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The very thought of Vietnam brings to mind breathtaking scenery, cultural treasures and brilliant budget breaks in amazing Asia. If it's value for money you want on your gap year, Vietnam is hard to beat, with a low cost of living and loads of lush landscapes, perfect pagodas and idyllic islands. Vietnam equals variety. Don’t miss the diverse mix of delights this Asian gem has to offer.
Get an authentic taste of ancient Asia in the city of Hue, hop over to Hanoi for some friendly fusion fun then slide along to Saigon for a spicy mix of sensations. Marvel at the Mekong Delta as you ride along the river in style, or be blown away by Halong Bay, one of the wonders of the natural world. Go to vibrant Vietnam for a vastly superior gap year vibe.
Each of Vietnam’s cities is as charming as the next. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is buzzing with constant movement, with lively storefronts, locals flying past you on bikes and the smell of delicious street food filling the streets. Tuck into plenty of Pho and chat with the welcoming locals.
An overnight boat is the best way to experience this unique landscape with its aesthetic limestone islands and tranquil waters. Located in Northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many travellers searching to experience the country’s natural beauty.
The capital of Ninh Binh Province is a calming escape to Vietnam’s countryside. Perfect for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in a new side of Vietnam’s culture, here you can explore the waterways and lush rice paddies with scenic boat rides.
This extensive underground network played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. The Chu Chi Tunnels were constructed as a strategic hiding place, providing shelter and communication routes. Travellers can visit to gain insight into this important time in history and understand the country better.
Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh, offers a distinctive mix of skyscrapers creating a busy metropolis, and quaint streets with local markets to pick up souvenirs and sample delicious cuisine. Travellers will want to explore key landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Giac Lam Pagoda.
The Perfume River is a picturesque waterway that flows through the historic city of Hue. The river is dotted with landmarks such as Imperial City and Thien My Pagoda. “Perfume River” comes from the fragrance of flowers that fall into the water during Autumn.
Previously a trading port, Hoi An is a lively city with a diverse range of cultural influences, making the food and experiences particularly special. Known for its iconic paper lanterns, illuminating the street and water, a top experience for travellers is to hop in a basket boat to explore the river.
Take a day trip from Ho Chi Minh, stay in a local homestay, or cycle around the winding roads - there are so many unique ways to experience the Mekong Delta’s vast waterways, floating villages and shops on the riverbanks.
Get off the beaten track in the northern mountains of Vietnam. Trek through Sa Pa’s terraced rice fields and uncover breathtaking views. Visit traditional villages, such as Giang Ta Chai village where you will meet the Red Dao people and learn about local life. Sleep in the mountains and wake up to unbeatable landscapes.
Rice is the staple food of Vietnam, grown in vast rice paddies throughout the country. Chicken, pork, beef, fish and seafood are main ingredients, and due to the Buddhist influence, there is plenty of vegetarian food on offer. Herbs such as lemongrass, mint and coriander go with lime, peanut, or fish or soy sauce to make for some mouth-watering flavour combinations.
Specialities vary from region to region – the north of Vietnam favours black pepper in place of chilli and is less spicy, and seafood is used often. Central Vietnam delights in spicy, colourful food centred on the city of Hue. The south of the country is influenced more by Thailand and China, using coconut milk and chillies in sweeter tasting dishes.
Vietnam has a climate of extremes, with occasional snow on the northern mountains and temperatures soaring to a sweltering 40°C in the south during the dry season. There are two monsoon seasons in Vietnam meaning a lot of heavy rainfall during the winter monsoon (October-March) when the north gets very wet and cold, whereas the south is drier and warmer. The summer rains (April/May-October) make the climate hot and humid with some wet weather. April, May or October are good times to visit as is November-February in the southern regions. In July, August, over Christmas and at Vietnamese New Year (late Jan-early Feb) tourism peaks and it can get very overcrowded.
Visas may be required depending on your nationality, travel plans, and length of stay. Below are the FCDO travel advice for British travellers. Entry rules can change at any time, so always check with the relevant embassy before travelling.
To make things easier, we’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company, a UK-based visa specialist. Their team can guide you on requirements and, for a fee, apply for visas on your behalf.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Vietnam set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.
From 15 April 2026, all foreign nationals entering Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City, are encouraged by the Vietnamese Government to complete a digital arrival card online before arrival.
The digital arrival card system is not currently a mandatory requirement for entry into Vietnam via Tan Son Nhat airport, but this may change, or be rolled out to other airports in Vietnam with limited notice.
To enter Vietnam, your passport must have:
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
It is a requirement of Vietnamese authorities that visitors enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Check the visa expiry date written in your passport is correct before leaving border control. If it is wrong, you could be accused of overstaying. Your passport is stamped upon entry which will specify the date by which you need to leave Vietnam.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You can visit Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days for tourism or business. On arrival, your passport will be stamped with an entry and exit stamp (the date you have to leave by). Check that the date given is 45 days from your arrival date, as Immigration will not change this after you have left the airport/land border.
If you want to stay longer than 45 days, you can:
E-visas restrict you to the entry and exit points you select when you apply. If you get an e-visa while in Vietnam, you must exit the country and re-enter to start your e-visa.
If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, please visit the Vietnamese Immigration Department (in vietnamese) for further information and contact details of your nearest office.
The British Embassy will not assist with visa extensions.
If you want to work or study, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Read about visas and work permits if you live in Vietnam.
If you overstay your visa or work illegally, the authorities can prevent you from leaving until you pay a fine. You could be deported and prevented from visiting Vietnam in the future.
If you transfer from an international flight to a domestic flight in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must go through immigration and enter Vietnam. You must do this even if your final destination is outside Vietnam. Check with your airline before departing.
You cannot leave Vietnam without a valid visa and must enter and exit Vietnam using the same passport.
Vietnamese authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country. Your passport will be seized until the case is fully investigated. If you are unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.
An exit ban can relate to investigations into:
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Vietnam guide
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Vietnam. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
If you’re taking prescription medication into Vietnam, carry it in your hand luggage with a copy of the prescription. If it has a total import value greater than 100 US dollars, you must declare it at customs. For information about restrictions on medication, see Health.
If you’re taking cash into or out of Vietnam, you must declare amounts over:
If you’re leaving the country with more than these amounts, declare the money at customs and show either:
If you commit a crime in Vietnam, some crimes, such as sex offences or fraud can attract very long prison terms or even a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and prisons have very poor standards. If arrested, you may be held without charge and prevented from leaving for an unlimited time.
Please be aware that you should never take photographs near military installations. If you are visiting religious or cultural sites in Vietnam, always respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing.
On arrival in Vietnam try to dress reasonably smartly to avoid being quizzed at immigration. At religious sites, make sure to dress appropriately and behave modestly in line with local customs. It is not permitted for foreign visitors to take Vietnamese nationals with them into their rooms, so bear this in mind while travelling.
Do not touch someone’s head as it is considered rude, as is pointing, crossing your arms or standing with your hands on your hips. Avoid public displays of affection and dress modestly.
We have selected what we believe to be the key points that you should be aware of when travelling in Vietnam.
Please note: Adventure360 follows advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and we recommend that you frequently check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for updated travel advice. You can find the website here: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/
Vietnam is a country with a low risk of crime, but take all general precautions when travelling to prevent petty theft and pickpocketing, which can occur among crowds and in main tourist or shopping areas. Thieves have been known to use razors to cut the straps or bottoms of bags.
There have been some violent attacks against tourists reported in towns and popular tourist destinations, with some tourists being attacked while travelling by motorcycle taxi. Although sexual assaults are rare, always take sensible precautions and travel in groups with friends. Arguments over hotel, restaurant or taxi bills can become unpleasant so you should research where you are staying and ensure you are clear about the services provided and any extra charges before you arrive.
Typical scams to watch out for include fake charities, gambling and taxis. One scam involves renting you a motorbike, which is then ‘stolen’ by the rental company, forcing you to pay up for a new bike, or a taxi driver telling you that your hotel is full and taking you somewhere he profits from. Begging is also a real problem, as is a high incidence of prostitution so be aware of this, especially in urban areas, and don’t hand out money.
On arrival in Vietnam, you will need to register with the local police and show your passport. This is usually done for you by your accommodation, but make sure you are registered as you can be fined for failure to do so. You should carry a photocopy of the personal details from your passport with you, and a photocopy of your visa for ID. Make sure that you keep the original documents in a secure place.
Drugs are a problem, and involvement with them can lead to severe consequences as Vietnam still carries the death penalty for drugs and other crimes. Illegal drugs are increasingly available in major cities and may have been tampered with or spiked. Drugs in Vietnam are strong and of high potency and tourists have suffered fatal overdoses in the past after taking very small amounts.
If you commit a crime in Vietnam, some crimes, such as sex offences or fraud can attract very long prison terms or even a death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed and prisons have very poor standards. If arrested, you may be held without charge and prevented from leaving for an unlimited time.
Travelling by motorbike taxis can be dangerous and fatal accidents are reported daily. Motorbike accidents may not be covered by your insurance, which can result in expensive medical bills. It is illegal to be on a motorbike in Vietnam without wearing a helmet, but be aware that the safety standards of helmets can vary.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
You should use metered, reputable taxis from larger firms, and where possible get your hotel or a restaurant to book you a reliable taxi. Taxi meter costs vary, but meters should start at around 8,000 to 20,000 VND. Some taxis will overcharge for journeys from airports, so check the published fare near taxi stands before you begin your journey.
Buses and coaches in Vietnam are often badly maintained and crashes are not unusual. This risk increases if travelling at night. Be vigilant against petty theft when travelling by bus, and don’t accept ‘free’ transfers to hotels unless you have organised it in advance, as these are usually scams.
Rail travel in Vietnam is generally safe, but petty theft can be a problem, with reports of theft of personal belongings on the Sapa to Hanoi train, while travellers are asleep.
Boat safety regulations and standards vary in Vietnam and are not as strict as in the UK, and a number of fatal boat accidents have been reported, some involving foreign nationals in Halong Bay, so take care when on overnight trips and always consider safety. Check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and the certification of personnel before setting off and make sure you get a safety briefing when on board a boat.
Eastern coastal regions of Vietnam can be affected by tropical cyclones, and the peak cyclone season is between May and November, although they can also occur outside this period. Approaching storms can be monitored on the Japan Meteorological Agency website and you should always follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
Make sure you have visited your GP before travelling to South-East Asia to ensure all your vaccinations are up to date. If you are entering Vietnam from a yellow fever country, you will need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate to prove you are protected. There have been incidents of malaria, dengue fever, cholera and rabies reported so make sure you receive all the necessary medication and travel advice from your GP before you go.
Avoid street food as this can be contaminated, and don’t drink wine that does not carry a recognised brand name. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Make sure you have full medical insurance as healthcare in Vietnam is extremely expensive. Make sure you take your required prescription medications in your hand luggage, with your prescription or a doctor’s letter explaining your requirements, and don’t buy medications in Vietnam as they can be counterfeit.
