Overview

Discover Vietnam, a land of lush rice paddies, dramatic karst landscapes, and bustling cities. From the ancient streets of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Halong Bay, and the pristine beaches of Da Nang, Vietnam is a harmonious blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural wonders. Whether you’re savoring the world-famous street food or exploring its ancient temples, Vietnam offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

• Capital: Hanoi

• Visa Requirement: E-visa, 3-5 working days

• Best Time to Visit/Weather: North Vietnam: March to May (spring) & September to November (autumn) for mild weather ; Central & South Vietnam: December to April for dry and pleasant conditions

• Currency & INR Equivalent: Australian Dollar (AUD); 1 AUD ≈ 55 INR (check for latest exchange rates)

• Time Difference from India: Vietnam is 1 hour and 30 minutes ahead of IST

• Language Spoken: Vietnamese (English is widely spoken in tourist areas)

• Flights from India: Direct flights: Indigo, Air India, Vietnam Airlines & Vietjet AIrline; Indirect flights: Thai Airways, Malaysian Airways

• Major Tourist Cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Halong Bay  & Phu Quoc 

Hanoi 

• City Famous For: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, street food culture

• Best Locations to Stay: Old Quarter, French Quarter, Tay Ho (West Lake) area

• Top Attractions: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Train Street, Exploring the Old Quarter, trying authentic pho, water puppet shows

• Ideal Nights Required: 2-3 nights

• Hidden Gems: Long Bien Bridge, Vietnamese Women’s Museum, B52 Victory Museum

Halong Bay 

• City Famous For: Stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters

• Best Locations to Stay: Tuan Chau Island, Halong City, or onboard a cruise

• Top Attractions: Kayaking through caves, sunrise on a cruise, floating villages

• Ideal Nights Required: 1-2 nights (overnight cruise highly recommended)

• Hidden Gems: Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, Cannon Fort on Cat Ba Island

Hoi An

• City Famous For: Lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, tailor shops

• Best Locations to Stay: Ancient Town, An Bang Beach area, Cam Thanh

• Top Attractions: Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Ancient Town, Lantern festival, Vietnamese cooking classes, biking through rice fields

• Ideal Nights Required: 2-3 nights

• Hidden Gems: Tra Que Vegetable Village, Cam Kim Island

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• City Famous For: Vibrant nightlife, war history, modern skyscrapers

• Best Locations to Stay: District 1 (Ben Thanh Market area), District 3

• Top Attractions: Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Rooftop bars, Vespa food tours, Mekong Delta excursions

• Ideal Nights Required: 2-3 nights

• Hidden Gems: Saigon Opera House, Cafe Apartments on Nguyen Hue Street

Phu Quoc

• City Famous For: Pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and tropical vibes

• Best Locations to Stay: Long Beach, Ong Lang Beach, Ganh Dau area

• Top Attractions: Sao Beach, Phu Quoc Night Market, Vinpearl Safari, Snorkeling in the An Thoi archipelago, exploring pepper farms

• Ideal Nights Required: 2-3 nights

• Hidden Gems: Rach Vem Starfish Beach, Suoi Tranh Waterfall, Ham Ninh Fishing Village

Insider Tips

• Use Apps Like Grab: Grab (similar to Uber) is an affordable and convenient way to get around cities, including motorbike taxis. Always confirm the fare before accepting a ride from local drivers.

• Currency Tips: Familiarize yourself with the Vietnamese Dong as it has many zeros. Check your change carefully when paying in cash, and carry smaller denominations for convenience.

• Coffee Culture: Don’t miss Vietnamese coffee! Try egg coffee in Hanoi, coconut coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, or strong iced coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da) anywhere.

Most Instagram-able Spots

• Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge: Iconic views, especially at sunset. 

• Brighton Beach Boxes (Melbourne): Colorful beach huts perfect for photos.

• Uluru (Ayers Rock): Stunning desert backdrop with rich colors

• The Twelve Apostles (Great Ocean Road): Majestic limestone cliffs and blue waters