Vietnam

Vietnam blends dramatic nature, layered history, and vibrant street life. Think emerald rice terraces, lantern-lit towns, limestone bays, buzzing cities, sandy islands, and some of Asia’s best food—affordable, fresh, and endlessly varied.

Top places

• Hanoi – Lakes, Old Quarter alleys, coffee culture, museums.
• Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay – Limestone karsts, overnight cruises, kayaking.
• Ninh Binh – “Ha Long on land”: boat caves, karst peaks, rice fields.
• Phong Nha – World-class caves and jungle adventures.
• Hue – Imperial citadel, royal tombs, Perfume River.
• Hoi An & Da Nang – Lanterns, tailors, heritage streets; beaches and Ba Na Hills nearby.
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Skyscrapers, markets, war history, nightlife.
• Mekong Delta – Floating markets, orchards, slow river life.
• Sapa / Ha Giang – Mountain treks, rice terraces, ethnic culture.
• Phu Quoc / Con Dao – Relaxed islands, clear water, snorkeling.

Best time to go (simple rule)

Vietnam spans three climate zones:

• North (Hanoi/Sapa): cool to cold Nov–Feb; pleasant Mar–Apr & Oct–Nov.
• Central (Hue/Hoi An/Da Nang): driest Feb–Aug; rains/typhoons possible Sep–Nov.
• South (Saigon/Mekong/Phu Quoc): tropical year-round; dry Nov–Apr, green May–Oct.

Getting around

• Flights connect major hubs cheaply and quickly.
• Trains (incl. the Reunification line) offer scenic coastal runs.
• Buses & limos are frequent between cities.
• Grab/taxis for urban trips; scooters for confident riders.
• Guided transfers make remote regions (Ha Giang, Phong Nha) easy.

Must-do experiences

• Cruise, kayak, or paddleboard among Ha Long/Lan Ha karsts.
• Lantern boat ride and street-food tasting in Hoi An.
• Sunrise rice-terrace hike around Sapa or Mu Cang Chai.
• Imperial Vietnam day in Hue (citadel + tombs).
• Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum in HCMC.
• Slow-boat through the Mekong canals and orchards.
• Cave adventure (Paradise, Phong Nha, or Hang En/Son Doong for pros).

Food highlights

• Pho (noodle soup), bun cha, banh mi, bun bo Hue, cao lau, banh xeo.
• Fresh seafood on the coast; tropical fruits in the Mekong.
• Coffee culture: try egg coffee in Hanoi and cà phê sữa đá everywhere.

Typical trip lengths

• 7 days: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hoi An.
• 10 days: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Hoi An/Da Nang → HCMC.
• 12–14 days: Add Hue + Mekong or swap in Sapa/Ha Giang or Phu Quoc.

Practical tips

• Carry some cash (VND) for markets; cards work widely in cities.
• Dress modestly for temples; remove shoes where required.
• Bargaining is normal in markets—smile and keep it friendly.
• SIM cards/eSIMs are cheap; data is fast.
• Visas and entry rules can change—check the latest before you book.

Plan it with Go Travel Around

Tell us your dates and style—Explore (multi-city), Escape (5–7 days), or Exclusive (tailor-made luxury). We’ll design a Vietnam route, pick verified stays, line up guides and transfers, and add foodie must-tries—so you just land and enjoy.