Vietnam mesmerises visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history. Stretching from mountain peaks, cascading rice terraces and fascinating hill tribes in the far north. Through the emerald waters of Halong Bay and along an endless coastline of sandy beaches. Into a rich interior of dense hilly jungle vegetation that finds its way south to the winding waterways of the Mekong in the south. Vietnam’s natural splendour is nothing short of majestic.
From cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City to historic Hoi An and the ancient streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Vietnam’s fascinating towns and cities provide an interesting counterpoint to these natural wonders. Discover narrow passageways leading to bustling markets and ancient temples before sampling the lively nightlife and delicious street food. A vibrant country steeped in diverse cultures and ancient traditions, where old merges harmoniously with new, it really is a captivating place to travel.
Your only concern will be deciding what to include and what to omit from the itinerary. There is so much choice it can often be a struggle to fit everything in. Rest assured though having visited once, you’ll be itching to return and explore the parts you may have missed the first time around.
Top Recommendations
- Take in the breathtaking views from the seat of a motorbike during the 4-day Ha Giang Loop
- Wander the streets of Hanoi, with its almost European feel
- Cruise through the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay
- Explore the lantern-laden streets of Hoi An, then refuel with delicious Pho and Bánh mì
- Marvel at the chaotic beauty that unfolds daily on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City
When to Visit
With a country of this length, there are quite a few variations in climate as your longitude changes. This means the ideal time to visit Vietnam varies by region, but the best time for touring the whole country is Spring (Mar-Jun) and Autumn (Sep-Oct).
The north of the country becomes colder in the winter months (Dec-Mar) while the south remains warm and clear. The summer months (late Jun-Aug) bring the monsoon rains and are hot and humid, particularly in the south. For the central region, the months between February and August are the best time to visit, with rainfall highest here from October to December.
Average monthly high and low temperatures, plus average monthly rainfall and days with rain can be seen below for Hanoi, Hue / Hoi An & Ho Chi Minh.





