In Vietnam, I captured the ultimate secret of Ha Long Bay—the "Guilin on the Sea." Absolutely stunning!

Here’s a practical guide for traveling to Vietnam in 2025, combining the latest policies and attraction information to help you plan your trip efficiently: 🌞 **1. Pre-Trip Preparation** 1. **Visa**: Opt for an e-visa (apply on the official website for about 800 TWD, processed in 3-5 working days) or a visa on arrival (requires a pre-approved letter, pay $25 at the airport). 2. **Currency**: Vietnamese Dong (VND). It’s recommended to bring USD for better exchange rates or withdraw cash with a UnionPay card at BIDV ATMs (no fee). 3. **Internet**: Buy a 4G SIM card (around 50 CNY for 15 days) or an eSIM (recommended: Saily APP) for stable coverage. 4. **Essentials**: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), mosquito repellent, stomach medicine, European-style power adapter, and a light jacket (for air-conditioned spaces). 🗺️ **2. Best Time to Visit** - **Dry Season (November–April)**: Ideal nationwide, with less rain and cooler temperatures. - Avoid the rainy season (May–October), especially July–October, due to frequent typhoons. ⛰️ **3. Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences** 1. **Ha Long Bay (from Hanoi)** - Explore limestone islands on a luxury cruise, with new "overnight on the bay" programs (includes stargazing parties + kayaking). - Transport: 3.5-hour bus from Hanoi (FUTA Bus, $20). 2. **Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam’s largest island)** - Ride the world’s longest over-sea cable car (3 km with panoramic views of the seven-colored sea), visit VinWonders theme park, and interact with giraffes at Vinpearl Safari. - Transport: 1-hour direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City (tickets around 395 CNY). 3. **Hoi An Ancient Town (Central Vietnam)** - Tailor an Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), take a lantern-lit boat ride, and cycle to the My Son Sanctuary ruins. - Ticket: Combo pass 120,000 VND (~36 CNY), covering 5 sites. 4. **Ho Chi Minh City (Southern Vietnam)** - Snap French-colonial photos at Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, and try the new VR experience at Cu Chi Tunnels. - Must-eat: Seafood BBQ at Ben Thanh Night Market and banh mi sandwiches. 5. **Ba Na Hills, Da Nang** - Visit the Golden Bridge (held by giant hands), try the new alpine roller coaster (70 km/h), and explore the free Cham Museum. 🍜 **4. Food Recommendations** - **Street Food**: Pho (beef noodle soup), spring rolls (with fish sauce), and sugarcane juice. - **Specialty Restaurants**: Quan An Ngon in Ho Chi Minh City (offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes), ~50 CNY per person. - **Coffee Culture**: Try drip coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) with condensed milk at old-town cafes. ⚠️ **5. Practical Tips** - **Transport**: Use Grab for city rides (avoids scams); for intercity travel, choose FUTA buses or VietJet Air (budget airline with frequent deals). - **Safety**: Beware of motorbike thieves in Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang—wear backpacks in front and avoid walking alone in alleys at night. - **Etiquette**: No shorts/sleeveless tops in temples; avoid touching children’s heads; tipping is common (5,000–10,000 VND for hotels/guides). - **Payment**: Cash is king (low credit card acceptance); carry small bills to avoid change disputes. > 💡 **Pro Tip**: Northern Vietnam highlights natural wonders (Ha Long Bay/Sapa terraces), Southern Vietnam offers diverse experiences (cities + islands), and Central Vietnam is rich in culture (Hoi An/Hue). Aim for 7–10 days for in-depth regional exploration.