World Guide

Vietnam

Country · Asia, South-eastern Asia

Vietnam
Photo: Chuoibk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Vietnam is located in South-eastern Asia, sharing borders with China, Laos, and Cambodia. With a population of about 102 million people and an area of 331,690 square kilometers, the country offers diverse experiences ranging from historic architecture to significant natural landscapes.

Highlights

This reference covers 25 sights across the country. Historical sites include the Imperial City of Huế, the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, and the Hoa Lư Ancient Capital, alongside sites like the Temple of Literature, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Significant 20th-century history is represented at the War Remnants Museum, Hỏa Lò Prison, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Independence Palace, and the Khe Sanh Combat Base. For natural landmarks, the list includes Hạ Long Bay and Hang Sơn Đoòng. Modern structures and recreation areas include Landmark 81, the Golden Bridge, Bà Nà Hills, and the Dragon Bridge. Hanoi Train Street and Hoàn Kiếm Lake are also featured.

Food and drink

Local cuisine features a variety of dishes including Pho, Bun cha, Bún bò Huế, and Mì Quảng. Other notable items are Bánh xèo, Bánh cuốn, Bánh chưng, and Bánh bao. Travelers may also encounter Gỏi cuốn, Chả giò, Egg roll, and Canh chua.

When to go

Based on climate data for the capital, Hanoi, the driest months are December, January, and February, which also see the coolest temperatures, ranging from daily highs of 20°C to 21°C and lows of 13°C to 15°C. Temperatures rise toward the middle of the year, peaking at 32°C in June, July, and August. These summer months are also the wettest, with rainfall reaching over 300 mm in July and August. Travelers preferring milder weather with less rain may find the transition months of March, April, and November suitable, though rainfall increases significantly by May.

Practical notes

The currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND), and the official language is Vietnamese. Electrical outlets accommodate plug types A, C, F, and G with a voltage of 220V. Traffic moves on the right side of the road. The country operates on UTC+07:00 time. The international calling code is +84 and the country code for websites is .vn.

Cities

Food and drink to try in Vietnam

  • Pho
  • Bánh xèo
  • Bun cha
  • Bún bò Huế
  • Egg roll
  • Chả giò
  • Bánh cuốn
  • Bánh chưng
  • Gỏi cuốn
  • Mì Quảng
  • Canh chua
  • Bánh bao

Top sights in Vietnam

  1. Hỏa Lò PrisonHỏa Lò PrisonHanoi
  2. Hạ Long BayUNESCOHạ Long Bay
  3. Củ Chi tunnelsCủ Chi tunnels
  4. Hang Sơn ĐoòngHang Sơn Đoòng
  5. Landmark 81Landmark 81Ho Chi Minh City
  6. Golden BridgeGolden BridgeDa Nang
  7. Ho Chi Minh MausoleumHo Chi Minh MausoleumHanoi
  8. Imperial City of HuếUNESCOImperial City of HuếHuế
  9. Hanoi Train StreetHanoi Train StreetHanoi
  10. Independence PalaceIndependence PalaceHo Chi Minh City
  11. Temple of Literature, HanoiTemple of Literature, HanoiHanoi
  12. Bà Nà HillsBà Nà HillsDa Nang
  1. St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hanoi · Hanoi
  2. War Remnants Museum · Ho Chi Minh City
  3. Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long · HanoiUNESCO
  4. Hoàn Kiếm Lake · Hanoi
  5. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon · Ho Chi Minh City
  6. Khe Sanh Combat Base
  7. Hoa Lư Ancient Capital · Ninh Binh
  8. Dragon Bridge · Da Nang
  9. Tràng An Scenic Landscape ComplexUNESCO
  10. Phu Bai Combat Base · Huế
  11. Tomb of Khải Định · HuếUNESCO
  12. Hội An Old TownUNESCO
  13. Thiên Mụ Temple · HuếUNESCO
  14. Hằng Nga Guesthouse · Đà Lạt
  15. Phát Diệm Cathedral · Ninh Binh
  16. Bái Đính Pagoda · Ninh Binh
  17. Da Lat station · Đà Lạt

UNESCO sites in Vietnam →

Weather by month

The warmest month is July, with an average high of 33 °C. The wettest is July, with about 327 mm of rain.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C202125293132333230282521
Average low, °C131518212426262524211714
Rainfall, mm2629551212422833273232241657326
Rainy days66111320222525221484

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Hanoi (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

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