Vietnam tours & vacations

Vietnam’s diverse climate makes it a year-round destination. March and April hit the sweet spot with low to no rainfall and milder temperatures across the country. Northern areas like Hanoi and Halong Bay see cold, dry winters (December to February) and enjoy warm, sunny days from spring to autumn – ideal for those sweeping mountain views.  

Central Vietnam (think Hue and Hoi An) enjoys sunny skies from February to August, though August to November brings typhoon season along the coast. Down south in Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta, temperatures are warm year-round, with a dry season from December to May. Even during the June to November rains, brief bursts of showers bring the countryside to life in vivid green. 

Learn more about the best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s story stretches back to prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence of structured societies as early as the 1st millennium BC. Early life centered around agriculture, guided by local dynasties, until Chinese rule began to shape its identity. By 938, Vietnam reclaimed its independence, entering a new era of self-governance. Centuries later, the country fell under the influence of French colonizers, but in 1954, Vietnam regained control.  

Vietnam’s resilience extends to its economy. In 1986, the shift to a free-market system paved the way for rapid growth rooted in agriculture and expanding industry, with tourism now playing a growing role. The economic shift has fueled social progress, as seen in improved literacy and health across the country.  

Culturally, Vietnam’s identity is deeply layered and influenced by the Chinese, Khmer, French and even American interactions. Family bonds hold special importance, with most festivals, such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year), Reunification Day and Tet Trung Thu, celebrated together with rituals, feasting and ancestral respects. Religion in Vietnam is an interesting mix of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, reflecting a balance between spiritual tradition and daily life.  

Learn more about festivals in Vietnam

Things to try in Vietnam

Pho

Vietnam’s iconic street food, pho (pronounced “fuh”), is a broth-based rice noodle dish topped with beef or chicken, fresh herbs and veggies. It’s a dish with regional flair: in the north, pho bac keeps it simple, focusing on a hearty, meaty broth and fewer add-ins, while southern pho Sai Gon brings a sweeter broth and piles on the herbs.  

Banh mi

Banh mi is Vietnam’s iconic sandwich: a crispy baguette packed with marinated meat, fresh coriander, pickled daikon or green papaya and spicy condiments. With French roots and Vietnamese flavors, it’s a popular grab-and-go choice for locals and travelers alike.

Bun cha

For a true taste of Hanoi, try bun cha: juicy, grilled pork patties in a light broth served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs and greens. It’s a balanced, flavourful dish that’s all about smoky meat and fresh sides.  

Banh xeo

Banh xeo, or “sizzling cake”, is Vietnam’s crispy, savory pancake that lives up to its name with an unmistakable sizzle when it hits the pan. Made from turmeric-spiced rice flour batter, it’s filled with shrimp, fatty pork, bean sprouts and green onions. This crepe-like delight is served with a fresh lettuce wrap to add a little crunch.  

Ruou can (rice wine)

Ruou can is a sweet, low-alcohol rice wine brewed in a large earthenware jug from rice and herbs. Traditionally, it’s enjoyed communally through long bamboo straws.   

Learn more about what to eat in Vietnam

Learn more about what to drink in Vietnam

Vietnam stretches along a strip of the Indochinese peninsula, bordered by China, Laos and Cambodia. The country’s landscapes span from misty northern mountains to central coastal plains, all the way down to the Mekong Delta. In the north, steep highlands dominate, while the central region mixes sandy shores with rolling hills.  

As you head south, the mighty Mekong River flows into the delta, a lush network of rice paddies, rivers and floating markets. This delta region is the agricultural heart of Vietnam, making it as essential to the country’s culture as it is to its economy. 

1. Hạlong Bay

Glide through emerald-green waters with hundreds of towering limestone karsts looming over your boat on a trip to Halong Bay. Known for its surreal landscape, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers tropical adventures like a traditional wooden junk boat ride, kayaking to hidden coves, or diving right in for a snorkel or swim session. 

2. Hue

Jam-packed with imperial sites, Hue is one for the history buffs. Explore the Citadel with its ruined Forbidden Purple City before embracing your inner emperor and taking a dragon boat cruise down the Perfume River.

3. Ho Chi Minh City

Still known as Saigon to most, HCMC is a city on the go. It's fast-paced, exciting and full of amazing sites. Temples and markets collide with churches and skyscrapers for a heady mix of traditional and modern.

4. Hanoi

Vietnam’s buzzing capital is where chaos meets charm with narrow streets overflowing with shops, cafes and sizzling street food stalls. A city where history and modern life weave together with motorbikes piled high with people, produce and even animals zipping through the streets of Hanoi. 

5. Hoi An

Hoi An is a dreamy riverside town where relaxed vibes meet a shopper’s paradise. Its car-free Old Town is perfect for a leisurely bike ride, with charming streets packed with more tailors, boot makers and handicrafts than you could explore in a lifetime. At night, colorful lanterns light up the cozy streets, adding a little magic to the bustling markets and heritage sites.

6. Sapa

Head to the hills and see the colorful villages of Vietnam's minority groups - the Zay and the Blue and Black H'mong. The area is remote so the best way to experience it is on an overnight trek, spending the night as a guest of a local family.

7. Mekong Delta

This massive area of floating markets, emerald rice paddies and lush islands is home to some of the friendliest people on earth. Take a boat trip to one of the sleepy islands to get a front-row view of life on the Delta, and meet the people who call it home.

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). 

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Vietnam, typically with a 1-3% service fee. However, they may not be accepted by small vendors such as family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash, just in case!  

ATMs are found widely throughout Vietnam, although there are cases when the machines run out of cash or are out of service. Your safest bet is to take out the cash you need for at least a few days when you have access to a working ATM. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.