Vietnam Travel Planner

Where is Vietnam?

  1. Approximate Population of Vietnam: 96,462,106


Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City


Ho Chi Minh City is the capital of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City has an approximate population of around 8,993,082 people and you can typically expect to pay around £0.74p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.

One of the most visited places to visit in Vietnam is Phu Si Nang. This small island is just 25 km away from Hanoi and is one of the main Ho Chi Minh City attractions. The name of the town literally means "on the banks of the river" and is located on a islet that connects the Mekong River with the sea. Phu Si Nang became a major tourist destination for foreigners after the war when American soldiers stayed in the area to build the air base that would serve as an airfield for the Americans during the Vietnam War.

The largest attraction on the island is the Phu Si Nang Bridge which offers a picturesque view of the city of Hanoi. There are also many interesting historical buildings and monuments to be seen on this small island. If you are visiting in October and November, then this is a good time to visit the island as this is the time that Hanoi's Autumn Festival draws near.

The Phu Si Nang Bridge is where you will get to see the last US servicemen who were left in Vietnam after the cessation of the war. You can also get to see their picturesque fishing boat in the harbor. Hanoi's Chinatown is an excellent spot to go to and buy authentic Chinese products.

What vaccinations do I need before travelling to Vietnam

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Vietnam are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam

For up to date information around safety and security in Vietnam read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Vietnam.

Vietnam Flights


Best time to visit Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October). The temperatures are more moderate and rainfall is lighter. In spring, March and April have the lowest rainfall across all destinations and temperatures are pleasant, though still cool in the far north.

Festivals in Vietnam

There are numerous festivals in Vietnam. Most of them are held in the remotest parts of the country, such as the Central Highlands, the North West and Tay Bac, and have a rich tradition. There are several unique festivals that are well worth a visit, but most of them fall within one of four categories. Here are some of the best ones to experience while in Vietnam: Tet, Vo Van, Chung Chau, and Ba Dinh.

In addition to the traditional festival of Songkran, Vietnamese people celebrate other festivals throughout the year. The popular Hanoi New Year is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, while the Ho Chi Minh Festival is more common in the westernized part of the country. Other popular Vietnamese celebrations include Chán Ngu, the Lunar New Year, and the Tet holiday. However, these are not the only celebrations.

Many people visit Vietnam for its festivals. If you're visiting the country for the first time, try out the Lunar New Year festival, which falls during the first two months of the year. These festivities are extremely festive and are the most popular in large cities. Meanwhile, festivals in Hanoi tend to be more popular with tourists from the west. In any case, the country is a great place to see and celebrate any of the above.

Another festival in Vietnam is called Tet. Most people associate this with the ancient King of the Chinese, the Emperor of the First Emperor. These are the most important celebrations for the Vietnamese people. They are often packed and last for several days. The food and drink that are served are also very delicious and rich. If you're traveling to Vietnam, you should try the Moon Cake, which is a dense, rich confection with a fried yellow yoke in the center.

The Vietnamese have various festivals to celebrate the gods. Most people celebrate the Phu Tho Province's Hung Kings festival, which takes place on the 10th of January. It includes cooking sticky rice cakes and traditional sports competitions. The festivities also include traditional rituals, such as burning incense and offering offerings. The provinces across the country carefully prepare offerings and eat them, so you can be sure they'll be sacred to the Vietnamese.

The Mai Chau Valley is the home of the Xen Xo Phon festival. This festival is celebrated in the valley between April and May and belongs to the calendars of the White Thai people. The purpose of the festival is to call for rain. The bigger the festival, the more rains will fall, leading to a more prosperous harvest. When the time comes to celebrate this, the locals will dress in traditional costumes and assemble in the temple.

Vietnam Trips & Guided Tours


Vietnam Tourist Attractions

If you're looking for an exotic vacation spot, consider the Historic Sites in Vietnam. The country is known for its rivers, beaches, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities. The capital, Hanoi, pays tribute to the leader of the Vietnamese people, Ho Chi Minh, with a huge marble mausoleum. The former Saigon city is also an interesting destination, with its French colonial landmarks and C.Chi tunnels.

The first historical site is the My Son Cham Ruins, a cluster of abandoned Hindu temples that looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. These temples were built from the 4th century to the 14th century, and were heavily bombed during the Vietnam War. In 1999, they were declared a UNESCO world heritage site. The ruins are among the best places to experience the history of this fascinating country.

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is arguably the most important historical site in Vietnam. UNESCO declared it a World Cultural Heritage site in 2010. It was built under several dynasties and has undergone several stages of Vietnamese history. Another must-see is the Khai Dinh Tomb, the resting place of the late King. This tomb was built on September 4, 1920, and was intricately decorated with materials from China, France, Japan, and Korea. The monument was built with classical architecture and is a must-see for any traveler.

Do I need a Visa?

Visitors from the United Kingdom DO NOT require visa to enter Vietnam for a stay of no longer than 15 days and meet the entry requirements: UK British Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival date. Passport has 2 blank pages for visa stamp. Stay for NO longer than 15 days with proof of onward travel.

See which forms you may need for entry into Vietnam.

What currency do i need for Vietnam?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Vietnam you can grab amazing Vietnamese Dong deals via Wise.com (GBP to VND).

What wildlife live in Vietnam?

Indian elephants, bears (black bear and honey bear), Indochinese tigers and Indochinese leopards as well as smaller animals like monkeys (such as snub-nosed monkey), bats, flying squirrels, turtles and otters. Reptiles such as crocodiles, snakes and lizards.

What is the traditional food of Vietnam?

Vietnamese food? The national dish is called pho – a broth in which noodles, vegetables, and chicken, beef, pork or shrimp are added.

What Languages are spoken in Vietnam?

Vietnamese is the official language; English is increasingly favored as a second language. French, Chinese, Khmer and various highlander languages are alsospoken. Between 85 percent and 90 percent of Vietnam's residents are ethnically Vietnamese. You can learn some basic Vietnamese before you travel to Vietnam and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip in Vietnam?

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (Generally, tipping is not expected in Vietnam, but is very much appreciated. Many Vietnam workers do not earn much money and always appreciate the extra money to be made in tips.).

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Useful Numbers

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 113
  • Ambulance: 115
  • Fire: 114
  • UK Embassy: +84 24 3936 0500

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    Time Difference

    What is the time difference?

    The GMT time difference is -6 hours

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    How can i learn Vietnamese?

    Learn some Vietnamese before your trip to Vietnam


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