How to Book a Vietnam Tour
Preserved culture and natural beauty define Vietnam. From massive karsts that rise out of the sea to lush mountain passes and soulful cuisine to remote hill-tribe villages, Vietnam remains an inspirational destination steeped in radiant imperial history and nature. Whether exploring ancient temples or the mouthwatering gastronomy, arranging your perfect combination of experiences and destinations in Vietnam can be a challenge, but Zicasso is here to assist you.
There are three ways to plan and book a trip:
1. Get a customized tour planned and booked by a travel professional. Travel independently on your own schedule.
2. Book a group tour. Join an escorted group tour with a fixed departure date.
3. Plan and book a trip yourself.
Zicasso offers the best solution for a customized tour by matching you with top travel specialists who plan and book the trip for you. Our travel agency division, Marageti, specializes in helping you book an escorted group tour. There is no extra cost to you for either service.
Custom Tours
A customized tour is one that is planned by a travel specialist according to your specific interests, preferences, and schedule. Whether you desire a family-friendly adventure or a romantic getaway, each of the accommodations, activities, and destinations is tailored to your preferences.The knowledge and experience of your travel specialist makes a big difference. Zicasso has spent thousands of hours vetting the best travel partners. We act as a referral service, matching you with specialists that best meet your goals and priorities.
Escorted Group Tours
A group tour offers the advantage of convenience at a great value. The schedule is fixed, the itinerary is pre-planned, and a dedicated tour director travels with the group throughout the trip. A group tour can be 30 - 50% less expensive than an equivalent customized tour. Out of the many hundreds of group tours, how do you select the right one for you? Our travel agency division, Marageti, has sales agents who specialize in helping travelers weigh the pros and cons of each group tour. We give you personalized recommendations to find the best tour for you.
Goals and Priorities
What are your goals and priorities for the trip? These should drive your decision for either a customized tour or a fixed departure group tour. We are here to help you make the right decisions to make your dream trip a reality.
Must-See Destinations in Vietnam
We have collaborated with our Vietnam travel specialists to provide you with the following suggestions for any length of trip. A custom Zicasso tour is designed around your time, needs, and goals, but the following suggestions act as great guidelines for different trip lengths.
Most travelers from the United States spend between 10 to 15 days in Vietnam. Approximately two weeks provides an excellent amount of time to experience and explore the highlights of Vietnam, such as the iconic cities, epic scenery, and diverse culture. During a 14-day Vietnam trip, many people also visit famous destinations in nearby countries, such as Thailand or Cambodia. How and where you travel depends on your goals in Vietnam, but the following examples are suggestions on where to go depending on the length of your trip.
7 to 9 Day Trips
If you have between seven to nine days to travel in Vietnam, we recommend that you visit Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Central Vietnam. How you organize your days and route will depend on the time you have to travel and enjoy Vietnam’s essential highlights. Your Zicasso travel specialist can ensure that your trip is designed and organized in the best way possible.
7 Days
Days 1-2: Hanoi
Days 3-4:Halong Bay
Days 5-7: Ninh Binh/Hue/Hoi An
8 Days
Days 1-2: Hanoi
Days 3-4:Halong Bay
Days 5-8: Ninh Binh/Hue/Hoi An
9 Days
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Days 4-5:Halong Bay
Days 6-9: Ninh Binh/Hue/Hoi An
If you have more time (10-16 Days), we recommend:
If you can spend approximately two weeks in Vietnam, we suggest taking your time to enjoy the natural beauty and diverse culture at a slower pace. If you have around 14 days, you can also divide your time between the original destinations in addition to Siem Reap, Mekong Delta, or Luang Prabang.
All Zicasso tours are customized to your preferences, but here is how we recommend spending your time:
10 Days
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Days 4-5: Halong Bay
Days 6-7: Ninh Binh/Hue
Days 8-10: Hoi An/Danang
12 Days
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Days 4-5: Halong Bay
Days 6-7: Ninh Binh/Hue
Days 8-10: Hoi An/Danang
Days 11-12: Ho Chi Minh City
14 Days
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Days 4-5: Halong Bay
Days 6-7: Ninh Binh/Hue
Days 8-10: Hoi An/Danang
Days 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Days 12-14: Mekong Delta
15 Days
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Days 4-5: Halong Bay
Days 6-7: Ninh Binh/Hue
Days 8-10: Hoi An/Danang
Days 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Days 12-15: Mekong Delta
16 days
Days 1-3: Hanoi
Days 4-5: Halong Bay
Days 6-8: Sapa
Days 9-10: Ninh Binh/Hue
Days 11-12: Hoi An/Danang
Days 13-15: Mekong Delta
Days 16: Ho Chi Minh City
How many days is enough to see Vietnam?
Approximately 14 days is the best way to experience Vietnam’s culture and breathtaking landscape. Approximately two weeks gives you enough time to travel at a slower pace while discovering the treasured imperial history of Hue, the beauty of Halong Bay, and the villages along the Mekong Delta; however, for a truly immersive experience, you can spend up to 30 days in Vietnam and still barely scratch the surface of the country’s true charm.
Essential Experiences for the Best Vietnam Vacation
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.
Best Way to Experience Hanoi
Hanoi is an amalgamation of vibrant history and fast-paced contemporary life that represents the junction of past and present culture in Vietnam. French, Chinese, and imperial architecture peel back the layers of the city as the markets fill with the aromas of noodles and colorful produce. During your Vietnam trip, you can enjoy the following experiences for your first time in Hanoi.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours Hanoi (2-3 Days Depending on Pace)
1. Temple of Literature
- Discover the stunning temple that dates back to the 11th century and represents a rare example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
2. Hoan Kiem Lake
- Witness reflective waters as locals practice t’ai chi, enjoy the sunset, and stroll around the elegant gateways and traditional pagodas.
3. Street Food Tour
- Indulge in traditional Vietnamese flavors and cultural colonial fusion of food stalls in secluded alleys and bustling streets.
Best Way to Experience Halong Bay
Limestone karsts, 2,000 islands, and shimmering waters embody the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay. The ethereal natural beauty spreads to grottoes and is shaped by the wine and waves. The following list encompasses the essential experiences when visiting Halong Bay.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours Halong Bay (1-2 Days Depending on Pace)
- CruiseDelight in an overnight luxury cruise as you wind around the epic karsts, lounge on secluded beaches, and witness the stunning sunset over the bay.
Best Way to Experience Hue
Hue shines with regal elegance. The preserved Imperial City rises along the Perfume River with radiant orchards, charming architecture, waterfront cafes, imperial tombs, and grand pagodas. During your Vietnam tour, you should have the following essential experiences in Hue.
What to See & Do
The Main Must-Do Tours Hue (2-3 Days Depending on Pace)
1. Thai Hoa Palace
- Witness the majestic design of the Hai Hoa Palace, which captures the beauty and grace of Vietnam’s last dynasty.
2. Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh
- Embrace the grandeur of the royal tomb with unique designs that include two giant dragon sculptures and 12 statues depicting bodyguards.
Special Interests & Activities in Vietnam
Traveling with Zicasso provides you with exclusive access to many activities, excursions, and tours for a distinctive experience. The following information offers insight into our recommended experiences and can be tailored to focus on your unique interests.
Best Food Destinations
With a sensational blend of spices, diverse textures, and flavors found locally and blended into recipes from colonial forces, Vietnam is a delight for food enthusiasts. The cuisine is well-known for its tropical ingredients and diverse customs that reflect the gastronomy of the sea, highlands, floodplains. From simple but perfect dishes to modern variations on classics, fresh ingredients vary by region and highlight Vietnam’s culinary diversity and splendid tastes.
Hanoi
Aside from the remarkable history and bustling culture, the cuisine in Hanoi’s Old Quarter reflects the culture of the city, especially the popular street food. Food-based adventures reveal new experiences within the food scene as the atoms of pho noodles and sticky rice blend with the radiant sounds of joyful locals.
Hoi An
The attractive ancient city also boasts a reputation for delicious flavors of iconic dishes, such as Cao Lau Noodles and Quang-style Noodles. The often under-explored culinary delights of the city rely on local ingredients found only within the region, resulting in majestic and intriguing flavor combinations often informed by Vietnamese tradition and history.
Zicasso’s Exclusive Access to Vietnam Best Wine
Zicasso travel specialists can design and organize private tours and with exclusive experiences for food enthusiasts. You can enjoy regional flavors during private cooking classes or sample award-winning dishes in celebrated restaurants. You can also bask in local delicacies at an exclusive dinner accompanied by traditional musical instruments.
Art & History
Vietnam is a country where culture emerges from cosmopolitan cities and the diverse heritage of remote hill tribes. Cities celebrate their art with modern galleries and historic architecture, customary crafts and museums boasting ancient artifacts. Museum galleries also showcase the long history of Vietnamese history and art that focuses on the role of women in Vietnamese society to the cause of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, in addition to the effects of French colonialism on the country. Art and history derive from the Stone Age around 8,000 BC and lead to eclectic modern aesthetics, showcasing coastal fishing villages to highlighting Vietnam's place as a crossroads of Asia.
Must-See Art Museums & Attractions:
- Embrace the artistic representations of religion and culture in Danang’s Cham Museum located inside an open-air colonial structure that displays over 300 Hindu-inspired works.
- Enjoy historical and contemporary artworks at the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi to find silk paintings, woodblocks, folk art, and oil works inside a colonial house.
History
History in Vietnam feels ancient and tangible with contemporary designs that are steeped in local tradition. Modern high-rises in large cities juxtapose Old World heritage with more than 8,000 years of narrative that took place long before Chinese and French colonization. While Hue depicts the last dynasty of the 19th century, Hoi An embodies the importance of Vietnam as a trading post for kingdoms with both cities acting as living museums.
The natural landscapes tell the unique stories of nature’s evolution along the Mekong Delta, the Gulf of Tonkin, and in the mountain passes. On a customized Zicasso trip, we can organize custom tours with specialized guides focused on your interests, such as visiting a Hue with an archeologist with a PhD or a history professor. We can also organize history-focused small-group tours with a certified guide.
Active Tours
Active tours in Vietnam immerse you in the beautiful countryside or urban expanses from a different perspective. Unveil coastal beauty and tremendous vistas with the following when visiting Vietnam:
Hiking
- Sapa - The northern highlands of Vietnam reveal stunning trails with vast wilderness and indigenous communities.
- Cao Bang - Enjoy the encompassing 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.
Kayaking
- Lan Ha Bay - Revel in the crystal-clear waters and quiet ambiance of Lan Ha Bay as you kayak around the epic karsts, limestone outcrops, and white-sand beaches.
Cycling
- Mekong Delta - The waterways reveal a marvelous maze of floating markets, pagodas, and the luscious countryside as you cycle along the banks for a unique view.
- Hoi An - Embrace the ancient city of Hoi An as you cycle along the antique streets and through the sweeping countryside to find traditional crafts and bamboo homes.
Private Excursions and Special Access
Zicasso’s travel specialists have insider access to unique excursions. Each activity is tailored to your interests for an unforgettable experience to ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime. The following list offers examples while on your Vietnam trip but the possibilities are endless:
- 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 known for a special set menu in Danang
- 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
How much is a tour to Vietnam?
The starting price of a custom-tailored Vietnam trip is approximately $180 per person, per day.
For an escorted group tour, the starting price can be approximately $150 per person, per day.
The cost of a Vietnam vacation is dependent on several factors, such as the:
- Length of your trip
- Season (month) of travel
- Class of hotel
- Number of locations/cities you visit
- Number of guided day tours and activities (e.g., cooking class, wine tasting, etc.)
- How much you spend on meals, shopping, etc.
A vacation such as this is often the biggest purchase of the year. It will also likely be one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime. To get the most out of your trip, we highly recommend using an expert Vietnam travel specialist to plan a customized Vietnam tour that is tailored to your specific interests and budget. You can also join an escorted group tour so that most travel arrangements are pre-planned for you. This way, you can travel hassle-free and relax while a professional tour director and guide takes care of all logistics and any issues that might arise.
The cost of a tailor-made Vietnam tour typically starts at $6,000 per person for a 10-day trip, i.e., at $600 per person, per day during the low or shoulder-season.
This includes:
- 3-star hotels (shared twin room)
- Some guided day tours and activities
- Transportation in Vietnam such as airport transfers and domestic flights
A 5-star, tailor-made Vietnam tour, where most services are upgraded and extra unique experiences are included, typically starts at $ per person for a 14-day trip.
Everyone’s priorities, interests, and preferences are different. Submit a trip request on Zicasso, and we will personally match you with an expert trip planner who will help you customize your dream trip or help you to select the right group tour while also taking your budget into consideration.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Updated: May 21, 2020
The best time to visit Vietnam is between October to April. These months represent the most consistent weather because of the tropical climate around central and southern Vietnam. These months also host the mild winters of northern Vietnam outside of the highlands.
The climate may vary between the different regions of Vietnam. From top to bottom, Vietnam has 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 same 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 Vietnambut can have low temperatures and unpredictable weather in the highlands.
The famous rice terraces and harvest of Sapa in the highlands are best experienced between April and early October.
How far in advance should I plan a trip to Vietnam?
To ensure you can enjoy your time in the types of accommodations you prefer and 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 ecnompasses the holidays such as Christmas and New Years, you should plan your trip between 9 to 12 months ahead of time.
Modes of Transportation in Vietnam
The best way to see Vietnam in 10 days is with a combination of domestic flights and private drivers. Domestic flights are economical and fast, allowing you to travel long distances in a short amount of time.
When traveling through certain scenic destinations like Hai Van Pass, a private driver is the best way to enjoy the beauty of the landscape and the culture. Trains are available in Vietnam, but they are antiquated and often rickety.
You can travel up the Mekong River on a boat. The journey travels to destinations, such as Can Tho for the floating market and Chau Doc, to view the Victoria Riverfront; however, this is a specific journey with the majority of routes around Vietnam.
Your Zicasso travel specialist ensures that your logistics are as smooth as possible by including private airport transfers and domestic flights between destinations to create a stress-free Vietnam tour.
What to Consider When Traveling Through Vietnam
When traveling on a Vietnam tour, safety, accessibility, and travel logistics are considerations you must account for before your visit. The following offers important travel information about Vietnam travel so that you can have a stress-free trip.
Is Vietnam Safe for Travel?
Vietnam is very safe for travelers, but there are certain precautions that 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 an issue 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 that you remain safe and follow the law.
Travel Insurance
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 the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.
For Families
Vietnam is very family-focused with locals who are eager to share their heritage with visitors. Family-friendly guides will help engage with children while ensuring your family remains active with cultural or exploratory excursions. When traveling with small children, guides can arrange half-day tours. Some other considerations, such as cycling tours across the country, do not allow children younger than eight years old to participate. When traveling in summer, the heat can often be a concern, especially in Ho Chi Minh City.
For Seniors
Seniors must consider the type of activities with which you wish to engage. Your expert Zicasso specialist will minimize any stamina considerations or mobility challenges when possible by organizing your tours according to your goals, such as booking appropriate luxury accommodations. A senior traveler in Vietnam can also have half-day tours arranged for scenic excursions rather than in-depth cultural experiences. You must also consider that the heat can often be a concern when traveling in summer, especially Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling in small groups through Marageti will also hit the highlights and take care of travel logistics.
For Couples
A travel specialist understands the best destinations and experiences in Vietnam for couples who wish to combine active exploration, luxury, and romance. Unspeakably elegant properties, exciting cultural excursions, and private cooking classes can create intimate memories for the perfect Vietnam vacation. Exclusive tours will also shape your unforgettable experience, such as dining on a cliffside at sunset or lounging in a private pool.
For Travelers with Disabilities
Your Vietnam travel specialist can help any guests with mobility challenges by focusing on alternative arrangements to possible concerns, such as uneven streets or types of accommodations. Our experts’ attention to important details will ensure that you can enjoy Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural highlights with ease.
Best Airports to Fly In & Out of 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 when flying 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 specific travel itinerary.
For most travelers, the most convenient airports to reach in Vietnam include:
- Hanoi (HAN)
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
- Danang (DAD)
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights in Vietnam are easy and affordable. Flying internally remains one of the fastest and safest ways to travel quickly across the country, especially if you wish to see more of Vietnam in less time. Domestic airports are scattered across Vietnam and allow smaller flights that reach more remote areas, including coastal destinations or areas that are closer to the Mekong River.
Flights Via Zicasso
Zicasso Air Desk 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, 24xX7 Service & Support, and Complimentary Consultation of Routing vs. Pricing with an Expert Flight Specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Recommendations for the Return Traveler
When returning for another Vietnam tour, you can travel into the depths of the cities and countryside beyond the essential destinations of Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoi An.
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is the quieter alternative to Halong Bay. Here, the picturesque karsts and serene ambiance create a majestic experience. Upwards of 400 limestone cliffs rise out of the ethereal green water and lead to white-sand beaches and a feeling of utter seclusion.
My Son
The ruins of the Cham-era temple city rise out of the jungle terrain at the foothills of the dramatic mountains. The 4th-century architecture provides a different perspective of Vietnamese history with Hindu relics and sandstone designs that reflect the influence of various Asian empires.
Mu Cang Chai
The remarkable valleys of Vietnam’s highlands give way to colorful villages encircled by lush rice terraces that climb the hillsides. The precise measurements resemble stairs blanketed with emerald sheets. Mu Cang Chai acts as an alternative to the more popular destination of Sapa, where the vertical rice terraces, hill tries, and controlled ecosystem create a marvelous getaway from the typical route taken by visitors to Vietnam.
Related Vietnam Tours by Zicasso
Here is our list of other Vietnam Tours we offer:
Themed:
Duration:
Multi-Country Vietnam Vacations:
