Yen River in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Vietnam is staggeringly beautiful, with a natural landscape that encompasses quiet villages and bustling megacities. Here, tradition and modernity collide, with street vendors rubbing shoulders with high-end brands.
The country, one of the most populous in the world, is a powerful representation of history, culture, outdoor activities, and natural splendor. From dazzling karsts that rise out of the sea to ancient citadels, expansive, lush rice paddies, beautiful beaches for surfing and windsurfing, and hidden marble temples, Vietnam offers something for everyone.
The following FAQ answers all that you need to know about how to plan a trip to Vietnam.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, 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.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
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.
Hoi An, Vietnam
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.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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 Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam.
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.
Hanoi City, Vietnam.
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Imperial city, Vietnam.
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Rice field terrace in Vietnam.
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.