Vietnam Private Tours & Travel Service

The best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, from November to April. Weather varies in the different regions, but at this time conditions align for a great travel experience everywhere in Vietnam. Sunny, clear skies and warm temperatures are perfect for exploring the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, seeing the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay, or relaxing on the beaches in Phu Quoc.

December and January are the peak travel months. From February to April, you can still find great weather with smaller crowds.

The rainy season, from May to October, can be good for budget travelers or people looking for a quieter experience. Heavy rains can disrupt plans, but there are lots of indoor activities to enjoy in big cities.

Halong Bay is consistently ranked as the premiere attraction in Vietnam. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of breathtaking beauty. Towering limestone karsts soar out of the emerald waters in a unique landscape.

Travelers can enjoy a cruise on the water. Full-day or overnight cruises are a chance to explore the almost 2,000 islands in the bay. Enjoy a sunset dinner of fresh seafood and water activities like swimming and kayaking.

Halong Bay also has great beaches, cultural sites, and lively markets. It’s conveniently located close to Hanoi, making it easy to reach for international travelers.

You can see the highlights of Vietnam on an 8-day tour. Travel the length of the country, starting with exploring the capital, Hanoi. It’s a city of culture and history with sites like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Then, take an overnight cruise of Halong Bay, to see the unique natural beauty of the limestone karsts.

In central Vietnam, you can visit Hoi An Ancient Town, a charming town that preserves the feeling of a historical trading port. It’s surrounded by traditional villages and serene countryside. Ho Chi Minh City is the vibrant hub of southern Vietnam and gateway to the Mekong Delta. The city is a place of vibrant urban culture and historical sites from colonial times and the Vietnam War. A boat tour of the Mekong River will take you to see floating markets and local cottage industries.

With a few more days, you can go trekking in the mountainous Sapa region in northern Vietnam. Or, spend a few days unwinding on the beaches of Nha Trang of Phu Quoc.

Flying is the most convenient way to get to Vietnam. Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are the two largest in the country and the most common entry points for travelers. Between them, there are over 110 flight routes to 26 countries and territories around the world. Flights arrive daily from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and all over Asia.

Domestic flights are convenient and affordable, so getting around in Vietnam is no problem. Travelers touring across the country often arrive in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City based on their itinerary and then depart from the other.

Tourist visas are needed by most international travelers to Vietnam. The best way is to use Vietnam’s e-visa system. E-visas can be applied for online and usually take three business days to process. It costs 25 USD for a 90-day, multiple-entry visa that can be used at all international airports and major border crossings.

Phu Quoc is a visa-free island for most travelers. Stays of up to 30 days are permitted for travelers arriving by air from another country or from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. A tourist visa is needed to travel from Phu Quoc to other parts of Vietnam.

The average price for mid-range travelers in Vietnam is around 50-80 USD per day. At that price, you can stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel close to tourist areas and enjoy all the popular attractions. Food costs for street food and small local eateries aren’t expensive, and it’s some of the best food in the country.

Luxury travel costs around 150-300 USD per day. This includes staying at 5-star hotels and using private transportation around the city. Street food is not to be missed, but luxury travel can include Vietnam’s fine dining options and upscale bars in places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Currently, 100 USD is around 2,460,000 VND. The Vietnamese Dong is the national currency and commonly comes in denominations of 10,000 to 500,000. Daily costs are relatively low in Vietnam, so 100 USD can go far. A bottle of water usually costs around 5,000-10,000 VND or 0.2-0.4 USD, an average cup of coffee is 1.2 USD, and street food costs 2-3 USD per person. Average taxi fares in a city like Hanoi are around 2-4 USD.

US dollars are accepted at most hotels and larger businesses in Vietnam, but local currency is needed for other transactions. For markets and street food, using VND in cash is the most convenient option. There are many places to exchange currency. Banks usually offer the best rates.

Vietnam is a very safe country for travelers where violent and serious crimes against tourists are rare. The best way to stay safe is to follow common sense and avoid isolated or unlit areas at night.

Travelers should be cautious about petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. Keep track of your belongings, and don’t keep all your important travel documents in one place. The most common scams tourists face are being charged higher prices. Negotiate taxi fares before entering the vehicle, and don’t agree to buy anything before knowing the full price.

What to wear in Vietnam depends on where you go. The northern region can be cool, particularly at night, and a sweater or light jacket might be needed. Beachware is appropriate for swimming or other water activities. Good quality, comfortable shoes are always essential whether trekking or exploring city streets.

Vietnam is a conservative country, and clothes that are too tight or revealing are better to avoid. When visiting temples or religious sites, modest attire should be worn. Clothing should cover the knees and shoulders, and any hats should be removed.

Do try the street food. It is some of the most delicious and authentic food.
Do learn some basic phrases in the local language. It is highly appreciated by local people.
Do carry small bills in local currency for easy transactions.
Do be prepared for traffic, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Don’t touch anyone on the head. It is disrespectful.
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin and avoid heatstroke.
Don’t raise your voice or show anger in public. It is considered impolite.
Don’t drink the tap water. Stick to bottled water to stay safe.

Vietnam and Cambodia offer distinct and complimentary travel experiences. Both countries have a wealth of cultural and historic sites with stunning natural surroundings. After touring and exploring the Mekong Delta around Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel to Siem Reap and see the unforgettable Angkor Wat.

Sharing a border, travel between the two countries is easy. Many flights are available from cities in Vietnam to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Cambodia is less convenient to reach from countries in Europe and North America, so visiting from Vietnam is an easy way for a more immersive tour of Southeast Asia.

It is perfectly ok to travel independently in Vietnam. Tourism is an important part of the local economy, and the travel infrastructure makes it simple to visit all the best sites and get around the country. Many Vietnamese people in tourist areas speak at least some English, and translation apps can help in other situations.

Traveling with a tour guide is recommended for people who don’t want to worry about making all the travel arrangements, or who want to find more of the country's hidden gems. Our guided tours can be fully personalized, and from there, you’ll get door-to-door service from the airport to the hotel and all the best sites. Our professional English-speaking guides will provide you with cultural background and insight into the places you visit and take you off the beaten path to sites only local knowledge can show you.