Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City

Hiking the Mua Cave in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, in November
Deciding when to visit Vietnam really depends on your target cities. There are big temperature and rainfall variations from northern Vietnam all the way to the south throughout ...
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Vietnam vs. Thailand for Traveling (I’ve Lived in Both)

The coastline in Da Nang, Vietnam, with palm trees, fishing boats, and hotels in the distance
Vietnam and Thailand are often compared for traveling, maybe because they’re in the same region, but that’s largely where the similarities end. I’ve lived in multiple cities in ...
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Money in Vietnam: ATMs, Cash, Costs & Traveler Tips

A TPBank Branch and ATM in Da Nang, Vietnam.
The currency in Vietnam is called the Vietnamese dong (VND). In this guide, I’ll go over the different VND denominations, using ATMs in Vietnam, currency exchangers and rates, ...
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Renting a Scooter in Vietnam (& Tips for Riding)

My black Honda PCX 150 scooter parked along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An.
I’ve been riding a scooter daily since my first week in Vietnam in 2018. Like in the USA, Vietnam drives on the right side of the road. Scooters ...
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How to Get a SIM Card or eSIM for Vietnam (2026)

The SIM card vendors at the Da Nang Airport arrival area.
I topped up my cell phone plan today in Da Nang, and I thought putting together a guide on Vietnam SIM cards for travelers would be a good ...
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8 Best Apps for Traveling in Vietnam

A collage of personal screenshots showing the best apps for traveling in Vietnam
As a long-time expat living in Vietnam, I use several apps to make daily life easier. Some apps are popular worldwide, and others are only popular in Vietnam ...
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Common Vietnam Travel FAQs

The People's Committee Building in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, at sunset.
If you’re just beginning to plan your trip to Vietnam, this page will hopefully save you hours of research. Visas, SIM cards, ATMs, getting around, safety, best times ...
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Is Vietnam Safe for Tourists? What About American Tourists?

Walking on the street in Hoi An, Vietnam, behind a motorbike and ladies on bicycles in conical hats.
I moved to Vietnam from the USA in 2018. As someone who’s lived in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, I can shed some light on the ...
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Vietnam Visa Requirements: Do I Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam?

Daytime at the People's Committee Building in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam? How do I apply for one? How much does a Vietnam visa cost? Can I enter Vietnam visa-free? How do I ...
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The Grab App in Vietnam: Ride-Hailing & Food Delivery

A Grab driver making a delivery in Da Nang, Vietnam
Over the years of living in Vietnam and Thailand, I’ve spent thousands of dollars on the Grab app. It is, by far, the number one app to download ...
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