What is the best month to visit Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam is from December through March, since temperatures are not overbearing during this time of year, hovering between 20°C to 26°C, and the rainfall light. Vietnam’s weather during March and even early April allows for tours right across the country, although it can be a little colder in the north. Mid-April through June and September to November are considered low seasons because they see two periods of monsoon rain. Temperatures rise alongside humidity during these months, and you will need to be prepared for downpours, which can flood roads and cut off access to destinations. July and August are very hot, with nighttime temperatures hovering at around 26°C. You can find more information here .

Is Vietnam expensive to visit? Do I need a visa?

Most travelers will find Vietnam an inexpensive country to visit. As our ultimate travel guide for Vietnam explains, both budget and luxury travelers are well catered for without having to break the bank. Good backpacker hostels will only set you back by around USD 10 per night. However, most consider staying in hotels during a Vietnam tour, since rooms in decent hotels even in big cities can cost as little as USD 40 per person, per night. Transportation is also a great value for money, and food is relatively cheap for the quality and quantity you will receive. Museum entry is usually around USD 2 per ticket. Most nationals who wish to travel to the country require a visa, obtainable from your nearest Vietnamese embassy for USD 60 to USD 100 per person.

How many days do you need in Vietnam?

Knowing how long to spend in Vietnam is one of the tricks to having a great vacation. It is possible to cover the highlights of the country during a seven-day tour . However, for greater insight into its history and people along with a feel for what makes Vietnam so special, we advise opting for a ten-day trip instead. With this duration, you can experience everything from the floating markets of the Mekong Delta to the rush-hour traffic of Ho Chi Minh City! Spend two weeks in Vietnam and you can travel from the north of the country to its south (or vice versa) without constantly checking your watch. For more insights on your travel duration, read through our travel article here .

Do they speak English in Vietnam?

In Vietnam’s major tourist hubs, including the Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa, you will find plenty of people who speak English. Those working and operating hotels and tours will have decent English-language skills. English is primarily spoken by younger generations, with grandparents tending to speak French because of France’s colonial history in the country. In more far-flung destinations, such as the hill villages of the north, you may find locals speak nothing but Vietnamese, which is where a guide really comes in handy!

What is considered rude in Vietnam?

Visitors to Vietnam need to be careful with gestures and physical contact. For instance, Vietnamese women do not usually shake hands. Hugging should also be avoided, along with patting people on the back – a sign of disrespect in the country. Also avoid the temptation to ruffle the hair of kids, since the head is sacred to the Vietnamese. When it comes to gesturing, pointing at objects or people should not be done with the index finger – use your thumb or pinky instead. Have your palm facing down when you are calling someone since an open, upward-facing palm is meant for dogs only.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists? What areas should I stay away from?

Generally speaking, Vietnam is a very safe destination for visitors. Muggings and street robberies are rare, but you should still use common sense and hide valuable items and large amounts of money. As you might expect, most taxi touts and fake tour guides hang around the big hotels in cities like Hanoi. Just ignore them. Road traffic accidents are probably one of the biggest risks you will face, so stay away from the temptation of riding on a motorbike. In less-visited areas, there is also the risk of unexploded ordinance from the Vietnam War. Only walk where you know it is safe to do so. Find more information here .

What destinations should I visit first? What activities should I prioritize?

Most tours to Vietnam will start either from a tour of Hanoi in the north or a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Not only are they the locations of major international airports, but they also have a long list of attractions, from museums to Ho Chi Minh City’s war-era Chu Chi tunnels. Few visitors regret deciding to spend a couple of days drifting around the Ha Long Bay, while trekking expeditions in Sa Pa are gaining popularity with each passing day. You also will not want to miss spending a little time on the pristine beaches of Vietnam’s south, or touring the markets in the country – floating and otherwise. Read our article on the best places to visit in Vietnam .

How much is a typical meal in Vietnam? What foods should I watch out for?

Pho (noodle soup) is perhaps the meal that immediately comes to mind when thinking about Vietnamese food. The country’s cuisine is typified by fresh crunchy vegetables alongside seafood on the coast and chicken or pork away from it. Spring rolls are a common snack and are enjoyed best straight from the frier. Adopting the elements of French culture, baguettes stuffed with cooked meat, pâtés and vegetables are common lunch items in cities. A variety of prawn, pork, and beef dishes served with noodles or rice can be found throughout the day too.

How do you get around in Vietnam?

Given the congestion in big cities, it is often easier to walk short distances. For longer journeys, take a taxi. The most efficient way of getting between destinations is by organizing private transport, followed by making use of the country’s expansive coach network. A trip by train is a must during your time in Vietnam but be warned that speed should not be the primary concern while traveling aboard these aging engines. Domestic flights between north and south are increasingly common despite growing concerns about the climate emergency.

Should I stay in the metropolitan area or should a cross-country itinerary?

To see all that Vietnam has to offer, a cross-country itinerary is definitely the way to go. Although there are plenty of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City , it would be a real shame to limit your scope to just this metropolitan area. That is unless you have a limited time. If you are using Vietnam as a stop-over destination and have just two to three days, staying in the capital or a city close to international airports is the right thing to do.

10 Best Vietnam Tours & Trips 2023/2024 (with 755 Reviews)

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Vietnam Tour Reviews

5 - Excellent

Based on 755 customer reviews

Vietnam explorer 13 day tour

5 - Excellent

“Vietnam was a great country and Lucas made our trip even better! Everything was so well-planned and smoothly run we had no problems doing anything. Lucas was a great communicator and very informative when visiting tourist attractions and taught us all about the history of Vietnam. On our chill days we were given so many recommendations and options of what to do it was lovely to see parts of Vietnam which weren’t on the itinerary too. Lucas was amazing and helped with onward travel for everyone!! I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone.”

No fish but fun

5 - Excellent

Mohan

“For me, it is not a good idea to organize the trip on our own, I tried it before and for this trip, we chose to buy this tour from this travel specialist and it was the best decision. the trip was fantastic. The activities were efficiently planned and we have a better local experience than we ever could find. For example, the Fishing in Hoi An experience was a good blending into the local cultural experience. It's not one of my strengths actually so I didn't catch any fish :) However, I had a ton of fun and it was a very memorable experience. I didn't feel like a tourist but rather a resident. There were amazing moments at other stops as well. Every aspect of living in Vietnam reflected the wonderful culture, and I make a promise to myself to return as soon as I can.”

Vietnam Tour South to North

5 - Excellent

Anonymous

“The tour was jam packed with activities and content. Seyha our tour guide had a great understanding of the itinerary, food spots, transport links and extra activities. We had a great time and thanks to Seyha seen alot of extra stuff that we wouldn't of found on our own”

Vietnam - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Farmers grow rice during the monsoon season in Vietnam — Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Y Ty and Hoang Su Phi are considered the best places to see rice terraces in Vietnam

Beautiful, serene, and enchanting is how every trip to Vietnam feels. Fly into Hanoi to start your Vietnam explorations in the north and adjust yourself to the local culture. For something entirely unique, hire an open-sided river boat and drift along the Mekong River to enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the country that you’ll ever see. Holidaying in Vietnam is a constant bombardment on your senses. There are times when it feels downright ridiculous, but there are also times when it leaves you mesmerized.

Tour Highlights

Explore the Temple of Literature in Hanoi
Cruise down the Mekong Delta
Climb the Marble Mountains
Witness the art and architecture of Khai Dinh Tomb
Take a boat tour along the Ngo Dong River to Tam Coc
Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda
Visit the amazing rice terraces in Sapa

Travel Tips

Vietnam is a very safe country, but be wary of petty crime. Passerbys on motorbikes may try to steal your bags, and theft on sleeper buses is common. Do not carry valuable items and keep a secure hold of your cameras and cellphones.
Be sure to haggle whenever visiting markets or buying from street vendors. Try to figure out what the going rate really is, as vendors will always inflate their prices if they think they can get away with it. Pro tip: you’ll always get your lowest price as you walk away.
The Vietnamese consider public displays of anger to be very embarrassing. Try not to raise your voice, cross your arms, or lose your temper.
Wi-Fi is very common in Vietnam, and is often free in hotels, hostels, cafes and restaurants.
The food you will eat in Vietnam will depend heavily on what area of the country you visit. Central Vietnam is full of spicy foods, while they love sugar in the South. Food in the North tends to be seasonal. Be sure to try Bún Cháº£ and Pho (pronounced Fuh).

Vietnam has seasonal weather so please do check up on best time to visit Vietnam before planning your tour.

Quick Facts

Capital: Hanoi
Population: 92.7 mill
Size: 331,210 km2
Currency: Vietnamese Dong
Country Code: +84
Time Zone: UTC+07:00
High Season: January to April
Good Season: July to August

Tours in Vietnam - Questions and Answers

What is the best month to visit Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam is from December through March, since temperatures are not overbearing during this time of year, hovering between 20°C to 26°C, and the rainfall light. Vietnam’s weather during March and even early April allows for tours right across the country, although it can be a little colder in the north. Mid-April through June and September to November are considered low seasons because they see two periods of monsoon rain. Temperatures rise alongside humidity during these months, and you will need to be prepared for downpours, which can flood roads and cut off access to destinations. July and August are very hot, with nighttime temperatures hovering at around 26°C. You can find more information here.

5 0
Is Vietnam expensive to visit? Do I need a visa?

Most travelers will find Vietnam an inexpensive country to visit. As our ultimate travel guide for Vietnam explains, both budget and luxury travelers are well catered for without having to break the bank. Good backpacker hostels will only set you back by around USD 10 per night. However, most consider staying in hotels during a Vietnam tour, since rooms in decent hotels even in big cities can cost as little as USD 40 per person, per night. Transportation is also a great value for money, and food is relatively cheap for the quality and quantity you will receive. Museum entry is usually around USD 2 per ticket.

Most nationals who wish to travel to the country require a visa, obtainable from your nearest Vietnamese embassy for USD 60 to USD 100 per person.

4 0
How many days do you need in Vietnam?

Knowing how long to spend in Vietnam is one of the tricks to having a great vacation. It is possible to cover the highlights of the country during a seven-day tour. However, for greater insight into its history and people along with a feel for what makes Vietnam so special, we advise opting for a ten-day trip instead. With this duration, you can experience everything from the floating markets of the Mekong Delta to the rush-hour traffic of Ho Chi Minh City! Spend two weeks in Vietnam and you can travel from the north of the country to its south (or vice versa) without constantly checking your watch. For more insights on your travel duration, read through our travel article here.

0 0
Do they speak English in Vietnam?

In Vietnam’s major tourist hubs, including the Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa, you will find plenty of people who speak English. Those working and operating hotels and tours will have decent English-language skills. English is primarily spoken by younger generations, with grandparents tending to speak French because of France’s colonial history in the country. In more far-flung destinations, such as the hill villages of the north, you may find locals speak nothing but Vietnamese, which is where a guide really comes in handy!

0 0
What is considered rude in Vietnam?

Visitors to Vietnam need to be careful with gestures and physical contact. For instance, Vietnamese women do not usually shake hands. Hugging should also be avoided, along with patting people on the back – a sign of disrespect in the country. Also avoid the temptation to ruffle the hair of kids, since the head is sacred to the Vietnamese. When it comes to gesturing, pointing at objects or people should not be done with the index finger – use your thumb or pinky instead. Have your palm facing down when you are calling someone since an open, upward-facing palm is meant for dogs only.

0 0
Is Vietnam safe for tourists? What areas should I stay away from?

Generally speaking, Vietnam is a very safe destination for visitors. Muggings and street robberies are rare, but you should still use common sense and hide valuable items and large amounts of money. As you might expect, most taxi touts and fake tour guides hang around the big hotels in cities like Hanoi. Just ignore them. Road traffic accidents are probably one of the biggest risks you will face, so stay away from the temptation of riding on a motorbike. In less-visited areas, there is also the risk of unexploded ordinance from the Vietnam War. Only walk where you know it is safe to do so. Find more information here.

0 0
What destinations should I visit first? What activities should I prioritize?

Most tours to Vietnam will start either from a tour of Hanoi in the north or a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Not only are they the locations of major international airports, but they also have a long list of attractions, from museums to Ho Chi Minh City’s war-era Chu Chi tunnels. Few visitors regret deciding to spend a couple of days drifting around the Ha Long Bay, while trekking expeditions in Sa Pa are gaining popularity with each passing day. You also will not want to miss spending a little time on the pristine beaches of Vietnam’s south, or touring the markets in the country – floating and otherwise. Read our article on the best places to visit in Vietnam.

0 0
How much is a typical meal in Vietnam? What foods should I watch out for?

Pho (noodle soup) is perhaps the meal that immediately comes to mind when thinking about Vietnamese food. The country’s cuisine is typified by fresh crunchy vegetables alongside seafood on the coast and chicken or pork away from it. Spring rolls are a common snack and are enjoyed best straight from the frier. Adopting the elements of French culture, baguettes stuffed with cooked meat, pâtés and vegetables are common lunch items in cities. A variety of prawn, pork, and beef dishes served with noodles or rice can be found throughout the day too.

0 0
How do you get around in Vietnam?

Given the congestion in big cities, it is often easier to walk short distances. For longer journeys, take a taxi. The most efficient way of getting between destinations is by organizing private transport, followed by making use of the country’s expansive coach network. A trip by train is a must during your time in Vietnam but be warned that speed should not be the primary concern while traveling aboard these aging engines. Domestic flights between north and south are increasingly common despite growing concerns about the climate emergency.

0 0
Should I stay in the metropolitan area or should a cross-country itinerary?

To see all that Vietnam has to offer, a cross-country itinerary is definitely the way to go. Although there are plenty of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, it would be a real shame to limit your scope to just this metropolitan area. That is unless you have a limited time. If you are using Vietnam as a stop-over destination and have just two to three days, staying in the capital or a city close to international airports is the right thing to do.

0 0

Vietnam Tours and Trips 2023/2024

+300 Trips in Vietnam with 755 Reviews

A Culture Adventure in Vietnam - 11 Days

Vietnam Express Southbound

Cycling Vietnam

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10-Day Complete Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh city to Hanoi

Scenic Vietnam

Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

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Essential Vietnam & Cambodia

Highlights of Vietnam

Vietnam Express Northbound

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Vietnam Adventure

10-Day Relaxing Vietnam Tour: Beaches, Bays & Deltas

Vietnam Tour Reviews

Traveller Photos for Trips in Vietnam

Vietnam - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips

Tour Highlights

Travel Tips

Tours in Vietnam - Questions and Answers

Tour types

Popular Destinations

Travel Styles

Popular Activities

Upcoming Departures

Durations

Vietnam Tours and Trips 2023/2024

+300 Trips in Vietnam with 755 Reviews

Trending Destinations in Vietnam

Vietnam Tour Reviews

Traveller Photos for Trips in Vietnam

Tours in Vietnam - Questions and Answers

Tour types

Popular Destinations

Travel Styles

Popular Activities

Upcoming Departures

Durations