{"id":41748,"date":"2018-12-18T16:00:50","date_gmt":"2018-12-19T00:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=41748"},"modified":"2021-04-16T12:54:11","modified_gmt":"2021-04-16T19:54:11","slug":"how-to-travel-explore-vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-explore-vietnam","title":{"rendered":"How to Travel and Explore Vietnam"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\">\n<p>Jagged limestone karsts (natural towers created by erosion), small villages with tiered rice paddies, more than&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/vietnamembassy-usa.org\/vietnam\/geography\">2,000 miles of coastline<\/a>, nearby pristine islands, and cultural sites that date back more than 1,500 years\u2014Vietnam has so much to offer, and with&nbsp;three international airports, getting there has never been easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are looking to get an overview of what\u2019s worth seeing and doing in Vietnam, this guide has tons of useful info for planning your excursion, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"#why-visit\">Why Visit Vietnam?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#activities\">The Top Outdoor Activities in Vietnam<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#best-places\">The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#plan\">How to Plan Your Trip to Vietnam<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"why-visit\"><\/a><strong>Why Visit Vietnam?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vietnam is a long, thin, north-south, S-shaped country that lies just south of China and to the east of Laos and Cambodia. The nation has&nbsp;30 national parks&nbsp;and has long been popular on the backpacking circuit due to its rich culture, history and exchange rate. A U.S. dollar is worth about 23,000 Vietnamese dong. A pint of domestic beer runs about 20,000 dong (about $1), and an inexpensive meal runs about 40,000 dong (about $2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"733\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/river.jpeg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C733\" alt=\"The rivers, rice paddies and mountains of Ninh Binh\" class=\"wp-image-168622\"\/><figcaption>The rivers, rice paddies and mountains of Ninh Binh offer stunning landscapes.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Much of the country is warm and humid throughout the year, though the northern mountainous regions near the town of Sapa can get chilly in the wintertime. Outdoorsy travelers will have much to explore in the country, from lush green forests and high, walkable peaks to clear, scuba-friendly waters. When visitors head to a city, they have their choice of amenities and cultural activities, like luxury hotels and 4th-century ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"activities\"><\/a><strong>The Top Outdoor Activities in Vietnam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hiking\/trekking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Hiking is a popular adventure activity in Vietnam, but unlike in the U.S., trails can be difficult to navigate for tourists due to lack of signage. For this reason, some travelers may opt to go with a guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the most popular established trekking routes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sapa<\/strong>&nbsp;is the place to go if you\u2019ve dreamed of those tiered rice paddies, tropical forests and limestone topography. Located in northwest Vietnam, Sapa has grown from a hidden gem to a popular tourist destination with many of the amenities you\u2019d expect, like local tour operations, homestays and restaurants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mount Fansipan<\/strong>, located southwest of Sapa, is the tallest mountain in Vietnam at 10,311 feet. A multiday trek was once the main way to attain the peak, but now a cable car, completed in 2016, can ferry you most of the way up in 15 minutes. Guides still offer hiking tours to the top of the mountain for those who prefer a continuous footpath. Even if you take the cable car, there are still 600 steps to climb to reach the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/951\"><strong>Phong Nha-K\u1ebb B\u00e0ng National Park<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;was named a&nbsp;UNESCO World Heritage site&nbsp;in 2003 and is home to more than 64.6 miles of underground rivers and caves. One of the park\u2019s more notable treks is through the&nbsp;Paradise Cave, where tours go as deep as 4.3 miles before turning back to retrace your steps, and might include swimming and\/or boating through part of the cave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/VIC_030918_19438.jpeg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C724\" alt=\"A hiker explores the fusion of cave and pagoda at Bich Dong.\" class=\"wp-image-168623\"\/><figcaption>A hiker explores the fusion of cave and pagoda at Bich Dong.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>B\u1ea1ch M\u00e3 National Park<\/strong>&nbsp;is located in central Vietnam near the city of&nbsp;Hu\u1ebf. Three of&nbsp;B\u1ea1ch M\u00e3\u2019s&nbsp;must-do trekking destination are the top of 4,757-foot&nbsp;H\u1ea3i V\u1ecdng \u0111\u00e0i&nbsp;mountain, the highest point in the park; the beautiful Do Quyen waterfall; and Ngu Ho, a series of crystal-clear pools and streams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pu Luong&nbsp;Nature Reserve&nbsp;<\/strong>is located just under 100 miles from Hanoi. This rural area encompasses mountains, valleys and terraced rice paddies. A short hike to Th\u00e1c Hi\u00eau waterfall is a nice way to cool off in the heat. For a bigger challenge, hike up&nbsp;9,793-foot&nbsp;&nbsp;Mt. Ph\u00fa L\u01b0\u01a1ng or work with a guide to create a multiday trek to explore all the reserve has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>S\u01a1n Tr\u00e0 Mountain<\/strong>, also known as \u201cMonkey Mountain,\u201d is just outside of Da Nang and home to more than&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.eprc.asia\/our-animals\/langurs\/red-shanked-douc-langur\/\">300 red-shanked douc langurs<\/a>&nbsp;(a species of monkey). Cars can take you most of the way to the top, so trek lengths vary, but you\u2019ll likely see plenty of monkeys and a sweeping view of Son Tra peninsula from the peak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cycling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be simple and inexpensive to rent a bicycle in major cities but the real benefit of cycling is that it\u2019s an excellent way to see rural towns and experience the culture and people\u2014and that can be much better accomplished with a guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"653\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/Harnois_102618_0247.jpeg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C653\" alt=\"A traveler passes a local tending to the flock.\" class=\"wp-image-168618\"\/><figcaption>A traveler passes a local tending to the flock.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A two-week cycling trip between&nbsp;Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi&nbsp;is popular. Homestays and hostels sometimes offer bike rentals in areas like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietnam.travel\/places-to-go\/northern-vietnam\/mai-chau\">Mai Chau<\/a>, and the flat Mekong Delta area is friendly to cyclists of all ability levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Watersports<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to plentiful lakes and coastlines, water sports have taken off in Vietnam. Kitesurfing has long been popular in the little beach town of M\u0169i N\u00e9, and stand up paddle boarding has emerged as a popular means of aquatic exploration all across the country. Ha Long Bay, considered a must-see area of Vietnam, is a superlative kayaking destination, though most trips are part of larger multiday cruise excursions.&nbsp;Ba Be National Park, which is home to three small lakes and many caves, is also a popular area to kayak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Motorbiking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although not a human-powered adventure, motorbiking in Vietnam is a popular pastime for tourists and a main form of transport for locals. It\u2019s an excellent way to see more of the country with relative convenience, though the dirt back roads can get flooded in heavy rains and large cities can be chaotic and dangerous for the inexperienced. You\u2019ll also need to make sure you have the correct&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/content\/travel\/en\/international-travel\/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages\/Vietnam.html\">driver\u2019s license<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Snorkeling and Scuba Diving<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.padi.com\/d\/nha-trang\/\">Nha Trang<\/a>&nbsp;is the best-known area for diving and snorkeling, with seahorses and stone fish in shallower water and stingrays\u2014and if you\u2019re lucky, eagle rays\u2014deeper down. Still recovering from decades of dynamite fishing and an emerging diving destination in its own right, the island of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/travel.padi.com\/d\/phu-quoc\/\">Ph\u00fa Qu\u1ed1c<\/a>&nbsp;has clear and relatively current-free waters for beginners who want to see coral and reef fish. As new dive sites are discovered every year, Ph\u00fa Qu\u1ed1c is likely to grow in popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more experienced divers, the nearby An Thoi islands have opportunities to spot bamboo sharks and blue spotted rays. The&nbsp;Con Dao Islands&nbsp;are even less well known, but visitors can explore a shipwreck and keep an eye out for marine animals such as great barracuda, hawksbill sea turtles, giant cuttlefish and the endangered dugong.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"best-places\"><\/a><strong>The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hanoi<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Considered the cultural capital of Vietnam,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam.travel\/places-to-go\/northern-vietnam\/ha-noi\">Hanoi<\/a>&nbsp;is the second-largest city in the country with more than 7 million people. The city was founded 1,000 years ago and is located in the north of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>One Pillar Pagoda<\/strong>&nbsp;is also near the center of Hanoi, next to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and is an important symbolic structure dating back to 1049 A.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u0110\u1ed3ng Xu\u00e2n Night Market<\/strong>&nbsp;is a bustling event that takes place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from roughly 6pm local time to 10:30pm. It\u2019s a great stop for finding handcrafted items and local foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"662\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/Ha_Long_Bay-1.jpeg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C662\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-168619\"\/><figcaption>Limestone karst topography abruptly rises from Ha Long Bay. (Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ha_Long_Bay.jpg\">Ond\u0159ej \u017dv\u00e1\u010dek<\/a> under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.5\/deed.en\">CC BY 2.5<\/a>) <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ha Long Bay<\/strong>&nbsp;is a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/672\">UNESCO World Heritage<\/a>&nbsp;site and one of the most recognizable areas in Vietnam. The bay contains more than 1,600 islands and islets, many of which rise steeply out of the water. Ranging in price and duration, cruises are one of the most popular ways to explore the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>C\u00e1t B\u00e0 Island<\/strong>&nbsp;is the largest of many islands comprising an archipelago of the same name. Most of the island is a national park and&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.unesco.org\/new\/en\/natural-sciences\/environment\/ecological-sciences\/biosphere-reserves\/asia-and-the-pacific\/vietnam\/cat-ba\/\">UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve<\/a>. Visit its 15,200 hectares of tropical&nbsp;virgin forests, teeming with monkeys, birds and medicinal plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Mai Ch\u00e2u district<\/strong>&nbsp;is a rural mountainous region about 90 miles east of Hanoi. A popular option is an overnight stay in one of the local stilt houses with a visit to the local market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ninh Binh<\/strong>&nbsp;is sometimes called \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietnam.travel\/places-to-go\/central-vietnam\/ninh-binh\">Ha Long Bay on land.<\/a>\u201d Geographically, it\u2019s about 60 miles south of Hanoi and is part of a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/1438\">UNESCO World Heritage site<\/a>&nbsp;called the Trang An Landscape Complex. The area stands out thanks to its sharp limestone mountains carved by a winding river surrounded by rice paddies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hoi An<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The city itself is a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/948\">UNESCO World Heritage site<\/a>, preserving the 15th- to 19th-century port town. And if you decide to visit, there are a few things that are worth putting on your itinerary:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hoi An Night Market<\/strong>&nbsp;is much like any other tourist market, and is a nice place to wander if you\u2019re looking for souvenirs. But the colorful, luminous lanterns are what really make the market stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Japanese Bridge<\/strong>&nbsp;was built in the 1590s to connect Japanese traders with the Chinese community. Now, it\u2019s one of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in Hoi An.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>C\u1eeda \u0110\u1ea1i Beach<\/strong>&nbsp;is located only about two and a half miles from Hoi An, and the beach is worth a bike ride for the scenery even if beach-lounging isn\u2019t your cup of tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/949\"><strong>My Son Sanctuary<\/strong><\/a>, a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes a worthwhile day trip. Now a fascinating complex of ruins, the ancient temples here were inspired by Indian Hinduism and date back to the fourth through the 13th century in what was once the Champa Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cham Islands<\/strong>&nbsp;requires a ferry ride, but part of the eight-island archipelago has been named a&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.unesco.org\/new\/en\/natural-sciences\/environment\/ecological-sciences\/biosphere-reserves\/asia-and-the-pacific\/vietnam\/cu-lao-cham-hoi-an\">World Biosphere Reserve<\/a>&nbsp;thanks to its more than 947 species. Explore the island\u2019s pagodas or get in the water for swimming, kayaking or scuba diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Marble Mountains<\/strong>&nbsp;just a few miles north of Hoi An are a popular pilgrimage site. Hard to miss, the five prominent crags are named after metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Hike up the largest, Thuy Son, and see caves, altars and viewpoints. You can even hire a guide and do some rock climbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hu\u1ebf<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Situated right in the center of Vietnam,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam.travel\/places-to-go\/central-vietnam\/hue\">Hu\u1ebf<\/a>&nbsp;(pronounced:&nbsp;<em>way<\/em>) is an excellent destination for history buffs: The last dynastic royal family lived here for more than 100 years. Hu\u1ebf is sometimes called the \u201cland of the Perfume River,\u201d thanks to the slow-moving river that runs through the area for more than 18 miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/678\"><strong>The Citadel<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;considered Hu\u1ebf\u2019s main attraction. Historically, it hosted the region\u2019s Imperial City and is part of a larger series of monuments listed as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/whc.unesco.org\/en\/list\/678\">UNESCO World Heritage sites<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Dong Ba Market<\/strong>&nbsp;is the largest commercial market in the area and has a food court with a wide selection of different dishes. It\u2019s also a great place to buy local cultural gifts, like small pointed hats with poems woven into them, called \u201cn\u00f3n l\u00e1 b\u00e0i th\u01a1.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tomb of T\u1ef1 \u0110\u1ee9c<\/strong>&nbsp;is a picturesque monument created for Emperor T\u1ef1 \u0110\u1ee9c, who ruled for 35 years in the mid-1800s. The many pavilions and other structures are set in landscaped grounds that include a lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Located in south Vietnam,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnam.travel\/things-to-do\/ho-chi-minh-city-itinerary\">Ho Chi Minh City<\/a>&nbsp;is the official name of this area, though many locals and visitors still call it Saigon. It&#8217;s the largest city in Vietnam with more than eight million inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"671\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/Harnois_102018_0250.jpeg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C671\" alt=\"Vietnam is a world-renowned hot spot for street food, so bring your appetite.\" class=\"wp-image-168620\"\/><figcaption>Vietnam is a world-renowned hot spot for street food, so bring your appetite.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Th\u00edch Qu\u1ea3ng \u0110\u1ee9c Monument:<\/strong>&nbsp;If you\u2019ve ever felt moved by the 1960s image of the self-immolated monk, consider a visit to the Venerable Th\u00edch Qu\u1ea3ng \u0110\u1ee9c Monument. At this fascinating city retreat, the garden offers quiet contemplation in an otherwise busy atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ben Than Market<\/strong>&nbsp;is the central market in the city and features foods, textiles and souvenirs for locals and tourists alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica<\/strong>&nbsp;was built by the French in the 1860s, and followers still light candles and pray to the Virgin Mary at the front of the building today. Located in the downtown area of the city, it\u2019s an easy, quick stop if you\u2019re on your way elsewhere.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a id=\"plan\"><\/a><strong>How to Plan Your Trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietnamonline.com\/weather\/best-time-to-travel.html\"><strong>Best times to visit<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong>&nbsp;Daily temperatures vary greatly from north to south in Vietnam. September through December is considered the best time frame to visit north Vietnam, but it can be especially rainy anywhere south of Hu\u1ebf. December through March will be a bit on the chilly side north of Hanoi (temperatures range from the high 50s to 70s), but still balmy and humid to the south, with relatively fair, clear days. June through early September tends to have the harshest weather with regular, severe rains and unrelenting heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to stay:<\/strong>&nbsp;Hostels, poshtels (fancier hostels with upgraded amenities), homestays, room sharing services like Airbnb, hotels and resorts are available all over the country, and they\u2019re all considerably less expensive than you would find in the U.S. Hostels are a top choice for backpackers for both the inexpensive lodging (they run about $5 a bunk per night) and the social interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What to pack:<\/strong>&nbsp;Check the typical weather of the region you\u2019ll be visiting, since it changes so much between areas, but generally, consider packing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A good pair of&nbsp;<a href=\"\/c\/hiking-footwear\">walking shoes<\/a><\/li><li>Ankle-strap&nbsp;<a href=\"\/c\/sandals\">sandals<\/a>&nbsp;that you can wear in the water<\/li><li>Warm-weather clothing like&nbsp;<a href=\"\/c\/shorts\">shorts<\/a>&nbsp;and\/or a&nbsp;<a href=\"\/c\/skirts\">skirt<\/a><\/li><li>One pair of&nbsp;<a href=\"\/c\/pants\">pants<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/c\/tanks\">Tank<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/c\/tanks\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/tanks\">tops<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/c\/shirts\">t-<\/a><a href=\"\/c\/shirts\">shirts<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In your&nbsp;<a href=\"\/c\/hiking-backpacks\">backpack<\/a>, consider having a sarong or other lightweight cover-up if you\u2019ll be going into any temples, which require shoulders and knees to be covered. If you\u2019ve missed an essential on the list, most necessities, save for prescription medications, will be easy to find in any large town or city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get around:<\/strong>&nbsp;The easiest way to get around in cities is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.grab.com\/sg\/\">GRAB App<\/a>, which is like Uber for Southeast Asia. If you\u2019re trying to get from one major city to the next and can afford it, the easiest mode of travel is by plane, with flights averaging about $50. For travel to smaller areas, taking a bus is a good bet. There is a long-distance train that runs north and south that is also an option, but it tends to be around the same price as air travel and takes longer, so if you go this route, it\u2019s worth the extra money for a sleeper car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Money:<\/strong>&nbsp;You can probably get away with U.S. dollars in Vietnam, but you\u2019ll likely get better prices if you exchange your money instead. There are credit card machines in larger cities, which often&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietnamonline.com\/planning\/bringing-money-to-vietnam.html\">charge a 3% transaction fee<\/a>, but cash still goes farther, especially in more rural areas. If you do exchange your cash, be sure to request plenty of small bills, as it can be difficult to break larger denominations of currency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What to eat and drink:<\/strong>&nbsp;Aside from the epic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the food alone in Vietnam makes the trip worth it. Each region has its own specialty, so consider trying different local items. As far as what to drink, bia h\u01a1i is a popular daily-brewed light draft beer that you can find on many street corners and in small cafes. For non-alcoholic options, check the local menus. Hoi An, for example, has a ginger lotus water that is sold in many places. Vietnamese iced coffee\u2014known locally as c\u00e0 ph\u00ea \u0111\u00e1, or cafe da\u2014is&nbsp;not to be missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/Harnois_110218_0372.jpeg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C683\" alt=\"A traveler is served a cup of rich, locally grown coffee.\" class=\"wp-image-168621\"\/><figcaption>A traveler is served a cup of rich, locally grown coffee.\n<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visas:<\/strong>&nbsp;U.S. citizens can&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/vietnamembassy-usa.org\/content\/visa-application-process\">apply for visas<\/a>&nbsp;in advance online or by email or mail. You\u2019ll need a recent photo and a passport with at least six months left before expiration. In terms of cost, visas start&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/vietnamvisa.govt.vn\/vietnam-visa\/visa-fees\/\">at about $17<\/a>&nbsp;for the approval fee, plus an additional fee for passport stamping upon arrival, starting at $25. Visa prices are dependent on your duration of stay and number of planned entries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key phrases to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hello:&nbsp;<em>ch\u00e0o |&nbsp;<\/em>say:&nbsp;<em>chow<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you:&nbsp;<em>C\u1ea3m \u01a1n |&nbsp;<\/em>say:<em>&nbsp;gauhm uhhn&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes:&nbsp;<em>V\u00e2ng |&nbsp;<\/em>say:<em>&nbsp;vuhng<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No:&nbsp;<em>Kh\u00f4ng |&nbsp;<\/em>say:<em>&nbsp;kaumng<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Goodbye:&nbsp;<em>T\u1ea1m bi\u1ec7t&nbsp; |&nbsp;<\/em>say:<em>&nbsp;tam byet<\/em><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jagged limestone karsts (natural towers created by erosion), small villages with tiered rice paddies, more than&nbsp;2,000 miles of coastline, nearby pristine islands, and cultural sites that date back more than 1,500 years\u2014Vietnam has so much to offer, and with&nbsp;three international airports, getting there has never been easier. If you are looking to get an overview [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":41750,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[388],"tags":[1715,707,1550,12,1722],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-41748","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-biking","tag-hiking","tag-international","tag-travel","tag-vietnam"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-explore-vietnam","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"How to Travel and Explore Vietnam","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-explore-vietnam","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/travel\/how-to-travel-explore-vietnam"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/Hero-Vietnam-e1544827158955.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/Hero-Vietnam-e1544827158955.jpg?fit=2500%2C1075"},"articleSection":"Travel","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Beckindale"}],"creator":["Beckindale"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["biking","hiking","international","travel","vietnam"],"dateCreated":"2018-12-19T00:00:50Z","datePublished":"2018-12-19T00:00:50Z","dateModified":"2021-04-16T19:54:11Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"How to Travel and Explore Vietnam\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/how-to-travel-explore-vietnam\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/travel\\\/how-to-travel-explore-vietnam\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/12\\\/Hero-Vietnam-e1544827158955.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/12\\\/Hero-Vietnam-e1544827158955.jpg?fit=2500%2C1075\"},\"articleSection\":\"Travel\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Beckindale\"}],\"creator\":[\"Beckindale\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"biking\",\"hiking\",\"international\",\"travel\",\"vietnam\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2018-12-19T00:00:50Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-12-19T00:00:50Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-04-16T19:54:11Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/12\/Hero-Vietnam-e1544827158955.jpg?fit=2500%2C1075","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41748","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41748"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41748\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":168628,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41748\/revisions\/168628"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41750"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41748"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41748"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41748"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=41748"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}