In Southeast Asia, the beautiful, vibrant country of Vietnam offers scenic landscapes, friendly people, delicious food, and bustling cities such as Hanoi or the capital, Ho Chi Minh City.
With an ancient history dating back more than 4,000 years and modern influences from Chinese and French colonialism, Vietnam is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions.
Vietnam has tons to offer everyone with its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes ranging from lush tropical rainforests to majestic mountain ranges, and wildlife. From vibrant cities to tranquil villages, from adventures in the jungles to historical and cultural experiences to beach holidays and relaxation.
Articles
Vietnam Info & Stats
100 million
331,344 km2
298/km2
$1.56 trillion
Cộng hòa Xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam
At a Glance
- Language: Vietnamese is the official language.
- Population: 97 million (2019 est.)
- Timezone: UTC +7
- Political System: Socialist Republic
- Ethnic Groups: Vietnamese 85%-90%, Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Khmer, Cham, various mountain groups
- Religions: Buddhist, Hoa Hao, Cao Dai, Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic, some Protestant), indigenous beliefs, and Muslim
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars are widely accepted
- Credit cards: Generally always accepted.
- Electricity: 220 volt / 50 hertz (NEMA 1-15, Europlug, BS 1363, Schuko)
- Tipping Customs: Not expected, but appreciated
- Haggling Culture: Common in markets and street stalls
Climate & Seasons
Vietnam has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, is hot and humid, with average temperatures around 28 °C. The dry season, from November to April, is cooler and less humid, with temperatures around 22 °C.
The northern region of Vietnam experiences the most extreme weather patterns, with hot summers and cold winters. The central region has a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers, while the south is warm and wet year-round.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements to Vietnam are quite varied
Click the map to see details on visa requirements for each country
Alternatively, input your passport citizenship and quickly see the requirements that apply to you:
Safety
Safety: Vietnam is generally a safe country to visit, but there are some risks due to ongoing development and political unrest. As everywhere, tourists should take care to avoid pickpocketing and use common sense when traveling (i.e., stay away from areas known to be dangerous and avoid traveling alone, particularly at night).
Natural risks: earthquakes are common. By far the major natural risk is flooding caused by cyclic monsoons and typhoons. Other risks involve droughts and landslides.
Emergency numbers: 1113 (police), 115 (emergency medical services), 114 (fire department)13 (police), 115 (emergency medical services), 114 (fire department)
Safety Indices
Learn more on the data source and the methodologies of ranking in the Global Safety Indices page.
