FAQ: How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam

During your Vietnam tour, you can sail around famous karsts that soar out of the water or venture through tunnels that were used during the Vietnam War. You can also find stunning beaches, vibrant mountain passes, ancient towns, and chic restaurants.

• Discover the stunning temple that dates back to the 11th century and represents a rare example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
• Witness reflective waters as locals practice t’ai chi, enjoy the sunset, and stroll around the elegant gateways and traditional pagodas.
• Indulge in traditional Vietnamese flavors and colonial fusion at food stalls in secluded alleys and bustling streets.
• Delight in an overnight luxury cruise as you wind around the epic karsts, lounge on secluded beaches, and witness the stunning sunset over the bay.
• Witness the majestic design of the Hai Hoa Palace, which captures the beauty and grace of Vietnam’s last dynasty.
• Embrace the grandeur of the royal tomb, with unique designs that include two giant dragon sculptures and 12 statues depicting bodyguards.
• Explore artistic representations of religion and culture in Danang’s Cham Museum, a colonial structure that displays over 300 Hindu-inspired works.
• Enjoy historical and contemporary artworks at the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi, where you will find silk paintings, woodblocks, folk art, and oil works inside a colonial house
• The northern highlands of Vietnam reveal stunning trails in a vast wilderness that’s home to indigenous communities.
• Delight in the wilderness on a trail that leads to Coc Bo Cave and ends at Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most majestic cascades in Southeast Asia.
• Revel in the crystal-clear waters and quiet ambiance of Lan Ha Bay as you kayak around the karsts, limestone outcrops, and white beaches.
• The waterways reveal a marvelous maze of floating markets, pagodas, and the luscious countryside as you cycle along the banks for a unique view.
• Embrace the ancient city of Hoi An as you cycle along the historic streets and through the sweeping countryside to find traditional crafts and bamboo homes.
• Listen to traditional live music in a private imperial mansion alongside a river during an elegant six-course meal.
• Bask in the stunning views of Halong Bay on a scenic flight.
• Indulge in the dramatic sunset and mouthwatering cuisine of a unique cliff-side restaurant in Danang known for a special set menu.
• Stay in one of the top resort destinations in all of Asia, which offers guests elegant villas, a private pool, and two spa treatments per person.

The best time to visit Vietnam is between October and April. These months have the most consistent weather because of the tropical climate around central and southern Vietnam. It’s also the time of mild winters in northern Vietnam, outside of the highlands.

The climate may vary between the different regions of Vietnam. From top to bottom, the country covers the same distance as New York City to Miami, resulting in three diverse weather systems.

Central Vietnam can flood between September and November. However, these months offer a great opportunity to visit Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh City. The wet season in Hanoi and Halong Bay occurs from May to September.

January and February are wonderful months to visit northern Vietnam, but the temperatures can be low and the weather unpredictable in the highlands.

The famous rice terraces and harvest of Sapa in the highlands are best experienced between April and early October.

Vietnam is very safe for travelers, but there are certain precautions you should take during your trip. In large cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, petty theft can occur. By keeping your phone or purse close to your body you can avoid any incidents. Motorbikes have been known to swing past tourists and take purses or cameras, but smaller cities, such as Hoi An and Hue, do not have these issues.

Mosquitos can be a problem in certain areas of Vietnam. You should discuss your trip with a doctor or travel nurse before arriving in the country if traveling to regions that are known to have malaria or dengue fever.

It is illegal to drive a motorbike or car in Southeast Asia if you do not have a Southeast Asia driver’s license. Private drivers, taxis, guided Vespa tours, or other forms of transportation will ensure you remain safe and follow the law.

The best airports to fly in and out of when visiting Vietnam are Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).

For most travelers, the most convenient method of travel is to fly into Hanoi and out of Ho Chi Minh City, or vice versa. However, the most convenient airport from which you arrive or depart will depend on your travel itinerary.

For most travelers, the most convenient airports to reach in Vietnam include:

• Hanoi (HAN)
• Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
• Danang (DAD)

To ensure you enjoy your time in the types of accommodations you prefer and on the excursions you wish to experience, you should plan your Vietnam trip six to eight months in advance if traveling during the high season. If you wish to travel during the peak season, which encompasses holidays such as Christmas and New Year, you should plan your trip between nine and 12 months ahead of time.

Zicasso Flights is an international air-ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 service and support, and complimentary consultation of routing versus pricing with an expert flight specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.

You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.

Vietnam is all about adventure and luxurious relaxation. From tree-lined boulevards that reflect French colonialism to the culinary prowess of the street vendors, trekking into evergreen hills or winding along the Mekong River, you can find inspiration for your trip with our sample itineraries on Vietnam Travels & Vacations. You can speak with a Vietnam travel specialist by filling out a Trip Request or by calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.