Vietnam holidays

This Southeast Asian nation is packed with epic scenery, fascinating history and fabulous beaches. The best holidays in Vietnam balance sightseeing in breathtaking natural landscapes with deep dives in its booming, cosmopolitan cities. You’ll find plenty of historical treasures too, from ancient temples to Vietnam War sites. And the world-renowned street food makes every meal an adventure.

Top destinations in Vietnam

Hanoi

Visit the traditional Dong Xuan Market, speed down waterpark slides, bargain in Old Quarter shops or eat seafood at Michelin-starred restaurants in Vietnam’s capital city.

Ho Chi Minh City

Perched on the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis of colonial buildings, bustling markets and fascinating historical relics.

Hoi An

Picturesque, tranquil and steeped in history, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s top destinations. Admire colourful houses from its lantern-lit waterfront or lose yourself in its maze-like Old Town.

Vietnam: fast facts

Language

Vietnamese

Currency

Vietnamese dong (₫)

Time zone

UTC+7 (ICT)

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Vietnam holiday highlights

Cau The Huc

Feast on street food

Eating street food is one of the most iconic things to do in Vietnam. In bustling Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you’ll find hawkers cooking up dishes like ‘bahn mi’ (Vietnamese sandwiches), ‘cao lau’ (thick noodles with pork) and ‘com tam’ (broken rice). Take a street food tour to find sought-after spots, or simply seek out stalls packed with locals.

Explore sacred temples

Vietnam has a diverse religious history spanning thousands of years. Stroll past terracotta-coloured shrines at My Son, a UNESCO-listed Hindu temple complex built between the 4th and 13th centuries. Marvel at the ornate facade of Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh, dedicated to one of the world’s youngest faiths. Or discover a whale-worshiping religion at Van Thuy Tu Temple, home to an enormous whale skeleton.

Visit hilltop villages

Whether you’re biking through the mountain passes of Ha Giang or sipping local coffee in Dalat, Vietnam’s highlands blend nature, culture and adventure. Don’t miss the former French hill station of Sapa, known for its gorgeous rice terraces. For an underrated yet beautiful mountain escape, head to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with its hilltop villages and rice paddies surrounded by misty peaks.

Things to do in Vietnam

Hội An Night Market

Top attractions

Explore the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, where restaurants, tailors and museums occupy timber-frame houses along a maze of streets. The historic palaces, pavilions and temples of the walled Hue Imperial City are a cool window into Vietnam’s architectural heritage and dynastic past. Discover towering limestone karsts, caves and floating villages on cruises and kayaking tours around Ha Long Bay.

Beaches

This country brims with beautiful beaches. An Bang is famous for its soft sands and calm waters dotted with traditional Vietnamese basket boats. Further south, Phu Quoc and Con Dao are two lush, tropical islands with some of the best beaches in Vietnam. For a tranquil escape near Ho Chi Minh City, head to Mui Ne, a palm-fringed shoreline flanked by striking red dunes.

Nature

One of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders is Ha Long Bay, with its towering limestone formations. Book an overnight cruise to enjoy this popular spot without the day trip crowds. Explore a labyrinth of underground caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. Or enjoy off-the-beaten-track adventures in the evergreen forests, waterfalls and lakes of Ba Be National Park.

Culture and museums

You’ll find some of the best museums in Vietnam in Hanoi. The Vietnam National Museum of History is housed in a French-Chinese-inspired building and offers insight into the country’s legacy. At the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, hear the chilling stories of inmates during the Vietnam War. And in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels — underground networks used by Vietnamese soldiers.

Cuisine

Don’t leave without trying a steaming bowl of ‘pho’, a rich, fragrant noodle soup that originated in northern Vietnam during French colonial times. Other Vietnamese staples include ‘banh xeo’ (crispy, savoury crepes), ‘bun cha’ (meatballs) and ‘goi cuon’ (spring rolls made with rice paper). Beyond street food, innovative restaurants in Vietnam’s biggest cities, like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang, are putting modern twists on traditional fare.

Family friendly

On Phu Quoc island, VinWonders Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest theme park, featuring roller coasters, waterslides, live shows and parades. Enjoy views of rolling mountains from the Golden Bridge, a pedestrian walkway held by giant hand sculptures in the Ba Na Hills. In Hanoi, folkloric tales come to life to a soundtrack of traditional music at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Find the best time to visit Vietnam

Weather in Vietnam

May – October: The rainy season is marked by hot and humid days with heavy afternoon downpours. Typhoon season starts in June, mainly affecting the central and northern regions of the country. Demand for flights and hotels peaks in coastal cities like Da Nang and Nha Trang between July and August.

November – April: The dry season brings cooler temperatures and less humidity to the north, while the south stays warm. This is the best time to visit Vietnam’s northwestern highlands for hiking, though snow sometimes falls in Sapa during winter months. Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in January or February is a national holiday, so hotel and transport costs often rise.

Events

Tet Nguyen Dan (January or February): Lunar New Year is one of the biggest nationwide events in Vietnam. Marking the arrival of spring in the Vietnamese calendar, it’s a time for family gatherings and ancestral worship.

Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (June to July): Watch as pyrotechnic teams from around the world put on themed fireworks displays set to music along Da Nang’s Han River.

Tet Trung Thu (September or October): The nationwide Mid-Autumn Festival features processions with star-shaped lanterns, lion dancing and mooncake feasts.

Hoi An Lantern Festival (monthly): On the 14th day of every lunar month, Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into a fairy-tale scene with the riverside lit up by the moonlight and hundreds of lanterns.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Vietnamese people are known for their modesty and politeness. Practice the local custom of ‘saving face’ by maintaining dignity and showing respect in public and social situations. Always remove your shoes and hat when entering a temple or someone’s home, and avoid stepping over family altars. Keep your hands above the table while eating, and never point your chopsticks at others.

Health and safety

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Vietnam. Air pollution can be high in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so consider wearing a face mask. Follow local advice if visiting areas affected by heavy monsoon rains or typhoons. And always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle.

LGBTQ+ travel

LGBTQ+ travellers will likely have a hassle-free trip to Vietnam, although public displays of affection should be avoided between all couples. You’ll find the biggest queer communities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are also the main locations for the annual VietPride festival, held in September. The events in Hanoi include movie screenings and a bike parade.

Budget

A cheap holiday to Vietnam is simple. You can find a budget meal for around 50,000 Vietnamese dong (₫), a local beer for about ₫25,000 and a coffee for around ₫45,000. Travelling around the country is also relatively affordable. A short taxi ride should only cost about ₫80,000.

FAQs about Vietnam holidays

Vietnam is generally regarded as a safe destination with little violent crime. But petty theft is common, so it’s a good idea to secure your valuables and keep cash and credit cards in a safe place. If walking at night, stay in well-lit areas when possible.
Offering affordable food, hotels and public transport, Vietnam is a leading destination for budget-friendly travel. Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be pricier compared to smaller towns and rural areas. Bargaining at markets is normal and an excellent way to get discounts.
You’ll use the Vietnamese dong (₫). While some restaurants, stores and spas accept credit cards, you’ll need cash for local street food vendors and smaller stores. Tipping is not expected in Vietnamese culture, although adding 15% for great service is highly appreciated.
The official language is Vietnamese, but dialects vary across regions. While English is becoming more widely spoken here, learning a few simple Vietnamese phrases is a good idea. Try greeting people with ‘xin chao’ (hello) and use ‘cam on’ to say thank you and ‘xin loi’ for sorry.
Most of Vietnam is tropical and has two seasons. The dry season is from November to April, while the rainy season runs from May to October. If
If it’s your first time here, don’t miss Hanoi’s blend of ancient history, street food and markets. Hoi An has great shopping and sandy beaches, while Nha Trang is known for its seafood restaurants and scuba diving.
We can help you book a package holiday to certain countries. Take a look at our packages page to find out if we have package holiday to Vietnam.

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