Vietnam offers a unique blend of traditional culture, breathtaking nature and delicious cuisine. The capital Hanoi is home to the historic Old Quarter, while Hội An delights visitors with its lantern festival. Picturesque Halong Bay, with its dramatic karst formations, is a must-see for travellers. Cities such as Hue, with its imperial history, and Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant metropolis in the south, also have much to offer.
The best time to visit Vietnam varies from region to region. The north, with Hanoi and Halong Bay, is most pleasant from October to April, when the weather is mild and dry. In the south, around Ho Chi Minh City, the climate is tropical all year round, with December to April being particularly pleasant. The rainy season, which mainly affects the south, lasts from May to October, with mostly short but intense rains.
The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). There are many ATMs in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is advisable to carry cash in more remote areas. Credit cards are accepted in tourist areas, but cash is often the preferred method of payment in markets and small shops.
