Vietnam

Vietnam is in the UTC +7 time zone. The country doesn't observe daylight saving time, so the time stays the same all year round.

The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). It's a good idea to carry some cash, though credit cards are generally accepted in major cities and tourist areas.

You can pay with cash in VND or use credit cards in large cities. It’s best to exchange money in urban areas where rates are better than at the airport. You can also withdraw from ATMs, keeping an eye on fees and exchange rates from both your bank and the local one.

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. At restaurants or bars, a 5–10% tip is customary. For taxi drivers or private drivers, rounding up or leaving a small tip is a nice gesture.

Internet is widely available in Vietnam’s main cities. For convenience, buy a local SIM card (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone are reliable) at airports or stores. eSIMs are also an easy option, ideal for travellers who want to stay connected.

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese, which uses the Latin alphabet. English is understood in touristy areas, but it’s not commonly spoken in more remote places. Here’s a basic Vietnamese vocabulary to avoid being a clueless tourist – travelling also means embracing a new language, so let’s make a little effort: - hello: xin chào - thank you: cảm ơn - yes: vâng (or dạ) - no: không - please: làm ơn

Sockets are mostly type A, C, and D, with a voltage of 220V and frequency of 50Hz. A universal adapter is recommended.

Buddhism is the most practiced religion, alongside smaller Catholic and Confucian communities. Ancestor worship is also widespread, reflecting the country’s deep spiritual traditions.

There’s no such thing as the perfect backpack, and this list doesn’t include everything you’ll need for your trip to Vietnam (we’re assuming you’ll pack underwear). Always check the weather forecast for your travel dates so you can pack accordingly. That said, here’s what we think you definitely shouldn’t forget: - lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat - waterproof jacket (always a must!) - comfortable shoes - high SPF sunscreen - mosquito repellent - power adapter - basic medicine kit - small backpack for day trips - power bank

Vietnam has a tropical climate with high humidity. Temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C. Rainy season is from May to October, especially in the central and southern regions.