$500 Cheap Flights to Vietnam (VN) in 2026

Vietnam is one of those rare destinations that has the ability to grab your attention from the beginning itself. Each and every corner of this gorgeous gem tells you a different story. Whether you want to visit this place because of its local street foods, ancient temples or simply because you want to explore the culture of Vietnamese people, this country will definitely offer you the experience that you cannot find anywhere. But still as a first time traveler it can be stressful to plan an entire trip. So to overcome this stress we have created Vietnam travel guide for first timers, to make your journey exceptional and unforgettable. 

Why Visit Vietnam?

Vietnam isn't a place, it's an experience. No matter who you are, it has something to offer on all fronts. Up and down there are several reasons why millions of people go to Vietnam annually.

• Affordability: Vietnam is economically very competitive, especially in Asia. A good bowl of pho costs less than $2, a comfortable guest house costs less than $15 a night and a domestic flight between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City starts at only $30. This can be a low cost getaway.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Vietnam has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Ha Long Bay, Ancient Town of Hoi An, Imperial City of Hue, spectacular caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, etc. The accumulation of world-class heritage in one country is rare and extraordinary.
• Food Culture: For a good reason, Vietnamese cuisine is a global phenomenon. Enjoy the pho or a bowl of rice porridge in Hanoi, the bun mi of Hanoi filled with crisped rice and grilled meat, brimming with pickled greens and chili, or the bun bo Hue, filled with burst spiciness and lemongrass, in the ancient capital. Vietnam has a peculiar dish for every region and dining around the country is one of the highlights of Vietnam travelling.
• Rich French Colonial + Ancient History: Vietnam history has its many layers and is so fascinating and cultural from the Cham's temples at My Son to the grand French colonial architecture at Hanoi's Old Quarter to the tunnel at Cu Chi during the Vietnam War era. The visit to Vietnam is indeed an experience on a time-travel adventure.
• Friendly Locals & Growing Tourist Infrastructure: The Vietnamese people are renowned for being warm and resilient and asking many questions. The nation's tourism is booming in recent years, with high-speed train service, affordable transportation by air, and vibrant hostels and luxury accommodations, making it easier than ever to visit the country.

Vietnam is a country with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful scenery, and friendly people, and there are endless opportunities for adventure to be had here.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

One of the most crucial factors when organizing trips in Vietnam is the weather forecast. Due to Vietnam's elongated terrain and the considerable distance from north to south (1,650 km), the best time to visit Vietnam will differ greatly across regions. Weather by the month in Vietnam will help you plan your trip to make the best use of your time, and to stick to the Vietnam monsoon season.

Vietnam Weather Month by Month

Vietnam Monsoon Season — What to Expect

Different regions are affected at different time by Vietnam monsoon season. In the south, monsoons bring plenty of rain from May to November, usually during the afternoon hours, lasting for about one to two hours before breaking up. It rains in May through September in the north. The most problematic season is the Central Vietnam where it is at risk of typhoon storms in September to November and heavy rainfall during August to January. During monsoons bring an umbrella and plan indoor events in the afternoons.

Best Time for North vs Central vs South Vietnam

• North Vietnam: With the exception of North Vietnam, October to April is perfect. Ventures will be cool, dry and ideal for sightseeing. It is cold in the mountains in December to February.
• Central Vietnam: This period between February and July in central Vietnam is the golden window which signifies the area of central coast — no water, no snow, sun and warm weather.
• South Vietnam: The good time to travel South Vietnam is during December to April and at this time the season is dry.

Tip: The shoulder seasons are those which present the most ideal weather overall across all regions, fewer crowds and less expensive. April is one of my favorites for folks who haven't been in country before, to see everything.

Visa & Entry Requirements for First-Timers

Getting visa before booking your trip is crucial for the travelers who are visiting Vietnam for the first time. Thankfully, the process has been greatly simplified in recent years.

• E-Visa (Recommended): For most countries, e-Visa is the most convenient type of visa. It can provide up to 90 days single entry and multiple entry time. Fill online applications on official registration site. Expect processing to be 3-5 business days from the time you place your request. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
• Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of various countries and some in Southeast Asia get visa-free entry for 15-45 days. Check your country's status before travelling.
• Visa on Arrival: Applicant gets a visa on arrival, after being accepted based on a letter from a third party before they travel. The e-Visa system is more time-efficient and reliable than this is, it's an older system.

You can have a smooth entry when you are fully aware about the visa requirements of Vietnam. 

Top Places to Visit in Vietnam for First Timers

In search of best places in Vietnam must be visited by you or just want to know about the top places to make the most of your first time visit. Then worry not as below is the list of top places that you as a first time explorer must see:

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital city is as sensory as it can possibly be... in a good way. The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a labyrinth of narrow streets, each of which is traditionally specialized in a certain business. At its centre is Hoan Kiem Lake which is surrounded by temples and is the centre of a weekend walking street. You will also have access to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh from Hanoi.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is an essential component in any Vietnam tour. It is one of the must visit places in Vietnam. A sea of emerald waters rises sharply to almost 2,000 limestone islands and islets making up one of the most sought after sea-gems in the world. It can be fully savored on a 2-day cruise, having fun in the caves, gliding through them, taking in the sunset over the karsts and all this can make your journey unforgettable.

Hoi An

However, perhaps the place most charming of Vietnam is Hoi An. This World Heritage-listed old trading port is well known for its vibrant lanterns, tailor and a superior culinary scene. You can most of your trip of walking near Thu Bon River, go to the Japanese Covered Bridge and eat the local foods like white rose dumplings and cao lau noodles.

Ho Chi Minh City

This is one of the largest cities in Vietnam. It is known for the mix of French Colonial streets, large buildings and delicious street food stalls. You can make your trip here memorable by visiting the iconic places like Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market and also the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.

Da Nang & the Central Coast

Perfect mix of beach, culture and adventure can be found in this one of the top Vietnam tourist places. The must visit places in this region that should not be missed by one are My Khe Beach, Golden Bridge and the Ba Na Hills above the city

Sapa

This beautiful place Sapa near the Chinese border is famous for mountains, minority villages and photography spot rice terraces. To experience the local culture trek on Muong Hoa Valley with local guide.

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is largely known as Vietnam’s rice bowl and fruit basket. You can experience the rural side of Vietnam by taking the boat via Can Tho and you can visit local markets and coconut candy workshops with it.

These top destinations shows the Vietnam’s diverse culture make the trip for first time travelers much more exciting and memorable.

Things to Do in Vietnam

Things to do in Hanoi for first timers is one of the most searched queries for good reason-the capital alone could fill three days easily. But beyond Hanoi Vietnam is packed with experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

In Hanoi:

• On foot you can visit the 36 Streets of the Old Quarter 
• You must go to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda
• With your loved one you can walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and cross to Ngoc Son Temple
• Find a new way for experiencing the city with a walk around in Train Street
• Embark on a street food journey, and experience Bun Cha, Egg Coffee, Cha Ca and Banh Cuon.
• Day trips at Ninh Binh (2 hrs) for the inland Ha Long Bay

Across Vietnam:

• In Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay you can take cruise in night
• Attend the Full Moon Lantern Festival in Hoi An
• Take a walk with the locals in Muong Hoa Valley, Sapa
• See the Cu Chi Tunnels outside HCM City!
• Rent a scooter and take ride to the Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue with your closed ones
• Visit the largest cave system in the world that is Phong Nha caves.
• Get a cooking lesson (almost every major city provides it)

By doing these activites you can make most of your first time trip and collect thousands of unforgettable memories.

Vietnam Itinerary for First Timers

No matter you are in one week or ten days, a Vietnam travel guide for first timers itinerary will help you see the best of the country without feeling rushed. The following are two tested and proven methods.

Vietnam Itinerary 7 Days — North to Central Route

• Day 1–2 (Hanoi): Once arrived then go to Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake,and then in evening go eat local street food.
• Day 3 (Ha Long Bay): On day three take a exciting night cruise and watch a attention grabbing sunset.
• Day 4 (Travel to Hoi An): On the beautiful day four you can go to Hoi An. Then take a walk around the ancient town. 
• Day 5 (Hoi An): Japanese Covered Bridge – local cooking class, afternoon walk to An bang beach.
• Day 6 (Fly to Ho Chi Minh City): Now at the second last day of your trip you can go to Ben Thanh Market area and the French Quarter.
• Day 7 (Ho Chi Minh City): On the last day to make it unforgettable you can go to Cu Chi Tunnels in the morning, War Remnants Museum in the afternoon, rooftop bar at sunset.

Vietnam Itinerary 10 Days — Extended With More Depth

Follow the 7-day route above, then add:

• Day 8 (Mekong Delta Day Trip): For 8th day you are suggested to go to floating market of Can Tho, take a ride via canals and eat tropical fruits.
• Day 9–10 (Add Sapa): On the last days you need to take a trek on Muong Hoa Valley, go to local villages and click photographs on rice fields. 

You are suggested to take 7 days vacation when you want to see only the central and north part of the country and take 10 days vacation when you want to experience the rural culture and want to see Sapa. 

Best Places to Stay in Vietnam — Hotels, Hostels & Resorts

Vietnam is a dream place of many travelers so due to this reason it offers budget friendly and luxury hotels and resorts to satisfy every type of traveler. Top places to stay in this country according to different budget is mentioned below in details:

• Budget (Under $15/night): You will find clean and good reviewed hostels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s Pham Ngu Lao area. When you look for hotels make sure to check whether there is private locker, free breakfast and tours provided by them. Some of the best ones are The Common Room Project and Hideout Hostel.
• Mid-Range ($40–80/night): You will find some of the most amazing boutique hotels in Hoi An. This place has small, family oriented houses made from traditional wood. French Quarter area in Hanoi is place that will provide you with mid ranged stays with beautiful architecture.
• Luxury ($120+/night): For those looking for luxury stays should book luxury cruise ships in Ha Long Bay. You can also find top class resorts around the coastline of Da Nang. In addition to this Ho Chi Minh City's Park Hyatt and the Rex Hotel are some of the most luxurious hotels to stay.  

Booking Tip: You are recommended to make the booking of your stays at least 3-4 weeks if you are planning to visit at peak season and 6-8 week if you want to book a Ha Long Bay Cruises.

Vietnam Travel Budget — How Much Does it Cost?

Vietnam stands among one of the most affordable countries that one must surely visit. But the cost to visit her depends largely on your travel style.

The cost of visiting Vietnam in total is absolutely budget friendly providing you with the memories that you will cherish for your life.

Essential Vietnam Travel Tips for First Timers

You can make your first time trip less stressful and more enjoyable by following the few crucial tips mentioned below:

• Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases: Although some people in Vietnam know English language but learning some local words and phrases can make your trip easy.
• Stay Hydrated: At summers this country is hot. So you are advised to carry a water bottle to remain hydrated during your entire journey. 
• Sim Card or Wi-Fi: To get easy access to maps and translation apps you are advised to purchase the local SIM as soon as you land here. Many cafes and hostels also offer free wifi to ensure that you remain connected.
• Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples and religious places make sure to dress up properly. You should remove your shoes outside only when visiting temples and someone’s home. Do not forget to take permission from locals while clicking the photographs.
• Keep Cash Handy: It is advised to keep cash with yourself because small shops and stalls only take payments in cash. The currency of this country is Vietnamese Dong so make sure that you carry enough cash for making small purchases.

You can indulge yourself fully  in the rich culture and dazzling landscapes of Vietnam by keeping in mind the tips mentioned above.

Conclusion

Each and every kind of traveler is welcomed and rewarded by Vietnam. With so many breathtaking places to explore here your trip as a first time traveler here is undeniably going to be special. You can make your visit here unforgettable by doing little planning and taking help from this guide. Since now you know everything about this country, now is the right time to book your tickets to visit here!