May 3, 2025 Travel Guides

Vietnam Travel Guide for First-Timers: Best Places To Visit, Visa Info, and 10-Day Itinerary

There are places that stay with you - not just because they’re beautiful, but because they shake something loose in you. Vietnam is one of those places. It’s not just a destination - it’s an experience layered in color, flavor, history, and energy. You’ll come for the scenery, but it’s everything else that keeps you hooked.

From limestone cliffs that jut out of glassy emerald bays to steaming bowls of pho on misty mornings, Vietnam hits all the senses. It’s wild and serene, old and new, gritty and graceful all at once - and that contradiction is part of what makes it unforgettable.

Whether you're craving off-the-grid adventures, rich cultural exploration, or just a week of eating like royalty for next to nothing, Vietnam delivers. And it delivers hard.

Vietnam Visa for Americans: What You Need to Know

If you're an American citizen planning a trip to Vietnam, getting a visa is a simple but essential step. Most travelers opt for the Vietnam e-Visa, which is fast, affordable, and can be done entirely online.

Here’s how it works:

Apply online through Vietnam’s official e-Visa portal. The process takes about 15 minutes.
You’ll need a valid U.S. passport (with at least 6 months of validity), a passport-style photo, and a photo of your passport page.
The e-Visa fee is $25 USD, and processing typically takes 3 business days, though it's smart to apply at least a week in advance.
The e-Visa is valid for 30 days, single entry, and can be used at most international airports and land border crossings.

If you plan to stay longer or need multiple entries, look into applying through the Vietnamese embassy or using a trusted visa agency.

Always double-check the official government website for the most up-to-date info before you apply.

Five Reasons you Need to Visit Vietnam:

Vietnam's Natural Beauty Is Otherworldly

You’ll find landscapes here that feel straight out of a fantasy film - and somehow still untouched. The surreal spires of Halong Bay, with its towering limestone karsts floating in mist, are reason enough to visit. Hop on a junk boat, cruise through jade-green waters, and spend a night under the stars.

Up in the north, Sa Pa draws hikers and photographers with its terraced rice fields and cool mountain air. Trek through tiny hill tribe villages, watch the fog roll in over the peaks, and wake up to views that don’t feel real.

If it’s sand and sea you’re after, head south to Phu Quoc Island or Da Nang - both offer long stretches of white sand, clear turquoise water, and a relaxed vibe that’s hard to beat. Vietnam's beaches remain one of Southeast Asia's most underrated gems.

The History Here Isn’t Just Told - You Can Feel It

Vietnam’s past is etched into every city street, countryside ruin, and ancient temple. The country has endured colonization, war, and rapid modernization - and somehow, it holds all of it at once.

In Hanoi, wander through the narrow alleyways of the Old Quarter, visit the Temple of Literature, and feel the quiet reverence at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Down south, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a haunting underground network used during the Vietnam War. It's gritty, sobering, and essential.

For something regal, head to Hue - once the seat of Vietnam’s emperors - and tour the Imperial City, a sprawling complex of temples, palaces, and crumbling gates that whisper stories from another time.

Vietnamese Food Alone Is Worth the Plane Ticket

It’s hard to overhype the food in Vietnam. And trust me, people try.

Start with pho in Hanoi - steaming hot, rich, and endlessly comforting. Then chase that with crispy, savory banh xeo in the south - a sizzling rice flour crepe packed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. Eat it wrapped in herbs, dipped in nuoc cham, and thank the universe for flavor.

Don’t skip the banh mi - Vietnam’s most famous sandwich - where French baguettes meet pickled veggies, pâté, and BBQ pork. And if you're a coffee person, egg coffee is a must. Yes, it sounds strange. Yes, it’s incredible.

The street food scene here isn’t just cheap and delicious - it’s a deep dive into daily Vietnamese life. Sit on a plastic stool, share a meal with locals, and realize that Michelin stars have nothing on a bowl of bun cha cooked on the side of the road.

The Culture Is as Warm as the Climate

What really makes Vietnam unforgettable isn’t just the views or the food - it’s the people.

There’s a sincerity in the way locals greet you, offer help, or strike up a conversation. Whether you're navigating the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City or relaxing in a sleepy riverside town like Hoi An, the warmth is consistent. It’s the kind of place where you can be a stranger one moment, and welcomed like family the next.

If you're lucky enough to visit during Tet, Vietnamese New Year, you’ll get a front-row seat to some of the most vibrant traditions and celebrations of the year - filled with fireworks, flowers, and endless food.

Don’t miss out on a water puppet show, a visit to a countryside market, or a chance to chat with a local over coffee. Vietnam's cultural depth is something you feel, not just see.

It’s One of the Most Budget-Friendly Countries in Asia

Vietnam is one of those rare places where you can travel well - even luxuriously - without spending much.

You can find chic boutique hotels for under $50 a night, incredible meals for just a few dollars, and even private tours or custom trips at a fraction of what they’d cost in Europe or the U.S. Domestic flights are cheap, and long-distance trains offer both scenic views and affordable comfort.

Even the Vietnam visa price is affordable and easy to apply for online, especially compared to other destinations in Asia. Whether you’re a backpacker watching your budget or a traveler looking for value-packed luxury, Vietnam offers serious bang for your buck.

The Top Places Not To Miss in Vietnam:

1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Bustling, chaotic, and full of energy
Don’t miss: Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Great for: nightlife, street food, modern culture meets history, $1 beers and $8 massages

2. Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital and cultural heartbeat
Don’t miss: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, and Train Street
Great for: deep history, northern cuisine, and charming chaos

3. Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with surreal limestone islands
Don’t miss: overnight junk boat cruises, kayaking, and sunset views
Great for: nature lovers, photographers, and peaceful exploration

4. Phu Quoc Island

Vietnam’s tropical beach paradise
Don’t miss: Sao Beach, Dinh Cau Night Market, and snorkeling in An Thoi Islands
Great for: beach escapes, seafood, and laid-back island vibes

10-Day Vietnam Itinerary: Best Places from North to South

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Settle into the Old Quarter
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and catch a water puppet show
Grab dinner at a local spot like Bun Cha Huong Lien (aka "Obama's Bun Cha")

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2: Explore Hanoi

Visit Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Train Street
Coffee stop: Try Egg Coffee at Cafe Giang
Optional: evening street food tour or night market

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 3: Travel to Ha Long Bay

Early morning transfer to Ha Long Bay (approx. 2.5–3 hours)
Board an overnight cruise through the bay
Activities: kayaking, cave exploring, swimming, and sunset on deck

Overnight: On the boat

Day 4: Ha Long Bay → Hanoi → Fly to Da Nang / Hoi An

Morning cruise back to port
Return to Hanoi, then catch a late afternoon or evening flight to Da Nang
Quick transfer to Hoi An (45 minutes)

Overnight: Hoi An

Day 5: Hoi An Old Town

Stroll the lantern-lit streets, visit Japanese Covered Bridge
Optional: Get custom clothes made at a tailor
Afternoon bike ride to An Bang Beach or cooking class

Overnight: Hoi An

Day 6: Day trip to Da Nang

Visit Marble Mountains
Ride the Golden Bridge (Bana Hills) for panoramic views
Relax on My Khe Beach or grab seafood by the water

Overnight: Hoi An or Da Nang

Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Visit War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh Market
Rooftop drinks at Saigon Skydeck or Chill Skybar

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels + Explore More of Saigon

Morning visit to Cu Chi Tunnels (half-day tour)
Afternoon free for more exploring or shopping in District 1
Street food dinner in the buzzing night markets