- Drug offenses carry severe penalties, including death penalty for trafficking - Photographing military installations or government buildings is prohibited - Political activities or criticism of the government - Proselytizing or distributing religious materials without permission
Temporary Residence Declaration: - Foreigners must register temporary residence within 24 hours of arrival at each accommodation - Hotels typically handle this automatically, but confirm they've done it - For private residences (staying with friends/family), the host must register you with local police - Keep registration documentation with you
1. Register at every accommodation - Even if moving between hotels, each must register you 2. Keep copies - Carry photocopies of your passport, visa, and important documents separately 3. Check visa dates carefully - The expiry date stamped in your passport is what matters 4. Traffic laws - If renting a motorbike, technically you need a Vietnamese driver's license (international licenses aren't always recognized) 5. Currency regulations - Declare amounts over $5,000 USD when entering
- Police: 113 - Ambulance: 115 - Fire: 114 - Tourist Hotline: 1900 1808 US Embassy Hanoi: - Address: 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi - Phone: +84-24-3850-5000 - Emergency: +84-24-3850-5000 US Consulate Ho Chi Minh City: - Phone: +84-28-3520-4200
When to Book: - Tet period (Feb 16-23): Book NOW - 2-3 months in advance minimum - Other dates: 1-2 months ahead recommended Booking Platforms: - Agoda - Best prices for Southeast Asia - Booking.com- Wide selection, easy cancellation - Hotels.com- Loyalty rewards - Direct with hotel - Sometimes better deals Vietnam has a wide variety of great quality accommodation options in different price range. If you're going in groups and want more private space, we recommend book out a villa.
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) - Exchange rate: ~$1 USD = 25,000 VND (check current rate) - ATMs: Widely available in cities - Credit cards: Accepted at hotels, restaurants in tourist areas - Cash: Essential for street food, markets, rural areas You'll get the best exchanges rates at most gold store. If you need to exchange a lot, my mom can help so you can get a better rate as well.
- Buy SIM card at airport (Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone) - Cost: ~$10-15 for 30 days unlimited data - WiFi available in most hotels and cafes You can also buy e-sim using apps such as Saily, Airalo, etc. Also check in with your current provider to see if they offer an international package.
- Grab: Vietnam's Uber (ride-hailing) - Google Maps: Generally works well - 12Go Asia: Book buses and trains (I've never used before)
- Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists - Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas - Be cautious crossing streets (traffic is chaotic) - Don't leave valuables on motorbike seats - Drink bottled water only
- No required vaccinations for Vietnam - Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus - Bring mosquito repellent - Travel insurance strongly recommended - Bring Pepto Bismol with you if you plan to try lots of food
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa) February: - Temperature: 65-76°F (18-24°C) - Conditions: Tolerable weather with cloudy mornings, some rain - Sapa: Cool and misty, can be cold at night (bring layers) March: - Temperature: 70-81°F (21-27°C) - Conditions: Warming up, still occasional rain - Better weather than February Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) February: - Temperature: 70-77°F (21-25°C) - Conditions: Good weather, some rain (4.9 inches over 7 days) - Pleasant for sightseeing March: - Temperature: 72-81°F (22-27°C) - Conditions: Warming up, less rain - Excellent beach weather Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) February-March: - Temperature: 77-97°F (25-36°C) - Conditions: Hot and mostly dry - Peak season for visiting What to Pack: - Light, breathable clothing - Light jacket for northern regions and air-conditioned spaces - Rain jacket or umbrella - Comfortable walking shoes - Modest clothing for temples (covering shoulders and knees) - Sunscreen and hat
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas - Avoid wearing all black during Tet (considered unlucky) - Many locals visit ancestral altars on the first day of Tet - Give lucky money in red envelopes to children if invited to local homes - Expect fireworks displays in major cities on New Year's Eve (Feb 16)