A thousand kilometers of coastline connecting 54 ethnic minorities, French-colonial architecture, ancient imperial cities, and a street food culture so extraordinary the UNESCO listed Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Capital
- Hanoi
- Population
- 101,343,800
- Area
- 329,560 km²
- Languages
- Vietnamese
- Currency
- Vietnamese New Dong (₫)
- GDP
- $490,970M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Phở, Bún bò Huế
Annual visitors
3,837,000 (2020)
Safety
Low (1.54/100k)
Big Mac
$2.89
Avg temp
24.8°C
Religion
Folk Religions
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 03 · Ambulance 05 · Fire 08
Travel guide
Vietnam (Vietnamese: Việt Nam) is a country in Southeast Asia with great food and a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. Despite the turmoil of the Vietnam War (called the American War in Vietnam), Vietnam has emerged from the ashes since the 1990s and is undergoing rapid economic development, driven by its young and industrious population. It remains less developed as a tourist destination than Thailand.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Vietnam
Best time to visit
Vietnam's diverse geography means weather varies by region. North (Hanoi): October–April best. Central (Hoi An, Hue): February–July. South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong): November–April. Ha Long Bay best September–March.
Visa
Citizens of USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and 40+ nationalities can obtain an e-Visa (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) valid for 90 days, multiple entry. Many can also enter visa-free for 30–45 days.
Highlights
Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. For many, the seascape of Ha Long Bay is synonymous with Vietnam. Cruises sail emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and islets, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations. Ha Long Bay's mystical beauty has made it a bucket list attraction within the country, but it's still possible to find secluded corners to call your own. Ha Long Bay offers a picturesque landscape that never fails to leave visitors in awe. Exploring the enchanting caves, marine notch caves, cruising along the serene waters and witnessing the magical sunsets are just a few of the experiences that make Ha Long Bay truly deserving of its prestigious UNESCO World Heritage site status.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (12)
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Major cities
Hanoi
Vietnam's ancient capital — a city of lakes, French colonial boulevards, and the finest pho on earth.
Ho Chi Minh City
The economic engine of Vietnam, a kinetic megacity of motorbikes, French cafes, war history, and street food.
Hoi An
A perfectly preserved trading port turned lantern-lit UNESCO town on Vietnam's central coast.
Da Nang
Vietnam's fastest-growing city with the best beaches in the country and the iconic Golden Bridge.
Sapa
A mountain town in northern Vietnam with dramatic rice terraces, hill tribe villages, and Fansipan peak above the clouds.
Nha Trang
Vietnam's beach city with clear water, offshore islands, and the Po Nagar Cham towers.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam's largest island, recently opened to tourism with long white beaches, fish sauce production, and coral reefs.