This is a country so versatile that we can tailor a holiday to Vietnam around virtually any interest or travel style. Its coast and islands strike a superb balance between idyllic and accessible, with good infrastructure and a raft of excellent hotels that range from unusual little boutiques to famously sumptuous spa resorts.
Inland, adventurous types will find trekking and cycling in a stunning landscape of picturesque lifestyles and mountain scenery, while the riverways of the Mekong Delta offer a taste of a unique floating culture that’s all about life on the water.
Food throughout Vietnam is fantastic - we love to wander the streets of Hanoi, sniffing out the perfect bowl of fragrant pho from a pavement vendor, and immerse ourselves in Vietnamese cookery classes, so we can recreate our favourite dishes (as best we can!) when we get back home.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, once you’ve dragged yourself from the streetfood, are both known for their charming French Colonial architecture, with several impressive buildings now converted into stylish hotels. Chic travellers can shop in the silk boutiques of Hanoi’s artisan quarter, and for tailor-made suits in Hoi An’s buzzing markets, while coffee-lovers can linger over a sweet ca phe da in one of the trendy coffee shops that have sprung up throughout the country.
Vietnam is spot on for a honeymoon - you certainly won’t need to leave anything to chance, thanks to its well-established travel industry, but most of its gorgeous tropical beaches are still uncrowded, and if you look in the right place you’ll find some extraordinarily romantic accommodation.
And if you’ve already started a family, Vietnam is an excellent place to bring them on holiday! The beaches are clean, the country is safe, and the coastal hoteliers are clever about offering activities for everyone, without encouraging everyone in the world to cram themselves onto one stretch of sand. The National Parks have good trails that are well signposted, so exploring tropical nature with your youngsters is also very feasible here, too.
In all, Vietnam is a beautifully balanced, scenic country with great beaches and an excellent range of accommodation. If you’d like to know more, have a look at our recommended itineraries and get in touch to see how we can modify them to suit your requirements.
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Ideas for your trip to Vietnam
Perfect for your first visit to Vietnam, or indeed to South-East Asia, this nicely balanced itinerary includes Vietnam's highlights, with a long break in Hoi An to soak up its magical atmosphere, fantastic beach, legendary cuisine, and the sun.
This journey is thoughtfully crafted for those seeking an authentic Ha Giang experience. We'll lead you far from the now-frequented tourist path, guiding you through remote and adventurous backroads, where you'll encounter ethnic minority communities, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling activities.
The classic Indochina experience. An outstanding journey down the entire coast of Vietnam, taking in highlights like Halong Bay and Hoi An, before heading west and traversing the Mekong Delta, en route to Cambodia and ultimately Angkor Wat.
Useful information for planning your holiday in Vietnam
All travelers entering Vietnam must have a valid passport and either a visa or pre-approval for a visa. The passport must be at least six months before the date of expiration or visitors will be denied entry. There must also be at least one blank page for a travel stamp.
Please note that if you are entering Vietnam on a cruise from Cambodia, you will need to have your visa stamped in your passport before embarkation. Otherwise, for most nationalities an e-Visa or visa on arrival are available.
Before you travel to Vietnam, you should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis. You should also get a rabies shot, since Vietnam is considered a high-risk country. Depending on where you will travel, you may also like to take malaria pills.
The city of Hoi An is an unmissable destination and worthy addition to any Vietnam vacation. A true highlight of the so-called classic Vietnam route, this ancient city is a hubbub of beautiful architecture, delicious food, and fascinating historic sites. It also has one of Vietnam’s best beaches.
The cuisine in Vietnam is a fascinating adventure for Westerners, who may not have tried authentic Vietnamese food before. The cities are a great place to begin your culinary education, with dozens of open-air markets and high-end restaurants from which to sample and savor the local fare.
In general, Vietnam is a very safe place for travelers. Tourists might experience street vendors who are pushy or drivers who speed along busy streets, but as long as you practice common sense and street smarts, there is no reason for your trip to be unsafe. Make sure to mind your belongings and always use the recommended transportation.
Generally, the best time of year to visit Vietnam is December through February, when it tends to be pleasant and dry. However, bear in mind that the weather varies significantly throughout the country, with southern areas experiencing a tropical climate. Hanoi in the north tends to be much colder.
If your family loves to have new experiences together, Vietnam could be a perfect place for a family adventure holiday. There are many family-friendly activities and destinations around the country, including white sand beaches, action-packed cities, and historic sites.
For couples seeking an extraordinary honeymoon experience, Vietnam offers a captivating blend of adventure and romance. Here's what makes it a perfect choice:
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Diverse Experiences: Explore a wealth of opportunities, from mesmerizing sightseeing to exciting activities like swimming, snorkeling, and boating.
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Natural Beauty: Vietnam's stunning natural landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for a serene and romantic getaway.
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Luxurious Accommodations: Indulge in luxury with an array of breathtaking resorts and high-end hotels to elevate your honeymoon experience.
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Romantic Cruises: Consider a romantic honeymoon cruise along the enchanting Mekong River, an unforgettable journey for newlyweds.
