Vietnam offers opportunities for travelers on a shoestring budget as well as those with extra cash to spend. The U.S. dollar is accepted in many tourist centers and some hotels but the dong is the official currency and is helpful to have on hand. Tourists may exchange their money at tourist centers rather than remote areas where exchange rates are usually worse. Bargaining is common practice in Vietnam, and prices are generally fair, so do not be afraid to haggle for goods and services.
Visas are required for visitors to Vietnam and are valid for 30 days. Other visas, such as student, business and multiple re-entry visas, are also available, and most can be extended if needed. Using a travel agency is typically the easiest method of obtaining a visa, or travelers can contact the Vietnam embassy in their own country.
The Son Tra peninsula is home to seaside towns and beaches outside Da Nang. Hue, a former imperial city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also in the Da Nang area and is a convenient base for exploring the former Demilitarized Zone. To the south, Nha Trang is a known tourist spot, particularly for backpackers and travelers on a budget looking for cheap accommodation and nightlife. Farther south, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's largest city and a major tourist center. The Mekong Delta, an area of rivers and rice fields, lies to the west of Ho Chi Minh City and is a popular touring area.
Transportation on the narrow and hectic roads of Vietnam is a safety concern for visitors, and the motorbikes and motorbike taxis that are everywhere in Vietnam present a safety risk. Wear a helmet while riding a motorbike and stay aware of vehicles. Petty crime like pickpocketing is not a widespread problem, but travelers should use common sense. Keep valuables to yourself, never leave wallets or anything important out on a table and stay in well-lit areas when traveling at night.
Major international airports with direct flights from the U.S. and Europe include Tan Son Nhat, which serves Ho Chi Minh City, and Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, while Da Nang International Airport has flights from Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore. These airports generally present fewer obstacles to entering the country than land borders. Travelers should note that buying a ticket outside Vietnam is often much cheaper than airline tickets sold in the country.
Besides air travel, Vietnam is also accessible from many Asian countries in the region by train, bus, car and boat. Remote border crossings can be problematic, however, due to unreliable transportation, overcharging and problems at immigration, so it helps to plan ahead or use a travel agency before traveling in and out of the country by land.
