Yes, most visitors need a visa to enter Vietnam. Some citizens are eligible for a visa-free entry for a short period, usually up to 15 days. Americans should plan on getting a visa for Vietnam. The easiest type to acquire is the e-visa, which is offered to many citizens and allows for a single entry for up to 90 days. It is always best to check the Vietnamese government's official website for the latest requirements.
To enter Vietnam, you’ll need:

• a passport issued within the last 10 years.
• at least six months of validity beyond your departure date.
• proof of onward or exit travel.

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended when going to Vietnam. This is especially true when you consider the level of healthcare available in Vietnam. You will be prompted to provide information about your travel insurance plan when you begin your tour, so you will need to arrange this before you go. At least, your travel insurance plan should cover medical expenses and evacuation.

Tipping isn’t necessary in Vietnam, though it is becoming more and more acceptable, especially in restaurants and for drivers or tour guides. So, if the service has been good, tipping 5-10 percent is a nice way of saying thank you.

One thing to note about Vietnamese currency: it only comes in bill form, not coins. The large-denomination bills are made of plastic, while the small ones are paper and essentially worthless. When it comes to tipping, it’s best to use the plastic ones, as using paper ones is considered impolite.

It really depends on where and when you are traveling to in Vietnam. For example, lightweight clothing will be suitable throughout the year, even in winter, because of the tropical weather. However, if you will be traveling to the north, a fleece or light jacket will be useful in winter.

When traveling to rural areas, it is best to dress conservatively. For comfort and to show respect to the people, it is best to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, especially if you plan to visit temples or rural areas. A light scarf and comfortable shoes will be useful.

No, tap water is not safe to drink in Vietnam. In order to reduce the use of plastics, it is better to use a refillable bottle and fill it with filtered water. The tour leader will be able to point you in the right direction for refill points and often carries filtered water with him or her.

A quick tip: Avoid ice unless it has a hole in the middle, which means it has been factory-made with filtered water and is safe to use. It’s also a good idea to peel fruit and vegetables before consuming them.

Internet access can be considered reliable in Vietnam, especially in large cities and tourist destinations, as Wi-Fi connectivity can be accessed at hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Internet access might not be available or might be slower in rural areas; therefore, one should expect some downtime when traveling outside large cities.

Yes, mobile services are good in most cities and tourist areas. However, there may be some loss of coverage in remote areas or mountainous regions, so there may be some dead zones if you are traveling in those areas. If you want to use your U.S. phone number, make sure that you enable global roaming before you leave.

In cities, restaurants, hotels, and cafes usually have public restrooms, though they may be quite basic. However, in rural areas, restrooms may be limited, and it's a good idea to bring tissues and hand sanitizer with you. Being prepared is expected.

This is the question every American asks, and yes, it is very intense. The answer is simple: just walk normally, don’t stop, and don’t run. The scooters will flow around you. It gets very natural after a couple of days.