What makes Vietnam Unique

Vietnam is a standout travel destination in Southeast Asia due to its rich culture and history, scenic beauty, delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and unique transportation options. Visitors can explore ancient temples and ruins, experience traditional festivals and ceremonies, and indulge in a variety of Vietnamese dishes. Vietnam boasts a variety of natural landscapes, from the towering mountains of Sapa to the sandy beaches of Phu Quoc, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking. Vietnamese people are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors can experience unique transportation options such as the Xich Lo and Thuyen Doc Moc.

Top Highlights in Vietnam

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

This national park is home to some of the world's largest and most spectacular caves. Visitors can explore the caves, go trekking in the jungle, or visit the local villages.

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Hue Imperial City

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a former imperial capital of Vietnam and is known for its impressive architecture and royal tombs. Visitors can explore the palaces, temples, and tombs, and learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty.

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Sapa

This mountain town is located in the northwest of Vietnam and is known for its stunning scenery of rice terraces and ethnic minority villages. Visitors can trek through the mountains, stay with a local family, and learn about the culture of the minority groups.

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Mekong Delta

This fertile region in southern Vietnam is known for its rice paddies, fruit orchards, and floating markets. Visitors can take a boat tour, cycle along the riverbank, or explore the local villages.

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Cu Chi Tunnels

These underground tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about the history of the war, and try their hand at firing weapons used during the conflict.

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Hoi An Ancient Town

This charming town is known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the narrow streets lined with lanterns, visit traditional houses, and enjoy the local cuisine.

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Ha Long Bay

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its breath-taking scenery of limestone cliffs and islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Visitors can take a cruise, go kayaking, or explore the caves and grottoes in the area.

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Other Fun Activities in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with a diverse range of experiences for tourists. Here are some of the top highlights that visitors should see in Vietnam:

Enjoying the beach

Vietnam boasts a long coastline with stunning beaches, such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores or take part in water sports like surfing and scuba diving.

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Sampling local cuisine

Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its balance of flavors and fresh ingredients. Visitors can try local dishes like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls at street food vendors or high-end restaurants.

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Exploring national parks

Vietnam has several national parks, such as Cat Tien, Ba Be, and Cuc Phuong, which offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring caves.

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Learning about traditional crafts

Visitors can learn about traditional crafts like pottery, silk weaving, and lantern making in places like Bat Trang, Hoi An, and Hue.

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Taking part in festivals

Vietnam celebrates many festivals throughout the year, such as Tet (Lunar New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, and Hue Festival. Visitors can take part in these celebrations and experience local customs and traditions.

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Motorbiking

Renting a motorbike and exploring the countryside is a popular activity among tourists. Visitors can take scenic routes like the Hai Van Pass or the Ho Chi Minh Trail and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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Travel Ideas for Vietnam

Kindergarten Volunteer in Vietnam (18+ years)

In this project filled with love and care, participants will work directly with children in local nurseries for at least 4 weeks. In Vietnam, teachers often face challenging conditions, and the support of volunteers is essential. During your stay, your main objective will be to create engaging activities, previously discussed and planned, to stimulate and develop the cognitive and motor skills of these children. Additionally, you are encouraged to provide English conversation classes, enabling these children to have early exposure to the language. Your dedication and involvement will make a significant impact on the lives of these young learners. By fostering their growth and providing them with new experiences, you will help shape their future.

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Vietnam Classics

Start your journey in Hanoi, where you'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and explore the city's lively Old Quarter. Cruise on the emerald waters of Halong Bay and marvel at the natural beauty of the limestone karsts. Travel south to Hoi An, a charming town known for its colourful lanterns and delicious cuisine. Take a cooking class and learn to prepare local dishes, or explore the ancient ruins of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, arrive in bustling Ho Chi Minh City and experience the energy of this vibrant city. Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, or shop for souvenirs at the lively Ben Thanh Market. Throughout your journey, you'll also have the opportunity to learn about Vietnam's fascinating history and culture, from the traditional art of silk weaving to the complex flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

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Central Vietnam: Golf Hotspot

Vietnam's landscape is defined by towering peaks, rice terraces, stunning coastlines, and a portfolio of top golf courses scattered throughout the country. In Central Vietnam, 5 top golf destinations are waiting to be explored: Laguna Lang Co, Hoiana Shores, Ba Na Hills, BRG Danang Golf Resort, and the Montgomerie Links. The golf and beach resort The Nam Hai is located nearby. At the Banyan Tree Golf & Villa Resort in Lang Co, you can experience culture, beach, and the amazing Nick Faldo golf course.

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Best Time to Visit

Vietnam has a diverse climate with significant regional variations, so the best time to visit depends on where you plan to go and what you want to do. Generally, the country has two main seasons, the dry season (from November to April) and the rainy season (from May to October).

If you plan to visit the north of Vietnam, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa, the best time to visit is from October to April. During these months, the weather is cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. From May to September, the north experiences hot and humid weather with frequent rainfall.

If you plan to visit the central part of Vietnam, including Hue, Danang, and Hoi An, the best time to visit is from February to August. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20-35°C. From September to January, the central region experiences heavy rainfall and occasional flooding.

If you plan to visit the south of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the beaches of Phu Quoc and Mui Ne, the best time to visit is from December to April. During these months, the weather is dry and warm, with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C. From May to November, the south experiences a rainy season with high humidity and occasional flooding.

Overall, the best time to visit Vietnam is from October to April, when the weather is dry and cool, and the landscapes are at their best. However, if you plan to visit the south, December to April is the best time to go to avoid the rainy season.

Important Information for Your Travel Plans

Special Travel Tips from our Experts

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Where to Stay

Vietnam offers a diverse range of accommodations to travellers, including luxurious lodges in national parks and private resort bungalows in coastal towns. These options cater to travellers of all budgets, and your Tripedeo travel expert can assist with booking suitable accommodations. Whether travelling with family, on honeymoon, or for any other purpose, you can choose to stay on a private island, in a hotel located in the heart of a bustling city, or enjoy an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay.

Getting Around

Apart from international flights that take you to Vietnam and domestic flights that make travelling between cities efficient, there are various transportation options available for you to explore. You can catch taxis, buses, and other forms of public transportation, hire rental cars, book private transfers, travel by train, or hop on and off boats, yachts, and catamarans.

As you plan your holiday, you can choose the transportation option that best suits your needs. For example, you can opt for a catamaran for an intimate sunset cruise or private transfers for informative tours of the cities. Additionally, you can explore Vietnam's unique transportation options, such as the Xich Lo and Thuyen Doc Moc. Xich Lo is a three-wheeled pedalled taxi that can carry up to two people, making it perfect for couples, while Thuyen Doc Moc is a traditional wooden boat made from monolithic trees.

It's important to note that driving a motorbike or car in Southeast Asia without a driver's licence is illegal. While renting a motorbike is a popular option in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian destinations, we recommend avoiding this mode of transportation. Vietnamese roads are chaotic, and drivers do not always observe road laws, making motorbikes a dangerous option. Instead, we suggest booking reliable and safe transfers, such as private drivers, taxis and guided Vespa tours, with the assistance of your Tripedeo travel expert.

Travel Themes Most Common for Vietnam

Local Cuisine

Vietnam is known for its vibrant and delicious cuisine, and there are many local dishes that tourists should try. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Pho: A Vietnamese noodle soup made with broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). It's a staple dish that can be found throughout the country
  • Banh Mi: A type of sandwich made with a baguette filled with various meats, vegetables, and sauces. It's a popular snack that can be found at street vendors and cafes
  • Bun Cha: A dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce. It's a popular dish in Hanoi
  • Banh Xeo: A crispy pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. It's often served with lettuce and herbs and is a popular dish in central Vietnam
  • Goi Cuon: A type of fresh spring roll filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice noodles. It's a healthy and refreshing snack that can be found at street vendors and restaurants
  • Cao Lau: A dish of thick rice noodles served with pork, herbs, and a savoury broth. It's a specialty of Hoi An
  • Com Tam: A dish of broken rice served with grilled pork, egg, and vegetables. It's a popular breakfast dish in Ho Chi Minh City

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes to try in Vietnam. With its diverse culinary traditions and influences, there's always something new to discover and savour.

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Festivals & Public Holidays

Vietnam has several festivals and holidays throughout the year that offer a unique glimpse into the country's culture and traditions. Here are some of the most noteworthy ones:

  • Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year): This is the most important holiday in Vietnam, usually falling in late January or early February. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, gift-giving, and traditional customs such as dragon dancing and lighting fireworks
  • Mid-Autumn Festival: This festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September or October. It's a time for celebrating the harvest season and children's happiness, with mooncakes, lanterns, and lion dances
  • Hue Festival: This is a biennial arts and culture festival held in the city of Hue, usually in April or May. It features traditional music, dance, and food from the region, as well as contemporary art and performances
  • Hoi An Lantern Festival: This monthly festival takes place in the ancient town of Hoi An on the 14th day of the lunar month. The town is lit up with colourful lanterns, and there are cultural performances and food stalls
  • Hue Nam Festival: This biennial festival takes place in the city of Hue in late April or early May. It celebrates the culture and traditions of the central region of Vietnam, with performances, exhibitions, and competitions

These are just a few examples of the many holidays and festivals in Vietnam. They offer a chance to experience the country's rich history, culture, and traditions, and are a highlight of any trip to Vietnam.

When to Start Planning your Trip

What to Avoid in Vietnam

To ensure you're respectful of Vietnamese culture and customs, as well as maintain your safety while travelling, there are a few things to avoid. Here are some suggestions:

  • Refrain from exposing your knees and shoulders when visiting temples
  • Avoid turning your back on altars, whether in temples or people's homes
  • Be mindful of using your camera in ethnic villages, as some locals may consider it intrusive
  • Avoid ordering food from street stalls that looks as though it has been left out for the day
  • Refrain from drinking tap water; instead, purchase bottled water or drink purified water from your hotel

Currency & Payment

The Vietnamese dong (₫) is the official currency of Vietnam and is widely accepted throughout the country. While some establishments in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City may accept US dollars or credit cards, it is still advisable to carry dong in cash. This is because some places may not have electronic payment facilities, and you may need it to tip tour guides and others, or when visiting traditional villages in northern Vietnam.

Security

Vietnam is generally considered a safe country for travellers, especially when accompanied by professional guides. However, like most international destinations, petty theft is a concern, particularly in busy areas of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. To prevent such incidents, it's recommended to be vigilant in crowded areas and keep your valuables safely stored away. Additionally, caution should be exercised around motorbikes, as accidents can and do happen on busy streets.

Visa & Immigration Rules

As of March 2023, EU tourists travelling to Vietnam for tourism purposes are required to obtain a visa in advance of their trip. This can be done through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country, or through a reputable visa agency. Alternatively, EU tourists can apply for an e-visa through the Vietnamese Immigration Department's website.

In addition to a valid visa, EU tourists must also have a passport with at least six months validity remaining beyond the date of their arrival in Vietnam. It is also recommended to have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

It's important to note that entry requirements may change at any time, so it's best to check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country or your Tripedeo travel expert for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Health & Hygiene

Before travelling to Vietnam, it is important to ensure that you are up to date on routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus. Additionally, the following vaccinations are recommended for most travellers:

  • Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended for all travellers to Vietnam.
  • Typhoid: This vaccine is recommended for most travellers to Vietnam, especially those who will be eating and drinking outside of major hotels and restaurants.
  • Hepatitis B: This vaccine is recommended for travellers who may have contact with blood or other bodily fluids, have sexual contact with locals, or will be in the country for an extended period of time.

Certain regions in Vietnam, particularly rural areas, are known to have mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever. Travellers to these areas should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets. Antimalarial medication may also be recommended depending on the specific location and time of year.

It is also important to take precautions to prevent other illnesses that can be transmitted through food and water, such as traveler's diarrhoea. This can be done by avoiding tap water, ice cubes, and uncooked or undercooked foods, and practising good hand hygiene.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers should also follow local guidelines and regulations regarding testing and quarantine requirements. It is also recommended to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling to Vietnam.

It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider or travel medicine specialist for personalised advice and recommendations based on your specific health status and travel plans.

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