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Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam

Limestone bays, lantern-lit old towns, mountain rice terraces and some of the best street food on earth, all in one long, slender country.

  • Best timeOct to Apr, by region
  • Ideal trip10 to 14 days
  • VisaVisa-free for many, e-visa for all
  • CurrencyVietnamese dong (VND)
  • LanguageVietnamese
  • Time zoneGMT+7
Private Vietnam Itineraries

Vietnam Tours, Made For You

Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from north to south, and few countries pack so much variety into a single trip. Every Orient Charm journey here is private and tailor-made, planned by local specialists around your interests, pace and travel style.

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Where To Go

Vietnam At A Glance

Best: Mar to May, Sep to Nov

The North

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Giang

Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruises among the karsts of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, and treks through the rice terraces and hill-tribe villages of the far north.

Best: Feb to Aug

The Centre

Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Phong Nha

The Imperial City of Hue, the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An, golden beaches near Da Nang and the vast caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang.

Best: Dec to Apr

The South

Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc

The energy of Saigon, floating markets and orchards along the Mekong, and the clear water and beaches of Phu Quoc Island.

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Classic Route

The Classic Route

Most first journeys run the length of the country, from the capital in the north to the rivers of the south. Here is the route our travellers love most, and every stop can be swapped, stretched or skipped.

  1. 1
    HanoiOld Quarter streets, lakeside temples and your first bowl of pho.
  2. 2
    Ha Long BayA night aboard a traditional junk among the limestone karsts.
  3. 3
    HueThe Imperial City and royal tombs along the Perfume River.
  4. 4
    Hoi AnLantern-lit lanes, riverside cafes and a tailor fitting or two.
  5. 5
    Ho Chi Minh CityColonial landmarks, buzzing markets and rooftop views after dark.
  6. 6
    Mekong DeltaFloating markets, orchards and sampans through palm-lined canals.
See this 9-day journey
Vietnam In Pictures

A Country You Will Fall For

Sapa, Vietnam
Sapa
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An
The northern highlands, Vietnam
The northern highlands
Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
Hoi An Ancient Town
Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai
Ha Giang, Vietnam
Ha Giang
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Mekong Delta
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc
When To Go

The Best Time To Visit

Vietnam has a different climate in the north, centre and south, so there is always somewhere pleasant to travel. The cool, dry months from November to February suit most first-time routes, while the rainy season brings short afternoon showers, green landscapes and fewer visitors.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Wetter or less ideal
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
North
Centre
South

A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.

Things To Do

Experiences Not To Miss

Cruise Ha Long Bay
Cruise Ha Long BayKayak and sail among limestone karsts in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ride the far north
Ride the far northThe Ma Pi Leng Pass, rice terraces and hill-tribe villages of Ha Giang.
Eat your way around
Eat your way aroundPho, bun cha, banh mi and egg coffee, best enjoyed at a street-side stool.
Hoi An by lantern light
Hoi An by lantern lightSilk lanterns, riverside cafes and candle boats on the Thu Bon river.
Imperial Hue
Imperial HueThe palaces, pagodas and royal tombs of Vietnam’s last dynasty.
Life on the Mekong
Life on the MekongFloating markets, fruit orchards and sampan rides through the delta.
Beaches and islands
Beaches and islandsPhu Quoc, An Bang and My Khe for sun, sea and fresh seafood.
Into the great caves
Into the great cavesSunlit caverns and jungle trails in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Ninh Binh by boat
Ninh Binh by boatGlide past karst peaks and rice fields on the rivers of Trang An.
Saigon after dark
Saigon after darkRooftop views, buzzing markets and street food in Ho Chi Minh City.
Moments From Our Travellers

Real Trips, Real Smiles

Good To Know

Vietnam Travel Questions

Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.

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Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Vietnam’s entry rules have become much simpler (as of October 2026):

  • Visa-free for up to 45 days: citizens of the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Japan and South Korea.
  • ASEAN citizens: visa-free for 14 to 30 days, depending on nationality.
  • E-visa for everyone else: all nationalities can apply online for an e-visa valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. Use only the official government portal, evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, and apply at least a week before you fly.
  • Phu Quoc Island: visitors arriving directly can stay on the island visa-free for up to 30 days.
  • Passport: it must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

Rules change from time to time, so always check the official portal or your nearest Vietnamese embassy before you travel. We are happy to point you in the right direction.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

For the most comfortable weather across the whole country, travel between November and February. March and April are hot and dry, ideal for the beaches of Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Da Nang. From May to October showers are more frequent but rarely last all day, the countryside is at its greenest and there are fewer visitors. Central Vietnam is wettest from September to December, so we plan routes around it.

How long should I spend in Vietnam?

Two weeks lets you see the north, centre and south at an easy pace. With 7 to 10 days, we suggest focusing on one or two regions rather than rushing. Our sample itineraries run from 3 to 16 days, and every one can be shortened or extended.

What currency is used, and can I pay by card?

The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants and shops in the cities, while cash is best for markets, street food and the countryside. ATMs are easy to find in towns and cities.

Is Vietnam safe for travellers?

Vietnam is a welcoming and generally safe country to travel in. As in any busy city, keep an eye on your bag and phone in crowded places. Traffic is the main thing to get used to: cross the road slowly and steadily, and your guide will show you how.

What should I wear when visiting temples and pagodas?

Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes when you enter a pagoda or someone’s home if others have done so. A light scarf is handy to carry.

Should I tip in Vietnam?

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated for good service, especially for guides and drivers. Your travel specialist can share local customs before you go.

Will my phone work, and what plugs are used?

Local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy, and Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes. The power supply is 220V, mostly with two-pin sockets, so a universal adapter is useful.

Which dishes should I try?

Start with pho, bun cha and cha ca in Hanoi, cao lau in Hoi An, com tam in Saigon, crispy banh xeo, fresh goi cuon rolls, banh mi, and a cup of Hanoi egg coffee (ca phe trung).

Why travel with Orient Charm?

Every trip is private and tailor-made around your dates, interests, pace and budget. Our local specialists and guides know Vietnam first-hand, we favour local partners and low-impact activities, and our team looks after the details from your first message to your flight home.

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