A holiday in Vietnam: A tropical world awaits

Discover Vietnam’s cities

Vietnam shares its borders with China in the north and Cambodia and Laos in the west. On the eastern part of the country, you will find some of the world’s best beaches, consisting of close to 30,000 km of coastline facing the South China Sea.

The best beaches in Vietnam

The choice of islands and beaches is unlimited in Vietnam, turn your holiday into an expedition by discovering the hidden gems of this tropical heaven.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

Weather-wise, the country can be split into three parts; north, central and south Vietnam. The best time to travel is dependent on when the monsoon season hits your chosen destination. Usually, monsoons visit the north of the country at a different time than the south.

North Vietnam to North Central Vietnam: This region experiences four seasons with winter-like weather usually lasting from December to February. The hot, rainy and humid summer lasts from June to August.

Central Vietnam: Characterised by a tropical wet or monsoon climate, this region is mostly hot throughout the year. From November to April, it is mostly dry but the summer season tends to be subject to floods and storms.

South Vietnam: Temperatures are on average high throughout the year and the seasons are categorised into two: wet and dry. The months between May and November are the wet season and the dry season occurs from November to April

Budgeting for your Vietnam holiday

As more travellers have been discovering this hidden gem, the cost of things in Vietnam has slowly been increasing. However, it is still a cheaper option when compared to popular Thailand nearby. If you are travelling on a budget, you can get by in Vietnam on around £30 per day, including food, drinks and hostel accommodation.

Discover Vietnamese culture

Vietnam is rich in culture and tradition, something that contributes to making it an unforgettable holiday experience. We have compiled a few of the local practices here to reduce your culture shock while mixing with the locals:

1. When entering a home remove your shoes

2. Avoid walking around with lots of cash and try to dress conservatively

3. Eat all your food! Do not leave any food on your plate, it is considered rude

4. Avoid touching anyone’s head and show respect for the elderly, traditionally the oldest eats first at the table

5. Public displays of affection are frowned upon

How do I get around?

The best and most convenient mode of transport in Vietnam is by bus. Fares are cheap and you can get to many places across the country. You can even hop on a cross-border bus into Cambodia.

Pirate Tip: If you are trying to save money, take an overnight bus. It might not be the most comfortable bed for the night, but it saves you from paying for accommodation.

The trains offer a better but pricier option for those in need of comfort. A night train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City will take around 35 hours. But sleeper beds, air conditioning and stunning landscapes will make the journey an experience never to be forgotten.

Driving and renting a car might be challenging in Vietnam and if you choose to get around by car, you might want to hire a driver to negotiate the crazy traffic. A good alternative for the adventurous spirit is a motorbike which requires less paperwork and can be rented easily. It will also make it easier to navigate through the Vietnamese traffic.

Within the cities, the best mode of travel is by taxi or motorbike taxi. Alternatively, get your hands on a map of the local bus network.

Vietnam is generally safe and the authorities are active in maintaining it this way. Again, like any other destination, you should be mindful to keep an eye out for your personal belongings and pickpockets.