Vietnam

Rich cultural history and captivating geography bind together the country of Vietnam. With breathtaking coasts, ancient temples, and modern mega-cities, Vietnam has remained a powerhouse of South East Asia.

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Vietnam Travel Info

Language

Of course, the main language of Vietnam is Vietnamese. The language is ancient, however it is written in a Latin script developed by missionaries and standardized during French Indochina. Because of the unique history and geography of the country, the language is quite diverse, with large variations between north, central, and south. English is increasingly prevalent as a second language, and large cities often have a mix of both, especially in trendy or well developed areas.

Demographics

Vietnam has a population of around 100 million people and most are part of the Kinh ethnic group. The country also recognizes more than 50 ethnic minority groups with their own cultures and languages. Religion is mixed, with Buddhism playing a big role alongside folk practices.. Many hear communist and assume no religion is allowed, but that is not the case in Vietnam, with sizable populations of Christians and Catholics. The population is fairly young, with many people under 35.

Weather

Vietnam is located entirely in the tropics, and therefore has a hot jungle climate. There is a distinct monsoon season from late spring to late fall. The summer from June to September sees daily heavy rainfall in most parts of the country, and temperatures are sweltering. Ho Chi Minh in the south stays hot all year, while northern cities like Hanoi see comfortable cooler temperatures in the winter. Vietnam is a very mountainous country, so some popular cities like Sa Pa get quite chilly, nearing freezing lows in the winter.

Public Transit

Transportation in mixed throughout the country. There are only two subway lines currently in operation, although extensive projects are underway in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Larger cities have extensive bus networks with newer climate controlled busses, while smaller cities have limited coverage or no network at all. Rail from north to south offers slower yet scenic journeys with sleeper cars on the Reunification Express, with plans for a high speed line starting construction in 2027. By far the best way to get around is by taxi, which are cheap and abundant in most populated areas of the country.

Vietnam FAQ

Vietnam has long been known as a prime destination for backpacking and budget travel, and that still holds. Food, transportation, and accommodations are incredibly cheap across the country. Coupled with some of the worlds most coasts and beaches, Vietnam has remained one of the cheapest places for resorts and ocean activities. The cost of living in the country has steadily increased with Vietnams rapid industrialization and modernization. However, it is still one of the most affordable destinations in the world.

Vietnam is incredibly safe. We often hear concern from western travelers about the risk of visiting a communist country. Unfortunately, this is mostly based in misinformation and stereotypes. Vietnam ranks incredibly low on violent crime, especially against tourists. Petty crime is also relatively low, and basic precautions will suffice. The country also ranks very well on the global peace index, and has no current travel advisories from the US, making it one of the few places in Asia with no safety notices. There is a high presence of police in the country, however harassment or illegal detainment is not a concern for tourist. As long as you aren’t breaking any laws or acting poorly, we have had no issues with any law enforcement, border control, or authorities.

Yes, Vietnam has many services in English. While English proficiency is low to moderate across the country, large cities and heavily trafficked areas often have English. You will find popular restaurants with English menu translations, hospitality services like hotels and massage parlors have English speaking staff, and English is played during important announcements at airports and in tourist areas. Many younger Vietnamese people speak English, and most people have a very basic understanding. Of course, the language of the country is Vietnamese, so we highly recommend you learn a few phrases before your visit.

Monsoon season is the primary concern when planning your trip. The summer is brutally hot, with lots of rain every day, especially in the south. We usually recommend the shoulder seasons, although even spring and fall can have incredibly hot temperatures in the big cities. The winter has dry, clear skies and much more livable weather, with some places up in the mountains even getting snow during cold winters. The peak tourism season is in the winter, so be prepared for some crowds especially in highly trafficked areas. While we love to avoid crowds, Vietnam has some of the hottest temperatures we’ve ever experienced, so

Although Vietnam has come a long ways, we still recommend paying primarily in cash. Larger cities and tourist areas widely accept card and mobile payment. However, we always recommend people seek out local spots off the beaten path, and these small shops are usually cash only. The Vietnamese Dong is quite inflated, so the largest unit is only about 20USD, so be prepared to either keep a lot of bills on you or use an ATM a few times.

Taxi’s in Vietnam are super cheap, so it’s the preferred method of transit in most situations. Even when going long distance, taxis can be quite affordable. We always recommend the Grab app because it works all across south east Asia and removes the confusion and language barrier, as well as making payment easier. There are long distance trains connecting cities for those on extended stays, but due to the tall and skinny shape of the country, air is by far the fastest way between cities. The country is not known for light rail or metros, however Ho Chi Minh just installed its first subway line in 2025 with incredibly cheap tickets.

Travel Diaries

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