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Long, thin and incredibly geographically diverse, there are few countries in the world that compete with Vietnam when it comes to versatility. Complex yet charming, laidback yet feisty, staggeringly beautiful yet poignantly historical, the country has an expert way of matching exactly what you’re looking for, without you really knowing it. From teeming markets and buzzing trading quarters to neon-lit cities and hundreds upon hundreds of mopeds, a holiday may be fast-paced and action-packed; but then there’s the whitewashed sands, ethereal bays, graceful architecture, and wonderfully laidback people... Accommodation can range from stylish city abodes to palatial retreats with whisper-quiet spas – and a traditional junk or rice barge thrown in too – and honeymooners, families and travellers all have the world at their feet. Then there’s the multitude of cultures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the tranquil backwaters of the Delta, the hilltop tribes, and the food. Oh, the food. Entwined firmly in Vietnamese life, it’s some of the freshest and most fragrant on the planet, be it a bowl of steaming pho in the market, or your own rice-paper rolls after a cookery lesson…
The sensory overload of scenery, history, food, culture, life – but one that’s balanced with a laidback charm and effortless attraction.
With top spots in the north, south and central regions (and a very long, narrow country!) it’s worth spending some time planning your route and balancing it with the weather. And that’s where we come in…
The weather. Each part of the country has its own unique climate systems and patterns and the sun almost never shines in all of them at the same time. Not a problem in the slightest, but just something to bear in mind if you’re looking for wall to wall rays.
It can definitely be said that the weather in Vietnam is as diverse as its landscape. Although there is no singular season where every region will be perfect, we're here to help you plan your trip to catch the best of the weather. Thanks to its long, winding coastline, Vietnam receives a monsoon in the south from May to September, while the central coast gets its monsoon from October to April. July and August are the most temperate months across the board; while March to May is ripe for trekking in the north and brings clear skies to Halong Bay and the southern beaches. The central coast is stunning from May onwards, the ideal time to visit Hoi An, while exploring the north becomes difficult from June. October brings sunny scenery to Mai Chau Valley and Hanoi is a hubbub of activity, while December is a fantastic time to see Ho Chi Minh City in full swing. Vietnam has a steadfast calendar of festivals so plan ahead if you'd like to experience any in particular or give them a miss - Tet takes place from the end of January to February and most of the country is on the move so many restaurants and museums close.
Vietnam has three main international airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang and the number of direct fights has increased steadily in recent years. However, the majority of travellers choose to take the cheaper option of an indirect flight with a stopover in Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong.
Vietnam Airlines has direct flights from London to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi at around 12 hours flying time. If you’re travelling from North America, a stopover flight is your only option as there are no direct flights at present. The same often applies to travellers from Australia as there are very few direct flights, although Vietnam Airlines offers routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Melbourne or Sydney.
The popular choice of combining a visit to Vietnam with other Southeast Asian countries has become easier and less pricey thanks to good-value regional air deals.
As you begin planning your trip, it’s best to visit a doctor as early as possible, preferably two months before you depart. Although there are no required vaccinations for entering Vietnam, typhoid and hepatitis A jabs are recommended and it’s a good idea to make sure you’re up to date with boosters for tetanus and polio. If you’re travelling to rural areas with a higher risk of malaria, it’s worth taking preventive tablets to ensure a worry-free trip.
A rule of thumb is to avoid drinking the tap water and having ice in your drinks with the exception of a few high-end hotels and restaurants.
In terms of general safety, Vietnam is known to be open and safe for visitors. However, petty crimes are becoming more common on a small scale so it’s best to keep an eye on your valuables and be aware of your surroundings in the bigger cities and tourist hubs.
Money
The Vietnamese dong isn’t available outside of the country but US dollars can be used so it helps to take a few small bills until you are able to draw money from an ATM, which there are plenty of. Tipping isn’t expected on your travels but it’s definitely appreciated if you feel comfortable doing so.
Gratuities suggestions:
Private guide: $10 per person per day
Private driver: $5 per person per day
General staff: $10 per person per day
Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10% (large group may incur automatic service charge - please check)
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities:
Compulsory Insurance:
a. Emergency evacuation expenses
b. Medical expenses
c. Repatriation expenses
Recommended Insurance:
a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip
b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods
Most passport holders will need a visa to enter Vietnam. Please ask your travel specialist whether a single or multiple entry visa is needed. Your travel specialist can also arrange the visa for you, if you prefer. In order to initiate the e-visa process, we will need the following:
1. A colour photo of your passport details page
2. A recent headshot photograph of you (no glasses or hats)
3. A photograph of two blank pages in your passport.
The cost will be $60 per person (single entry) or $90 per person (multi-entries) and it will be completed in about 10 business days. We will then include it with your Final Documents email so that all your documents are in one place. The team in Vietnam is very familiar with the e-visa process, and can take that stress away if you'd like to simplify the process.
If you choose to do it yourself, please be aware that there are many scam visa websites, your name must be entered exactly as your passport reads, and you are liable for any mistakes. Please use this one when applying for your evisa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt
Single-entry tourist visas are generally valid for 30 days from your date of arrival, although longer durations can be arranged.
Some might say the weather in Vietnam is as varied as its scenery, and what you pack boils down to when and where you’re going - check out our guide on when to go! Here are a few handy essentials to start you off:
- Light and cool clothing including modest items
- Beachwear (if you’re travelling to the coast)
- Warmer items and rain coat
- Comfortable and sturdy footwear
- Mosquito repellent with DEET
- Torch
- Electrical adaptors ((electricity runs on 220 volts and round or flat two-pin plugs are most commonly used)
- Camera
- Photocopies of passport and visa details
- Leech socks and gaiters