Vietnam holidays are like sonic safaris. The country’s cities, such as the capital Ho Chi Minh, are alive with the sound of motorbikes zipping hither and thither, the clamour of pots and pans in the jostling food markets and karaoke spilling out into the street. In Hanoi, you can find a spot of serenity beside Hoan Kiem Lake when you join the tai chi practitioners who welcome the dawn with sun salutations. Vietnam’s history resonates all the way along the winding Mekong Delta, with its ancestral floodplain landscapes dotted with lush rice paddies, old-world floating villages and towns such as Sa Dec.

Vietnam holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

Why visit Vietnam with Original Travel ?

Dive into Vietnam’s vistas on a holiday tailor-made by our talented consultants. We'll guide you down roads less travelled with visits to regions like Ha Giang, where you can stay in authentic homestays and connect with local Hmong tribes. Our savvy in-country Concierges and guides are experts at adapting tours to help you find adventure in Vietnam’s caves, romance on its beaches or family fun throughout this friendly country. Plus, with our e-Visa arrangement, fast-track airport services and options for every budget, you can relax knowing the finer details are sorted.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Vietnam

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Travel to Vietnam by Region

Central Vietnam: Hue & Hoi An

The ancient town of Hoi An, 20 miles south of Danang on the coast of central Vietnam, is an enchanting, sleepy riverside town that offers a glimpse of a bygone era. In a country so ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to escape untouched and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the town is extremely well preserved, with traditional wooden houses, bridges and temples surviving in their original form. Hoi An holidays are a wonderful holiday destination for seeing the Vietnam of a bygone era. Along the coast to the north of Hoi An is the old imperial capital of Hue, set on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue was the country's political, cultural and religious centre from 1802 to 1945 and its citadel is an old palace complex from where the Nguyen emperors ruled Vietnam. Hue is also an important centre of Buddhism, and the city and its surrounding area are dotted with dozens of pagodas and temples. Just downstream, and also worth an excursion, are the tombs of the last emperors of Vietnam. For a spot of relaxation while you’re in either Hoi An or Hue, pop to the coastal city of Da Nang for a mix of culture and history alongside shopping and beach time; or head to An Bang Beach where you can laze the days away from a sunlounger on the white sand as you watch the waves roll in.

Ho Chi Minh City

Step onto the streets on Ho Chi Minh City holidays and you can't help but be swept up into the electric atmosphere. Ho Chi Minh City is a city of juxtapositions; skyscrapers tower over ramshackle markets, canals and rivers criss-cross labyrinthine streets and the wide Song Sai Gon River (hence the former name Saigon) curves around its edge. Anyone embarking on a trip to Vietnam should have Ho Chi Minh City high on their hit list - and expect to leave dizzy with love for this vibrant and varied city.

Mai Chau and Ninh Binh

A world away from the hustle and bustle of Vietnam's cities and busy coastal regions are the lush northern regions of Mai Chau & Ninh Binh. For a quintessentially Vietnamese experience which allows you to interact with the locals surrounded by breathtaking scenery, step off the beaten track and add one of these undiscovered gems to your Vietnam trip. Mai Chau, just south of Da River, borders the beautiful Hoa Binh Lake. You could dedicate several days here to explore, from trekking through local villages to cycling along the peaceful green paths that surround the rice fields, and maybe even trying to master a traditional dance with the locals. Most memorable though is a day spent trekking and boating around Hoa Binh Lake - actually a very beautiful man made reservoir - in the mountains. On your Mai Chau holidays you could also enjoy lunch at a traditional homestay and take a dip in Go Lao waterfall. For an alternative to the far better-known (and consequently much busier) Halong Bay - particularly in typhoon season - Ninh Binh is every bit as beautiful. Cultural experiences are a must on a Ninh Binh holiday and range from bamboo basket weaving to fishing and cooking classes, all taught by welcoming locals. The highlight of a stay here has to be a visit to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of dramatic limestone karst peaks covered in lush green foliage. Take a small boat with a guide and explore the area from the water, navigating through caves and valleys as you gaze up on the towering peaks around you.

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam is the rural heartland of the country: green, growing and gently moving with the flow of the Mekong River. The pace of life slows considerably as you leave Ho Chi Minh City and venture toward the nine sprawling rivers which make up the delta. Instead of mopeds and mobs of people you'll find boats and buffaloes, and instead of winding streets, it's the winding waterways which rule here. For the perfect contrast to the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta holidays offer the calm of floating markets and a seductively slow pace of life, best appreciated by boat, or on a leisurely bike ride.

Nha Trang Coastline

The capital of Khanh Hoa province in south-central Vietnam, Nha Trang makes an ideal stop-off for a beach break between the sight-seeing of the country's north and south. The coast around Nha Trang is renowned for its miles of white-sand beaches and the town itself is built on a beautiful bay with a palm-lined beach stretching for miles in each direction. Offshore, numerous islands and coral reefs dot the turquoise waters and make for excellent diving and snorkelling. Keen divers should avoid December and January, as rougher weather makes for poor underwater visibility, but for most of the year the climate is ideal because the region is sheltered by mountains to the west. This means Nha Trang holidays benefit from the region's micro-climate, which sees the lowest level of humidity in Vietnam, with some 250 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature of around 26C. Besides the beach, there is picturesque scenery in the vicinity of Nha Trang, which can be explored on a guided tour or by mountain bike. Sights in the city include the Long Son Pagoda, with its huge statues of the Buddha, and the ancient Po Nagar temples. Nha Trang is renowned for its seafood, and there are many good restaurants and cafes along the beachfront, as well as lively bars in the evenings.

Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong & Gulf of Tonkin

Visit Hanoi and you’ll be immediately hit by the contrast between its bustling atmosphere of excitement alongside quiet tranquility in the old colonial era buildings, large shady avenues, parks and lakes. Even better, combine your Hanoi holidays with a stay in the iconic Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful natural sites in the world and most famous landscapes in Asia. Whether you visit in the green warmth of spring or the cooler climes of winter, Halong Bay will always be stunning, with over two thousand rocky peaks that reach into the blue sky.

Phu Quoc & Con Dao

Located in the South China Sea, the two island hideaways of Phu Quoc and Con Dao were once both prison islands. Today's inmates count themselves lucky to be able to enjoy peaceful sandy stretches, sky-blue waters and glorious sunsets away from the crowds. Phu Quoc is the larger of the two islands but its beaches and scenery are no less beautiful. You'll find more in the way of resorts, local bars and eateries here, as well as a lively street food scene, making use of the freshest catches of the day. On your Phu Quoc holidays take a trip along the coastal roads and stop at one of the empty beaches ringing the island, enjoying the picturesque scenery as you go. The smaller destination of the two, Con Dao provides a more intimate setting. The rugged coastline has slowed development on the island and as a result the island has maintained the tranquility of a true hideaway. On Con Dao holidays you can walk the sandy beaches or trek through the forests and across streams to a secluded bay, passing wildlife as you go. Connect with the solemn history of the island by visiting the largest island prison in Vietnam during the French colonial period, where thousands of Vietnamese revolutionaries were incarcerated.

Sapa

In the Hoang Lien Mountains, close to the Chinese border, sits the picturesque market town of Sapa. This is a region of beautiful mountain scenery and remote villages inhabited by a variety of hill tribes. Sapa is reached by a scenic train journey from Hanoi, and due to the French colonial influence, the town has a distinctly European aesthetic. The feel of an alpine resort is enhanced by the thick pine forests of the surrounding slopes, and by the fact that the restaurant menu in hotels tends to include raclette and fondue. Trekking is the main reason to take Sapa holidays. There are treks to suit all levels of fitness and enthusiasm, and all are accompanied by English-speaking guides. The trails take in a diverse range of landscapes, as well as some of the hill tribe villages, where life continues relatively untouched by the modern world. At lower altitudes, the trails lead through rice paddies and orchards, at higher altitudes through bamboo forest and pine trees. Sapa is also the starting point for treks to the top of Mt. Fansipan, at 3,143m the highest peak in Vietnam (and the entire Indochina Peninsula). The area is also renowned for the hundreds of species of orchid that grow in the forests. Weekend markets in Sapa and the nearby villages of Bac Ha and Can Cau are another attraction, and are a good place to pick up colourful clothing, jewellery and other local handicrafts.

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Vietnam Testimonials

6 reviews
4.7 / 5
"I would highly recommend visiting Vietnam to anyone who hasn’t been. There were so many highlights - the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and Siagon, the picturesque accommodation in Hue, Hoi An and Quy Nhon, and of course… the food and the people! The whole honeymoon was stress-free and efficient and we had great communication throughout with Original Travel."
Reuben - London
Published on 5th September 2024
"In our opinion, Original Travel is an outstanding travel company. This was our fourth big trip with you and all have been brilliantly organised, with imaginative and interesting activities, as well as diversions which we would never have discovered or experienced without your expertise, local knowledge and contacts. Thank you!"
Jesse - Leeds
Published on 27th November 2023
"In our opinion, Original Travel is an outstanding travel company. This was our fourth big trip with you and all have been brilliantly organised, with imaginative and interesting activities, as well as diversions which we would never have discovered or experienced without your expertise, local knowledge and contacts. Thank you!"
Cora - Aberdeen
Published on 27th November 2023

Our Vietnam
specialists

Our passionate team can’t get enough of Vietnam’s buzzing capital, floating villages and lush rice paddies – and they’re eager to share their love for the country with you. We’re constantly seeking experiences that sensitively tell Vietnam’s history, from breakfast with a former fighter pilot to dinner with local Chams. Our guides are excellent communicators and will match each tour to your interests, be that culture, history, food or art. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, with the help of our clued-up Concierges and 24/7 helpline, you’re only ever seconds away from our expert advice.

What can you find in Vietnam that you won’t find elsewhere?

Vietnam holidays offer diverse scenery and authentic experiences at every turn. As well as a vibrant city scenes, you’ll find unmatched serenity and a handful of UNESCO world heritage sites from the picturesque town of Hoi An to the karst limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay. Immerse yourself in authentic culture, staying in a homestead in a remote mountain village, or choose a boat ride along the Mekong River, one of the best ways of absorbing life on the river bank. Watch bulging rice baskets and exuberantly-coloured flowers carted to and from floating markets, and fishermen loading their boats, proud of their morning catch. Then there’s Vietnam’s fresh and aromatic cuisine, almost unrivalled, making the country one of the most exceptional foodie destinations in Southeast Asia. Which is saying something.


Who is Vietnam best for?

Culture lovers will no doubt revel in this country with a deep-seated authenticity, discovering beautiful landscapes, ornate temples and fragrant markets. Meanwhile, historians can learn about its colonial past in cities such as Ho Chi Minh and the attractive capital of Hanoi, as well as exploring iconic places such as the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Vietnam’s romantic landscapes are perfect for honeymooners. Expect flawless hospitality and exotic backdrops from flora-rich forests to blissful beaches.


What are the best ways to discover Vietnam?

To really appreciate the country’s highlights, in an ideal world Vietnam holidays wouldn't really be any less than two weeks long, with the help of a driver and a locally-born guide. We’d also always recommend that to include three to four days at the end of your trip relaxing by the sea.


What is there to do in Vietnam?

Hanoi is vibrant and exciting with motorbikes and scooters weaving in and around as you wander around in awe. The energetic feel to the city is best enjoyed with a tour on a cyclo (Vietnam's answer to an un-motorised tuk tuk), or a complete foodie tour exploring all the street markets and meeting locals. Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon) is also alive with activity and great for sightseeing on foot or by cyclo. Ho chi Minh himself is even available to visit, in a mausoleum of course. American War museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site is also housed here and gives an insight into the country's history. For a quieter pace of life, Vietnam's beaches are simple stunning. Visit one or more of the beaches of Danang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet as well as the Vietnamese paradise island Con Dao. Aside from un-spoilt beaches, places like Hoi An are famous for their tailors and fine cafes and restaurants. Halong bay in the North offers a little something different than cities and beaches with it its stunning limestone islets and emerald green waters. Sail the waters in a traditional Vietnamese junk boat and have a totally fresh experience soaking up the true beauty of Vietnam, eating fine food, exploring caves and most likely taking a LOT of pictures.


A special experience to do in Vietnam:

Looking for a trek around the country’s forested mountains or cruise in incredible Halong Bay? Our specialists can create a thrilling adventure in style, staying in charming local homesteads as well as stylish upscale hotels.


FAQs

Culture

What is Vietnam known for?

- Natural wonders. Much of Vietnam’s appeal as a global tourist hotspot can be attributed to its natural beauty. Breathtaking landscapes, like those found at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, have been recognised by UNESCO as places of great natural significance. The country’s vast elegance extends beyond its land borders and into the surrounding waters. Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular tourist hotspots, where hundreds of limestone pillars and islets rise from the sea.
- Fascinating history. Historic events in this part of Asia have had a key role in shaping the modern world. In particular, the Vietnam War in the mid-20th century brought global powers into conflict. Memorials and other significant points of interest are dotted across the country where visitors can learn more about the war and pay their respects. These include the War Remnants Museum, located in Ho Chi Minh City, which displays various exhibits and artefacts that detail the stories and experiences of the Vietnamese people during this time.
- The hospitality. Vietnamese people are extremely hospitable and welcoming to international visitors, as this is an important aspect of their culture. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions – you’ll find the locals are more than happy to lend a hand. This commitment to welcoming guests is also evident in the hotels and accommodation; the incredible attention to detail can make your stay here that much more enjoyable.


What food and drink should I try in Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee-exporting nations, and it’s famous in particular for its production of the Robusta coffee bean. Naturally, coffee is a popular drink in this part of the world, and it’s consumed pretty much at any time of day. There are lots of different ways to enjoy it, but if you find yourself in Hanoi, a cup of egg coffee is a must-try. This iconic beverage is created by whisking condensed milk together with egg yolk to form a creamy head on top of a black coffee.

Any visitor looking to immerse themselves in the local culture has to take a deep dive into the country’s culinary landscape. Global flavours and cooking techniques permeate the dishes, with French influences being particularly prominent after the country colonised Vietnam for almost 70 years. There are also several similarities with Chinese cuisine, and you’ll notice lots of crossover with recipes and ingredients. Pho is the national dish of Vietnam, and is sold across the country –?look out for regional variations of the classic, like Pho Sài Gòn, which is identifiable by its slightly sweeter broth.


Planning your trip

What is the best way to get around Vietnam?

It’s common for visitors to explore different parts of the country in one trip. There are several transport options available if experiencing different regions is part of your itinerary.

Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transportation used by both tourists and locals. With rental shops readily available in the main tourist areas, it’s easy to hire a motorbike, provided you have a driving licence. Remember, the roads might not be as orderly as you’re accustomed to, and traffic is generally really heavy in the main urban areas. Only hire a bike if you’re comfortable on these busy roads, and always wear a helmet for your safety.

For a slightly more scenic, laid-back alternative, trains are a wonderful way to savour the journey as well as the destination. The railway network connects major cities, with trains offering passengers different classes which range from basic seating to sleeper cabins. If you’re planning on using the train at any point during your stay, it’s always worth trying to book your ticket in advance as they can fill up quickly –? especially during peak tourist season.

Boats, cyclos and xe om are some of the more unusual ways to get around. For more information on the most common modes of transport in Vietnam, check out our travel guide.


What is the weather like in Vietnam?

Vietnam's climate varies from region to region, influenced by its diverse geography. Generally, the country experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The north has four seasons. Summers (May to September) are hot and humid, while winters (December to February) can be cold, especially in the highlands. Spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November) are considered the most pleasant seasons, with milder temperatures and less rainfall.

The central region has a more consistent climate, with high temperatures and humidity year-round. The dry season lasts from December to April, while the wet season occurs from May to November, with the highest rainfall in June and July. Southern Vietnam has a warm and humid climate, with little variation in temperature throughout the year.


When is the best time to go to Vietnam?

Travelling during the winter and early spring months will give you the best chance to avoid the worst of the annual rainfall while also benefiting from the slightly cooler temperatures. With this in mind, the majority of the country’s tourism occurs during November and April.


Local information

What is the capital of Vietnam?

Vietnam’s capital city is Hanoi, which is situated in the north of the country. The city is packed with historical points of interest – like the Old Quarter and the Temple of Literature – and is also one of the country’s culinary hubs. Heading on a street food tour is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture.


What language do they speak in Vietnam?

Vietnamese is the national language and is spoken by the majority of the population. Chinese, English and French are some of the most popular secondary dialects.


What is the time difference between Vietnam and the UK?

Vietnam uses Indochina Time (ICT) all year round. ICT is seven hours ahead of GMT, and six hours ahead of BST.


Travel information

What currency does Vietnam use?

The national currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). The highest denomination of banknote – 500,000 – is worth about 15 GBP at the time of writing.


What countries border Vietnam?

Situated on the Indochina peninsula, Vietnam borders three countries: China, Laos and Cambodia. Various modes of transportation are available if you’re looking to cross these international borders to explore different countries – while it’s relatively easy to do so, it’s still worth organising your travel in advance.


Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

After recent policy changes, UK visitors are now able to visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without needing a visa. If you choose to extend your stay beyond this period, you must apply for an e-visa, which permits you to stay for 90 days.


How long does it take to fly to Vietnam from the UK?

A direct flight from London to Hanoi takes approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes. There is a very limited number of direct flights each week departing from London Heathrow. If you’re happy to fly with a stopover, you’ll benefit from more flexibility with timings and lower costs.

Best places to go in Vietnam



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