Vietnam holidays
Steaming bowls of pho, emerald bays and lantern-lit old towns. Vietnam is a long, slender country made for a journey from north to south.
Evening by the river in Hoi An
Lanterns glow over the Thu Bon river every evening in Hoi An, one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam.
Why Vietnam is one of Asia's great journeys
Vietnam runs for more than 1,600 kilometres from the mountains on the Chinese border to the rice paddies of the Mekong Delta. Most travellers follow the same rough route, either north to south or the other way round, which makes it easy to plan a trip of two or three weeks.
Along the way you will find some of the best street food in Asia, friendly people, beaches and dramatic landscapes, all at prices that make Vietnam excellent value.
Exotic flavours
Vietnamese food is fresh, fragrant and full of herbs. Pho, banh mi and fresh spring rolls are just the start.
Things to do in Vietnam
Start in Hanoi, with its busy old quarter, lakes and street food stalls, then take a boat trip among the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay or the quieter Lan Ha Bay. In the far north, the rice terraces around Sapa are a favourite for trekking.
In the centre of the country, the imperial city of Hue and the old trading port of Hoi An are the highlights. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced and modern, and the Mekong Delta is best explored by boat.
On two wheels
Scooters are everywhere in Vietnam. In Hoi An, a bicycle is the best way to get to the beach and the rice fields.
Hoi An: food, tailors and romance
Hoi An is the town many travellers end up calling their favourite in Vietnam. Its UNESCO-listed old town is full of yellow merchant houses, wooden shopfronts and silk lanterns, and its tailors can make a made-to-measure suit or dress in a day or two.
Read why Picolo's writer calls it the city of romance, exceptional food and bespoke outfits, and find more ideas in our Asia holidays guide.
Beach life near Hoi An
An Bang and Cua Dai beaches are just a short ride from Hoi An's old town.
Best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam's long shape means the weather varies from region to region. The north, including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, is pleasant from October to April, although winters can be cool. Central Vietnam, around Hue and Hoi An, is best from February to May, while autumn can bring heavy rain and flooding.
The south, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, is warm all year, with a dry season from about December to April. Spring is the best time to travel the whole length of the country.
Vietnam holidays: frequently asked questions
How long do you need in Vietnam?
Two to three weeks is ideal for travelling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with stops in Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An and the Mekong Delta. With only ten days, focus on the north and centre, or the centre and south, rather than trying to see everything.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
Many visitors need a visa, which can usually be obtained online as an e-visa before you travel, while some nationalities can visit visa-free for a limited period. Rules change, so always check the current entry requirements and your government's travel advice before you book.
What is Vietnam best known for?
Vietnam is known for its food, such as pho, banh mi and fresh spring rolls, as well as Ha Long Bay, the old town of Hoi An, the rice terraces in the north, the Mekong Delta and its lively cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Is Vietnam good value for money?
Yes. Vietnam is one of the best-value destinations in Asia. Street food and local restaurants are very cheap, there are excellent mid-range hotels at low prices, and domestic flights and sleeper trains make it affordable to travel the length of the country.