What Kinds of Jobs Can Foreigners Get in Vietnam?
New expats in Vietnam often default to teaching English, thinking it is their only option. In reality, there are many opportunities to pursue careers they are more passionate about.
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The XO Tours blog
Vietnam travel tips from people who live here
Our latest guides and tips on Vietnam: travel, food, local life, culture and shopping.
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Vietnam Travel Tips
What to do in Vietnam
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Where to Find the Best Vegan Food in Saigon
Saigon is a paradise for vegan and vegetarian foodies. HappyCow ranks it as the 10th most vegan-friendly city on the planet. Here is where to eat, from street stalls to upscale restaurants.
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Vietnamese Dong Conversion Rate Tables for USD, AUD, GBP, CAD, NZD, EUR, SGD, CNY, KRW, JPY
Ten quick reference tables showing what each Vietnamese Dong note is worth in the ten foreign currencies most often used by travellers to Vietnam.
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A Guide to Your First Hour in Vietnam
Every adventure must start somewhere and we firmly believe that the first hour into that adventure may set the tone for your entire journey.
TOP 5 Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City
Just hours away from Ho Chi Minh City you can find beaches, jungles, swamps, islands, rivers and villages. Our take on the top 5 places to go from Ho Chi Minh City.
Strange Vietnam Street Food: Saigon's Most Exotic Dishes
Saigon is renowned for its amazing street food culture, and its reputation for having some of the most exotic and weirdest street foods in the world is well earned. An introductory guide for adventurous eaters.
A Comprehensive Guide to Vietnam Visas (update for 2024)
How to obtain a Vietnam visa, who is visa exempt, and the differences between the E-Visa, the Visa on Arrival and an embassy issued visa.
The Ultimate Hanoi Shopping Guide: What to buy and where to buy it (update for 2023)
We wrote a very popular article focused on Ho Chi Minh City shopping a while back, and have since had many requests for a similar piece for shopping in Hanoi. This post offers a fairly comprehensive list of things most people will want to buy while shopping in Hanoi.
Breaking Down the Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
As a traveller in Vietnam, Banh Mi is one of the safer street foods you can enjoy. Here is everything that goes into the quintessential fusion Vietnamese sandwich so you know exactly what you are ordering.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City: What to buy and where to buy it! (update for 2023)
Ho Chi Minh City is truly a mecca for shopping enthusiasts. Everything from handicrafts to imitation brand name clothes and shoes is available at a fraction of what it would cost overseas.
Things You Should Know Before Booking A Tour in Vietnam!
No more than 20 to 30% of the tour operators in Vietnam are licensed and operating legally, and of the motorbike tour providers, no more than 5%. Here is why it matters and how to check.
How long to travel in Vietnam: The perfect Vietnam itineraries
We're going to give you a quick breakdown of the major places to visit in Vietnam, what there is to see and do, and how long you might need to budget in your vacation.
The Best Day Trips from Hanoi
Hanoi sits on a bend in the Red River. The Red River Valley and Delta is the historical, mythological and spiritual heartland of Vietnam, and the best day trips from Hanoi offer plenty of things to do around this amazing city.
How-to-Guide to Travel Vietnam by Air, Land and Water
Vietnam is a long coastal country stretching 1650 kilometers from north to south. Getting around from place to place can seem overwhelming because there are so many options to travel Vietnam by air, land, and water.
A Guide to Massages in Vietnam
One of the first stops in Vietnam for many travelers is the massage parlor! A rundown of the popular types of massages you will find in Vietnam and some recommended massage parlors in Saigon, Hanoi and Hoi An.
The Art of Finding the Best Tailors in Hoi An
With over 400+ tailors in Hoi An today, working both in shops and individually, it's not so easy to find the best tailors in Hoi An. So what is a traveler with limited time to do?
XO Tours Vietnam is back and reopened for 2022! Book your tour now!
After a long 2 year hiatus due to the Covid outbreak, XO Tours officially reopened on April 1st, 2022!
Money in Vietnam: Payments, Vietnam Currency Exchange and ATM Tips
Which currency to use in Vietnam, how to exchange money, how to use ATMs and credit cards, and what the Vietnamese Dong notes look like.
How to avoid getting sick in Vietnam while traveling and eating
One of the fastest ways to ruin a vacation is by falling sick! Great tips on food safety, water, air pollution, sun and heat, insects and stray animals, and where to get medical care in Vietnam.
The Best Vietnam City Tours
We have handpicked 12 tours from 12 different cities that we believe represent the best city tours in Vietnam, tours that reveal the uniqueness of each city in the country.
Surprisingly Affordable Luxury Travel in Vietnam
Traveling in the lap of luxury is often out of reach for many but it doesn't always have to be. Due to favorable exchange rates, a boom in tourism and high levels of economic growth, it's easy to travel Vietnam cheaply yet still enjoy the finer things in life.
Things To Do in Vietnam For Families With Children
Vietnam is a great country to visit with kids. Not only is it one of the most affordable countries for families to travel to, it also offers many fun and interesting activities for travelers of all ages.
24 Things Every Traveler To Vietnam Should Know
Think you already know everything you need to know for your Vietnam trip? From wet bathroom floors and rock hard mattresses to fake reviews and the E-Visa, here are 24 things to know before you land.
Visiting Vietnam With Children: A Family Guide 2026
Visiting Vietnam is a great family vacation option because the cities have a large variety of fun activities with high quality, affordable accommodations for families on any budget.
The Most Useful Travel Apps for Vietnam
Vietnam is a spectacular country but can be a difficult place for even the most seasoned traveler to navigate. Apart from the notoriously difficult language, understanding and using the currency and getting directions are also consistent pains for most visitors.
Unique Dining Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is referred to by the locals, is a mecca for foodies, with a lot of must-eat restaurants. We have rounded up a few of the most unique dining experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, from fine dining establishments where you cannot see the food in front of you to street food venues where you have to catch your own dinner.
Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City: What To Do After Dark
As the intense heat and fierce solar rays of the day disappear a new side to Ho Chi Minh City emerges. This guide will help you discover some of the coolest things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night.
Fun Team-Building Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the business capital of Vietnam and a popular destination for corporate travel. To supplement the business done on these trips, companies often look for fun team-building activities in Ho Chi Minh City.
Top 5 Districts in Saigon for Travelers
Most people that come to Saigon do not realize how big the city is and how distinctly different each of the 24 districts are. Our picks for the top 5 districts to stay in.
Actionable safety tips for solo female travelers in Vietnam
Although Vietnam is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers, women traveling alone are still more likely than men to be a target for scams and other crimes. Actionable advice from Vietnamese women.
Mapping Street Food Culture in Saigon
What makes Vietnamese street food special, how street food culture was born, where to get certain dishes district by district, and how to make your Vietnamese street food experience the best it can be.
How to Use a Mobile Phone in Vietnam in 5 Easy Steps
Your phone will be an invaluable tool during your Vietnam trip. We have put together a simple 5-step process for understanding the ins and outs of how to use a mobile phone in Vietnam.
The Complete Guide to Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge
Ba Na Hills has been in the news a lot recently due to images of its latest attraction, The Golden Bridge, going viral. This guide provides all the information you need to get the most out of the things to do at Ba Na Hills.
The 11 Best Tours in Vietnam: Pros and Cons
In this post, we present the best tours in Vietnam offered by some of the most reputable tour operators in the country. The tours we have selected are not restricted to any particular region, from the north to the south and all that is in between.
How Obama and Bourdain’s Vietnam Visit Helped Ignite Tourism
The past couple of years have seen a massive increase in tourism to Vietnam, and we cannot help but think that President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain’s 3-day visit to Vietnam in 2016 helped dramatically boost the local tourism industry.
Tips For Capturing Great Photos in Hoi An
It is no longer a secret, there are so many photo opportunities in Hoi An. Whether you are an avid photographer or an amateur enthusiast, this article provides advice and recommended locations to help you capture some great photos in Hoi An.
8 Reasons Hoi An Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
Ask anyone who has spent time in Hoi An, the popular UNESCO World Heritage former trading village in the middle of Vietnam's sprawling coastline, and they'll give you many reasons why this should be your next travel destination.
5 Incredible Islands in Vietnam
When it comes to tropical islands in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is often overlooked in favour of Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. But the islands in Vietnam are equal to its neighbors in natural beauty, historical interest and, most importantly, wow factor.
Top 5 Historical Sites to Explore in Hoi An Ancient Town
It looks straight off a postcard! Streets full of lanterns and colorful colonial houses wow travelers when they set foot in Hoi An's Ancient Town for the first time, and this coastal town holds a long-standing history where both indigenous and foreign influences have played a major role.
Day Trip to Can Gio: Visiting a UNESCO Biosphere
Can Gio, the UNESCO protected Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, is one of the top Ho Chi Minh City day trips for travelers who would like some fresh exotic nature outside of bustling Saigon. Here is a comprehensive guide so you can DIY your Can Gio day trip.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Ho Chi Minh City During Tet (Vietnamese New Year)
Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, is a wondrous and prosperous time in Vietnam. Here are the top 5 reasons to be a part of this joyous celebration in Ho Chi Minh City.
3 Reasons You Should Not Book with XO Tours
Although we are very proud of the acclaim our XO Tours have received over the years, we realize that they are not suitable for everyone. These are the 3 main reasons we think some guests should not book our tours.
Top 8 Off The Beaten Track Destinations in Vietnam
Vietnam is seeing more and more visitors each year, with the number of tourists reaching well over 12 million. Fortunately, if you want to get away from the crowds, you have several alternatives.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Scams in Southern Vietnam: Saigon, Nha Trang and Hoi An
In the second part of our two-part series on avoiding common tourist scams in Vietnam, we focus on popular tourist destinations in the south of the country. Saigon, Nha Trang, and Hoi An all have their fair share of scams and safety hazards that travelers should be aware of.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Scams in North Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa
Generally, Vietnam is a very safe country in which to travel. However, in some of the more popular tourist destinations there are a handful of tourist scams and safety hazards that all travelers should be aware of, especially in Hanoi, Halong Bay and Sapa.
How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City on the Cheap!
Ho Chi Minh City can seem very centralized because most of the tourist attractions are around District 1, but with 24 districts the city is actually very spread out. There are a number of public transportation options to get around efficiently and cheaply.
Custom made? Yes Please! A Guide to Custom Tailoring in Vietnam
Vietnam is a superstar manufacturing country and Hoi An is now considered by many to be the new tailoring capital of the world. Here is the where, when and how of custom tailoring in Vietnam, with our recommended tailors and fabric markets in Ho Chi Minh City.
XO Foodie Tour Review by a Renown New York Chef
An excerpt from the food diary of Mario Tolentino, a New York chef and winner of The Food Network's "Chopped" in 2010, who took the XO Foodie tour on August 6th, 2011.
13 Things You Must Do in Vietnam: Vietnam Bucket List
From exploring a mysterious subterranean world to bargaining in a Mekong market, from sleeping under a bamboo roof in the mountains to scaling waterfalls in the Central Highlands, Vietnam is bursting with fun things to do. Here are the most amazing activities across the country for your ultimate Vietnam bucket list.
How To Spend Two Days in Hanoi: Custom Itineraries for Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is an intriguing city for many reasons. Though it is the second largest city in the country after Ho Chi Minh City, it is far less cosmopolitan and traditional Vietnamese culture is much more apparent there.
Taking Great Photos in Saigon: The Best Vantage Points
Ho Chi Minh City is rapidly growing but has yet to become a skyscraper filled concrete jungle, and its nooks and crannies, alleyways and motorbike-filled roads make it a playground for photography enthusiasts. Here is a simple guide to the best vantage points in the city.
What NOT to Bring to Vietnam
We recently posted about the items you should bring with you when visiting Vietnam. Here is a short list of the items you should not bring, and a reminder of the import rules in Vietnam.
Top 5 Tips for Traveling Vietnam with Kids
Vietnam is now a thriving tourist destination where it is still relatively cheap to travel and easy to find activities that the whole family will enjoy. Here are our top 5 travel tips for those of you traveling with children in Vietnam.
Iconic Vietnamese Fashion: The Ao Dai & Non La
Nothing portrays iconic Vietnamese fashion more than the long flowy dress and the conical hat, the Ao Dai and the Non La. The conical hat is more than a functional headpiece: it is a symbol of Vietnamese history, art and culture.
How to Spend One Day in Hoi An: Custom Itineraries for Vietnam
Hoi An is one of the few cities to remain firmly in Vietnam's cultural history, and its UNESCO listed Old Town is superbly preserved. As part of our Custom Itineraries for Vietnam series, here is a guide on how to spend one full day in Hoi An.
How to use Dollars, Vietnamese Dong, Credit & Debit Cards in Vietnam
One of the foremost things on every traveler's mind is money at the destination. In Vietnam, cash is king, but a complicated one at that, so take a few minutes to read this before you arrive.
How is Vietnamese Coffee Made? Does Starbucks Know?
Starbucks has finally opened shop in the coffee capital of Asia! A little bit about coffee production in Vietnam and, more importantly, how to make a perfect Vietnamese coffee at home.
How to Spend One Day in Ho Chi Minh City: Custom Itineraries for Vietnam
Many people who travel to Vietnam have limited time and want to make the most of it. The first of our Custom Itineraries in Vietnam series shows you how to spend one action-filled day in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Best Time to Visit Vietnam: Vietnam Weather
With more than 2000 miles between the Northern and Southern tips of the country, the weather in Vietnam is incredibly varied. Use these tips to decide the best time to visit each region.
How to Spend Two Weeks in Vietnam: Custom Itineraries for Travelers
Vietnam is an ideal choice for a two week holiday because traveling within the country is quite efficient. A sample itinerary covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc.
What to buy in Vietnam from North to South
Vietnam is such a vast and varied country that it can be difficult to decipher what handicrafts make a region unique. We break down exactly what is made in which part of the country and where to purchase it.
Entrepreneurship in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam is truly a country of entrepreneurs. A guest post by Anders Palm, founder of Eat.vn, on the advantages and pitfalls for internet startups in Ho Chi Minh City.
Faces of Vietnam Edition 3: A Cyclo Driver in Saigon
Mr. Kim is 60 years old and has been driving a cyclo for over 20 years. He has seen the tourism industry in Saigon go through many different phases.
A Guide to Living in Vietnam
Living in Vietnam is a unique and enriching experience, but it can also be daunting when you don't know what to expect. General guidelines on how to secure a job, how to stay and work in the country, and what life in Vietnam is like.
Faces of Vietnam Edition 2: A Yoke Carrier in Saigon
We met Ms. Hung on Nguyen Van Cu street, squatting next to her yoke full of snacks and condiments. Her yoke weighs 30 kilograms and she supports two sons in university from it.
Faces of Vietnam Edition 1: Banh Mi Vendor in Saigon
Tuyet Anh runs a Banh Mi stand next to an elementary school in District 1. She has been awake since 3 am preparing all the meats and fillings for the day.
Cruising the Coast: The Top 5 Best Beach Destinations in Vietnam
With more than 3400 km of ocean coastline and remote islands galore, the list of beautiful beaches in Vietnam could go on for a while. Our take on the top 5 beach destinations.
Shallow Pockets: Traveling Vietnam on a Budget
Vietnam is one of the most popular budget travel destinations in the world. The easiest way to travel frugally is to know how and where to find the bargains on food, transport, lodging and activities.
Vintage Skyscrapers? The Evolution of the 'Tube House' in Vietnam
The one type of building that exemplifies iconic Vietnamese architecture is the tube house: usually 3 or more floors, incredibly narrow and long, and packed like sardines in a can.
Top 10 essential things to bring to Vietnam on your vacation
As with other travel destinations, there are certain things you should bring with you to minimize hassle during your trip. Use this list to appropriately pack for your travels.
Eating Gluten Free and Other Food Restrictions in Vietnam (2023)
Vietnamese food is among the most delicious in the world, and is generally very fresh and healthy. Here is how to work around gluten, dairy, nut and vegetarian restrictions while still enjoying it.
How to avoid taxi and cyclo scams in Ho Chi Minh City: The XO Guide
Taxi and transportation scams are a part and parcel of any large metropolis, and Saigon is no exception. Important tips on avoiding taxi and cyclo scams, and how to get from the airport safely.
5 GREAT Ways to Relax in Saigon!
With constant stimulation every second spent in the city, vacations in this lively setting can get quite exhausting. A few suggestions on how to find your personal oasis in a thriving city.
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