Vietnam Holidays

What can you find in Vietnam that you won’t find elsewhere?

Vietnam holidays offer diverse scenery and authentic experiences at every turn. As well as a vibrant city scenes, you’ll find unmatched serenity and a handful of UNESCO world heritage sites from the picturesque town of Hoi An to the karst limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay. Immerse yourself in authentic culture, staying in a homestead in a remote mountain village, or choose a boat ride along the Mekong River, one of the best ways of absorbing life on the river bank. Watch bulging rice baskets and exuberantly-coloured flowers carted to and from floating markets, and fishermen loading their boats, proud of their morning catch. Then there’s Vietnam’s fresh and aromatic cuisine, almost unrivalled, making the country one of the most exceptional foodie destinations in Southeast Asia. Which is saying something.

Who is Vietnam best for?

Culture lovers will no doubt revel in this country with a deep-seated authenticity, discovering beautiful landscapes, ornate temples and fragrant markets. Meanwhile, historians can learn about its colonial past in cities such as Ho Chi Minh and the attractive capital of Hanoi, as well as exploring iconic places such as the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Vietnam’s romantic landscapes are perfect for honeymooners. Expect flawless hospitality and exotic backdrops from flora-rich forests to blissful beaches.

What are the best ways to discover Vietnam?

To really appreciate the country’s highlights, in an ideal world Vietnam holidays wouldn't really be any less than two weeks long, with the help of a driver and a locally-born guide. We’d also always recommend that to include three to four days at the end of your trip relaxing by the sea.

What is there to do in Vietnam?

Hanoi is vibrant and exciting with motorbikes and scooters weaving in and around as you wander around in awe. The energetic feel to the city is best enjoyed with a tour on a cyclo (Vietnam's answer to an un-motorised tuk tuk), or a complete foodie tour exploring all the street markets and meeting locals. Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon) is also alive with activity and great for sightseeing on foot or by cyclo. Ho chi Minh himself is even available to visit, in a mausoleum of course. American War museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site is also housed here and gives an insight into the country's history. For a quieter pace of life, Vietnam's beaches are simple stunning. Visit one or more of the beaches of Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet as well as the Vietnamese paradise island Con Dao. Aside from un-spoilt beaches, places like Hoi An are famous for their tailors and fine cafes and restaurants. Halong bay in the North offers a little something different than cities and beaches with it its stunning limestone islets and emerald green waters. Sail the waters in a traditional Vietnamese junk boat and have a totally fresh experience soaking up the true beauty of Vietnam, eating fine food, exploring caves and most likely taking a LOT of pictures.

A special experience to do in Vietnam:

Looking for a trek around the country’s forested mountains or cruise in incredible Halong Bay? Our specialists can create a thrilling adventure in style, staying in charming local homesteads as well as stylish upscale hotels.

FAQs

Culture

What is Vietnam known for?

- Natural wonders. Much of Vietnam’s appeal as a global tourist hotspot can be attributed to its natural beauty. Breathtaking landscapes, like those found at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, have been recognised by UNESCO as places of great natural significance. The country’s vast elegance extends beyond its land borders and into the surrounding waters. Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular tourist hotspots, where hundreds of limestone pillars and islets rise from the sea.
- Fascinating history. Historic events in this part of Asia have had a key role in shaping the modern world. In particular, the Vietnam War in the mid-20th century brought global powers into conflict. Memorials and other significant points of interest are dotted across the country where visitors can learn more about the war and pay their respects. These include the War Remnants Museum, located in Ho Chi Minh City, which displays various exhibits and artefacts that detail the stories and experiences of the Vietnamese people during this time.
- The hospitality. Vietnamese people are extremely hospitable and welcoming to international visitors, as this is an important aspect of their culture. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions – you’ll find the locals are more than happy to lend a hand. This commitment to welcoming guests is also evident in the hotels and accommodation; the incredible attention to detail can make your stay here that much more enjoyable.

What food and drink should I try in Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee-exporting nations, and it’s famous in particular for its production of the Robusta coffee bean. Naturally, coffee is a popular drink in this part of the world, and it’s consumed pretty much at any time of day. There are lots of different ways to enjoy it, but if you find yourself in Hanoi, a cup of egg coffee is a must-try. This iconic beverage is created by whisking condensed milk together with egg yolk to form a creamy head on top of a black coffee.

Any visitor looking to immerse themselves in the local culture has to take a deep dive into the country’s culinary landscape. Global flavours and cooking techniques permeate the dishes, with French influences being particularly prominent after the country colonised Vietnam for almost 70 years. There are also several similarities with Chinese cuisine, and you’ll notice lots of crossover with recipes and ingredients. Pho is the national dish of Vietnam, and is sold across the country –?look out for regional variations of the classic, like Pho Sài Gòn, which is identifiable by its slightly sweeter broth.

Planning your trip

What is the best way to get around Vietnam?

It’s common for visitors to explore different parts of the country in one trip. There are several transport options available if experiencing different regions is part of your itinerary.

Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transportation used by both tourists and locals. With rental shops readily available in the main tourist areas, it’s easy to hire a motorbike, provided you have a driving licence. Remember, the roads might not be as orderly as you’re accustomed to, and traffic is generally really heavy in the main urban areas. Only hire a bike if you’re comfortable on these busy roads, and always wear a helmet for your safety.

For a slightly more scenic, laid-back alternative, trains are a wonderful way to savour the journey as well as the destination. The railway network connects major cities, with trains offering passengers different classes which range from basic seating to sleeper cabins. If you’re planning on using the train at any point during your stay, it’s always worth trying to book your ticket in advance as they can fill up quickly –? especially during peak tourist season.

Boats, cyclos and xe om are some of the more unusual ways to get around. For more information on the most common modes of transport in Vietnam, check out our travel guide.

What is the weather like in Vietnam?

Vietnam's climate varies from region to region, influenced by its diverse geography. Generally, the country experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The north has four seasons. Summers (May to September) are hot and humid, while winters (December to February) can be cold, especially in the highlands. Spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) are considered the most pleasant seasons, with milder temperatures and less rainfall.

The central region has a more consistent climate, with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The dry season lasts from December to April, while the wet season occurs from May to November, with the highest rainfall in June and July. Southern Vietnam has a warm and humid climate, with little variation in temperature throughout the year.

When is the best time to go to Vietnam?

Travelling during the winter and early spring months will give you the best chance to avoid the worst of the annual rainfall while also benefiting from the slightly cooler temperatures. With this in mind, the majority of the country’s tourism occurs during November and April.

Local information

What is the capital of Vietnam?

Vietnam’s capital city is Hanoi, which is situated in the north of the country. The city is packed with historical points of interest – like the Old Quarter and the Temple of Literature – and is also one of the country’s culinary hubs. Heading on a street food tour is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

What language do they speak in Vietnam?

Vietnamese is the national language and is spoken by the majority of the population. Chinese, English and French are some of the most popular secondary dialects.

What is the time difference between Vietnam and the UK?

Vietnam uses Indochina Time (ICT) all year round. ICT is seven hours ahead of GMT, and six hours ahead of BST.

Travel information

What currency does Vietnam use?

The national currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). The highest denomination of banknote – 500,000 – is worth about 15 GBP at the time of writing.

What countries border Vietnam?

Situated on the Indochina peninsula, Vietnam borders three countries: China, Laos and Cambodia. Various modes of transportation are available if you’re looking to cross these international borders to explore different countries – while it’s relatively easy to do so, it’s still worth organising your travel in advance.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

After recent policy changes, UK visitors are now able to visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without needing a visa. If you choose to extend your stay beyond this period, you must apply for an e-visa, which permits you to stay for 90 days.

How long does it take to fly to Vietnam from the UK?

A direct flight from London to Hanoi takes approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes. There is a very limited number of direct flights each week departing from London Heathrow. If you’re happy to fly with a stopover, you’ll benefit from more flexibility with timings and lower costs.