Vietnam Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips!

Enchanting and evocative, a Vietnam tour is an adventurer’s paradise. From cruising around the vast Mekong Delta to exploring the underwater world of the Cham Islands, Vietnam has an extraordinary experience that suits all tastes! Venture into Cat Tien National Park and hike through tropical rainforests. Discover Can Tho and Tien Giang's colorful floating markets and meet the Mekong Delta locals. Explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Bai Dinh Pagoda on an exhilarating cycling tour. From outdoor adventures to feasting on some of the world’s best cuisine, the choice of incredible things to do in Vietnam will have you return for more!

Whether it’s cycling through the pancake-flat sprawl of the Mekong Delta, the cultural echoes of Hoi An’s colonial French beauty, mountain biking in the Cat Tien National Park, or the bustling daily life of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a bike seat guarantees the best views of Vietnam! Vietnam loves their two-wheeled pedal power, and there is no better way to explore this country. Cycling in Vietnam brings you up close and personal with the locals allowing you to glimpse their culture in a way that simply isn't possible with more impatient means of transportation.

Going to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam? Let’s make sure you get the most out of visiting this fabulous city, previously also known as Saigon. Below, we are listing the Top 12 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. The activities are listed in random order.

Sapa, a mist-shrouded town in Lào Cai province, is one of Vietnam’s most astonishing destinations. Resting at the foot of the country’s highest mountain, the town overlooks a vast green valley covered in maze-like rice terraces. Trekking and hiking here are popular activities, and the landscape is crisscrossed by a network of trails. A highlight of any Sapa tour is encountering local people who inhabit nearby villages.

It’s late spring in Vietnam in April, with warm and pleasant weather in most parts of the country. From the lush countryside of the north to the sun-drenched beaches of south and central Vietnam, there is a wide range of destinations you can choose from. See the iconic rice terraces of Sapa Valley, indulge in beach activities in Nha Trang, or explore the historic sites in Ho Chi Minh City. No destination is off-limits. Read on to find out more about planning a trip to Vietnam in April.

Stretching for 1,600 kilometers from north to south, Vietnam’s weather differs from one region to the next. While Northern Vietnam enjoys four distinct seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), Central and Southern Vietnam only have dry and rainy seasons. These varying weather patterns make Vietnam a year-round destination. However, March to April is widely considered the best time to visit Vietnam, as during this period, the North avoids bitter winter conditions, while the Central and Southern regions evade the worst of the rainy season downpours and typhoons. So whether you plan to explore top destinations like Hanoi in the North, Hoi An in Central Vietnam, or Ho Chi Minh City in the South, March to April offers mild temperatures and lower rainfall. This makes it the best time to experience the diversity of attractions across all regions during your Vietnam trip. Note: The weather chart above is based on the capital City, Hanoi, which falls in Northern Vietnam.

If you are taking a trip to Vietnam in August, know this is one of the rainiest months in the country. While the north and south take most of the monsoon beating, Central Vietnam is largely dry and sees plenty of sunny days. Beach resorts like Da Nang and Nha Trang attract lots of visitors during this time of year. Northern Vietnam is wet, hot, and humid in August. While you can tour villages like Sapa and Cat Cat, hiking trails are not in their best condition. If you are traveling to Southern Vietnam, be prepared for monsoon downpours, and plan your outings when the skies are clear. You can visit Bai Xep Beach or head to the Con Dao Islands to witness the turtle-hatching season.

Spring swings into summer in Vietnam in May, and it’s the perfect time to explore this enchanting country. Head to the mountainous region of Sapa in Northern Vietnam for a trekking adventure or explore ancient temples, colonial architecture, and bustling markets of the historic capital city, Hanoi. Delve into the imperial history of Vietnam in Hue or hit the beach in the coastal town of Quy Nhon in central Vietnam. Discover the tranquil beauty of the Mekong Delta on a cycling tour through its picturesque landscapes of rice paddies, fruit orchards, and winding waterways. From nature to culture to outdoor fun, a trip to Vietnam in May offers it all!

February is one of the best times to tour Vietnam, as the month offers an enticing blend of mild weather, cultural celebrations, and natural beauty. Despite regional variations in weather, the overall conditions are pleasant. This is the perfect time to cruise around the iconic Ha Long Bay and hike in the picturesque mountains of Ha Giang in Northern Vietnam. In Central Vietnam, you can explore the ancient town of Hoi An and the lush jungles of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Beach resorts in Southern Vietnam are also a huge draw. Read on to find out more about planning a trip to Vietnam in February.

March marks the arrival of spring in Vietnam, making it one of the best times to visit. In the north, mild temperatures and minimal rain create perfect trekking conditions around Sapa and Ninh Binh. Weather conditions in Central Vietnam are ideal for exploring Unesco sites like Hue's imperial citadel and relaxing on Hoi An's pristine beaches. And down south, it is time for island getaways to Con Dao or Phu Quoc before the wet season arrives. Taking a trip to Vietnam in March is also a great idea if you are looking to explore local culture, as the country hosts several festivals this month.

Despite the likelihood of rain and storms playing a spoilsport, you can still have an enjoyable vacation in Vietnam in September. As long as you have a flexible plan and largely focus your trip on land-based activities, you are all set. While South Vietnam remains damp, other regions of the country gradually see a decline in rainfall as the month progresses. Enjoy the tours of popular destinations such as the charming Old Quarter in Hanoi, the iconic Ha Long Bay, and the terraced rice fields of Sapa. You can also catch jubilant celebrations of National Independence Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival during your Vietnam trip in September.

Seeking a summer adventure like no other? A trip to Vietnam in June is your ticket to an unforgettable experience. Let the sun guide you in the central regions as you embark on thrilling cycling adventures and unwind on dreamy beaches. But hold on tight! Mother Nature has a surprise in store for the south, where daily downpours paint the streets in a mesmerizing rain dance, adding extra excitement to your urban explorations. Take shelter in Ho Chi Minh City's captivating museums and let history's tales transport you to another time. Meanwhile, nature lovers can rejoice on a trip to Con Dao Island, where the green turtle nesting season is underway.

In July, Vietnam is in the middle of the wet monsoon season, but some parts of the country still get a substantial amount of sun to make your trip worthwhile. Beach holidays are still possible in the country's south and central coast. From the misty waters of Halong Bay in the north to the sun-drenched beaches of Phu Quoc Island in the south, a July trip to Vietnam provides a distinctive ambiance to explore natural wonders and immerse in local life. Whether you seek to cruise through limestone karsts, trek past verdant rice terraces, wander ancient imperial cities, or bask on sandy shores, July invites you to embrace Vietnam’s monsoon charm and create lasting memories.

Enjoy the ethereal beauty of the Sapa Valley, bask in the sun-drenched Phu Quoc island, and witness the cascading magnificence of the Elephant Waterfalls in Dalat during your trip to Vietnam in January. Northern Vietnam sees dry and cool weather during this time, which is perfect for sightseeing and activities like hiking and cycling. Central and Southern regions enjoy mild weather conditions for exploration and beach activities. January is also one of the best times to visit Vietnam for festivals and cultural celebrations.

Summer in Vietnam is very hot, humid, and wet all at the same time, and it lasts from July to August. So if you are planning a trip to Vietnam in the summer, focus your holiday on Central Vietnam, which remains comparatively dry during summer. Hoi An and Da Nang are among the popular summer vacation spots that offer plenty of sunshine and beach activities and Phu Quoc Island can be an alternative for travelers seeking a peaceful beach escape. Or, head to the mountain regions of Sapa and Pu Luong for hiking. Temperatures are much cooler in these parts of Vietnam during summer. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, you can also take a trip to the iconic Ha Long Bay and Ba Vi National Park. Whatever you decide, make sure to check the weather forecast to avoid disappointment.

Beautiful landscapes and colorful culture come to life during winter in Vietnam. The winter season runs from December to April, offering visitors comfortable temperatures and unique experiences. Embark on thrilling trekking and hiking expeditions, and discover the enchanting beauty of snow-capped mountains, misty valleys, and serene lakes. Slurp on a bowl of pho or a steaming Vietnamese coffee, scourge floating markets for handmade souvenirs, or explore the Khmer temples in the Mekong Delta, a trip to Vietnam in winter is bound to be a magical experience.

In October, Vietnam starts to wave goodbye to the monsoon season and welcomes autumn. Northern Vietnam has already embraced the drier weather, making it the perfect time to hike the lush landscapes of Mai Chau Valley and the Pu Luong Nature Reserve or climb to the top of Vietnam’s highest point, Fansipan Peak. In Central and South Vietnam experience the Full Moon Lantern Festival in Hoi An and explore the Marble Mountains near Da Nang as the rainy season slowly fades Use the rain in Southern Vietnam to your advantage and marvel at the raw beauty of the hidden waterfalls of Da Lat in the south. The varied weather on a Vietnam trip in October allows you to experience a variety of incredible adventures in this fascinating country.

From the stunning beaches of Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, and Mui Ne in the south to the rugged beauty of the Central Highlands, Vietnam in November offers breathtaking attractions and natural wonders. The dry, cooler weather returns to northern Vietnam, providing excellent opportunities for hiking in the Sapa Valley and the Northern Highlands. November is also a time of cultural festivities, including the enchanting lantern festivals in places like Hoi An, allowing visitors to experience an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese traditions. If you don’t mind a little bit of rain, a trip to Vietnam in November also guarantees some serious discounts on accommodation and excursions.

As the year draws to an end, Vietnam, in December, moves towards favorable weather conditions. While Southern Vietnam welcomes the sun, packing Phú Quốc island with visitors, Central Vietnam sees only light showers, making the weather ideal for exploring the charming town of Hoi An on foot. The Northern region starts to see temperature drops by the end of the month, but you can still witness golden rice fields in Sapa Valley if you make it by mid-December. Overall, a comfortable multi-day trip to Vietnam in December can be filled with cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and festive celebrations.

Despite the bad rap it got in the international press in the mid-20th century, Vietnam has made tremendous progress as a tourist destination — and for the right reasons. This slender country boasts the terraced highlands of Sa Pa, pristine tropical islands with idyllic beaches like Phu Quoc and numerous tranquil bays along the Gulf of Tonkin (Ha Long Bay being the most popular). For a more wholesome experience, add the stunning architecture of Hoi An and the lush greenery of the Mekong Delta to your Vietnam itinerary.

Boasting more than its fair share of beautiful coastal panoramas, Vietnam is as diverse as its landscapes, as any Vietnam tour will testify. From traditional villages like Hoi An, virtually unchanged since colonial times, to cities like Ho Chi Minh City, which are a living, breathing entity of shopping malls and street food stalls, there are a multitude of destinations to choose from. But if you have limited time, you can make the most of your short trip to Vietnam with our recommended itineraries. Let’s say you are spending 5 days in Vietnam, whether you prefer to focus on one incredible location or see as much of the country as possible, here is how you can go about it. Read on to discover what your 5-day tour to Vietnam can look like.

6 days in Vietnam is the perfect duration to explore the highlights: a few major cities, like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and natural landmarks, such as the Mekong River and the mountains near Mai Chau. Discover the beautiful Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with hundreds of rocky islets, climb to the top of the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass and enjoy a round of golf at the idyllic Phu Quoc Island — your 6-day Vietnamese travel itinerary will be full of delights. Read on to find out what your 6-day trip to Vietnam can look like.

One of the top travel destinations in Asia, Vietnam offers many experiences at exceptionally affordable prices, making it an ideal choice for an enthralling 10-day adventure. Although 10 days in Vietnam is just about enough to cover its popular highlights, including sightseeing pagodas in Hanoi and enthralling basket boat rides in Hoi An, you also have the liberty to slow down and immerse yourself in one particular region, more popularly, Northern Vietnam. Spend your time trekking through minority villages in Sapa, cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, or enjoying the bustling street food culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Want some inspiration for your 10-day Vietnam trip? Below are our top 3 recommended itineraries.

From the enchanting beauty of Ha Long Bay and the quaint colonial streets of UNESCO-protected Hoi An to the timeless paddy fields of the Red River Delta and the enigmatic floating markets of the Mekong Delta — 7 days in Vietnam will allow you to experience the different hues and flavors of this exciting land. Admire the splendid rice terraces around Sapa town that are still farmed the traditional way. Or tee off at the coastal town of Nha Trang, a premier golfing destination, during your package tour of Vietnam for 7 days. Here are some itinerary ideas for making the best of your week-long vacation in Vietnam.

If you have 4 days in Vietnam, you can get a perfect introduction to the country’s cultural landmarks and natural spaces. See top sights in one of the two major cities, Saigon and Hanoi, and add a trip to a popular natural reserve like Cuc Phuong National Park or a cycling expedition through the countryside. Discover the remote villages on the park’s western side and experience a real tropical forest. Or do a 4-day trip in Vietnam covering Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.

A two-week trip to Vietnam is perfect for fully exploring the country’s length from north to south. In this period, you can explore popular destinations such as Hanoi and include off-the-beaten-path sites like the cave systems in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and the countryside of Ninh Binh. You will also have the time to check out the sights in Cambodia with these longer itineraries. Read on to discover what spending 2 weeks in Vietnam can look like.

From the fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the wilderness of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to the turquoise waters of Cham Islands and the dazzling caves of Ha Long Bay — Vietnam is a traveler’s delight. With 12 days in Vietnam, you can comfortably cover up to seven destinations. Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoy the surf at Cua Dai Beach near Hoi An’s Old Town, admire the ruins of Duong Lam ancient village, and explore the iconic Ha Long Bay on a cruise. Besides sightseeing, you will also get to participate in various fun and relaxing activities during your 12-day Vietnam trip.

Spending 21 days in Vietnam opens up opportunities to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history in depth. The potential itineraries are numerous. Delve into the history of Hanoi, take in the natural splendor of Ha Long Bay, explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, and visit the floating markets of the Mekong Delta. Whether you choose to dedicate your time to a few key destinations or visit multiple places around the country, these options will help you make the most of your 21-day trip to Vietnam.

Putting its traumatic 20th-century past behind it, Vietnam has reinvented itself as one of Asia’s most charming 21st-century destinations. Spend 8 days in Vietnam to explore tourist hotspots like Hanoi and Ha Long Bay and discover back-of-the-beyond destinations like the picturesque mountains of Northern Vietnam. Cycle through the lush landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park, passing paddy fields, local farmers in conical hats, and striking limestone karsts. Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge of the quaint Old Town in Hoi An that takes you back to a bygone era as part of your 8-day itinerary for Vietnam. Read on to find the perfect itinerary for your 8-day Vietnam trip.

Kayak amid the limestone karsts and remote lagoons of Lan Ha Bay, admire the rice terraces and tea plantations along the Nam Ma River and explore the atmospheric Old Quarter of Hanoi on a bike. During 11 days in Vietnam, you can visit two major cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, together with other beautiful parts of the country such as Hoi An, Hoang Lien National Park, and Ma Pi Leng Pass. Alternatively, you can focus on one or two major activities like cycling in Sapa and Mai Chau, a motorcycle tour in the lesser-known northwest region, or a luxurious cruise on the Ha Long Bay during your thrilling 11-day vacation in Vietnam.

A no-go zone for much of the 20th century, Vietnam is now firmly on the tourist map, thanks to its colorful capital, Hanoi, stunning northern mountains, serene Ha Long Bay, and many other popular places. With 9 days in Vietnam, you can cover 5 to 6 destinations in one region of the country. Check out beautiful handmade ceramic products in the fishing port of Kampong Chhnang while cruising the Mekong River, visit the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, and admire superb views from the top of Pu Lo fortress near Dong Van during this 9-day itinerary in Vietnam. Read on to find out what your 9-day trip to Vietnam will look like.