Vietnamese food is where it’s at.

Wherever we travel, it’s the flavours we remember best. A crusty bánh mì or streetside pho, seafood cù lao hotpots and (scarily addictive) coffee with condensed milk. Vietnam tours are tasty, plain and simple. We won’t just drop you in Halong Bay and call it a day. Our local leaders will introduce you to rice farmers in Sapa and fishermen on the Mekong Delta. They’ll guide you through the Cu Chi Tunnels, take you to the best beaches and on a street food crawl through Ho Chi Minh City. Our stomach’s rumbling already... 

Top Vietnam travel deals

Departing Days From AUD
1 Apr 2023
Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers
9 1765
1589
1 Apr 2023
Cycle Vietnam
15 3580
3222
2 Apr 2023
Essential Vietnam
Ages 18 to 29
11 1425
1212
2 Apr 2023
Vietnam Family Holiday
13 2565
2437
2 Apr 2023
Best of Vietnam
20 4035
3430
3 Apr 2023
Treasures of Vietnam
8 2330
1981
3 Apr 2023
Cambodia & Vietnam Experience
26 3470
3123
4 Apr 2023
Vietnam Family Holiday Comfort
13 2655
2257
5 Apr 2023
Explore Vietnam
11 1400
1260
5 Apr 2023
South East Asia Uncovered
22 5240
4716

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Vietnam tour reviews

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Articles on Vietnam

Vietnam travel highlights

Transport in Vietnam

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:

Traveller on the overnight sleeper train in Vietnam

Overnight sleeper train

Travelling aboard an overnight sleeper train is a fun way to journey through Vietnam. Interact with other passengers or sit by a window and watch the world go by.

Curious? Click here read more about what to expect on an overnight train.

Explore Vietnam

Vietnam Discovery

Essential Vietnam

Vietnam Express Southbound

Vietnam Express Northbound

Cyclists stop to see local rice fields.

Bicycle

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

Cycle Northern Vietnam

Cycle South East Asia

Cycle Vietnam

Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Traveller in a rickshaw in Hanoi, Vietnam

Cyclo

These 3 wheeled vehicles are a great way to zip around the sights.

Cambodia & Vietnam Experience

Epic Cambodia to Vietnam

Vietnam Family Holiday

Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

Accommodation in Vietnam

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:

Boat sailing on Halong Bay, Vietnam

Overnight boat

Sleeping aboard a boat on Halong Bay is a quintessential Vietnamese experience to be savoured. Slip into relaxation mode as you take in stunning views of the surrounding limestone karst scenery.

Halong Bay Junk Cruise

Cycle Northern Vietnam

Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers

Treasures of Vietnam

Vietnam Express Southbound

A riverside homestay in Mekong, 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.

Mekong Delta Farmstay

Vietnam Discovery

Real Vietnam

Vietnam Family Holiday

Vietnam holiday information

At a glance
History and government
Geography and environment
Shopping
Vietnam Top 10 Landscapes
Culture and customs
Health and Safety
Further reading

Vietnam travel FAQs

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises). However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 policy

Most nationalities are required to obtain tourist visa in advance to travel to Vietnam. When obtaining your visa you should allow 3 weeks for processing with your nearest embassy or consulate, the cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Please check with your embassy or consulate for further requirements.

Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam (for all purposes). This exemption period is currently effective until 30 June 2021, and is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Please also check requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam.

An eVisa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia (from 2018), France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Vietnam. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

Evisas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website.
Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.

If your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Intrepid Vietnam 5th floor HiPT Building, 152 Thuy Khue Street, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Ph +84 4 3715 0996.

Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation for Vietnam but if you do need one, please contact your sales agent for more information.

Read more about obtaining a visa for Vietnam

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.

Read more about tipping in Vietnam

Internet access is widely available in tourist areas and big cities, which have many internet cafes. Internet access is less frequent in rural and remote areas.

You'll be able to use your mobile phone in most urban areas of Vietnam, although remote and mountainous areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Vietnam.

Read more about mobile phone use in Vietnam

You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while holidaying in Vietnam. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.

Quick city bus ride = 4,000 VND
Local-style coffee at a cafe = 15,000 VND
Bowl of pho from street stall = 20,000-30,000 VND
Dinner at a simple restaurant = 70,000-100,000 VND
Dinner at a up-market restaurant = 200,000+ VND

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Vietnam. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Read more about water in Vietnam 

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Vietnam. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Vietnam.

ATMs are found widely throughout Vietnam, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. 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.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Public holidays celebrated in Vietnam are: 

New Year's Day

1 January

Tết (Vietnamese New Year)

Note: Seven days' public holidays from Lunar New Year's Eve

Gio to Hung Vuong Day

10th day of 3rd lunar month

Reunification Day

30 April

Labour Day

1 May

National Day

2 September

The major festivals celebrated in Vietnam are Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, February), Reunification Day (30 April), National Day (2 September) and Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival, late September).

Read more about Vietnam's festivals and events

The most popular times to visit Vietnam are spring (February-April) and autumn (September-December) but because of the huge variations in latitude and altitude, there is no one best time to go to Vietnam. It’s a good destination all year.

Read more about the best time to visit Vietnam

Vietnam has an incredibly diverse tropical climate, and temperatures vary from 4°C (39°F) in Sapa in winter to humid 36°C (97°F) days in Saigon in the middle of the dry season. The monsoons bring heavy rain to the south, and a cooler winter to the north depending on when you plan to tour in Vietnam.

Read more about weather in Vietnam

Traditional Vietnamese food is typified by its use of fresh herbs and vegetables and it's wide regional variance. Vietnamese food is influenced by its Chinese and Khmer neighbours and echoes of French colonisation. Some of the best things to eat in Vietnam are noodle soups (pho, bun mam, bun bo hue), bread rolls (banh mi), savoury pancakes (banh xeo) and fresh tropical fruits. 

Read more about what to eat in Vietnam

Our list of best things to drink in Vietnam includes ice coffee, fruit smoothies, fresh coconut juice straight from a freshly cracked green coconut, sugar cane juice, local beers and artisan rice wine.

Read more about what to drink in Vietnam 

While the tropical climate lends itself to layered, breathable clothing all year round, if you are taking a tour in the North, cold winters mean you might need to bring a fleece or jacket.

Read more about what to pack for Vietnam

The LGBQTI community is gradually gaining recognition in Vietnam, with gay pride parades becoming a regular occurrence and a lift on same-sex marriage bans in 2015. With that said, Vietnam is stil a conservative culture and many still hide their sexuality from their families. Ho CHi Minh City and Hanoi have some gay-friendly bars and events. It is generally recommended that both gay and straight couples resist showing public displays of affection.  

Read more about LGBTQI culture in Vietnam

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Despite having a high population of people with disabilities, accessible infrastructure and facilities are still limited in Vietnam. Chaotic traffic and pavements blocked by parked motorbikes and street stalls, uneven footpaths and high curbs add to the challenges of getting around for travellers with mobility or vision disabilities. Most entrances to hotels, shops, restaurants and tourist sites will have steps and many doorways will not be able to accommodate wheelchairs wider than 60cm. Some sights and destinations will not be fully accessible (ie. Ha Long Bay boats, Cu Chi Tunnels) but other places such as Hoi An are flat and much more wheelchair-friendly. There are likely to be situations where travellers with disabilities may need to rely on local people to help. Taxis are readily available and an affordable way to get around for travellers who are not confident in exploring independently on foot.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Responsible Travel

Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.

How we're giving back

The Intrepid Foundation provides travellers with an opportunity to give something back to the many wonderful communities we travel to

Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation rescues kids in crisis throughout Vietnam. Working with local governments, Blue Dragon works to fight the causes of human trafficking and rescue victims.

Learn more about Blue Dragon Children's Foundation

KOTO is a restaurant and vocational training program that is changing the lives of rural and underprivileged youth in Vietnam, equipping them with the skills necessary for a sustainable career.

Learn more about KOTO