Holidays to Vietnam
Vietnam is a country for a real travel adventure with its dramatic landscapes, vibrant cities, great beaches, historical sights and wonderful food. In the north you can experience the French-colonial architecture of Hanoi, the natural wonder that is Halong Bay and see the stunning scenery whilst trekking in Sapa. In central Vietnam, are the historic and well-preserved cities of Hue and Hoi An. There is plenty to see further south too. We will never forget our exciting food tour of bustling Ho Chi Minh City at night from the back of a Vespa and cycling through the beautiful paddy fields of the Mekong Delta. There are also many stunning beach destinations to choose from too, such as Mui Ne, Nha Trang or the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao.
Regions
Tours
Below are a selection of our favourite sample itineraries that we have created based on our experiences of travelling extensively throughout Vietnam. As with all our tours, every aspect can be tailor-made to your individual requirements.
Hotels
Vietnam offers a great variety of different experiences – there really is something for everyone.
The bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer street food stalls, excellent restaurants, lively markets, beautiful pagodas, colonial architecture and numerous museums. The Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War, is an interesting day trip from Ho Chi Minh City also.
Sapa offers stunning scenery with lush valleys of terraced rice fields and misty mountains. Perfect as a hiking destination, as well as for cycling trips and visits to traditional hill tribes. Ha Giang offers a similar experience, though suited for those looking for adventure and a more off the beaten track experience.
The majestic Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to over 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising out of emerald waters. You can visit hidden caves and sandy beaches and explore the beauty of the bay up close in a kayak. An overnight cruise is a wonderful way to take in the scenery. For those who want to get a little off the beaten track the beautiful Lan Ha Bay is well worth a visit. Cruises here can also include time exploring the villages of Cat Ba Island by bike.
Ninh Binh, known as ‘Halong Bay on land’ includes stunning mountains, lush rice fields, ancient temples and picturesque villages. Its many waterways can be explored by boat too.
Phong Nha-Ke National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking adventure. There are many hiking trails and a vast network of caves – including the world’s largest.
Hue is a charming city set beside the Perfume River. It is great for history enthusiasts, with its Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) close by.
The enchanting town of Hoi An is a must-see. The Old Town is another of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offers charming restaurants, historic temples and many tailor shops. Wander along the lantern lit lanes by the river and experience the laid-back atmosphere. The glorious beach and surrounding countryside are well worth a visit too.
The Mekong Delta is a vast maze of rivers and islands, home to floating markets and villages, surrounded by rice paddies. Here you can explore traditional rural life. You can take boat or bicycle tours. You can visit it as a day trip or on a river cruise.
Vietnam is also an amazing beach destination with its long coastline and nearby islands. Hoi An and Danang offer a beach stay in central Vietnam. Further to the south is lively Nha Trang and tranquil Ninh Van Bay, as well as Mui Ne – known for kitesurfing and sand dunes. There are the picturesque islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao to choose from too.
The best time to go to Vietnam depends on where you want to go when you are, as different regions have different seasons.
For Northern Vietnam, the dry season is from November – April. December and January are the coldest months. This is to something to consider if visiting Sapa for example, due to chillier temperatures and even the chance of snow, so March to May is a good time for trekking there instead.
For Central Vietnam, sporadic heavy rainfall can start from September to December. High winds and a large volume of rain can be seen in October and November especially. This late monsoon period makes it a good place to go in the June, July and August, where it is rainy season in the North and South of Vietnam.
For Southern Vietnam, the dry season is November – April. The rain is heaviest in the summer months.
If you were looking to take in each region on a trip then generally March – May has the best weather countrywide.
Another thing to consider is Tet – this is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival. It is Vietnam’s most important annual festival. It usually starts at the end of January or in February and lasts for about a week. Among other customs, this is the time for families to come together and visit relatives so the Vietnamese generally head home for it. This is something to be aware of, as not everything is operating around this time, so although there may be some interesting celebrations, generally it is best to avoid going around this time if possible, in case of missing out on any attractions and it being busier in some areas.
Main Tourist Destinations: (in alphabetical order)
Cat Ba Island, Con Dao Islands, Da Nang, Ha Giang, Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Phu Quoc Island, Sapa
Capital:
Hanoi
Main Airports
Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang International Airport
Local Language:
Vietnamese
Visa:
Only required for 45+ days (this applies to ‘British citizen’ passport holders)
Time Zone
GMT +7 hours
Currency:
Vietnamese Dong
Electricity:
220V, 50 Hz
Socket type A, and C are the most common though you may see types B, E and F – a universal power adaptor is recommended
Fun Fact:
Vietnam is home to the world’s largest cave – Son Doong Cave, in the heart of Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park.