Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND), symbol: ₫. Capital city: Hanoi. Region: Southeast Asia. Primary language: Vietnamese.
Government & practicalities: Head of state: To Lam (General Secretary and President). Government type: Socialist Republic (One-Party State, Communist Party of Vietnam). International calling code: +84. Drives on the Right. Power outlets: Type A/C/G, 220V. Internet domain: .vn.
What $100 USD typically buys in Vietnam
🍜 56–83 bowls of pho
🛵 100 Grab motorbike rides
🍺 125 local Bia Hoi draught beers
🥖 167 bánh mì sandwiches
🛏 13 nights in a budget guesthouse
Daily travel budgets in Vietnam
Budget travelers: ~5–28 USD/day (hostels, street food, local transport). Mid-range travelers: ~0–100 USD/day (mid hotels, restaurants). Luxury travelers: ~00+ USD/day (boutique resorts, fine dining).
Typical local prices in VND
Bowl of pho: ₫35,000–60,000
Bánh mì sandwich: ₫15,000–30,000
Bia Hoi draught beer: ₫10,000–20,000
Grab motorbike ride (2km): ₫15,000–30,000
Budget guesthouse/night: ₫150,000–350,000
Mid-range hotel/night: ₫700,000–1,500,000
Cultural tips for visitors to Vietnam
🙏 Greet with a slight bow or handshake. Avoid touching someone head.
👟 Remove shoes before entering homes and some temples.
📸 Ask permission before photographing people, especially ethnic minority communities.
🤫 Losing your temper in public causes enormous embarrassment — remain calm.
Tipping customs in Vietnam
Not traditional but appreciated in tourist areas. Leave 10–15% at sit-down restaurants. Tip tour guides 100,000–200,000 VND per day.
Useful phrases in Vietnamese
Xin chào (Sin chow) — Hello
Cảm ơn (Kahm un) — Thank you
Bao nhiêu tiền? (Bow nyew tyen) — How much?
Tính tiền (Ting tyen) — The bill
Cứu tôi! (Koo toy) — Help me!
Traditional foods to try in Vietnam
Pho (noodle soup)
Bánh mì (baguette sandwich)
Goi cuon (fresh spring rolls)
Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodles)
Ca phe trung (egg coffee)
Banh xeo (sizzling crepes)
Major landmarks and attractions in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An Ancient Town
My Son Sanctuary
Hue Imperial City
Phong Nha caves
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Sapa rice terraces
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An Ancient Town
My Son Sanctuary
Hue Complex of Monuments
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Safety information for Vietnam
Vietnam is generally safe for tourists. Bag-snatching from motorbikes is the main risk in Ho Chi Minh City — keep bags away from the road.
Visa information for Vietnam
Many nationalities including UK, US, Australian, and EU citizens can get a 90-day e-Visa online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.
Emergency numbers in Vietnam
police: 113, ambulance: 115, fire: 114
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and vary by city, season, and travel style. Exchange rates and costs are for informational purposes only. Always verify visa requirements and safety conditions with official sources before travel. Information current as of 2026.