Everything worth knowing about Vietnam
Honest, practical articles from people who actually live here — written the way we’d brief a friend before a trip.
All articles
Vietnamese Dong & Exchange: Rates, Cash & Cards 2026
The Vietnamese dong and changing money: the USD rate, where to change, ATMs and cards, the banknotes and how to handle all those zeros.
Vietnam Prices 2026: What Things Actually Cost
What things cost in Vietnam in 2026: real prices for meals, beer, coffee, scooter rental, Grab, hotels, massage and attractions, in dong with a USD guide.
Vietnam Travel Budget: How Much a Trip Costs in 2026
How much a Vietnam trip costs: daily and weekly budgets for backpacker, mid-range and luxury styles in USD, plus how to save.
Tipping in Vietnam: When, Where & How Much 2026
Tipping in Vietnam: where it\'s expected and where it isn\'t — restaurants, spas, guides, hotels and taxis — how much, service charges and etiquette.
Getting Around Vietnam: Trains, Buses, Flights & Bikes
How to get around Vietnam: domestic flights, trains, sleeper buses, Grab, motorbike and car rental and ferries — and what to pick between cities.
Grab & Taxis in Vietnam: How to Use Them & Avoid Scams
Using Grab and taxis in Vietnam: the app, paying, Grab bike vs car, Xanh SM and Be, honest taxi firms, scams to avoid and typical fares.
Renting a Motorbike in Vietnam: Cost, Deposit & Safety 2026
How to rent a motorbike in Vietnam: daily and monthly prices, the deposit trap, checking the bike, fuel, helmets, insurance and what to do if you crash.
Is Your Licence Valid in Vietnam? IDP, Rules & Fines
Driving in Vietnam for foreigners: why only a 1968 IDP or Vietnamese licence is valid (not the 1949 US/AU/CA permit), rules, zero alcohol and Decree 168 fines.
Flights to Vietnam: Hubs, Routes & Domestic Airports
Flying to Vietnam and around it: international hubs and direct routes by region, domestic flights and the main airports (SGN, HAN, DAD, CXR, PQC).
How to Find Cheap Flights to Vietnam in 2026
How to find and book cheap flights to and around Vietnam: the aggregators, when to book, low-cost baggage rules (VietJet) and money-saving hacks.
Vietnam Airlines vs VietJet vs Bamboo: Which to Fly
Vietnam\'s airlines compared: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet and Bamboo Airways — service, baggage, reliability and which to pick for domestic routes.