Vietnam Travel Guidebook (2025–2026 Edition)

Content Overview

This guide thoroughly covers Vietnam’s must-visit destinations — from major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to popular spots such as Da Nang and Hoi An, as well as trending areas like Nha Trang and hidden gems like Sapa. Get the latest updates to enjoy Vietnam better than anyone else, including the country’s first urban railway opened in Hanoi and the introduction of EV taxis in Ho Chi Minh City!

Details

In Vietnam's largest commercial hub, Ho Chi Minh City — known as the “Paris of the East” — and the historic capital, Hanoi, visitors can enjoy walking tours, Vietnamese cuisine, and shopping for local handicrafts.

The guide also features world heritage sites such as the resort paradise Da Nang, the lantern-lit nostalgic town Hoi An, and the mystical beauty of Ha Long Bay. Trending areas like Nha Trang and the remote highland town of Sapa are also extensively covered.

With 480 pages packed with information — from the first urban railway in Hanoi to EV taxis in Ho Chi Minh City — this guidebook is ideal for traveling through Vietnam’s diverse and fascinating landscapes. It also includes historical and cultural insights as well as useful trivia, making it an enjoyable read even before your trip.

The 2025–2026 edition includes the following highlights:

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◎ Main Content of This Guidebook

● Special Features at the Beginning

• Essential Vietnam Information at a Glance
• Major Area Guides & Sample Travel Plans
• The Latest Vietnam News
• Why Nha Trang is Always Fun!
• Enjoy the Highland Town of Sapa with Its Sea of Clouds
• Visiting Bac Ha, Home to the Hmong People
• 100 Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes / Mastering “Quan Com Binh Dan” (affordable local eateries) / The World of Street Food / Sweets & Drinks / Exploring Vietnamese Cafés
• Vietnam Souvenir Catalog / Shopping at Supermarkets
• The Elegance of Vietnam’s Traditional "Ao Dai" Dress

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● Featured Cities and Tourist Areas in This Guidebook

• Southern Vietnam:
  Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Tay Ninh, Vung Tau, My Tho, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Can Tho, Soc Trang, Long Xuyen, Chau Doc, Ca Mau, Rach Gia, Ha Tien, Phu Quoc Island, Con Dao Island, Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Phan Rang-Thap Cham, Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot
• Central Vietnam:
  Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue
• Northern Vietnam:
  Hanoi, Bat Trang, Van Phuc, Dong Ho, Duong Lam, Dong Ky, Quat Dong, Thanh Loi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Trang An, Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong, Do Son, Sapa, Bac Ha, Lao Cai, Dien Bien Phu, Lang Son, Dong Dang, Cao Bang, Ha Giang

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● "Vietnam Encyclopedia" — Deep Dive into Vietnam
Includes sections on Vietnam’s history, cultural identity, ethnic minorities, Vietnamese culture, and essential Vietnamese language for travelers.

Here is the summarise the guidebook

1. Cover Page

"Chikyuu no Arukikata" - Vietnam Travel Guidebook 2025–2026

Illustration Highlight: Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City

Title: ベトナム (Vietnam)

Subtitle: GLOBE-TROTTER TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK

Website: www.arukikata.co.jp

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2. Table of Contents (Page 2–3)

Featured Topics:

• Page 18: Enjoy Vietnam affordably with a strong yen & great value!
• Page 20: Compare the top two resorts in the South: Nha Trang vs. Phan Thiet
• Page 22: Welcome to the paradise island of Phu Quoc
• Page 24: Explore the scenic beauty of Da Lat
• Page 26: Vietnam’s rich and diverse World Heritage Sites
• Page 30: 100 recommended Vietnamese dishes
• Page 41: Master the art of street food!
• Page 42: Street food options for every taste
• Page 44: What to know when eating at a restaurant
• Page 46: Must-try Vietnamese sweets & drinks
• Page 49: Dive into Vietnam’s coffee culture
• Page 50: The elegance of Vietnamese souvenirs
• Page 52: Curated souvenir catalog
• Page 54: Shopping adventures in Vietnamese supermarkets

Basic Information:

• Page 6: How to use this guidebook
• Page 8: General travel information
• Page 14: Overview of Vietnam's key regions
• Page 16: Sample travel plans by area

Area Guides:

• Southern Vietnam (From Page 55): Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, My Tho, Vung Tau...
• Central Vietnam (From Page 215): Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue...
• Northern Vietnam (From Page 279): Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long...

From Page 393: Travel preparation and practical tips From Page 433: Vietnam Encyclopedia

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3. Model Travel Itineraries (Page 16–17)

Plan 1: Ho Chi Minh City – 3 Nights, 5 Days

• Day 1: Shopping, cafés, and soaking up the local vibe.
• Day 2: Visit key sights such as the Central Post Office and Reunification Palace.
• Day 3: Explore the Mekong Delta with a jungle cruise tour.
• Day 4: Half-day excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Day 5: Return to Japan.

Plan 2: Da Nang & Hoi An – 3 Nights, 5 Days

• Day 1: Check in to resort, enjoy local cuisine.
• Day 2: Visit Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains, Han Market.
• Day 3: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town and make lanterns.
• Day 4: Excursion to My Son Sanctuary.
• Day 5: Return to Japan.

Plan 3: Hanoi – 3 Nights, 5 Days

• Day 1: Stroll around Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Day 2: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature.
• Day 3: Day trip to Ha Long Bay.
• Day 4: Visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village.
• Day 5: Return to Japan.

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4. Enjoying Vietnam on a Budget (Page 18–19)

1. Street Food:

• In Ho Chi Minh City: Banh mi, com tam (broken rice), grilled pork noodles.
• In Hanoi: Sticky rice, bun cha, pho.

2. Com Binh Dan (Affordable set meals):

• HCMC: Home-cooked meals at great prices.
• Hanoi: Family-run eateries with balanced menus.

3. Shared Transportation Services:

• Grab, Be, Gojek: easy to use and affordable.
• Bike-sharing services in Hanoi and HCMC ideal for short trips.

4. Michelin Guide Eateries:

• Many local eateries listed in the Michelin Guide — worth trying!

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5. Nha Trang vs. Phan Thiet (Page 20–21)

Nha Trang:

• Known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and island-hopping tours.
• Top spots: VinWonders, 4-island tours, night market.
• Must-try dishes: fish noodle soup, mini pancakes.

Phan Thiet:

• More tranquil, perfect for beachside relaxation.
• Highlights: Mui Ne, fishing village, Fairy Stream.
• Beachside cafés and abundant local specialties.

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6. Souvenir Catalog (Page 52–53)

• Unique Vietnamese gifts: pop-up cards, paper lanterns, local crafts.
• Fashion items: T-shirts, scarves, coin purses, notebooks.
• Gourmet gifts: fish sauce, coffee, tea, cashews, traditional snacks.

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7. Introduction to Ho Chi Minh City (Page 56–57)

• Vietnam’s largest commercial city, formerly known as Saigon.
• Economic, cultural, and culinary hub.
• Famous attractions: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace...
• Details about Tan Son Nhat Airport, how to buy a SIM card, and transportation options.

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8. Strolling Hanoi’s Old Quarter (Page 288–289)

• Hanoi’s Old Quarter has over 1,000 years of history.
• Streets named after traditional trades: Hang Dao, Hang Ma, Hang Tre...
• Detailed map showing street layout and main attractions.
• Suggested places to eat, shop, and explore in the area.

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9. Travel Seasons & Packing Tips (Page 396–397)

• Vietnam’s climate varies by region:
  • South: Tropical, hot year-round, rainy season May–Oct.
  • Central: Mix of North & South climate, typhoons in autumn.
  • North: Hot summers, cold winters.
• Packing tips by season:
  • Appropriate clothing, personal medicine, electronics, sandals, rain gear, sunscreen, etc.
  • Includes detailed packing checklist by category.

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10. Additional Travel Resources (Page 398–399)

• Currency & exchange: Most major currencies can be exchanged at airports, hotels, and money changers. Vietnamese dong (VND) is widely used; cash is preferred in smaller towns.
• Internet & SIM cards: SIM cards are available at airports and major telecom stores. Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone are the most popular providers. Unlimited data plans are inexpensive.
• Transportation: In cities, motorbike taxis (xe om), ride-hailing apps, and public buses are common. For longer trips, trains and sleeper buses are popular among travelers.
• Emergency numbers: Police (113), Fire (114), Ambulance (115). Most hotels can assist in emergencies.

Source: https://www.arukikata.co.jp/guidebook/234594/