Est. 1970
Vietnam
The largest of the three countries of the Indochina Peninsula, Vietnam wraps around the eastern coast, stretching and bending from north to south as if struggling to contain its great wealth of attractions.
From the limestone peaks of Halong Bay, the French boulevards of the capital Hanoi and the thick forests of the north-west, to the charming tea shops of cultural Hoi An, the glorious beaches of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, and the floating markets of the mighty Mekong River, you'll find cultural diversity and natural wonders around each and every corner.
Having thrown off the shackles of a turbulent 20th century, the country and its people are now looking to the future with eager anticipation, with Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, perhaps the best example of a rapidly modernising city. Yet the scents of the past are still carried in the air, be it the aroma of freshly baked baguettes wafting from a Hoi An street stall or the damp staleness of the air in underground tunnels dug during desperate guerrilla conflict in the Vietnam War.
Vietnam travel
Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Vietnam, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Central Coast
Central Highlands
Halong Bay
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Mekong Delta & Southern Coast
Northern Vietnam
The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Weather
Dry all year except for the monsoon season (May-October).
Festivals
Most regions tend to have their own traditional festivals involving music, dance and opera. Tet Nguyen Dan is the Lunar New Year celebrated nationwide in December with offerings to the ancestors and is a very important calender date welcoming in the new year. The Children's Moon Festival (Tet-Trung-Thu) on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month celebrates and promotes education, culture, music, sports and arts and crafts. Celebrations begin at noon and end at midnight with processions, displays, performances and delicacies on offer.
Food & drink
Based on a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese and French traditions. Breakfast is generally noodle soup, and noodles or rice provide the basis of most meals. Fish sauce (nuoc mam) is an essential accompaniment. Specialities include nem (pork mixed with noodles, eggs and mushrooms, wrapped in rice paper and fried), banh chung (glutinous rice, pork and onions), and Pho (beef noodle soup with rice). Refreshing green tea is available throughout the country, while coffee is served rich and fresh, as well as iced. Local draught beer, Bia Hoi, is additive free and costs little. Rice wine and snake wine are also popular.
Etiquette
A handshake and vocal greeting is normal. Be careful to dress appropriately: only in the larger cities might the dress ethic be relaxed. Avoid shorts if possible, do not wear singlets, short dresses or skirts, or tops with low neck lines, especially if visiting temples or pagodas. Remove your shoes when entering someone's house and always ask permission to take a photograph of someone. Vietnamese people should not be touched on the head.
Safety
Safe.International airport
Noi Bai (HAN) is 45 km from Hanoi. Tan Son Nhat (SGN) is 7 km from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Internal travel
Good roads and good but limited railway. Buses are overcrowded, tourists can use mini-buses, or hire chauffeur-driven cars.
Visa
(UK/US) Required.Vaccination
BCG, Cholera, Diphtheria, Hep. A, Hep. B, JE, Malaria, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2.Driving
International Driving Permit and a test taken in-country.Capital
Hanoi.Language
Vietnamese.People
Vietnamese (88%), Chinese, Thai, tribal groups.Religion
Buddhist (55%), Christian mainly Roman Catholic (7%), Other and non religions (38%).Size
329,560.Population
85,500,000.Population density
250.Life expectancy
M 68.30, F 74.0.Currency
New Dong (D).Finance
Traveller's cheques in US dollars widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard becoming accepted.Business hours
0730-1200 and 1300-1630 Monday-Saturday.Time difference
+7.Voltage
220 AC, 50 Hz.International dial code
84.The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Vietnam. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Cambodia & Vietnam Explorer
Best of Vietnam & the Central Highlands
Vietnam Insight
Highlights of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos
A river journey through Indochina
Highlights of Vietnam
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Cycling Vietnam
Vietnam & the Mekong
Best of Vietnam
The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in Vietnam. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in Vietnam, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam
Fusion Maia Resort, Danang, Vietnam
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam
The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
The Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, Vietnam
Caravelle Hotel, Vietnam
Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort, Vietnam
Victoria Can Tho Resort, Vietnam
Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort,Vietnam
La Residence Hotel and Spa, Hue, Vietnam
Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, Vietnam
The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in Vietnam. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0613.
Activity & adventure holidays
Cruise
History and culture
Spa breaks
Gemma Mortimer - Asia Specialist
To make an enquiry or to start planning your trip talk to our team of specialists on 020 7590 0613
WHEN TO GO
- BEST
TIME - GOOD
TIME - SOME LIMITATIONS
Essential Experiences (6)
Recommended Itineraries (5)
Asia Asia
