VIETNAM
Introduction
Vietnam, a land of timeless heritage and vibrant street life, blends ancient traditions with breathtaking landscapes.
From Hanoi’s lantern-lit Old Quarter to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam delivers a captivating mix of culture, cuisine, and scenery. With its UNESCO treasures, misty mountains, and bold flavours, Vietnam enchants travellers with warmth, resilience, and unforgettable charm.
Top Cities/Regions to Explore
Hanoi
Historic capital of lakes, temples, French charm, and legendary street food.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
High-energy metropolis of rooftop bars, markets, museums, and motorbikes.
Hoi An
UNESCO lantern town with riverside cafés, tailors, and heritage lanes.
Ha Long Bay
Sail limestone karsts and hidden coves on an iconic overnight cruise.
Sapa
Cool mountain escapes with rice terraces, ethnic villages, and scenic treks.
Key Cultural and Historical Highlights
Cultural Practices
Ancestor veneration, temple visits, and community markets shape daily life.
Water puppetry, traditional music, and the Ao Dai reflect Vietnam’s artistic identity.
Major Festival
- Tet (Lunar New Year) is the biggest celebration nationwide.
- Mid-Autumn Festival brings lanterns and family gatherings; regional events add colour throughout the year.
Seasonal Connection
Vietnam’s north, central coast, and south can feel like different climates—plan by region, not just month.
Harvest periods in mountain areas can add stunning scenery for trekking.
UNESCO Sites
Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Hue’s Imperial monuments, My Son Sanctuary, and Trang An are standout heritage highlights.
Unique Experiences
Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Wake to karst sunrises, caves, kayaking, and seafood dinners.
Hoi An Lantern & Craft Workshop
Make lanterns or learn traditional crafts in a charming heritage setting.
Mekong Delta Sampan Ride
Glide through palm-lined canals, floating life, and riverside villages.
Ao Dai Photoshoot & Heritage Stroll
Wear Vietnam’s national dress for elegant old-town and temple photos.
Signature Food
Pho
Fragrant noodle soup with beef or chicken, fresh herbs.
Banh Mi
Crispy baguette stuffed with pâté, meats, pickles, herbs.
Bun Cha
Grilled pork with noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce.
Cao Lau
Hoi An noodles with pork, greens, crunchy croutons.
Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung)
Creamy whipped egg topping over rich coffee.
Sample Itineraries
5-Day Vietnam Highlights Tour (Heritage & Halong Bay)
A concentrated journey through Northern Vietnam’s cultural heart, featuring the bustling streets of Hanoi and the majestic limestone karsts of Halong Bay.
- Explore the Old Quarter’s 36 streets and taste legendary egg coffee.
- Cruise overnight through the emerald waters of Halong Bay (UNESCO).
- Witness the ancient capital’s history at the Temple of Literature.
- Savor authentic Bun Cha and Pho right from the source.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival & Old Quarter
- Transfer to hotel and stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
- Dive into a street food tour tasting Pho, Banh Mi, and local Bia Hoi in the Old Quarter.
Day 2: Cultural Quarters & City Icons (Kuala Lumpur)
- Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.
- Explore the Ethnology Museum and enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show.
Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise (Hanoi → Halong)
- Drive to Halong Bay and board a luxury junk boat for an overnight cruise.
- Kayak through limestone caves, visit pearl farms, and enjoy a sunset seafood dinner on deck.
Day 4: Cave Exploration & Return (Halong → Hanoi)
- Join a Tai Chi session and explore spectacular caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave).
- Brunch onboard before returning to port and transferring back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Departure
- Free time for last-minute shopping in the French Quarter or a final Vietnamese coffee.
- Transfer to the airport for departure.
7-Day Vietnam Discovery Tour (North & Central)
Experience the best of both worlds: the dramatic landscapes of the North and the charming heritage towns of Central Vietnam.
- Cruise the world-famous Halong Bay.
- Wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Explore Hanoi’s thousand-year-old history.
- Relax on the beaches of Da Nang or An Bang.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
- Arrive in Hanoi and explore the historic Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Welcome dinner featuring Cha Ca (turmeric fish) or authentic Bun Cha.
Day 2: Hanoi City Highlights
- Tour the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.
- Visit Hoa Lo Prison and explore the bustling weekend Night Market.
Day 3: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise
- Transfer to Halong Bay; board cruise for lunch and kayaking excursions.
- Sunset party, squid fishing, and overnight stay amidst the limestone karsts.
Day 4: Halong Bay to Da Nang/Hoi An
- Morning cave visit and brunch cruise; disembark and fly to Da Nang.
- Transfer to Hoi An and enjoy a first evening walk through the lantern-lit Ancient Town.
Day 5: Hoi An Ancient Town & Countryside
- Walking tour of UNESCO sites: Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky House, and Assembly Halls.
- Afternoon basket boat ride in the coconut forest or cycling to Tra Que Vegetable Village.
Day 6: My Son Sanctuary or Beach Day
- Morning excursion to the ancient Cham ruins of My Son Sanctuary.
- Afternoon relaxation at An Bang Beach or a Vietnamese cooking class.
Day 7: Departure (from Da Nang)
- Final souvenir shopping or tailoring pickups in Hoi An.
- Transfer to Da Nang International Airport for departure.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Hakone
~1.5 hours by train
Kamakura
~1 hours by train
Yokohama
~30 minutes by train
Accommodation Highlights
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Sky-high luxury with Imperial Palace views
Fairmont Tokyo
PAW-tastic luxury for your pet
The Peninsula Tokyo
Impeccable service, Ginza location
The Okura Tokyo
Mid-century elegance, Japanese garden serenity
Aman Tokyo
Urban sanctuary, Japanese minimalist luxury
Conrad Tokyo
Sleek skyscraper luxury, stunning bay views
Best Time to Visits by Activities
March to May (Spring)
Best for city touring, hiking, and comfortable coastal breaks (pleasant temperatures; clearer skies in many regions).
June to August (Summer)
Great for beaches and island time; expect heat, humidity, and showers (especially in the north/central).
September to November (Autumn)
Excellent for photography, heritage towns, and balanced weather; a strong all-round season.
December to February (Winter)
Ideal for cooler city exploring in the north and beach escapes in the south; fog can appear in northern mountains.
Summary Notes
Spring and autumn are the best all-round seasons for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
Summer suits beach lovers who don’t mind heat and showers, while winter offers cooler city days in the north and warm escapes in the south.
Vietnam’s long geography means you can usually “chase” the best weather somewhere.
Travel Practicalities
Visa and Entry Requirements
- E-Visa: Available to all nationalities for up to 90 days (single/multiple entry); apply via the official government site.
- Visa Exemption: 45-day visa-free entry for citizens of 13 countries (including UK, EU, Japan, South Korea).
- Requirements: Passport valid for 6+ months; printed e-visa copy essential for entry.
Currency
- Official Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Cash is widely used for markets, street food, and small shops.
- Cards work well in hotels, malls, and many restaurants in major cities.
Language
- Vietnamese is the official language
- English is common in tourist hubs, limited in rural areas; translation apps help.
Local Transportation
Domestic Flight
Trains (Including Overnight)
Sleeper Buses
Ride-Hailing (Grab) & Taxis
Boats
Local Tips and Culture
Street food and local vendors often prefer cash; keep smaller notes handy.
Walk steadily and predictably—traffic flows around you in many cities.
Dress modestly (covered shoulders/knees) and remove hats in sacred spaces.
Safety and Practical Tips
Safe to explore
Vietnam is generally safe; watch for pickpocketing in crowded markets and tourist areas.
Health Precautions
Drink bottled/filtered water, pack mosquito repellent, and bring core medications.
Emergency
Police (113), Ambulance (115), Fire (114)
Private English-Speaking Ambulance: 9999 (This is a paid service often available in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi, distinct from the public 115 line).