Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, via a huge marble mausoleum.
Climate in Vietnam
Vietnam has both a tropical climate zone and a temperate climate zone, with all of the country experiencing the effects of the annual monsoon. Rainy seasons correspond to monsoon circulations, which bring heavy rainfall in the north and south from May to October, and in the central regions from September to January.
Time Difference in Vietnam
Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of the UK
Language in Vietnam
Vietnamese – Official language of Vietnam
Commonly Used Words in Vietnam
Hello = Xin chào!
Goodbye = Tạm biệt
Thank you = Cảm ơn bạn
Please = Làm ơn
Yes = Vâng
No = Không
Which Plug Do I Need in Vietnam?
For Vietnam there are three associated plug types, types A, C and F. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins, plug type C is the plug with two round pins and plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.
What is The Local Currency in Vietnam?
Vietnamese Dong £100 in Vietnamese Dong is 3,085,515.08 VND (as of January 2024)
What Credit Cards Can I Use in Vietnam?
Visa, Master Card, JBC and American Express are the most common credit cards honoured in Vietnam.
Tipping in Vietnam
Tips are not included in the overall price of our treks and adventure trips, but most trekkers do tip their guides, porters, and cooks on the penultimate or final day of the trip. Tipping is a universal custom in adventure travel, but is not obligatory, so you should never feel forced into it, but it is a tradition on the trail. Tipping policies can be found through the Vamoos app for each individual trip.
Approximate Food & Drink Prices in Vietnam (January 2025)
Coke/Pepsi 11,680.00 VND
Water 6,548.74 VND
Coffee 46,734.68 VND
Beer 50,000.00 VND
Inexpensive Meal 50,000.00 VND
Passport Validity for Vietnam
If you’re visiting Vietnam, your passport must have:
- an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive
- at least 2 blank pages
- no damage – British nationals have been denied entry and exit due to passport damage
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Checks at border control
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Check the visa expiry date written in your passport is correct before leaving border control.
COVID-19 Requirements for Vietnam? (January 2025)
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Vietnam.
If you show symptoms of COVID-19 on arrival, you must notify the health agency at the border gates.
Vaccination requirements for Vietnam (other than COVID-19)
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide.
Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam? (January 2025)
If you plan to stay in Vietnam for 45 days or fewer, you do not need a visa for:
- tourism
- transit
- business travel – but not paid or voluntary work
You must have a visa for longer stays or if you’re entering Vietnam for other reasons.