Vietnam.
Flight from TLV
9h 25m
Best season
פבר–נוב
Avg temp
28°
Currency
₫ VND · 1=₪0.000
Time zone
+5 שעות מול ת״א בחורף, +4 שעות בקיץ
Language
וייטנאמית; אנגלית נפוצה באזורי תיירות
Plug
A / C / F · 220V
Visa
ישראלים חייבים להוציא ויזה אלקטרונית מראש; יש לוודא לפני ההזמנה את התוקף, משך השהייה ומספר הכניסות באתר ההגירה הרשמי
Safety
יעד בטוח יחסית למטיילים; יש להיזהר מכייסות, הונאות מוניות ותנועה מסוכנת, לשמור היטב על הדרכון ולהעדיף אפליקציית Grab
Overview
🇻🇳Vietnam
🇻🇳Vietnam
Vietnam is a rewarding, remarkably varied journey for couples, families with older children and travelers seeking fascinating Asia without giving up excellent hotels. Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruise between Ha Long Bay’s limestone towers, then continue to lantern-lit Hoi An, Sapa’s rice terraces or the beaches of Phu Quoc. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City delivers energetic nightlife, shopping, street-food tours and easy access to the Mekong Delta. Israeli travelers typically spend two to three weeks following a north-to-south route with domestic flights.
Places
Islands & sub-destinations in Vietnam
What are you looking for?
Everything for Vietnam, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Vietnam
Each area and who it suits best.
Hanoi Old Quarter
This is the most convenient base for travelers who want to walk to Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Tạ Hiện beer street and the weekend night market. Hotels such as La Siesta Classic Ma May offer a strong location and good standards, but the lanes around Mã Mây and Hàng Bạc stay noisy, crowded and full of scooters until late.
Hanoi French Quarter
Around the Opera House and Tràng Tiền Street, leafy boulevards, elegant cafés and hotels such as Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi set a polished tone. The lake and Old Quarter remain walkable, but rooms cost more and nightlife is less spontaneous than around Tạ Hiện.
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay near Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street or Bến Thành Market for easy access to Saigon Centre, the Central Post Office, rooftop bars and energetic Bùi Viện. Hotels such as Fusion Original Saigon Centre are excellent for shopping, but Bùi Viện itself is extremely noisy, crowded and poorly suited to families with small children.
An Bàng and Hoi An Ancient Town
Many Israeli travelers split their time between the lantern-lit Ancient Town and An Bàng Beach, about 15 minutes apart by car. Little Riverside Hoi An works well for walking to the night market, while Aira Boutique Hoi An places guests by the sea; the trade-off is needing taxis between the two zones, plus occasional Ancient Town flooding in the wet season.
Mỹ Khê, Da Nang
The Võ Nguyên Giáp beachfront corridor provides easy access to Mỹ Khê Beach, restaurants and hotels such as TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach; on weekends, Dragon Bridge's fire show is a short ride away. It is a practical base for Bà Nà Hills and Hoi An, though winter seas can be rough and the area has less evening charm than Hoi An Ancient Town.
Long Beach, Phu Quoc
The coast south of Dương Đông is convenient for sunsets, spas and resorts such as Salinda Resort, while remaining fairly close to the night market. Travelers focused on theme parks may prefer the north near VinWonders, but Long Beach is more central; prices exceed the mainland, and wet-season seas can be murky and rough.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Vietnam
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
22°
14°
Excellent
פבר
23°
16°
Excellent
מרץ
26°
18°
Excellent
אפר
31°
23°
Excellent
מאי
32°
25°
Hot
יונ
33°
26°
Hot
יול
33°
26°
Hot
אוג
32°
26°
Hot
ספט
31°
25°
Excellent
אוק
29°
22°
Excellent
נוב
26°
19°
Excellent
דצמ
23°
16°
Excellent
Most pleasant weather: ינו · פבר · מרץ · אפר · ספט · אוק · נוב · דצמ
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): פבר · מרץ · אפר · אוק · נוב. February to April and October to November are the most comfortable windows for a broad itinerary, with relatively pleasant temperatures and less rain. Israelis also arrive during Passover, Sukkot and the July-August school break, although summer is hot and wet in many areas and the central coast is usually the better choice.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Vietnam · Open-Meteo
This week in Vietnam
Measured in Vietnam
25°
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Things to do
Things to do in Vietnam
On the map
Vietnam on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Vietnam itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
The Heart of Hanoi
Start before 8:00 with a walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and a visit to Ngọc Sơn Temple, before the pavements fill with scooters. Continue through Hàng Gai, Hàng Bạc and Mã Mây, see the heritage house at 87 Mã Mây and stop for egg coffee at Café Giảng if it suits your dietary practice. Visit the Temple of Literature in the afternoon, then book a Thăng Long water-puppet performance and finish at the night market if it is a weekend.
- 2
Day 2
Hạ Long Bay
Leave Hanoi around 7:30 on a pre-booked day cruise, with the expressway journey taking roughly 2.5 hours each way. Choose an itinerary featuring Sửng Sốt Cave, kayaking or a bamboo boat at Luồn Cave, and the Titov Island viewpoint. Request a vegetarian option or bring a pre-arranged kosher meal rather than relying on the boat buffet. Return to Hanoi in the evening; for a less rushed experience, make this an overnight cruise.
- 3
Day 3
Fly to Da Nang and Hoi An
Take a morning flight from Hanoi to Da Nang, then transfer about 45 minutes to Hoi An. After check-in, cycle among the Cẩm Thanh rice fields or unwind at An Bàng Beach, depending on the weather. Enter the Ancient Town around 16:30 with the heritage ticket, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge and visit the Phúc Kiến Assembly Hall. In the evening, enjoy the lanterns along the Thu Bồn River and dine at Chabad after arranging it in advance.
- 4
Day 4
Bà Nà Hills and Da Nang
Leave before 7:00 for Sun World Bà Nà Hills to reach the Golden Bridge before large tour groups; the cable car and park can occupy most of the day. Families will enjoy Fantasy Park, while couples may prefer a shorter visit followed by an afternoon at Mỹ Khê Beach. On Saturday or Sunday, remain in Da Nang until 21:00 for Dragon Bridge's fire-and-water show. Return to Hoi An, or stay in Mỹ Khê if a beachfront hotel is the priority.
- 5
Day 5
Historic and Modern Saigon
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and begin at the Independence Palace, the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Walk via Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street to Bến Thành Market and Saigon Centre, a popular air-conditioned stop for international brands. At sunset, head to the Saigon Skydeck in Bitexco Tower or the rooftop at the Rex Hotel. Finish on Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, or choose Bùi Viện for music, bars and considerable noise.
- 6
Day 6
Củ Chi Tunnels and Nightlife
Depart by 7:00 for the Bến Dược section of the Củ Chi Tunnels, generally less crowded than Bến Đình and around two hours from the center. The tour explains wartime underground life, but the passages are narrow and unsuitable for anyone with claustrophobia; entering them is optional. Return to District 1 in the afternoon for coffee and a rest, then have a kosher meal at D'vegan after checking current hours. In the evening, choose rooftop venues around Nguyễn Huệ or a short night cruise on the Saigon River.
Quick game
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Question 1 of 5
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Budget
How much does Vietnam cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪2,600-4,800 (one stop)
4-5 night package
₪4,200-7,200 (per person)
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪140-320
Five-star hotel nightly
₪400-1,000
Restaurant meal
₪25-70
Local beer
₪5-12
Vietnamese coffee
₪6-15
Short taxi ride
₪7-20
Driver and car daily
₪250-480
Guided day tour
₪120-300
Daily budget per person
₪180-450 (excluding flight)
Family of four, 10 days
₪19,000-32,000 (including flights)
Good to know
Good to know before Vietnam
Getting around
From the airport
From Nội Bài Airport to central Hanoi, Grab or an official taxi costs about ₪35-60 and takes 35-60 minutes; Bus 86 costs roughly ₪7-8 and reaches the Hoàn Kiếm Lake area and railway station in about an hour. From Tân Sơn Nhất Airport to Ho Chi Minh City's District 1, Grab or a Vinasun/Mai Linh taxi costs around ₪18-35 and takes 25-50 minutes, while public buses cost about ₪1-4. In Da Nang, Grab or a taxi to Mỹ Khê costs approximately ₪12-25 and takes 15-20 minutes; Hoi An costs ₪55-90 and takes 45-60 minutes, while a shared shuttle is typically ₪25-45 per person.
Need a car?
Israeli visitors generally should not rent a self-drive car: chaotic traffic, licensing recognition, enforcement and insurance make it a poor choice. Couples and younger travelers can rely on Grab, trains and domestic flights, while families and groups get better value from hiring a car with a driver for day trips. Scooters should be considered only by highly experienced riders carrying a valid international permit and insurance that explicitly covers riding.
Tips
Install Grab and book in-app so the fare and license plate are recorded; at airports, ignore unsolicited drivers inside the terminal. Domestic flights save substantial time between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, while the sleeper train is an experience but not always a genuine saving. For Hạ Long Bay and the islands, reserve transfers together with the cruise or ferry, and book seats early around Tết and on weekends.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Active Chabad centers serve the main Israeli route: Chabad Hanoi in the Hoàn Kiếm area, Chabad Ho Chi Minh City in District 1, Chabad Hoi An near the Ancient Town and Chabad Phu Quoc around Dương Đông. They generally provide Shabbat and holiday meals, services and sometimes weekday kosher food, but advance registration and verification of current hours and location are essential because operations can vary seasonally.
Kosher food
The safest source of prepared kosher food is Chabad's restaurants and meal service, including Chabad Ho Chi Minh City's kosher D'vegan restaurant; in Hanoi and Hoi An, confirm in advance whether weekday kitchen service is operating. Large supermarkets such as WinMart, Lotte Mart and Annam Gourmet may carry imported products with kosher certification, but stock is inconsistent. Many observant travelers bring staples from Israel, buy fruit, vegetables and sealed products locally, and pre-order meals for Hạ Long Bay, Sapa and island excursions.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Vietnam 🇻🇳
A hospital day in Vietnam can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Water & extreme sports
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
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100 VND
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1,000 VND
₪0.12
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Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Vietnam 🇻🇳
What you need before you fly
- ישראלים חייבים להוציא ויזה אלקטרונית מראש; יש לוודא לפני ההזמנה את התוקף, משך השהייה ומספר הכניסות באתר ההגירה הרשמי
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Vietnam
- 💵Use cash at stalls, markets, and small cafés, withdraw Vietnamese dong from VPBank or TPBank ATMs, which are often more favorable on fees, and decline any ATM or terminal conversion into Israeli shekels.
- 🛂Israeli travelers should arrange the appropriate entry approval in advance through Vietnam’s official immigration website, enter every passport detail exactly, and print the approval because even a small error can block airline check-in.
- 🚕Install Grab before leaving Israel and use it for cars or motorbike rides in cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City instead of taking an unbooked taxi outside the airport or Ben Thanh Market.
- 🚌For overland journeys book a Cabin Bus with a private reclining berth from a reputable operator, but between Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City flying is usually wiser because the distances are far greater than they appear on a map.
- 🛏️In Hanoi choose the quieter edge of the Old Quarter near St. Joseph’s Cathedral or the French Quarter, in Hoi An pick An Bang for beachside calm, and in Ho Chi Minh City stay in District 1 or Da Kao rather than directly on Bui Vien.
- 🏍️Book the Ha Giang Loop in advance with an experienced Easy Rider, a full-face helmet, and insurance that explicitly covers motorcycling, and do not ride yourself without a valid international permit recognized in Vietnam.
- 🌙For Ho Chi Minh City nightlife head to Nguyễn Huệ and the rooftop bars of District 1, while on Bui Vien keep your phone in a front pocket, confirm prices before ordering, and never leave a drink unattended.
- 🍽️Kosher travelers can rely on Chabad centers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An, but should reserve Shabbat meals in advance and carry snacks for Ha Giang, Sapa, and the islands, where kosher options are extremely limited.
- 🌦️Do not pack according to one nationwide forecast: northern Vietnam can be cold and misty from December to February, the central coast is especially wet in autumn, and the south stays hot and humid, so carry a light layer and packable rain jacket even on a summer trip.
- 📱For reliable coverage beyond the major cities, choose a SIM or eSIM using the Viettel network, download offline Google Maps, and save your hotel address in Vietnamese for drivers in rural areas.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"Vietnam feels like several different trips woven into one journey: sunrise over Ma Pi Leng Pass on the Ha Giang Loop, lantern-lit lanes in Hoi An, and the aroma of egg coffee on Hanoi’s Nguyễn Hữu Huân Street. Israelis fall for it because in two weeks you can move from rice terraces and mountain villages to tropical beaches, street food, and nightlife, while still traveling on a comfortable budget. My favorite moment is sitting on a tiny stool beside Hoan Kiem Lake early in the morning, as the city exercises, drinks coffee, and wakes up around you."
Loves
My local secret is reaching An Bang Beach near Hoi An around 6:30 a.m., before the heat and tour groups arrive, and swimming as fishermen return in their round basket boats. I stay for coffee and breakfast by the water, then head back to the Ancient Town around 9:00 before the busiest hours.
Skip
I avoid the cheapest Ha Long Bay day cruises from Hanoi because much of the day disappears into road travel, queues, and sales stops. If you are going to the bay, choose a reputable overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay and verify the actual vessel’s name, not just the agency’s promotional photos.
Boutique pick
I would begin my Hoi An day with a 6:30 a.m. swim at An Bang, cycle through the rice fields to Tra Que Vegetable Village at 8:30, and enter the Ancient Town before the heaviest heat for a quiet tea at Reaching Out Teahouse. Around 5:00 p.m. I would cross the Thu Bon River by small boat as the lanterns come on, finish with a pre-arranged meal or dinner at Chabad Hoi An for kosher travelers, then stroll Nguyễn Thái Học Street after the day-trip groups have left.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Vietnam
"We started the morning among the yellow lanes of Hoi An Ancient Town, then took an evening boat ride beneath hundreds of lanterns on the Thu Bon River. The next day at An Bang Beach gave us exactly the blend of romantic Vietnam and relaxed seaside time we wanted."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 14 nights · March
"The children could not stop talking about the cable car and Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, while we finally slowed down for a relaxed day on Da Nang’s My Khe Beach. Vietnam surprised us with how easy private-driver travel was and how family-friendly the hotels felt."
Michal and Ori, Modi'in
Family with children · 16 nights · August
"After a Vietnamese food tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we stayed over local beers on Ta Hien Street until well past midnight. The highlight was an overnight Lan Ha Bay cruise, kayaking between limestone cliffs and jumping into the water straight from the boat."
Omer, Daniel and Shahar, Haifa
Friends · 12 nights · October
"The boat ride through Tam Coc’s rice fields and limestone cliffs was one of our loveliest days in Asia, and Hanoi’s Temple of Literature gave us a peaceful pause in the city. Vietnam involves several flights and transfers, but at the right pace it works beautifully for an older couple."
Rachel and Yossi, Be'er Sheva
Older couple · 18 nights · November
FAQ
Common questions about Vietnam
Do Israelis need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, Israeli passport holders must obtain a Vietnam e-visa in advance, generally valid for up to 90 days with single or multiple entry. Apply only through the official immigration website, evisa.gov.vn, preferably at least two weeks before departure.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Vietnam, and how long is the flight?
Direct flights from Tel Aviv to Vietnam operate seasonally and on changing schedules, mainly to Hanoi, with a flight time of roughly 11 to 12 hours. When unavailable, connections through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, or Istanbul usually bring the total journey to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to 14 to 18 hours.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam, and when is peak season?
March to April and October to November are the most balanced periods for a broad Vietnam itinerary, although conditions differ greatly between Hanoi, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc. Southern Vietnam peaks from December to April, while Tet brings packed transport, higher hotel demand, and temporary business closures.
How many days do you need in Vietnam, and what country pairs well with it?
For a first Vietnam trip, allow 14 to 18 nights for Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City; with fewer than ten days, focus on one region. Easy combinations include Bangkok or Koh Samui in Thailand, or Siem Reap and the Angkor temples in Cambodia.
What is the easiest way to get around Vietnam?
Because Vietnam is so long, domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc save entire travel days, while Grab is the easiest option for urban rides. Overnight trains can be memorable, but families and travelers on tighter itineraries are usually better served by private drivers and prebooked transfers.
How much does a Vietnam trip from Israel cost?
A two-week Vietnam trip typically costs about ₪8,000 to ₪12,000 per person on a budget, ₪12,000 to ₪18,000 at a comfortable level, and over ₪20,000 with luxury hotels, a premium cruise, and domestic flights. These estimates include flights from Tel Aviv based on two sharing, but Passover, Sukkot, and Tet can be considerably more expensive.
Is Vietnam safe for Israeli travelers?
Vietnam is generally considered safe for Israeli travelers, with pickpocketing and phone snatching from motorbikes being the most common concerns around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s Bui Vien Street. Keep phones away from the road, cross streets at a steady pace, and do not ride a scooter without the correct license and insurance.
What should you not miss in Vietnam, and is it better for families or couples?
On a first Vietnam trip, do not miss Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay cruise, Tam Coc, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Families gravitate toward Ba Na Hills and the beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc, while couples enjoy Hoi An’s boutique hotels, quieter cruises, and An Bang beachfront stays.
What is nightlife like in Vietnam, and are there casinos?
Vietnam has energetic nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City, especially along Bui Vien and at District 1 rooftop bars, and around Ta Hien in Hanoi, but it is not an Ibiza-style club destination. Legal casinos accepting foreign passport holders include Corona Resort Phu Quoc, Hoiana near Hoi An, and The Grand Ho Tram, while central Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have no major full-scale casinos.
Are kosher food and Chabad available in Vietnam, and what should you pack?
Vietnam has Chabad centers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hoi An, offering Shabbat meals and kosher food with advance booking, but travelers heading elsewhere should bring sealed supplies from Israel. Pack mosquito repellent, a light rain jacket, comfortable shoes, a universal adapter, and regular medication, plus warm layers for Sapa and Ha Giang during the northern winter.