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I didn't expect Vietnam to hit me so hard — from the very first morning in Hanoi, when motorcycles were rushing in all directions, and the smell of pho bo from a street pot filled the entire alley. This country doesn't let go. And if you're still wondering — whether to go or not — keep reading, I'll tell you everything as it is.
🌤 When to go
Vietnam is stretched vertically, so the weather in the north and south differs greatly. In 2026, nothing has changed: if you're going to Hanoi and Halong — the best time is from October to April. For Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong — from November to March. Da Nang and Hoi An are best from February to May.
Avoid July and August on the central coast — typhoon season, the sea is murky, and some hotels are simply closed.
🛂 Visa and entry
For Russians in 2026, an electronic visa e-Visa is in effect — it's processed online in 3–5 business days, costs about 25 USD, and gives 90 days of stay. No intermediaries needed — just the official website of Vietnam's immigration department.
- Visa photo — strictly white background, otherwise it will be rejected
- It's better to get insurance with coverage of at least 50,000 USD
- At the border, they may ask for hotel confirmation
🛵 Transport and accommodation
Between cities, flying is most convenient — domestic flights with VietJet and Bamboo Airways cost from 10–20 USD with early booking. Night trains from Hanoi to Da Nang are an excellent option — a berth ticket costs about 25–35 USD, and by morning you're already there.
Accommodation in Vietnam is cheap: a good hostel in Hoi An — from 8 USD per night, a cozy boutique hotel in central Hanoi — from 30–45 USD. I stayed in the Old Town area of Hanoi and never regretted it — everything is nearby, the atmosphere is lively.
Grab (the local equivalent of Uber) works in all major cities. Fixed price, no haggling — just place a point on the map and go.
🍜 Food and must-see places
Street food is the main pleasure of the country. Pho bo for breakfast in Hanoi — about 40,000–60,000 dong (roughly 150–180 rubles). Banh mi in Hoi An — a legendary sandwich for 25,000 dong. Be sure to try bun bo Hue in Hue — a spicy beef soup, much more interesting than regular pho.
- Halong Bay — night cruise from 80 USD, book in advance
- Hoi An — the lantern city, best on a weekday before 9 am
- Sapa — rice terraces, trek with a local guide from 15 USD
- Phu Quoc — beaches for those looking for the sea
📋 Practical tips
You'll need cash — cards aren't accepted everywhere, especially at markets and street cafes. Withdraw dong at Vietcombank or Techcombank ATMs — minimal commission. Bargain boldly at markets: the starting price for tourists is inflated 2–3 times over.
- Don't drink tap water — only bottled
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ — mandatory even on cloudy days
- Clothing with covered shoulders is needed for temples
For connectivity, it's most convenient to buy an eSIM for Vietnam before your flight — rates start from 16₽, internet works steadily throughout the country, and you don't have to search for a SIM card at the airport after a long flight.
The main travel hack: say "xin chào" (hello) when entering any establishment — Vietnamese people warm up instantly, and the attitude changes before your eyes.```