• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year – Jan/Feb base on the lunar calendar): The biggest holiday in Vietnam. Expect fireworks, family gatherings, and a lot of food, but note that many shops and restaurants may be closed for the first 3 days
• Reunification Day (April 30) & Labor Day (May 1): A back-to-back national holiday period. There are usually parades, public events, and fireworks in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
• Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF – June to July): A must-see if you're around in summer! Teams from different countries compete in weekly fireworks shows over the Han River. Paired with live music, street food, and a festive atmosphere, it’s a magical experience.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September): A charming celebration with glowing lanterns, lion dances, mooncakes, and joyful street scenes—especially fun if you're traveling with kids.
• Vietnam National Day (September 2): A proud celebration of the country’s independence with flags everywhere, cultural events, and firework displays in major cities. Expect public celebrations and a festive vibe.

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Vietnam.​
• Entry and Exit Points: E-visa holders must enter and exit Vietnam through the ports specified in their application.​
• Visa Extensions: If you wish to extend your stay, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department or consult with a local travel agency for assistance.​​
  
  

• https://evisa.gov.vn
• https://thithucdientu.gov.vn​

Transportation in Vietnam is super diverse, from traditional to modern, cheap to comfy. If you're planning for your first trip in Vietnam, I would recommend using Grab and Xanh SM for tech drivers to move around and get used to the traffic culture in Vietnam first. The major reason is because Vietnam is one of the most hectic and insane traffics in the world, there is no tolerance for newcomers or amateur drivers. And then, here's a breakdown of other travel methods to help you get around:

In the cities:

• Taxis & Ride-Hailing
  Strongly recommend using Grab or Xanh SM, they are affordable, reliable, and prevent price haggling. Traditional taxis are still used in smaller towns; if needed, go with trusted companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh with your hotel's help.

• Motorbikes/Scooters
  Very common for both locals and travelers. You can rent one almost anywhere for about 100,000–150,000 VND per day. Best for exploring places like Da Lat, Ninh Binh, or Ha Giang. Always wear a helmet and have an international driving permit.

• Bicycles
  Available for rent in places like Hoi An, Tam Coc, or Mai Chau. A fun, slow-paced way to explore rural and scenic areas.

Long distance:

• Trains
  Great for long-distance travel like Hanoi to Sapa or Hue to Hoi An. The Reunification Express runs from North to South. You can choose between hard/soft seats or soft sleeper cabins. It’s scenic, especially the coastal section. Book through Vietnam Railways. However, make sure you have noise-cancelling headphones and an eye mask for long train journeys, it can get noisy, and locals sometimes enjoy having a little party onboard. Watch our real experience with Vietnam Train here

• Buses
  Sleeper buses are popular for budget travel and overnight trips. Local buses exist but are less tourist-friendly. Reliable companies include Futa Bus (Phuong Trang), The Sinh Tourist, and Sapa Express. You can book online, with your hotel, or at travel agencies. Remember to read the reviews before booking anything!

• Boats/Ferries
  Useful for traveling to islands like Phu Quoc, Cat Ba, or Con Dao. Ferries also connect parts of the Mekong Delta. You can book through agencies or online platforms.

• Flights
  Great for saving time on long routes like Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. I’d suggest only choosing budget airlines like VietJet Air or Vietravel if you really have no choice, they’re notorious for delays that can last hours or even get pushed to the next day. That kind of delay can mess up your whole plan, especially with hotel check-ins or airport transportation. If you want a smoother experience, go with Bamboo Airways or Vietnam Airlines. They’re much more reliable when it comes to punctuality and offer excellent customer service, with only a slight difference in price.

NOTE: for or kind of long journey with public transports in Vietnam, I suggest to always have noise-cancelling headphones, light jacket and an eye mask. 

SIM Cards
You can buy prepaid SIM cards at the airport or at convenience stores. Plans usually include data, local calls, and SMSthey just needed a passport for registration.

Tip: If you're staying more than a week or traveling to remote areas, go for a SIM with unlimited data Viettel or Vinaphone are your best bet for coverage across the country for about 10 - 18$/month, affordable and super strong.

We travel with comfort in mind, so we didn’t opt for the most budget-friendly choices. We stayed in central areas, sometimes with 5 stars hotel resort in beach cities, indulged in as much food as we could, joined several tours, and got around using Grab taxis.

For our 1-month slow travel trip through Vietnam, we spent around £2000 for two people (approximately $2,500 USD).
Total Daily Budget: About £60 ($80 USD) per day, this covered a high level of comfort for both of us.

Note: These prices reflect comfortable travel, not backpacking. You can definitely spend less (or a lot more), depending on your travel style! Travel in Vietnam is super versatile and flexible that you can easily have a good trip with the budget of 20$ a day, that's why Vietnam is becoming one of the most affordable and worthy destinations in the world.