Vietnam Travel Guide 2025 – 2026: Visa, Costs, Transport & Travel Tips

06/10/2025

Vietnam Travel Guide 2025 – 2026: Visa, Costs, Transport & Travel Tips

 

You may be planning a trip to Vietnam in 2025 – 2026 to admire its beautiful landscapes and unique cultural traditions. We believe this detailed Vietnam Travel Guide is made for you – from how to apply for a visa, estimate travel costs, choose transportation, to essential travel safety tips. This guide will help you prepare thoroughly and enjoy a complete journey across Vietnam, from North to South.

1. Vietnam Visa 2025 – 2026

 

In 2025, the Vietnamese government officially updated several new visa regulations for foreigners, making it easier to apply for a Vietnam visa, especially through the online application and electronic visa (e-visa) system.

 

E-visa expansion:

  • The validity of e-visas has been extended to a maximum of 90 days.
  • E-visas are now available to citizens of all countries, regardless of nationality, for purposes such as tourism, business, work, or family visits.

 

E-Visa: Travelers from more than 80 countries can apply for an e-visa online >> Vietnam eVisa Application Process – Quick & Easy

Visa on arrival: This type of visa is convenient, especially for short trips, helping save time and paperwork. It is suitable if you are flying to Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City. However, you must complete the online visa application to obtain a visa approval letter before arriving in Vietnam.

 

♦Tip: Apply for your Vietnam e-visa through trusted e-visa service providers to avoid complicated paperwork, save time, and ensure a smooth trip with no airport risks.

 

♦Entry tip: Vietnamese airports are often crowded, so to save time at immigration, many travelers choose our Vietnam Airport Fast Track Service, which shortens waiting time, solves entry procedures efficiently, and helps you leave the airport comfortably.

>>Vietnam Airport Fast Track Service – Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang

 

2. Vietnam Travel Costs: Independent vs Package Tour

 

Vietnam is known as a budget-friendly destination compared to Europe or the US. However, costs vary greatly depending on whether you travel independently or join a package tour.

Category   Independent Travel (per day/person)  Package Tour (per day/person)
Hotel      20 – 70 USD        Included in tour
Meals  10 – 30 USD    Partially included
Transportation 10 – 50 USD        Tour bus included
Entrance tickets 5 – 40 USD          Included
Tour guide  30 – 50 USD (private hire)    Included
Other expenses 20 – 40 USD            Minimized
Total/day      80 – 250 USD             60 – 150 USD (more stable)

 


Risks & hidden costs when traveling independently:

  • Unpredictable hidden costs: entrance tickets, local transport, vehicle rental, luggage fees.
  • Safety risks: getting lost, scams, lack of assistance.
  • Poor time management: arranging tickets, flights, hotel check-ins yourself.
  • Limited experiences: hard to access local villages or authentic communities.

⇒In contrast, package tours save time, reduce risks, include guides, and ensure safety.

Check out the most recommended Vietnam itineraries:

 

>>Vietnam Odyssey 10 Days – North to South Cultural Discovery

 

>>5 Days Discover Da Nang & Hoi An

 

3. Transportation in Vietnam

 

Flights

  • Domestic airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways.
  • Domestic flight prices fluctuate, increasing during peak seasons or holidays. Booking early helps you save more, and promotions can get you great deals.

 

Train

  • Popular routes: Hanoi – Hue – Da Nang and Hanoi – Sapa (Lao Cai).
  • Overnight sleeper trains are a favorite experience among international travelers.

Bus / Limousine

  • Regular buses are affordable and widely available for inter-provincial travel.
  • VIP limousines with 5-star comfort offer a relaxed and pleasant ride.

♦Trusted Limousine & VIP Car Rental Service in Vietnam

 

Motorbike

  • An adventurous “phượt” experience, but risky if you’re not familiar with Vietnam’s traffic rules.

 

4. Must-Visit Destinations

 

Hanoi – The Thousand-Year-Old Capital

Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, street food.

Ha Long – World Natural Wonder

Ha Long Bay with thousands of limestone islands, 5-star cruise tours.

 

Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on Land”

Trang An, Tam Coc, Hang Mua, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

 

Hoi An – UNESCO Ancient Town

Lantern-lit streets, local cuisine, cooking classes.

Hue – Former Imperial City

Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, poetic Perfume River.

Da Nang – Coastal City of Life

Ba Na Hills, Son Tra Peninsula, Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach.

 

Sapa – Northern Highlands

Rice terraces, village trekking, Fansipan – “Roof of Indochina.”

Phu Quoc – Pearl Island Paradise

  • Blue sea, white sand, 5-star resorts, coral diving, Dinh Cau Night Market.
  • Beautiful beaches: Sao Beach, Long Beach, Ganh Dau.
  • Ride the Hon Thom Cable Car – the longest sea cable car in the world.

Mekong Delta – Land of Rivers

  • Cai Rang Floating Market with unique boat trading.
  • Fruit gardens, countryside homestays, friendly locals.
  • Explore rich culture and ancient temples.

Cu Chi Tunnels – Historical War Site

  • A vast underground tunnel network stretching hundreds of kilometers, showcasing Vietnam’s wartime resilience.
  • Experience crawling through tunnels, watching documentaries, and trying simulated shooting.
  • A must-visit for those interested in Vietnam’s war history.

5. Vietnam Travel Tips 2025 – 2026

  • Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is still necessary.
  • SIM & Internet: 4G SIM cards are available nationwide.
  • Safety: Keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Join tours for convenience and better safety.
  • Food: Pho, Bun Cha, Mi Quang, Banh Mi, Vietnamese coffee – don’t miss them!

You can also join Vietnam tours from North to South for a fully guided experience, flexible itineraries, local guides, better costs, and full safety throughout the trip.

 

>> VIETNAM TOUR PACKAGE 10 Days – From North to South

 

>> 15 Days Explore Vietnam – North, Central, South
 

 

Vietnam Travel Guide 2025 – 2026 provides all the essential information you need to prepare for an unforgettable journey – from visas, costs, and transportation, to choosing between independent or package travel. If you prefer safety, time-saving, and a more complete experience, reputable Vietnam tour packages are the best choice.

 

Start your journey today with our Vietnam tours – not just to travel, but to truly experience Vietnam to the fullest.
 

For more information & booking online:

 

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