Visit Vietnam - Travel Guide

Geographical position and Climate of Vietnam

Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea to the east. The country is characterized by a long, narrow shape stretching over 1,650 kilometers from north to south, with a coastline of approximately 3,260 kilometers.

Vietnam’s climate is tropical and monsoonal; humidity averages 84% throughout the year. However, due to the country’s diverse topography, the climate varies considerably from one region to another.

Northern Part: Features a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Winters (from November to April) are relatively cool and dry, while summers (from May to October) are hot and humid with a high rainfall.
Central Part: Experiences a more tropical monsoon climate with a longer dry season and a shorter wet season. The central coast is prone to typhoons during the rainy season, which can affect the area from August to November.
Southern Part: Has a tropical savanna climate with two seasons: the wet season from May to November, and the dry season from December to April. The southern region is typically warm year-round, with a more consistent temperature range and less seasonal variation than the northern part of the country.

Brief history of Vietnam

Vietnam’s history is one of resilience and struggle. The region that is now Vietnam has been inhabited since Paleolithic times, with its fertile lands shaping early civilizations. By the 2nd century BC, the first Vietnamese state known as Âu Lạc was established, but it wasn’t long before it came under Chinese control.

For over a millennium, Vietnam experienced various degrees of Chinese rule, which greatly influenced its culture, language, and governance. Despite this, resistance to Chinese domination was persistent, leading to periods of autonomy.

The Ly Dynasty in the 11th century marked the beginning of a golden era, with the establishment of a strong centralized state, flourishing arts, and the spread of Buddhism. However, internal strife and external threats continued to challenge Vietnam’s sovereignty.

Colonialism arrived in the mid-19th century when France conquered Vietnam, making it part of French Indochina. This period saw the exploitation of resources and people, but also the introduction of modern educational systems and infrastructure.

The 20th century was pivotal for Vietnam. Nationalist movements grew, culminating in the First Indochina War against France. Vietnam declared independence in 1945 under Ho Chi Minh, but peace was short-lived. The country was divided into communist North Vietnam and anti-communist South Vietnam, leading to the Vietnam War, which lasted until 1975.

After reunification, Vietnam faced economic isolation but began to open up in the late 20th century with “Đổi Mới” reforms, embracing a socialist-oriented market economy. Today, Vietnam is known for its rapid economic growth and development, while still grappling with the legacies of its complex history.

Religion

Country has a diverse religious landscape reflecting the historical and cultural influences on the country. The main religions practiced in Vietnam include: Buddhism, Catholicism, Cao Dai, Hoahaoism, Confucianism, Taoism and Chinese folk religions.

Language

The official language of the country is Vietnamese. It is the native language of the majority of the population and is used in education, media, and government affairs. Vietnamese belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and is the only national language that uses the Latin alphabet, which was introduced by French colonists and adapted for Vietnamese with additional diacritics to represent tones and certain vowel sounds.

Places to visit in Vietnam

Before you visit Vietnam

Travel to Vietnam

By Air:

The most common and convenient way to enter the country is by air. Vietnam has several international airports, with the main gateways being:

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in Da Nang

These airports serve numerous international flights from major cities around the world.

By Land:

Vietnam shares borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia, and there are several border crossings where you can enter by land, usually by bus or car. Some popular border gates include:

Lao Cai (from China into Northern Vietnam)
Moc Bai (from Cambodia into Southern Vietnam)
Cau Treo (from Laos into Central Vietnam)

Ensure you have the necessary visas and permits for border crossings.

By Sea:

The country has a long coastline and several seaports that can receive international cruise ships. The main ports include:

Hai Phong
Da Nang
Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers can embark on cruises that include Vietnam as part of their itinerary.

Visas for Vietnam

Vietnam offers several types of visas for foreigners, depending on the purpose and duration of the visit. Here are the common visa categories:

Tourist Visa:

Single-entry or multiple-entry options available.
Valid for 30 days or 90 days.
Can be extended once in Vietnam.

Business Visa:

For those who are visiting Vietnam for business purposes.
Requires a sponsorship or invitation from a company or organization in Vietnam.
Longer validity options compared to tourist visas.

Student/Internship Visa:

Issued to students or interns coming to study or participate in internship programs.
Requires an admission letter or invitation from the educational institution in Vietnam.

Work Visa:

Necessary for individuals planning to work in Vietnam.
Requires a work permit or a business sponsor in Vietnam.

Investor Visa:

Designed for foreign investors in Vietnamese companies.
The validity and conditions depend on the investment’s size and nature.

Diplomatic and Official Visas:

For government officials, diplomats, or those on official duty.
Issued based on an official letter from relevant government agencies.

E-Visa

Available for citizens of eligible countries.
Single-entry visa with a maximum stay of 30 days.
Applied for online and received electronically.

Visa Exemption:

Some nationalities are exempt from visas for short visits (15 to 30 days, depending on the country).
A return ticket and passport with at least six months’ validity are required.

Visa on Arrival (VOA):

Available for travelers arriving by air who have obtained a pre-approval letter through a travel agency.
Not available at land border crossings.

Applying for a Visa:

Visas can be applied for at Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad.
E-visas can be applied for online through the official immigration portal.
For a VOA, you must obtain a pre-approval letter before your trip.

Always check the most current visa information and requirements from official sources or the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, as policies can change. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of exit from Vietnam.

Best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s elongated shape and diverse topography mean that the weather can vary significantly from one region to another. The best time to visit depends on where you plan to go in the country:

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay):

Spring (March to April): Pleasant temperatures and moderate rainfall.
Autumn (October to November): Cool and dry, ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An):

Dry season (February to May): Warm temperatures with little rainfall, perfect for beach visits and cultural exploration.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta):

Dry season (December to April): Hot and dry weather, suitable for city tours and river cruises.

Nationwide:

Shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November): These periods offer a balance between pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to peak seasons.

Keep in mind that the summer months (June to August) can be very hot and humid across the country, with the added likelihood of heavy rains and typhoons, especially in the central and northern regions. If you’re planning to cover multiple regions, the shoulder seasons are often recommended for the most comfortable travel conditions throughout Vietnam.

Important Information

Capital – Hanoi

Territory – 331,344.82 km²

Currency – Vietnamese dong ( VND)

Time Zone – UTC+7 (VST)

Population – 100,300,000

Demonym – Vietnamese