Cultures have never clashed harder than they do in Vietnam. One part decidedly cosmopolitan, one part ancient and agricultural, all eras—and ways of life—simultaneously exist in this Southeast Asian destination. For travelers, the best things to do in Vietnam involve experiencing it all, from Saigon’s epic street food and markets to Ha Long Bay’s dramatic landscapes, from the lantern-lit avenues of Hoi An to the beaches of Nha Trang. To get a complete picture of Vietnam, one thing’s for sure: You’ll need to explore.
Vietnam is 1,025 miles (1,650 kilometers) long—you’re going to get vastly different experiences from north to south, never mind from the beaches to the mountains, depending on when you visit. But if you’re looking for a general guide, typically early spring (January–March) is the best time to visit Vietnam. Tropical humidity hasn’t peaked, monsoon season hasn’t yet hit either region, and the buzz before Tet (Lunar New Year) is festive and fun.
How you get around Vietnam depends on how far you want to go. You’ll find major airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi—between those cities, you’ll want to take the train, rent a motorbike, or hire a private driver. Busses do run, but they’re typically highly local experiences; ride them if you prefer authentic experiences over being comfortable.
Vietnam requires most visitors to have a visa—it's best to sort this months in advance, though you can pay extra for tighter turnarounds. Apply at the Vietnamese Immigration Department's website, and it’ll be good for 30 days (no reentry). As for arriving with Vietnamese dong, major banks can sort this for you prior to your trip, or you can stop at currency exchanges in any Vietnamese city. Avoid the airport exchange fees, if you can.
