Vietnam Vacation Guide: 40 Things You Must Do

Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. Nestled close to the Gulf of Tonkin and the China Sea, it shares its northern border with China and boasts maritime boundaries with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Vietnam gained full independence in 1954, marking its sovereignty after decades of French colonial rule.

The country’s rich history is reflected even in its name. Once known as Nam Viet, meaning “South Viet,” it was renamed Vietnam by Emperor Gia Long in 1804, later changed to Dai Nam—”the Greater South”—under Emperor Minh Mang, before returning to Vietnam in 1945.

Today, Vietnam’s most renowned cities include the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, the industrial hub of Haiphong, and the historic capital, Hanoi. Its diverse landscapes are equally impressive. Around 40% of Vietnam is cloaked in dense forests, while the northern regions feature rugged highlands and the fertile Red River Delta. The nation’s highest point, Van Chi Bang in Lao Cai Province, soars to an altitude of 3,143 metres.

Further south, Vietnam unfolds into coastal plains, forested mountain ranges like the Annamite Mountains, and five broad basalt plateaus. These highlands account for roughly 16% of the country’s arable land, adding to the incredible variety of Vietnam’s natural scenery.

From its breathtaking landscapes to its rich history and vibrant culture, Vietnam offers something for every traveller. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best things to do, top places to stay, essential travel tips, and everything you need to plan your perfect Vietnam vacation.

History of Vietnam

Human traces of habitation in Vietnam date back more than 22,000 years, and humans have lived there for much longer. In the 10th century, the region’s inhabitants depended on trade with neighbors such as China, Thailand, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

The Han Dynasty Tam Viet invaded Vietnam, and in the year 43 AD, the region witnessed a revolt against the Chinese, but it did not succeed. Chinese domination of Vietnam continued until AD 544, and Vietnam seceded that year. In 602, China invaded the region again and continued its rule until 905, when the Khok family managed to expel the Chinese invaders.

After the end of World War II, France demanded the return of its colonies, which were Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The Vietnamese people wanted independence. This led to the outbreak of a war that resulted in France’s withdrawal and Vietnam’s partition. The northern part was soon conquered under the rule of the Communist Party, while the United States supported the southern region.

American support for the South versus Communist support for the North eventually led to the outbreak of the Vietnam War. The North Vietnamese won the war in 1975, and before that, the United States withdrew from it. The communist victory led to the formation of a state that is still communist today.

Language in Vietnam

Most Vietnamese people speak the Vietnamese language, which has developed over the ages. The ancient people of Vietnam used Chinese characters to write, create, and modify until the Vietnamese language was formed in the 13th century.

Minorities of Vietnam’s population speak Chinese, Thy, and Chimera, and traces of French colonialism are still present. Many residents speak French as a second language besides English. The Japanese language has spread in Vietnam due to increased trade links between the two countries.

Weather in Vietnam

There is a remarkable diversity in the topography, where the climate tends to have significant differences from place to place, and the winter season extends from November to April.

The temperatures are lower in the southern plains around Ho Chi and the Mekong Delta, which range from 21 to 28 degrees throughout the year. During December and January, temperatures in the mountainous areas and plateaus in the northern regions reach 5 degrees and 37 degrees from July to August.

Economy in Vietnam

Vietnam’s economy depends on two primary sources: foreign trade and tourism. Tourism is considered one of the income sources witnessing evident growth. Most tourists come to Vietnam from neighboring countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, the United States, France, and more. Among the most popular tourist places are Halong Bay and Funk Nha-Ke Bank National Park.

Foreign trade has witnessed a vast and significant development in the last two decades as the Vietnamese government began to identify the mistakes and defects that it experienced over the past years. This resulted in a significant reform at the economic level, which opened the way for the diversity of financial and commercial sectors in. It became classified among the emerging markets globally, contributing to the improvement of the country’s national and individual income.

The Best Time to Visit Vietnam

It is considered that the months between December and February are the driest in Vietnam, with no flooding, roads are not impassable, and monsoon rains affect your travel plans.

In the cities, the humidity is lower, and the temperatures are great. If you love the countryside, it is also the best time to go to Vietnam, where the weather is better, there is less mud, and there is lower humidity for jungle tours.

Things to Do in North Vietnam

The country is distinguished as a tourist destination in the Asian continent, receiving approximately 6 million tourists each year. The country is famous for its archaeological sites, historical cities, beautiful beaches, and distinctive culture.

Hanoi is famous for its French cafés and sweets, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hue is filled with historical monuments and structures, including the castle can be found, a complex of palaces and walls, gates, and ornate temples.

Ha Long Bay is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam. It consists of more than 2,000 small islands topped with dense forests full of caves to explore, along with lakes and other beautiful sites and accommodations for visitors. It has high mountains, some surrounded by forests covered in thick fog. Vietnam offers its visitors many cuisines that satisfy all tastes, shopping centers, and tourist areas, some of which are shown in this article.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is considered one of the best places to visit in the world for its magnificent sea views and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see many limestone islands sitting within this bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, and they were eroded into jagged pinnacles by wind and water action over millennia.

Don’t miss visiting the caves located in the bay, such as the Hang Sung Sot, with three mammoth caverns, and the Hang Dao Go, with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. It is well-known for its motorbikes and constant clamor of street vendors, but it is an excellent place to discover and have a good time. Don’t miss visiting the old town quarter, which has many charming sites and beautiful museums for history lovers.

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Vietnam Fine Art Museum to learn more about the country’s diverse artistry. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a famous tribute to the founder of modern Vietnam.

Ba Be National Park

It is another beautiful place to visit. The park includes the three Ba Be Lakes in the middle and is edged by jagged karst peaks and thickly forested slopes. Tourists take a boat trip or kayak on the lake to discover the caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.

There are many activities you can do there, like hiking and trekking in the hills of the villages located in the park. Many tourists love spending the night in houses and homestay accommodation along the lakeshore, which gives you a great experience.

Sapa Countryside

The Sapa Countryside is a well-known place in Vietnam. There are many verdant rice fields surrounding the area, and the peaks of the Hoang Lien Mountains border it, and it is a place where you can see the most beautiful rural vistas in Vietnam.

The rippling hills are terraced with rice fields and overlooked by the country’s tallest peak, Fansipan Mountain. Hiking between the villages and experiencing the staggering mountain views is one of the best tours.

Cat Ba Island

The island of Cat Ba is in the western part of Halong Bay. It is a favourite place for tourists to practice many activities and adventures. You can take a cruise, go to the island, and make kayaking trips in Lan Ha Bay, on the south coast of Cat Ba Island.

Also, not far from the water, there is Cat Ba’s thick jungle, considered the inner part of Cat Ba National Park, and you can see many kinds of birds and animals in the wilderness. One of the most famous activities visitors like to do on the island is climbing, where there are many limestone cliffs and Lan Ha Bay’s outcrops, giving them experiences that suit both complete climbing beginners and experienced climbers.

Things to Do in Central Vietnam

If you’re in the middle of Vietnam, here’s a list of things to do in the region:

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a World Heritage-listed site and one of the best places to go caving. It is a karst mountain formation honeycombed with huge caverns and home to superb stalactite and stalagmite displays.

When you visit the park, you can see Paradise Cave, which extends 31 km below ground. Tu Lan Cave is a wet cave where you can swim through the cave system river. Also, you can take another tour of the Phong Nha Caves if you go inside on a boat.

My Son 

When you visit My Son, you will find that Jungle Mountains surround it. The place is a ruined Cham-era temple city built in the 4th century. It was used as a Hindu religious centre from the 7th to the 10th century and was abandoned during the 13th century.

There are around 20 temples. They are built of brick or sandstone blocks and show exciting influences from various Asian empires.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a beautiful city in Vietnam. It is famous for its historic architecture, and you will love discovering it. When you arrive there, you will see well-preserved merchant houses dating back to the 15th century. It was well-known as the central meeting point for Japanese and Chinese merchants who trooped here for the local silks.

You will find many old merchant houses open to the public. One of the best houses there is Tan Ky House from the 17th century, which includes decorative elements. The main attractions in the city are the Japanese Bridge at the western end of Tran Phu Street and the Fujian Chinese Complex, which has lovely decorations.

An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. It is near the centre of Hoi An City and has a fantastic ocean view. You can practise many activities on the beach, such as surfing, and the best time to do it is between September and March, and at that time it is full of foreigners. It is a suitable place for relaxing and enjoying the sound of the waves. 

Hoi An Museum

The Hoi An Museum is in the Quan Yin Pagoda Temple, known as the Museum of History and Culture. It was built in the 1600s for the Goddess of Mercy. Although it was made for centuries, the temple remains beautiful. The temple and the museum include details of the history of Hoi An, who came across the city over 2,000 years ago.

When you visit the museum, you will find that it is divided into four sections, showing you the city’s history through the Vietnam War and the rebirth of the city until modern times. The collections include bells next to ceramics, Cham sculptures, and maritime artefacts.

Hoi An Ancient Town

The Hoi An Ancient Town has been announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place mixed with cultures, architecture, and monuments. It was also known as one of the busiest ancient trading ports in South Asia.

It is located over 30 hectares and has 1,107 timber-frame buildings, a mix of religious buildings, monuments, and family homes. Beautiful wooden and brick 15th—to 18th-century houses line the pedestrian streets. While walking in the streets of the old town, you will see the Chinese and Japanese influences. There are many places to eat and shop in the town and places to watch the sunset.

Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the popular attractions in Hoi An, Vietnam, it was built about four centuries ago, and although it is a small bridge, it is famous there.

The bridge was built in a Japanese style, with Chinese symbols and now-weathered statues of astrological animals. Over the years, it has been changed to arches to commemorate important dates. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, and when you visit the bridge, you will see that it leads directly to a small temple dedicated to Tran Vo Bac De, the Taoist God of weather.

Phung Hung House

The Phung Hung House is one of the famous buildings in the city of Hoi An. It is 200 years old, and it was a merchant house for a family that sold spices, silk, and chinaware. There are colourful hanging lanterns, dark red and brown colours, and a Japanese-style roof.

If you visit the place, you will see 80 columns that keep the structure up and are set on a unique lotus-shaped base that protects the columns from moisture and termites. The house can be completely closed off in case of a flood, which covers the rest of the house.

Hue

One of the historical cities that is full of antiques from the Nguyen emperor regions in the 19th century, inside the city, you will find the Imperial Enclosure, a prominent site located inside the walls of the city extending for 2.5 km along the banks of the Perfume River.

You can see more attractions inside the city, such as the Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace’s beautiful interior design, and the Dien Tho Residence, where the Queen Mothers would live.

You can also take a riverboat cruise and tour the Perfume River. The tour will take you to several royal tombs, the most famous of which is the Tomb of Tu Doc.

Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts

The Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts is inside the former Long An Palace. You will learn many things about the history of the city of Hue. It includes many collections of over 10,000 objects, from ceramics and silver objects to personal belongings and royal clothing of former Vietnam Emperors and much more.

Everything is labeled in English, and many include background details to help visitors better understand the history. For your information, photography inside the museum is not allowed.

Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh

The Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh is located just outside of Hue, on the Chau Chu mountain, and it was built for the 12th Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, who died in 1925.

Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb is one of the most magnificent tombs ever designed in Vietnam. Its detailed construction mixes Eastern and Western details. When you visit the tomb, you will see two giant dragon sculptures, 12 statues serving as bodyguards, a palace room decorated with porcelain and glass, and a small temple with an altar.

Thai Hoa Palace

The palace was built during the Nguyen dynasty, the last dynasty in Vietnam. It survived the Vietnam War bombings, but it had to be repaired to restore the damage caused during the battle of Hue. The palace is in the middle of the Hue Citadel after going through the Ngo Mon Gate. 

When you enter the palace, you will find a large hall with a timber roof and 80 timber columns, and it was for royal ceremonies and events. It was also considered the crowning place for Emperor Gia Long and the area where he received visitors.

Thien Mu Pagoda

The Thien Mu Pagoda is a seven-story pagoda or temple. It is one of the most famous symbols of the city of Hue. Lord Nguyen Hoàng built it in 1601. After that, the temple was extended, and many things were added, including a big bell that can be heard 10 km away, praying halls, and much more.

There are charming gardens, like a bonsai garden, that surround the buildings, and you will also see a car used during the Diem Regime protests.

Thanh Toan Bridge

Thanh Toan Bridge is a wooden bridge that is on foot near the city of Hue. It was built in the 18th century in a Japanese style over a small river. Inside the bridge is an altar dedicated to the memory of Tran Thi Dao, a wealthy widow who originally paid for the bridge’s construction.

You can also visit the village where the bridge is located and discover the rice paddies, temples, and many other things. Don’t miss seeing the columns of the city gate and the local Farming Museum, where ancient farming tools are used to cultivate rice.

The To Mieu Shrine

The To Mieu Shrine is the same as the Imperial Ancestral Temple in China’s Forbidden City; it was built to allow ancestors to worship past emperors, but no emperors were buried there. 

If you visit, you will see a large stone gate, sweeping grounds, and a quarter of the original structures that survived the Vietnam War. A reconstruction was made to restore the ruins. It is an excellent place to spend a good time and learn more about Vietnam’s history.

Things to Do In South Vietnam

Here’s what not to miss in the south:

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam has 32 national parks, 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and 21 national tourist areas. Hanoi, the capital, is the most popular city to visit and is famous for offering modern amenities and heritage and historical sites.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the famous cities in Vietnam. It is the buzzing commercial hub of the country, and the streets are full of motorbikes and cars. The restaurant and café scenery is incredibly cosmopolitan, and the shopping is the best in Vietnam. You will love it.

When you visit the city, you can visit Dong Khoi, a small central district with most of the city’s sights. While walking, you will find the HCMC Museum, which includes many artefacts interweaving the city’s story and the grand Notre Dame Cathedral.

Also, you can go to the old district of Da Kao to see many examples of the city’s French colonial architecture. Besides that, there is the Jade Emperor Pagoda, which has a fantastic Buddhist and Taoist religious iconography layout. If you are a history lover, the History Museum is the perfect place with collections from different archaeological sites.

One of the popular attractions in the city is the Reunification Palace or Independence Palace. It was the residence of South Vietnam’s president and is famous for being where North Vietnam’s tanks stopped on 30 April 1975, ending the war.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum is near the Reunification Palace, in a neoclassical building, and it was well-known as Gia Long Palace, which was once home to the Cochinchina’s governor. You can visit the place to learn more about the city’s history and see the beautiful architecture. 

The museum includes exhibits that give you information about the city’s past, like nature and archaeology, trade, village handicrafts, and much more.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is near the Botanical Gardens. It was built in the 20th century in honour of the Taoist god. When you enter, you will see many representations of Buddhist and Taoist deities. 

You will also see candles illuminate altars brimming with offerings, and there are intricately carved panels of woodwork and the many elaborate dragons and animal sculptures adorning the roof. When you enter the temple, turtles swim in a pond, some with inscriptions on their shells. That’s why many the tortoise pagoda calls the temple.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

It is a famous tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh’s middle. It was built in a Neo-Romanesque style and included two square towers 60 meters above the city. Notre Dame Cathedral was built from 1877 to 1883 to be a place for colonial missions to worship and a symbol of power.

When you visit the place, you will see the exterior was built from red bricks from Marseille, and the two bell towers were built in Switzerland in 1887. The interior contains 56 squares of stained glass by Lorin from Chartres, France, and 12 pillars representing the 12 apostles.

War Remnants Museum

Another famous museum you can visit in Vietnam includes exhibits about the wars, especially the Vietnam War, and shows about the First Indochina War with French colonialists.

Inside the museum, you will see many photographic images and artefacts, including a guillotine and the tiger cage used for Viet Cong prisoners. Also, the museum has collections of the work of war photographers who lost their lives during the wars.

Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House, also called The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, was built in 1897 by Eugene Ferret, a French architect, and aimed to entertain French colonists. During wartime, specifically in 1956, it was used as the home of the Lower House assembly of South Vietnam but then became an opera once again in 1975.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are about 60 km away from the city of Ho Chi Minh. It is a 250-kilometer-plus network of tunnels that was the base for the Viet Cong’s military operations during the Vietnam War. When you visit the tunnels, you will have the opportunity to explore the place and see the conditions faced by troops during the conflict and the strategies in the Vietnam War.

Reunification Palace

It was known as Independence Palace before. Many historical events took place in the palace, which was built in a 1960s style. When you enter the palace, you will see large rooms and furniture. The palace hosted an important event when a North Vietnamese army tank crashed through the iron gates here, ending the Vietnam War in 1975.

The Reunification Palace is 44 acres of lush lawns and gardens. It was built in the same place as the former Norodom Palace, which fighter jets bombed in 1962. In 1966, the palace became the home and workplace of the successive president. That was when Vietnam was split between the North and the South.

Museum of Vietnamese History

The Museum of Vietnamese History shows you the cultural evolution of Vietnam from the Bronze Age to the 20th century, including artefacts from Vietnam’s former ethnic groups and stone and bronze sculptures. The building was built in French and Asian architectural styles, and it is inside the botanic gardens where you can have a great time and relax.

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is located in the southern part of Vietnam, where the Mekong River flows to the sea in waterways. It is one of the perfect places for tourists to discover. The delta includes paddy field vistas and mangroves with chaotic floating markets to explore by boat. All of that is located near Can Tho, where you can start your tour.

Phu Quoc Island

The magnificent island of Phu Quoc is 45 km from the southern part of Vietnam. It is a forested island with a beautiful white-sand beach that is a top attraction for visitors. The island can be reached by plane or regular ferries from the mainland towns of Rach Gia and Ha Tien.

The perfect time to visit is from November to May, when you can practice diving at many sites besides snorkeling, kayaking, and boat trips. One of the best sites for diving there is the An Thoi Islands, located just south of Phu Quoc.

Another thing you can try there is the cable car, which provides beautiful views of about 8 km of the seascape and islands, from the Phu Quoc islands to Hon Thom in the An Thoi Islands. 

Con Dao Islands

The Con Dao Islands are a group of outlying islands located about 140 km offshore in the South China Sea. They are one of the famous diving sites in Vietnam. Most of the islands are protected wilderness areas, and they are home to nesting turtles and bushy forests.

The central island, which visitors first visit, is Con Son Island. There, sand is strung out across the coast, which attracts tourists, especially divers. 

You can also visit other attractions, such as the historical sites of Con Son Town, which include Phu Hai Prison and Bao Tang Con Dao Museum. The place is well-preserved and includes the prison cages used by the US forces, the Tiger Cages, and other sites.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is one of the most magnificent cities to visit in Vietnam. It is full of beautiful beaches that are 6 km long, and in summer, the beaches are full of locals and foreign visitors. There, you can find swimming areas and manicured lounging areas, and it is an excellent place for relaxing and enjoying the sun and the sand.

While staying in the city, you can visit many attractions besides enjoying the beaches, such as the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, located north of the city across the Xom Bong Bridge and have been used as a place of worship since the 7th century. Also, you can visit a famous museum there dedicated to the work of Alexandre Yersin, who discovered the cause of the bubonic plague.

National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is located in the city of Nha Trang, specifically in the Nha Trang Oceanography Institute building, the oldest scientific research institute in the country and the biggest Vietnamese research center focused on marine biodiversity and ecology.

 The museum is divided into sections, including thousands of marine and bird specimens, and displays things to educate the public on marine conservation. The museum also contains an 18-meter-long skeleton of a humpback whale found underground and glass tanks holding puffers and turtles.

Long Son Pagoda

The Long Son Pagoda is one of the most visited temples in Nha Trang. It was built over centuries and was moved to the Trai Thuy Mountain after being partially destroyed in 1900. When you visit the place, you will see that the dragon mosaics and intrinsically decorated ceramic tiles cover the temple’s entrance.

The 24-meter-tall white Buddha statue is located on the upper hill above the pagoda, and it is one of the most famous spots to visit in Nha Trang. 

Ba Ho Waterfalls

The Ba Ho Waterfalls are just 40 minutes by car from Nha Trang City. It has three waterfalls, and the bottom one is the most crowded, but you have to walk for half an hour through the jungle to reach the place.

If you want to go to the other two waterfalls, you will have to climb using stone steps and large boulders, push through the thicker forest, and wear hiking shoes because the rocks can get slippery. It is also a famous place for cliff-jumping.

Vinpearl Cable Car

The Vinpearl Cable Car is a famous means of transportation while visiting Nha Trang. It connects Nha Trang with Vinpearl Island, and the tour takes about 15 minutes and is 3,000 meters long. The cable car took a year to build and is designed to resist earthquakes, strong winds, and monsoon rains.

While taking your tour in the cable car, you will be able to see beautiful views over the sea and the Disney-like Vinpearl park, which is considered the longest overwater cable car in the world. 

Vinpearl Land  

Vinpearl Land is something like Disney Land, located on Vinpearl Island. It is a mixture of amusement park and Water Park that offers rides and thrills for all ages. While there, you can go to the Vinpearl water park, a prominent place that offers lazy rivers, adrenaline-filled slides, a water obstacle course, and a beach.

Also, don’t forget to go to the entertainment area, which includes an arcade area, horse riding, castles like those in Disney, a 3D movie theater, and live performances. Another lovely thing to try in the park is the Vinpearl sky wheel, considered one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world at 120 meters.

Hon Mun

Hon Mun is one of the famous islands that surround the city of Nha Trang. It is covered with limestone cliffs, caves, and stunning black rocks cover the coastline, and it is a perfect place for climbing and hiking.

Also, it is an excellent place for diving, where you will see coral reefs. Many tourists come from all over the world to enjoy and discover the nature there. While you enjoy your time, you will see clear water, and boats with clear bottoms allow a direct view of the ocean.

Mui Né

Mui Né is one of Vietnam’s most famous beach resorts, after being a coastal fishing town and a popular destination for sailing and kitesurfing.

When you visit the town, you can also explore many attractions, such as the natural Red Sand Dunes near the town, and you can practice sand-sledding. There are towering orange limestone formations with a slow-moving warm stream like a walkway, and you can follow it until you reach a waterfall.

Hotels to Stay In During Your Visit to Vietnam

While visiting the beautiful country of Vietnam and all these fantastic attractions, the first thing that comes to your mind is a hotel to stay in, and here are some of these hotels you can stay in.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An

The luxury hotel of the Four Seasons is located between Da Nang and Hoi An, a five-star resort that opened in 2016. The hotel offers many activities, such as fishing in traditional basket boats with fishermen. It is also a perfect choice for couples, especially villas with private pools and butlers to handle your every request and need.

Premier Village Danang Resort

The Premier Village Danang Resort is located in the city of Da Nang, in the center of Vietnam. It is a famous resort for Vietnamese people and international tourists. The resort is a luxury residential development that can be rented by night. It is a perfect place for relaxation with a full-service country club, dining options, and other amenities.

Six Senses Con Dao

The Six Senses Con Dao is located on its island, 40 minutes by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, and it is a perfect resort for couples and families. It includes about 50 villas with a private infinity pool; some villas are in front of the ocean. In the resort, you can do many activities like diving, snorkelling in the coral reefs, and seeing sea turtles.

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa

Another famous resort in Da Nang is on a beautiful beach and includes standard hotel rooms, suites, one- to three-bedroom residences, and three-bedroom villas. The report contains:

• Five swimming pools.
• A Camp Hyatt all-day kids’ program.
• Babysitting services are available to try playing tennis on the courts.

Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island

The resort is located on Phu Quoc Island, near the coast of Cambodia. Most of the island is a nature reserve, the Phu Quoc National Park. It is a luxury hotel with about 121 rooms, suites, and villas. The resort also has a private beach, a spa, and restaurants.

InterContinental Nha Trang

The InterContinental Nha Trang is located just south of Vietnam. It has a long beachfront promenade filled with hotels, shops, and restaurants, an extensive spa, multiple dining options, and a beautiful pool and pool deck overlooking the beach. 

Visas & Entry

Visitors to Vietnam can now apply for a 90-day e-visa online. The process is quick and straightforward through the official portals. Citizens of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and several other nations also benefit from 45 days visa-free entry.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure. It’s advisable to print two copies of your visa approval letter to present upon arrival. Visa processing typically takes three working days.

Best Time by Region

Vietnam’s climate varies greatly between regions. Here’s the best time to plan your trip depending on where you’re heading:

Region	Best Time	Why Visit
North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay)	October to April	Dry, cooler weather ideal for sightseeing.
Central (Hue, Hoi An)	February to May	Warm, sunny days with little rain.
South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta)	December to March	Pleasant temperatures and low humidity.
Highlands (Sapa, Da Lat)	March to May, September to November	Clear skies, great for trekking and countryside views.

Travelling outside these periods can mean heavy rains or extreme heat, so it’s best to plan carefully.

Typical Costs

Vietnam offers fantastic value for money. Here’s an overview of average daily costs for a mid-range traveller:

• Accommodation: £25–£45 per night for a double room with breakfast.
• Meals: £10–£15 per day, enjoying local street food and cafés.
• Transport: £8–£12 for taxis, buses, or internal flights.
• Tours and Entry Fees: £15–£30 for day trips or guided tours.

Budget around £60–£90 per day for a comfortable and enjoyable Vietnam vacation.

Safety & Health

Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists, including solo travellers. The main risk is petty theft, so always use hotel safes and be cautious with your belongings in busy areas.

Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers? Yes, but it’s wise to avoid walking alone late at night and to use ride-hailing apps like Grab instead of unmarked taxis. Dressing modestly can also help you blend in.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink, so always opt for bottled water. Carry mosquito repellent, especially if visiting during the rainy season.

Travel insurance is highly recommended, covering activities like motorbike rental and medical evacuation.

Vietnam Vacation Itineraries

Planning a vacation to Vietnam? Here are flexible itinerary options to suit different schedules:

5-Day Highlights Tour

Day 1-2: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and try a street-food tour.
Day 3-4: Cruise through Ha Long Bay with an overnight stay aboard a traditional junk boat.
Day 5: Day trip to Ninh Binh for caves, temples, and scenic countryside before departure.

7-Day Classic Journey

Day 1-2: Discover Hanoi’s cultural sites.
Day 3: Travel to Hue and visit the Imperial City and royal tombs.
Day 4-5: Relax and explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town and An Bang Beach.
Day 6-7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, tour the War Remnants Museum, and explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

10-Day North to South Explorer

Day 1-2: Hanoi city tour and evening performances.
Day 3-4: Ha Long Bay cruise and Bai Tu Long adventure.
Day 5: Flight to Da Nang, visit the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills.
Day 6-7: Leisure time in Hoi An, cooking classes or beach relaxation.
Day 8-10: Explore Ho Chi Minh City and cruise the Mekong Delta.

14-Day Grand Tour of Vietnam

Days	Location	Activities
1-2	Hanoi	Cultural sites and street food tours
3-4	Sapa	Trekking across rice terraces and villages
5-6	Ha Long Bay	2-night luxury cruise, island hopping
7	Hue	Imperial Citadel and Perfume River
8-9	Hoi An	Ancient Town, tailor shopping
10	Da Nang	Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
11-12	Ho Chi Minh City	War museums, Cu Chi Tunnels
13	Mekong Delta	Floating markets and local villages
14	Phu Quoc Island	Beach relaxation before flying home

A Vietnam vacation offers an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, history, and adventure. Whether you are cruising through Ha Long Bay, wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or trekking among the rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam has experiences to suit every type of traveller.

Start planning your perfect Vietnam holiday today, and discover why this remarkable country continues to capture the hearts of millions of travellers each year.

Have you visited Vietnam? Share your favourite hidden spot below.