Vietnam
Việt Nam
The S-Shaped Land - Culture & Adventure
Essential Phrases
Hello
Xin chào
Sin chow
Thank you
Cảm ơn
Kahm uhn
Yes
Vâng / Đúng
Vung / Zung
No
Không
Kohm
Excuse me
Xin lỗi
Sin loy
Sorry
Xin lỗi
Sin loy
Please
Làm ơn
Lahm uhn
Help!
Giúp tôi!
Zup toy
Where is...?
...ở đâu?
...uh dow
How much?
Bao nhiêu?
Bow nyew
Cheers!
Trân trọng
uhn-chuhng
Goodbye
Tạm biệt
Tah-mee-eht
Emergency Contacts
Police
113
Police (emergency)
Ambulance
115
Medical emergency
Fire
114
Fire department
Tourist Police
1039
Tourist Police (in major cities)
US Embassy Hanoi
+84 24 3850-5000
7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Money & ATM Reality
Currency
Vietnamese Dong
VND
1 USD ≈ 24,500 VND (approximate)
ATM & Card Access
ATM Fees: 30,000-50,000 VND per withdrawal
- • ATMs everywhere in cities - limited in rural areas
- • Most ATMs charge 30,000-50,000 VND fee for foreign cards
- • Cash preferred at local restaurants, markets, and small shops
- • Tipping not expected but appreciated in tourist restaurants
Internet & Connectivity
Restrictions:
• Government controls internet content
• Social media (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) occasionally slowed
• News sites may be blocked
- • Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone are major providers
- • eSIM available from providers
- • Tourist SIM: 150,000-300,000 VND for 4-10GB valid 30 days
- • Airport and street vendors sell SIMs
Popular Apps
Safety Index
Crime Overview
Transportation
Traffic is chaotic - cross carefully. Motorbikes everywhere. Use reputable taxi apps.
Common Scams
- •Taxi meter tampering
- •Overcharging tourists
- •Motorbike scams
- •Gem/jewelry scams
Areas to Avoid
- • Remote border areas - check travel advisories
- • Some rural areas at night
Natural Disaster Risks
- • Typhoons (November-January in south, July-October in north)
- • Flooding during rainy season
Note: Safety ratings are based on Global Peace Index, US Department of State Travel Advisories, and local government sources. Ratings are subjective and should be used as a general guideline only. Always verify current travel advisories before your trip.
Solo Women Travelers
Night Safety
Dress Code
Modest dress at temples (cover shoulders and knees). Beachwear OK at beaches.
Harassment Risk
Tips
- •Generally very safe for women
- •Dress modestly at religious sites
- •Use Grab for safe taxi transport
- •Motorbike taxi (xe om) requires caution
- •Vietnamese people are friendly and helpful
Note: Women safety ratings are based on solo female traveler experiences, TripAdvisor reviews, and US Department of State advisories. Every woman's experience may vary. Trust your instincts and research specific destinations.
Festivals & Events
Tet (Lunar New Year)
religiousVietnam's biggest holiday - family reunions, feasting, fireworks
Impact: Everything closes for 3-7 days - plan ahead
Hoi An Lantern Festival
culturalTraditional lantern lighting in Hoi An - magical atmosphere
Impact: Beautiful - very popular, crowded
Mid-Autumn Festival
culturalChildren's festival with lanterns, mooncakes, performances
Impact: Festive atmosphere, family gatherings
Reunification Day
nationalCommemorates end of Vietnam War - national holiday
Impact: Public holiday - some closures
Vietnamese Women's Day
culturalCelebration of women - flowers, gifts, appreciation
Impact: Flowers and gifts popular - happy atmosphere