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Vietnam Snapshot

Generally, there's no 'best' time for travelling in Vietnam as the seasons are a little vague and vary considerably from north to south, and within regions.

In the south, the dry season generally runs from December to June with March to May being particularly hot and humid. Temperatures usually range from 27°C to 36°C during this time. The wet season brings short and heavy rain showers from July to November, with temperatures averaging between 22°C and 27°C.

Unlike the South, the northern regions of Vietnam have four seasons. Winter is from December to February - it can be extremely cold in Hanoi and the mountainous regions, with overnight temperatures of 4°C and daytime highs between 10°C and 20°C. Summer is June to August - expect hot and humid conditions at this time, with temperatures averaging between 27°C to 30°C and high humidity.
  • Hanoi weather chart
  • Ho Chi Minh weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Vietnam

  • Pho: Gaining international popularity, a steaming bowl of flavoursome pho is one of Vietnam's most celebrated dishes. This noodle soup usually features clear noodles in a broth with beef or chicken and some vegetables and herbs.
  • Banh Xeo: This delicious crepe-like savoury pancake is often served with seafood or pork, onions, oil, lettuce and other condiments.
  • Banh Mi: The French influence in the region is obvious when considering the popularity of the fresh baguette in Vietnam. Take crusty bread and stuff it with pork or ham, coriander, salad and pickled condiments and you've got a favourite lunch or breakfast treat for locals and travellers alike.
  • Fresh Fruit: When in Vietnam, take the opportunity to try exotic fruits not widely available elsewhere in the world. Rambutan, persimmon, mangosteen, dragon fruit, jackfruit and durian are all delicious snacks that can be bought cheaply from markets and roadside stalls.
  • Traditional Vietnamese Pho soup

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Quick to prepare and simple to make, the cuisine of Vietnam relies on fresh produce, fragrant herbs and (quite often) lots of chilli.

Shopping in Vietnam

  • Tailored Clothing: Hoi An is one of the best places in the world to get tailor-made clothing at a great price. Find a tailor, choose your fabric, get measured and return later to collect your custom-made fashion.
  • Hilltribe Handicrafts: Some of Vietnam's hilltribe people make excellent woven bags, clothing and jewellery which make meaningful souvenirs for friends back home.
  • Coffee: As one of the world's largest coffee exporters, Vietnamese coffee is among the world's best. If you’re a coffee fan, why not take a little taste of Vietnam home with you.
  • Lacquerware: The time consuming, intensive process of creating Vietnamese lacquer art results in a beautiful, smooth and polished finish that adorns everything from bowls to paintings and jewellery boxes. While not the cheapest of souvenirs, authentic lacquer art is worth spending a bit more on.
  • Traditional Vietnamese dolls

Vietnam has a nice mix of interesting markets and small shops, with handicrafts, art and clothing among the best picks.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Vietnam you may find yourself staying in a:
Vietnamese Halong Junk boat

  • Junk

  • Sleeping aboard a traditional junk is a quintessential Vietnamese experience to be savoured. Slip into relaxation mode as you take in stunning views of the surrounding limestone karst scenery.
Mekong riverside homestay in Vietnam

  • Homestay

  • Get acquainted with the Vietnamese way of life while on a memorable home stay. Be exposed to new languages, cuisine and customs while making friends with your hosts and neighbours.
Vietnamese Stilt Houses

  • Stilt House

  • Live the high life by sleeping in a unique stilt house. These traditional houses have been used by locals for hundreds of years and now you can experience a stay in one for yourself.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Vietnam, you may find yourself travelling by:
Vietnam reunification Train

  • Train

  • Travelling aboard the Reunification Express is a fun way to journey through Vietnam. Interact with other passengers or sit by a window and watch the world go by.
Bicycles in Vietnam

  • Bicycle

  • Take time to wave to locals as you cycle at a leisurely pace past rice paddies and through simple villages in rural Vietnam.

Shortlist

No trips.

Vietnam at a glance

  • 39
  • Hanoi (population 3 million)
  • 90.5 million
  • Vietnamese
  • VND
  • (GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
  • Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type C (European 2-pin)
  • +84

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