Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

The best time to visit Vietnam is from December through March, since temperatures are not overbearing during this time of year, hovering between 20°C to 26°C, and the rainfall light. Vietnam’s weather during March and even early April allows for tours right across the country, although it can be a little colder in the north. Mid-April through June and September to November are considered low seasons because they see two periods of monsoon rain. Temperatures rise alongside humidity during these months, and you will need to be prepared for downpours, which can flood roads and cut off access to destinations. July and August are very hot, with nighttime temperatures hovering at around 26°C. You can find more information here.

Knowing how long to spend in Vietnam is one of the tricks to having a great vacation. It is possible to cover the highlights of the country during a seven-day tour. However, for greater insight into its history and people along with a feel for what makes Vietnam so special, we advise opting for a ten-day trip instead. With this duration, you can experience everything from the floating markets of the Mekong Delta to the rush-hour traffic of Ho Chi Minh City! Spend two weeks in Vietnam and you can travel from the north of the country to its south (or vice versa) without constantly checking your watch.

In Vietnam’s major tourist hubs, including the Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa, you will find plenty of people who speak English. Those working and operating hotels and tours will have decent English-language skills. English is primarily spoken by younger generations, with grandparents tending to speak French because of France’s colonial history in the country. In more far-flung destinations, such as the hill villages of the north, you may find locals speak nothing but Vietnamese, which is where a guide really comes in handy!

The best time to visit Vietnam is from December through March, since temperatures are not overbearing during this time of year, hovering between 20°C to 26°C, and the rainfall light. Vietnam’s weather during March and even early April allows for tours right across the country, although it can be a little colder in the north. Mid-April through June and September to November are considered low seasons because they see two periods of monsoon rain. Temperatures rise alongside humidity during these months, and you will need to be prepared for downpours, which can flood roads and cut off access to destinations. July and August are very hot, with nighttime temperatures hovering at around 26°C.

Most travelers will find Vietnam an inexpensive country to visit. As our ultimate travel guide for Vietnam explains, both budget and luxury travelers are well catered for without having to break the bank. Good backpacker hostels will only set you back by around USD 10 per night. However, most consider staying in hotels during a Vietnam tour, since rooms in decent hotels even in big cities can cost as little as USD 40 per person, per night. Transportation is also a great value for money, and food is relatively cheap for the quality and quantity you will receive. Museum entry is usually around USD 2 per ticket.

Most nationals who wish to travel to the country require a visa, obtainable from your nearest Vietnamese embassy for USD 60 to USD 100 per person.