• Mozzie

Vietnam

Emergency

For emergencies, dial 113 for police, 114 for firefighters and rescue services, or 115 for medical assistance, all toll-free and available nationwide.

Politeness

Politeness is essential in social interactions, with people using formal titles when addressing others, especially in professional or respectful settings.

Next holiday

The next holiday in Vietnam is New Year's Day (Tết Nguyên Đán) on January 1, 2025, celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and traditional customs.

Tap Water

Tap water is not considered safe to drink, and it’s advised to drink bottled water instead, as it’s the safer option for consumption.

Local Stay

Vrbo operates in Vietnam, offering vacation rentals like homes, apartments, and villas in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and coastal destinations.

Toilet

Water is commonly used for cleaning instead of toilet paper. If paper is used, it’s usually disposed of in a bin due to plumbing limitations. Paper is available.

Safety

It is generally a safe country for tourists, but visitors should exercise caution in crowded areas like markets, transport, and tourist attractions to avoid scams and mind traffic safety.

Cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients, featuring dishes like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls, with an emphasis on herbs, fish sauce, and regional flavors.

Humor

Tourist: "How do you safely cross the road in Hanoi?" Local: "Close your eyes and walk. The scooters will avoid you!" Tourist: "What if they don’t?" Local: "Then you’ll meet Buddha sooner."

Hanoi

In Hanoi, the public transport system includes buses and the metro. The IC card is used for the metro, with contactless payments. Buses require a separate card, with limited options.

IC Card

Bus

The two main intercity bus operators in Vietnam are The Sinh Tourist, known for its popular routes and comfort, and Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), offering reliable services across major cities.

Sinh Tourist

Train

Vietnam's national rail network, managed by Vietnam Railways, connects major cities with regional and long-distance services. It is being modernized, including plans for high-speed rail.

Vietnam Railways

Ha Long

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its limestone islets and landscapes. Nearby, Cat Ba Island offers pristine nature and beaches..

Son Doong

Vietnam boasts Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave, located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It’s so big it can fit a 40-story skyscraper inside!

Buddhist

The country is predominantly Buddhist, with many following principles like meditation, mindfulness, and respect for nature.

Rice Terraces

The rice terraces in northern Vietnam, like those in Sapa, showcase stunning landscapes and sustainable harmony between people and nature.

Respect

In Vietnamese culture, showing respect to elders is very important. Younger people greet them with a bow or nod and use polite language.

Scooters

Motorbikes are not only a common form of transport but also a cultural symbol. It's normal to see entire families or goods stacked high on motorbikes.