Travel to Vietnam in 2026: Best Places, Food, Festivals & Essential Travel Tips

Planning to travel to Vietnam in 2026? Think beyond just Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In this guide, I’ll share straightforward Vietnam travel advice covering the essentials: the best places to visit across the country, the foods you shouldn’t miss (yes, pho is only the start), the festivals that will light up your trip, and simple travel tips that make planning easier. Whether you’re here for ten days or a whole month, this article is designed to help you see more, eat better, and avoid rookie mistakes while exploring Vietnam in 2026.

Why Travel to Vietnam in 2026?

Vietnam is set for a strong travel year in 2026. According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), the country welcomed 12.2 million international visitors from January–July 2025, up 22.5% year over year. Even in the typical low season, July 2025 arrivals rose 6.8% month-on-month, with European visitors up 38%.
These trends signal healthy demand heading into 2026.

Streamlined visas (easy entry)

Vietnam has expanded visa waivers and made e-visas more flexible:

• E-Visas are now available for over 80 countries. You can apply through Vietnam’s official immigration portal. The process is straightforward and typically processed within 3–5 business days. Use the official Vietnamese government e-visa site for the most accurate and secure processing.
• Visa-free travel: From March 1, 2025, Vietnam waives visas for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, for stays up to 45 days. Currently, Vietnam also unilaterally exempts visas for citizens of 13 countries — Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus — with a maximum stay of up to 45 days from the date of entry.
  Source (VGP)
• Extended e-visa validity: In 2026, Vietnam extended e-visas to 90 days with multiple entries, giving travelers more flexibility.

Better connectivity (more direct flights)

Reaching Vietnam is easier than ever thanks to non-stop routes from major global hubs. Examples include:

• Paris → Hanoi: Vietnam Airlines
• Frankfurt → Hanoi: Vietnam Airlines
• London (Heathrow) → Hanoi: Vietnam Airlines (direct, ~12 hours)
• Tokyo (Narita) → Hanoi: Vietjet
• Seoul (Incheon) → Ho Chi Minh City: Korean Air
• San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Airlines (non-stop)

Note: Schedules and frequencies can change seasonally; always check the airline’s site before booking. Or simply comment below or contact our hotline with your preferred travel date and time, and we’ll help you book the most suitable ticket.

Time-saving tip: Airport Fast Track
Long flight? Avoid queues on arrival by booking a Fast Track service at Vietnam’s international airports. It’s affordable and saves time—especially after long-haul flights. Read our Vietnam Fast Track guide

Bottom line for Vietnam travel advice 2026: entry is easier, flight access is broader, and value for money remains excellent—perfect for first-timers and repeat visitors alike.

Best Places to Visit When You Travel to Vietnam

Most international trips to Vietnam start in either Hanoi in the north or Ho Chi Minh City in the south. From these two gateways, you can reach many of the country’s highlights within a week to ten days. Below is a simple overview to help you plan — and if you want detailed Vietnam travel advice, we’ll point you to guides dedicated to each region.

Northern Vietnam – From Hanoi: Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & the Northern Highlands

Hanoi is a natural starting point, with its Old Quarter, lakeside walks, and endless street food. Just a few hours away, Halong Bay delivers towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters, best explored on an overnight cruise. For a quieter alternative, Ninh Binh offers riverboat rides between rice paddies and karst peaks, often called “Halong Bay on land.” If you have more time, head north to Sapa for terraced fields and mountain treks, or ride the Ha Giang Loop — a dramatic road trip through remote valleys and ethnic minority villages.

Tip: Mix one “classic” stop like Halong Bay with a quieter option such as Ninh Binh or Ha Giang for variety.

Southern Vietnam – From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc & Mui Ne

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a bustling mix of markets, rooftop bars, and history. A few hours south, the Mekong Delta shows a slower pace of life with floating markets and lush canals. If beaches are on your list, Phu Quoc Island and Mui Ne are easy add-ons — ideal for swimming, seafood, and sunsets after days in the city.

Tip: Visit Cai Rang floating market early in the morning to catch it at its busiest.

Central Vietnam: Hue, Da Nang & Hoi An

Many travelers connect the north and south with a stop in central Vietnam. Hue is the old imperial capital, home to citadels and royal tombs. Da Nang combines long sandy beaches with a growing café scene, while Hoi An charms visitors with lantern-lit nights and tailor shops. Spending 4–5 days here gives you a balance of culture, food, and relaxation.

Tip: Time your visit to Hoi An’s full-moon festival to see hundreds of lanterns floating down the river.

Suggested Tour Programs

• North Vietnam Adventure (7 days): Hanoi ➔ Ha Long Bay ➔ Ninh Binh ➔ Sapa
• Central Cultural Heritage Route (10 days): Hue ➔ Da Nang ➔ Hoi An ➔ My Son Sanctuary
• South Explorer (5–7 days): Ho Chi Minh City ➔ Cu Chi Tunnels ➔ Mekong Delta

Plan Your Own Vietnam Journey

This article gives you a broad overview, but of course it can’t cover everything. If you’re having a hard time deciding where to go or want a custom Vietnam itinerary that fits your style and schedule, our travel team is here to help. We offer free, no-obligation planning advice so you can enjoy Vietnam’s highlights at the right pace. Just drop a comment below or reach out to us directly — we’ll put together a trip that feels made for you.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam 2026

• Northern Vietnam: October to April is cool and dry, great for trekking in Sapa or exploring Hanoi. May to September is hotter with summer rains.
• Central Vietnam: February to August is beach season in Da Nang and Hoi An. September to January may bring more rain in Hue and the central coast.
• Southern Vietnam: November to April is the dry season and best for Ho Chi Minh City or the Mekong Delta. May to October is the wet season, but showers are usually short.

Must-Try Vietnamese Food & Drinks

No Vietnam travel advice is complete without food. Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable. From steaming bowls of phở to a simple cup of coffee on a street corner, eating and drinking here is half the adventure.

Street Food Classics

These are the dishes you’ll see everywhere — and for good reason:

• Phở – Vietnam’s national noodle soup, eaten any time of day. (Typical price: $2–3)
• Bánh mì – a crispy baguette filled with meats, herbs, and pickled veggies. ($1–2)
• Bún chả – Hanoi’s grilled pork with noodles and fresh herbs. ($2.5–4)
• Bún bò Huế – a spicy beef noodle soup from Central Vietnam. ($2.5–4)

My favorite street food memory was a late-night bowl of pho in Hanoi after wandering the Old Quarter

Tip: The best street food often comes from the busiest stalls — follow the locals.

Regional Specialties

Each region has flavors you won’t want to miss:

• Cao lầu – chewy noodles with pork and herbs, unique to Hoi An. ($2.5–3.5)
• Mì Quảng – turmeric noodles topped with shrimp, pork, and herbs from Da Nang/Quang Nam. ($2–3.5)
• Nem nướng Nha Trang – grilled pork skewers with rice paper and dipping sauce. ($3–5 per set)

Tip: Ask locals for their favorite “quán ăn” (casual eatery) — many hidden gems don’t show up on Google Maps.

Coffee Culture

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and locals take coffee seriously:

• Cà phê sữa đá – strong coffee with sweet condensed milk, served over ice. ($1–1.5)
• Cà phê trứng (egg coffee) – Hanoi’s specialty, surprisingly smooth and rich. ($2–3)

Tip: Order “bạc xỉu” (pronounced: bahk see-oo) if you want something lighter — it’s mostly milk with a dash of coffee. ($1–1.5)

Local Drinks & Beer Culture

Vietnamese evenings often end with a cold drink and good company:

Some foreigners enjoying Hanoi beer in Ta Hien Beer Street, Hanoi

• Bia hơi – draft beer served in small glasses, popular in Hanoi. ($0.3–0.5 per glass)
• Local lagers like Bia Saigon and Bia Hanoi. ($1–2 per bottle)
• Craft beer in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, with unique local flavors. ($3–5 per pint)

Tip: If you’re invited to drink with locals, clink glasses and say “một, hai, ba, dô!”(pronounced: moat hi bah yo) (cheers!).

Festivals and Travel Events in Vietnam 2026

When you travel to Vietnam in 2026, don’t just see the sights — time your trip with one of the country’s many cultural events. The Vietnam festivals 2026 calendar is packed with celebrations, from nationwide holidays to local lantern-lit nights. Here are some of the most unforgettable festivals in Vietnam 2026 worth adding to your itinerary:

Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)

• When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (public holiday period Feb 16–20)
• What: The biggest celebration in Vietnam, with fireworks, ancestral rituals, and lively family gatherings. Streets are decorated, markets overflow with flowers, and travel demand is at its peak.
• Tip: Plan early — flights and hotels book out months in advance.

Hue Festival 2026

• When: Traditionally held every two years in even-numbered years, Hue Festival is confirmed for 2026. Note that in recent years, special editions have also been organized in odd years (such as 2025), as part of Hue’s “Four Seasons Festival” concept.
• What: Hue Festival is one of Vietnam’s biggest cultural events, bringing the imperial city to life with royal music, folk performances, parades, and art exhibitions. It celebrates the heritage of Vietnam’s former capital while introducing contemporary cultural exchanges.
• Tip: Book accommodation in Hue early, as the city gets fully booked during the festival.

Hoi An Lantern Festival 2026

• When: Every full moon night (monthly).
• What: The old town of Hoi An switches off electric lights, glowing instead with thousands of lanterns along the river. A must-see for photography, romance, and cultural immersion.
• Tip: Arrive early to grab a riverside spot.

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2026

• When: Spring or summer (dates updated annually).
• What: A spectacular competition of pyrotechnics by international teams along the Han River, drawing massive crowds each year.

Perfume Pagoda Festival

• When: January to April.
• What: Vietnam’s largest spiritual pilgrimage, combining religious devotion with boat rides through limestone mountains and sacred caves near Hanoi.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu)

• When: Friday, September 25, 2026.
• What: Known as the “Children’s Festival,” celebrated with mooncakes, lion dances, and star-shaped lantern processions in every city and town.

Da Lat Flower Festival 2026

• When: Biennial (next in 2026, dates to be confirmed).
• What: A colorful event showcasing flowers, art, and cultural performances in the cool mountain city of Da Lat.

Summary: Vietnam’s Biggest Yearly Festivals

Beyond the major festivals listed above, Vietnam has many other cultural events worth noting. For a full overview — including their history, timing, and what to expect — see our guide: Biggest Yearly Festivals in Vietnam. It’s a handy resource if you want to plan your travel to Vietnam around authentic cultural experiences.

Practical Travel Tips for Vietnam (2026)

Traveling around Vietnam is generally smooth and affordable, but knowing a few practical tips will make your trip even better. Here’s what to keep in mind in 2026.

Transport & Getting Around

• Domestic flights: Fast and reliable for long distances like Hanoi–Da Nang or Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City. (starting from $40–60 one-way if booked early)
• Trains: A scenic but slower way to travel. Overnight trains between Hanoi and Hue/Da Nang are popular. (starting from $25–35 per sleeper berth)
• Buses: Sleeper buses connect most major cities. (starting from $10–15 per trip)
• In cities: Grab (ride-hailing app), taxis, and motorbike taxis are convenient. Short rides usually cost $2–4.

Money & Costs

Vietnam is still one of the best value-for-money destinations in Asia. Here’s a rough daily budget guide:

• Backpacker: $20–40 per day (hostel dorm, street food, buses).
• Mid-range: $60–120 per day (boutique hotels, domestic flights, guided day tours).
• Luxury: $150+ per day (4–5 star hotels, private transfers, upscale dining).

Vietnam Currency

Tip: ATMs are widely available, but always keep some Vietnamese đồng (VND) cash for local markets and small shops.

Safety & Common Scams

Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, but a few things to watch out for:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Beware of inflated prices near tourist attractions — check menus before ordering.
• Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas (like night markets or festivals).
• Drink bottled or filtered water, and pick busy food stalls with high turnover.

Etiquette & Local Culture

• Dress modestly when visiting temples or pagodas; remove shoes if required.
• Use both hands when giving or receiving items as a sign of respect.
• It’s polite to smile and greet people — a simple “xin chào” (pronounced: sin chow) goes a long way.
• Avoid touching someone’s head or pointing feet at people or religious objects.

Quick takeaway: With the right timing, budget planning, and a few cultural tips, your Vietnam trip in 2026 will be smooth, safe, and full of great memories. For a deeper guide, check out our detailed article on Vietnam do’s and don’ts

Still unsure where to start? Our team offers free custom tour design. Tell us your travel style, time frame, and must-see spots, and we’ll create a tailored Vietnam itinerary that fits perfectly. No extra cost, no hidden fees — just a plan made for you. Simply comment below or get your custom Vietnam tour plan here, and let us handle the details while you enjoy the journey.