Vietnam Tours & Vacations

We recommend traveling to Vietnam between November and March.

While the climate differs between Vietnam’s three regions, you can enjoy comfortable conditions and clear skies in northern, central, and southern Vietnam from November through March. Southern Vietnam is wonderful during these times of the year, while it may be worth considering spring, from March to May, and fall, from September to November, for trips to Vietnam’s northern hills as the weather is warmer than in winter.

Regardless of where you go, Vietnam is a year-round destination, and while humid and rainy, the summer is an excellent time for enjoying the warmth along the southern coastline. Northern Vietnam’s rice paddies are also stunning in the summer. Bear in mind that Ha Long Bay cruises are not always possible in the summer when the rainfall is heavy and frequent.

As you consider your plans, explore our guide on the best time to visit Vietnam to find a time that is best suited for your type of adventure and travel preferences.

With its lush landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities, there is a wealth to explore on tours of Vietnam. From Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, here are a few of our best places to visit in Vietnam:

• Hanoi: Vietnam's charming capital city features historic architecture, tranquil lakes, and French colonial landmarks. From the city’s bustling Old Quarter to rolling hills nearby, you can experience the best of northern Vietnam from the capital.
• Ha Long Bay: Cruise amongst thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters in this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking garden of islands you can see on a luxury charter, stopping at remote beaches, floating villages, sensational snorkeling spots, or Lan Ha Bay, one of Vietnam’s most romantic places.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Southern Vietnam’s cultural treasure trove, Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant destination with dramatic museums and colorful markets. Inviting you to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, the city is a lens through which to view Vietnam’s history.

From exploring ancient sites to cruising karst-studded waters, Vietnam offers endless opportunities for adventure, cultural connection, and relaxation. Here are some of the top things to do in Vietnam:

• Sample Vietnam’s world-famous street food, from a steaming bowl of pho noodle soup to a savory bahn mi sandwich
• Trek or walk across the rolling rice terraces of Sapa in northern Vietnam and visit traditional villages
• Kayak across the dazzling blue waters of Ha Long Bay and spend time soaking up the sunshine on remote beaches
• Visit floating markets and islands in and around the Mekong Delta
• Explore Vietnam’s dramatic history at Ho Chi Minh City’s heritage sites, landmarks, and the Cu Chi Tunnels

These are just a few of the best experiences for a trip to Vietnam, and you can find more ideas for a family vacation in our guide on the top things to do with kids.

Located in northeast Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is only a short three-and-a-half-hour private transfer from Hanoi.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its towering karst peaks, secluded beaches, and mystical seascapes. A luxury cruise through Ha Long Bay lets you wake up to mist-shrouded vistas while exploring islands, floating villages, and hidden caves.

With your every need tended to by a professional crew and access to the bay's remote corners, luxury Ha Long Bay cruises offer one of the most serene and comfortable ways to explore the beauty of Vietnam.

With its complex history, breathtaking landscapes, and distinct culture, Vietnam has many claims to fame.

Arguably, the most significant aspect of Vietnam to discover is its tragic yet resilient past. From the Cu Chi Tunnels to the War Remnants Museum, tours in Vietnam reveal the country’s dramatic history.

Vietnam is also widely known for its stunning landscapes, from the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay to the rice terraces of Sapa in northern Vietnam. You can also savor Vietnam’s delicacies when learning about the country’s rich cuisine on food tours.

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most famous in Southeast Asia and has influenced chefs worldwide. With a distinct French influence and using fresh local ingredients to curate elaborate dishes, Vietnamese cuisine is most famous for the following top dishes to try:

• Pho, an authentic Vietnamese noodle soup
• Banh mi, a French baguette filled with meat and seasonal vegetables
• Com tam, a fractured rice grain dish complete with various sides
• Bun bo hue, a noodle soup tracing ancient Hue royalty

Cao lau, a pork noodle broth topped with fresh herbs and crushed pork crackling

It is safe to travel to Vietnam.

Vietnam’s welcoming culture and thriving tourist infrastructure invite travelers to enjoy a stress-free trip. As in any foreign destination, use common sense and remain aware of your belongings to avoid petty crime.

With three distinct regions to explore, each with unique charms, the best Vietnam itinerary immerses you in one or takes you to all three. Our top Vietnam trips below offer examples of how you could enjoy your stay, and you can use them to inspire your custom trip:

• Our Cultural Explorer & Private Adventure Tour of Vietnam showcases the best of northern, central, and southern Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Hue to Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
• For a deep exploration of the northern countryside, our 11-Day Discovery in Northern Vietnam: Cities, Cruises, and Countryside highlights the wonders of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and the Sapa rice terraces.

Discover Vietnam's natural beauty and dramatic history with our Amazing Vietnam Vacation: Karst Islands to Imperial Citadels tour that takes you from Ha Long Bay to Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi in eight days.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Vietnam and inspiration in our Vietnam travel guide.