Vietnam
"Navigate emerald waters through limestone karsts"
Vietnam offers incredible diversity, from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the ancient charm of Hoi An. This Southeast Asian gem combines stunning natural beauty, rich history, and one of the world's most exciting cuisines.
Vietnam at a glance
- Best time to go
- Vietnam has three different weather systems in one long country. The most forgiving all-country windows are usually March to April, and October to November, with a caveat: the central coast (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) is often at its stormiest and floodiest from about September to November. As a rough rule, the north is nicest in spring and autumn, the south is driest from about December to April, and the central coast is usually best from about February to August.
- How long to stay
- Vietnam is roughly 1,700 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. We'd suggest around ten days for two regions done properly, and two to three weeks if you want north to south without turning it into an airport tour.
- Who it's for
- Travellers who plan by region rather than treating the country as one place. Food-led travellers, city and landscape mixers, and people who enjoy long journeys as part of the trip.
- Might not be for you if
- You hope to see 'all of Vietnam' in a week, or you'd rather stay in one climate zone with no planning around seasons.
The Vietnam shortlist, illustrated
Must-seeHang Múa, Ninh Bình
Must-seeMekong Delta
Must-seeHội An lantern craft
Local cuisineSpring rolls & friends
Best Time to Visit
February to April or October to December
Feb – Apr (North)
Comfortable spring weather in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Blooming flowers and clear skies.
Feb – May (Central)
Best beach weather for Hoi An and Hué. Dry and warm before the summer heat.
Nov – Jan (South)
Dry season in HCMC and Mekong Delta. Comfortable temperatures and festive atmosphere.
Sep – Nov (Sapa/North)
Rice harvest season — golden terraces and autumn festivals in the highlands.
Getting Around
Vietnam stretches 1,650km north to south. Trains, planes, and buses connect the entire country.
🚂 Reunification Express
The iconic train between Hanoi and HCMC. The Hué-Da Nang section is the most scenic.
✈️ Domestic Flights
VietJet and Bamboo Airways connect cities cheaply. Book early for $20-40 flights.
🛵 Motorbike
Rent or buy a motorbike for the ultimate Vietnam experience. Ha Giang Loop is legendary.
🚌 Sleeper Bus
Overnight sleeper buses are comfortable and save on hotel nights between cities.
💡 Take the train between Hué and Hoi An (via Da Nang) — the coastal cliff section is one of Asia's most beautiful rail journeys.
Suggested Itineraries
Hanoi Arrival
Old Quarter, egg-coffee stop, street-food dinner.
Hanoi Highlights
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, West Lake sunset.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Overnight junk boat, kayaking, cave, seafood dinner.
Return & Flight to Da Nang
Cruise wrap-up, drive to Hanoi, evening flight to Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An.
Hoi An Ancient Town
Lantern-lit lanes, tailor fitting, cooking class.
Beach & My Son
My Son Cham ruins in the morning, An Bang beach afternoon.
Marble Mountains & Departure
Half-day at Marble Mountains, fly out from Da Nang.
🌙 Pace yourself, spark-chaser. A trip you actually remember beats a checklist you barely survived.
Highlights
Must See
- Ha Long Bay
- Hoi An Ancient Town
- Mekong Delta
- Hanoi Old Quarter
- Hanoi Train Street
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Ha Giang Loop
Local Cuisine
Insider Tip
Ride the Ha Giang Loop - an adventure of a lifetime through misty mountain passes.
Vietnam travel questions, answered
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
March to April is the easiest all-round window, because most regions are reasonably dry and warm at once. October to November can also work for the north and south, but the central coast is at higher risk of typhoons and flooding then. Typhoon season runs roughly June to November and peaks around August to October, with the north tending to be exposed earlier in the season and the central coast later.
How many days do you need in Vietnam?
About ten days lets you do two regions without living out of a backpack on trains. Two to three weeks gives you a north-to-south route with breathing room. If you only have a week, we'd suggest choosing one region and doing it well.
Is the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City train worth it?
Only if the journey is part of the trip. The full ride is about 1,700 km and typically takes roughly 32 to 37 hours, while flights take about two hours. Most travellers who like trains break it into stops such as Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang instead of doing it in one go.
Do you need a visa for Vietnam?
It depends on your passport. Some nationalities, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan and South Korea, have been able to enter visa-free for up to 45 days. Others can apply for an e-visa valid for up to 90 days through the official e-visa portal. Rules have changed several times in recent years, so check the official portal or your government's travel page before you book.
Details last checked 23 September 2026.
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