature:

32–36°C, Very hot

Rainfall:

100–200 mm/month

South: 

Average temperature:

28–34°C, Rainy season

Rainfall:

250–350 mm/month

Autumn

Sep-Nov

North: 

Average temperature:

22–28°C, Cool and dry

Rainfall:

50–150 mm/month

Central: 

Average temperature:

24–30°C, Rainy season peaks

Rainfall:

300–500 mm/month

South: 

Average temperature:

26–32°C, Rain tapers off

Rainfall:

150–250 mm/month

Winter

Dec-Feb

North: 

Average temperature:

10–20°C, Cool to cold

Rainfall:

20–50 mm/month

Central: 

Average temperature:

18–24°C, Mild and dry

Rainfall:

50–100 mm/month

South: 

Average temperature:

26–30°C, Warm and dry

Rainfall:

10–30 mm/month 

Two women dressed in traditional clothing in a bamboo forest

Country dialing code

+84

Capital city

Hanoi

Official language

Vietnamese

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

The best times to visit Vietnam are during the spring (March/April) and autumn (September-December). However, due to its long shape, Vietnam’s climate is complex. There are big variations between the north and south so if you’re exploring the whole country, it’s best to be prepared for variation. There are two monsoon seasons to consider – the southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from October to April.

    Highlights

    Cuisine

    Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, bold flavours and the perfect blend of sour, sweet, salty and hot. From Hanoi’s pho to Hoi An’s cao lầu, each dish tells a story of heritage and tradition. 

    Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay

    Cruise through the mystical limestone karsts of Halong and Lan Ha Bay, where floating villages and hidden caves reveal centuries of maritime culture and legends passed through generations. 

    Mekong Delta

    The Mekong Delta is a cultural heartland where life flows with the river. Explore floating markets, traditional villages and age-old crafts that reflect Vietnam’s rural soul and resilience.

    Hoi An

    Hoi An enchants travellers with lantern-lit streets, ancient temples and artisan workshops. A former trading port, it is a living museum of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese cultural fusion. 

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy and history. French colonial landmarks, war museums, bustling markets with a modern twist offer a deep dive into Vietnam’s past and its dynamic present.

    Northern Vietnam

    Northern Vietnam is home to spectacular natural wonders such as Halong Bay and Sapa. Hill tribes, ancient pagodas and dramatic landscapes await travellers between Hanoi and Sapa. 

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    Communications

    Country Code for Vietnam: +84 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Vietnam Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Viet Nam | SafeTravel | New Zealand (New Zealand) 

    Ambulance: 115 Fire: 114 Police: 113 

     

    Australian Embassy, Hanoi 

    8 Dao Tan Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam 

    Phone: (+84 24) 3774 0100 

    Website: vietnam.embassy.gov.au 

     

    Australian Consulate-General, Ho Chi Minh City 

    20th Floor, Vincom Centre, 47 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

    Phone: (+84 28) 3521 8100 

    Website: hcmc.vietnam.embassy.gov.au 

     

    New Zealand Embassy Hanoi 

    Level 5, 63 Ly Thai To Street, Ha Noi, Viet Nam 

    Telephone: +84 24 3824 1481 

    Email: nzembassy.hanoi@mft.net.nz  

     

    New Zealand Consulate-General Ho Chi Minh City 

    Suite 804, Level 8, The Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam 

    Telephone: +84 901 80 7770 

    Email: nzconsulate.hcmc@nzte.govt.nz

    Customs

    Age and status are important in Vietnamese culture. Always greet elders first and use a slight bow or nod as a sign of respect. Greeting someone with a handshake is common, but a slight bow with clasped hands (like a prayer gesture) is also common. Avoid touching people’s heads, especially children as it’s considered sacred.  

    Dress modestly in temples, pagodas and rural areas, which means covered shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes when entering homes, temples and if indicated elsewhere. Also, when in a temple, speak softly and never point your feet toward altars or religious icons. Always ask permission to take photos, especially of monks or ceremonies. Do not take photos at military sites or government buildings unless your guide advises it’s ok to do so. 

    When dining, wait to be invited to sit or eat and use both hands to pass items. Place chopsticks flat on the table, never upright in a bowl as it resembles funeral rites. 

    Electricity

    In Vietnam, you'll encounter three types of electrical sockets: Type A, Type C, and Type F. The standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. 

    Health

    The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor.  
     
    Localised outbreaks of measles and diphtheria can occur in Vietnam. Insect-borne illnesses such as Zika virus, dengue and Japanese encephalitis can be found in Vietnam. Malaria is a risk in some remote, mountainous areas. To protect yourself from insect-borne illnesses make sure your accommodation is insect proof, use insect repellent, wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing and consider taking medicine to prevent malaria 

    Waterborne and foodborne diseases can occur. To protect yourself from illness only drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids, avoid ice cubes, and avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads. 

    There can be elevated levels of air pollution, up to and including hazardous levels, in major cities, especially during January to March.  

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Vietnam Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Viet Nam | SafeTravel | New Zealand (New Zealand)

    How to Get There & Getting Around

    The most common way to enter Vietnam is by flying into one of its major international airports, such as Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City. 

    For long distances, domestic flights are quick and affordable, with many airlines offering services between major cities. The Reunification Express train line runs between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, offering scenic views and stops at various points of interest along the coast with sleeper cabins available. 

    Motorbike or scooter is a popular way to explore cities and rural areas, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace – but be mindful that traffic is busy and heavy in cities. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike or scooter. Taxis are widely available in cities, and ride-sharing apps like Grab are also available. 

    Holidays & Festivals

    • Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet): Celebrated for several days, usually in late January or early February, this is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring and the Lunar New Year. Families travel to visit, houses are cleaned to sweep away bad luck, and red envelopes are given to elders and children. Fireworks and lion dances ward off evil spirits. 
    • Reunification Day: 30 April - Marks the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the end of the Vietnam War, leading to the reunification of North and South Vietnam. 
    • National Day: 2 September - Commemorates President Ho Chí Minh’s declaration of independence from French colonial rule in 1945. 
    • Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated in September, featuring lantern parades, lion dances and mooncakes, this is a celebration of the harvest and a special occasion for children.

    Language

    Vietnamese 

    Money, Tipping & Shopping

    In Vietnam, the official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), with no coins in circulation and banknotes ranging from ₫1,000 to ₫500,000. Cash is the most used form of payment, especially in markets and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities.  

    When shopping, travellers will find a mix of bustling markets, night bazaars and modern shopping centres. Bargaining is a customary practice in markets and smaller shops. Offer 50–70% of the initial asking price as a good starting point, but it’s important to haggle respectfully. 

    Vietnam offers a wide array of souvenirs that reflect its culture and artisanry. Popular items include lacquerware, hand-embroidered textiles, bamboo goods and traditional silk garments. Coffee lovers often take-home Vietnamese coffee, while others may opt for ceramics, conical hats or colourful propaganda art. 

    Tipping is not traditionally expected in Vietnam, but it is increasingly appreciated, particularly in tourist areas. In restaurants, a tip of 5–10% is welcomed if a service charge isn’t already included. Hotel staff such as porters or housekeeping may be tipped around ₫20,000 to ₫50,000, while taxi drivers often appreciate having fares rounded up. For tour guides, a tip of ₫100,000 to ₫200,000 per day is considered generous.

    Visas

    The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

     

    A visa is required for Vietnam for Australian and New Zealand passport holders. You cannot obtain a visa on arrival in Vietnam.  

     

    You can apply for an eVisa for tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days. The eVisa is valid for single or multiple entries. Complete the visa application form online. Print a hard copy of the visa approval document to take with you. Make sure you enter your details correctly. The visa details must match exactly the information on your passport's biodata page, such as your full name and date of birth. 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Vietnam Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Viet Nam | SafeTravel | New Zealand (New Zealand)

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