Money in Vietnam: How to Pay, Exchange Currency and Withdraw Cash

You have just landed in Hanoi. A few minutes later, you order your first coffee and the bill comes to several tens of thousands of dong. That evening, restaurant dishes are priced at 150,000 or 200,000 VND. Then you stop at an ATM and are offered the option of withdrawing several million.
Your first encounter with money in Vietnam can be slightly confusing. There are zeros everywhere, and the familiar sense of value you have at home temporarily disappears.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to get used to the Vietnamese dong. Managing your money while travelling in Vietnam is actually quite straightforward once you understand when to use cash, when to pay by card, where to exchange foreign currency and how to withdraw money without accumulating unnecessary fees.

Your payment habits will also change throughout your journey.
A credit card may be perfectly convenient for paying for a beautiful hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, while cash becomes essential when enjoying a bowl of noodles at a family-run restaurant, buying fruit at a local market or stopping in a remote mountain village.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, we therefore recommend viewing cards and cash as complementary rather than choosing one over the other.
In this guide, we share our practical advice on how to pay in Vietnam, exchange money and withdraw cash, so that financial matters quickly become a minor detail and you can focus on enjoying your journey.

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Preparing a trip to Vietnam in summer often raises many questions. Between the heat, humidity and the famous rainy season, many travelers hesitate to go to Vietnam between June and August.

Yet, the Vietnamese climate is much more nuanced than one might imagine. The country stretches more than 1,600 kilometers from north to south, causing significant weather differences between regions. While one area experiences some tropical showers, another can enjoy a great sun and ideal conditions to travel.

Yes, summer corresponds to a hot and humid period in much of the country. But this does not mean that it is impossible to travel. Quite the contrary: some parts of Vietnam are particularly pleasant during this season, especially the center of the country and some mountainous areas in the north.

In this article, we explain to you clearly:

• the weather in Vietnam in summer
• the differences between north, center, and south
• the regions to prioritize
• the temperatures to be expected
• the practical advice for traveling comfortably

You will also discover why Vietnam in summer can offer absolutely magnificent landscapes, between green rice fields, tropical atmosphere and particularly spectacular nature. Read More “Weather in Vietnam in summer: where to go and what climate?”

Trip to Vietnam and Siem Reap:

There are trips that seduce with the beauty of their landscapes. Others leave a lasting impression through the intensity of emotions, human encounters and the rare sensation of crossing several universes in a single itinerary. The trip Vietnam and Siem Reap undoubtedly belongs to this category of deeply unforgettable discoveries.

Combining the vibrant energy of Vietnam with the majesty of the temples of Angkor allows to live a particularly balanced experience between cultural immersion, refinement of travel and permanent wonder. Few tours in Southeast Asia offer such a richness of contrasts in the same adventure.

Vietnam immediately captivates with its spectacular diversity. To the north, the bustling alleys of Hanoi reveal a fascinating local life where scooters, street markets and traditional cafes compose an intensely lively atmosphere. Further on, misty mountains and terraced rice fields create landscapes that are almost unreal. In the center of the country, Hoi An lights up the evenings with its colorful lanterns while the coastal villages invite to slow down. Then come the peaceful waters of the Mekong Delta, where floating scenes of life offer an authentic immersion in rural Vietnam.

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Planning a trip to Vietnam with your family can seem impressive at first glance: distance, climate, transport, pace of travel… Many parents wonder if Vietnam is really suitable for a stay with children.

Yet, Vietnam is one of the most enriching and accessible destinations for families wishing to live a exotic, cultural and human experience. Between spectacular rice fields, tropical beaches, boat rides, local encounters and tasty cuisine, the country offers an incredible diversity of activities suitable for both young children and teenagers.

One of the great assets of Vietnam with children also lies in the warm welcome of the Vietnamese. Families are generally very well received, and children often attract curiosity, smiles and kindness. This atmosphere makes the trip particularly pleasant and reassuring for parents.

Well organized, a family trip to Vietnam allows you to find an excellent balance between:

• cultural discovery
• moments of relaxation
• nature
• fun activities
• travel comfort

In this article, we share our best tips for a successful stay: adapted itineraries, essential activities, practical recommendations and mistakes to avoid to fully enjoy a smooth and memorable family tour.

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Local agency or travel coach: which choice should I make?

Preparing a trip to Vietnam is an exciting and demanding adventure. Between the spectacular mountains of the north, dynamic cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, cruises in the bay of Halong and traditional villages still preserved, each itinerary requires reflection and organization.

Very quickly, a question comes up for many travelers: should we use a local travel agency or a travel coach?

In recent years, the job of travel coach has attracted travelers seeking autonomy. This solution allows you to benefit from personalized advice while keeping control over bookings and the organization of your stay. For some profiles, this flexible approach can be perfectly suited.

But when it comes to a country as rich and diverse as Vietnam, needs change rapidly. Transport management, accommodation choice, understanding of local realities, adaptation to climatic conditions or assistance in case of unforeseen events: all these elements can transform a journey into a seamless experience… or as a real source of stress.

This is precisely where a local travel agency comes into its own. Thanks to its presence on the ground, its concrete expertise of the country and its network of reliable partners, it does not only advise. She accompanies each step of the stay to create a more serene, immersive and authentic experience.

So, which solution to choose to discover Vietnam in the best conditions?

In this article, we help you understand the essential differences between a travel coach and a local agency in order to prepare a trip perfectly adapted to your way of traveling.

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Dental Treatment in Vietnam: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Care with Confidence

Replacing a missing tooth, restoring a harmonious smile or undergoing extensive dental treatment is often an important personal decision. Beyond the medical procedure itself, patients increasingly look for a solution that combines high-quality care, controlled costs and straightforward organization.

This is why dental treatment in Vietnam is attracting a growing number of international patients. Known for its modern clinics, skilled dental professionals and excellent value for money, Vietnam has become a trusted destination for people seeking reliable dental care abroad.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, we understand that organizing a medical trip requires special attention. Our role is to assist you with the practical arrangements so that you can focus on what matters most: your health, comfort and peace of mind.

Thanks to our local presence, we help you plan a stay that fits your dental treatment schedule. When your recovery and medical appointments allow, we can also arrange gentle sightseeing experiences, giving you the opportunity to discover some of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations without disrupting your care.

In this guide, we answer the main questions international patients ask when considering dental care abroad: why choose Vietnam, which treatments are available, how to select a reliable clinic and how to organize your stay with complete confidence.

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Traveling by train in Vietnam is one of the most authentic experiences in the country. Between the rice paddies of the North, the wild coasts of the Center and the tropical landscapes crossed at sunrise, the train offers a slower, more immersive and deeply pleasant way to discover Vietnam.

The famous night trips between Hanoi and Sapa or between Hanoi and Hue particularly appeal to travelers seeking comfort and change of scenery.

The good news is that it is now very easy to book train tickets in Vietnam, even before departure.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, we generally recommend booking in advance to enjoy the best cabins and travel in more serene conditions.

Read More “How to book tickets for train in Vietnam?”

Is Vietnam a safe destination for travelers?

Traveling in Vietnam is a dream for many French-speaking travelers. Between the majestic rice fields of the North, vibrant cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, tropical beaches and the country’s cultural richness, this fascinating destination attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year. Yet, before they book their stay, many people ask the same question: is Vietnam really a safe destination?

This concern is perfectly legitimate. When planning a trip thousands of miles away, safety becomes an essential priority, especially for a first stay in Asia, a family trip or a solo adventure. Crime, traffic, health, tourist scams or health security: the questions are numerous and deserve clear, honest and reassuring answers.

Thanks to our local experience on the ground and the feedback of many travelers we accompany each year, we can say that Vietnam is now one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia. The country enjoys great stability, a welcoming population and an overall particularly serene climate for foreign visitors.

Of course, as everywhere in the world, a few simple precautions allow you to travel with even more tranquility. In this full article, we will explain to you concretely what are the real risks in Vietnam, how to avoid them and why this destination offers a travel experience as reassuring as unforgettable. Read More “Is Vietnam a safe destination for travelers?”