Good Morning, Vietnam! Succulent noodle soups to slurp, rolling rice fields to find, and a winding history to uncover. There’s no limit to what you can do here, with caves to kayak and motorbikes to cruise – the Vietnam world is your oyster. And did we mention the incredible food? Pass the rice paper rolls!
3.5/5 stars – You shouldn’t have any problem finding an ATM, as they will be in airports, banks and attached to bars, restaurants and stores. Try find ones with low or no withdrawal fees.
Not the norm, but tip for excellent service with cash.
Pre-paid mobiles are super cheap and hotspots are everywhere
Your daily expenses won’t add up to too much, leaving you more dong for activities and shopping.
Coffee: AU$2.30 (regular cappuccino)
Water: AU$0.40 (330mL bottle)
Beer: AU$1.15 (500mL domestic beer)
Food: AU$1.50 (bowl of Pho)
Taxi: AU$10 (Airport – District 1)
Big Mac: AU$3.45 (what a deal!)
Budget: Around AU$80/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, a cyclo ride and the Cu Chi Tunnels tour)
Moderate: Around AU$150/day (2x restaurant meals, supermarket snacks and a bike tour in De Lat)
Luxury: Around AU$200/day (2x restaurant meals, supermarket snacks and kayaking on Halong Bay)
4 stars - Vietnam is pretty safe for a traveller, but you’ll need to keep your eye out for scammers. Be careful on those roads though – the driving isn’t quite as ordered as it is back home.
Token Snacks
Before coins were introduced in 2003, banknotes were exchanged for tokens to use vending machines.
Cash capacity
If arriving or departing with more than VND 15,000,000 or US$5,000, you’ll need to declare it
Cashew crazy
Vietnam produces and exports the largest amount of cashew nuts in the world.
Separate beginnings
The dong first came to North Vietnam in 1946, but not until 1975 in South Vietnam
The ol’ switch-aroo
The cotton banknotes were replaced by polymer notes in 2003, to reduce printing costs.
To see, do and eat to your heart’s content, don’t skimp on the dong. The US dollar can be accepted in Vietnam, though you’re more likely to be overcharged. If you’re planning on purchasing plenty of street food and market goods, come well stocked with cash.
Son Doong Cave
Discover the largest cave in the world, first explored only in 2009.
Quad biking in Mui Nei
Rolling sand dunes to zoom across on your own quad bike? Yes please!
Halong Bay
Cruise or kayak across the stunning seascape that is Halong Bay.
Son Doong Cave
Discover the largest cave in the world, first explored only in 2009.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The huge network of underground tunnels that were used during the Vietnam War are a must-see.
Vietnamese cooking class
Learn how to make authentic Vietnamese dishes to bring a piece of this stunning culture home
