GENERAL VIETNAM TRAVEL INFORMATION

Vietnam is a narrow but very long country, stretched out along the South China Sea. There’s a big difference in weather pattern between the North (which includes the capital Hanoi and nearby Halong Bay) and the South (which is home to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta), while Central Vietnam (with the popular beach resort towns of Danang and Nha Trang) experiences a climate influenced by both the North and South.

North Vietnam has a distinct winter and summer season. The mostly dry winter lasts from November to April and generally starts warm and sunny until December, after which cold winter weather sets in, accompanied by often persistent mist in coastal areas and frost in the mountainous area around Sapa. The hot, humid and wet summer lasts from May to October, with peak rainfall from July to September. In general, March/April and October/November are the best months to visit the North in warm temperatures and under blue skies.

South Vietnam experiences four annual seasons: cool and dry between November and February; (very) hot and dry between March and May; hot and wet between June and August; and cool and (very) wet between September and early November. The best time to visit South Vietnam is the cool and dry season, when the weather usually benefits from a pleasant dry heat and the surrounding countryside is still green from the rains. Although most rain falls in brief afternoon downpours, autumn travel is generally not recommended as heavy rain, tropical storms and even typhoons may occur.

Central Vietnam experiences a weather pattern that is influenced by both the North and the South. Around Da Nang, the wet season starts in September and continues through January, after which the dry, sunny weather returns. Further South, the Nha Trang area benefits from a longer dry season (typically January to September), with warm temperatures and little rain, while the rainy season runs from October to early December with almost half the annual rainfall falling in October and November.

HOW TO GET THERE

Vietnam receives numerous international daily flights via its four main international airports, located near Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang.

Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (SGN) is the country’s largest airport and the main getaway to Ho Chi Minh City and South Vietnam. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City.

Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) serves Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and is the main gateway to North Vietnam. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Hanoi.

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is located in Da Nang, the largest city in central Vietnam, and the most important gateway to access Central Vietnam. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Da Nang.

Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) is the smallest of the 4 airports and serves the city of Nha Trang, Vietnam’s most popular resort beach town. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Nha Trang.

Requirements for entry into Vietnam differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Vietnam.

You need a passport with at least six months validity to enter Vietnam.

Generally, a visa is required to enter, exit or transit through Vietnam. A visa on arrival can be obtained with a pre-approval letter procured through travel agents. Exceptions include passport holders from a select number of countries counting Russia, Japan, South Korea, Scandinavia and ASEAN member countries.

It’s quite easy to get around in Vietnam, and several modes of transportation are available:

Most travel takes place via the roads in air-conditioned tourist coaches and mini-vans that run up and down Highway 1, which connects Hanoi in the North with Ho Chi Minh City in the South, passing through Hué, Da Nang and Nha Trang en route. If a bus sounds too public for you or doesn’t have a time schedule that fits your itinerary, it also possible to reserve private transfers with a chauffeur-driven car via most hotels at often reasonable prices (e.g. $300 USD for the 9 hour trip from Nha Trang to Danang). It has to be noted though that the road conditions differ significantly from those that you may be used to, with chaotic and dangerous traffic situations (especially with cars and trucks overtaking each others all the time on two lane roads at crazy speeds).

A great way to travel in Vietnam is by train, although it’s more used by locals than tourists. Vietnam’s rail network extends to most destinations of interest to a first-time visitor in Vietnam and it’s safe, comfortable, not too expensive, and allows you to see the countryside. I don’t recommend the train for night travel though: during my train trip from Danang to Hanoi, the toilets were very dirty, no food or drinks were provided, and the beds were very uncomfortable (although it was ok for just one night). Train tickets can be booked online.

Domestic flights are probably the best way to move around the country if you don’t have a lot of time. Vietnam’s major cities are connected daily via multiple flights and the cost of a domestic ticket is often quite cheap. Tickets can be booked online on the website of the three carriers that offer flights within Vietnam:

Vietnam Airlines (this is Vietnam’s national carrier, a Skyteam Alliance member)

Jetstar (low cost carrier)

VietJet Air (low cost carrier)