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Vietnam
Traveling here means eating some of the best street food in the world for just a few dollars. You can sail past the famous limestone islands of Halong Bay or explore busy streets filled with thousands of motorbikes. It is full of life and very exciting to visit.
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Summary
Did you know?
Coffee Shot Culture – Vietnam is famous for serving rich dark coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk and sometimes a raw egg yolk.
Overview
Months
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, December
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Mountains, Party, Diving/Snorkeling, Surfing
Expenses
0-50€, <100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
25-30°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Asia
Currency
Vietnamese đồng
Languages
Vietnamese
Currency Converter
When to visit
Vietnam has many different climates. For the most accurate information, each region has its own dedicated page.
The best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season and shoulder months from November to April. Because Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, it spans three distinct climate zones. Traveling between November and April gives you the best chance of balanced weather: mild and dry days in the north, sunny beach weather in the central coast, and warm, clear skies throughout the southern delta.
Summer (May to August) brings intense tropical heat, high humidity, and the monsoon season across the northern and southern regions. Central Vietnam has an inverted weather cycle where autumn (September to December) brings heavy coastal rains and typhoons, while summer is dry and hot.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: November to April (Dry Season)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 6 to 8 hours.
Rain Frequency: 3 to 7 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 hour.
Intensity: Brief, light showers.
Duration: Fast-moving clouds with mostly clear skies across the south and central regions, though northern winter days can be cool and overcast.
Off-Peak Season: May to October (Monsoon / Summer Season)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 4 to 6 hours.
Rain Frequency: 15 to 22 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 2 to 4 hours.
Intensity: Heavy, torrential afternoon downpours and occasional tropical storms.
Duration: Downpours are intense but often clear up after a couple of hours, though coastal typhoons can cause multi-day disruptions.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: November-April
Budget Vacation ($30-50/day)
Accommodation: $10-15/night (hostel dorms, family homestays).
Food: $5-10/day (street food like pho, banh mi, and fresh local fruit).
Activities: $5-10/day (historic temple entry, renting a bicycle).
Transportation: $5-10/day (local buses, motorbike taxis).
Other Costs: $5/day (bottled water, iced coffee).
Mid-Range Vacation ($70-140/day)
Accommodation: $35-70/night (comfortable 3-star boutique hotels).
Food: $15-30/day (sit-down seafood spots, local craft beer bars).
Activities: $15-30/day (guided walking tours, boat excursion tickets).
Transportation: $10-15/day (ride-hailing apps, comfortable intercity coaches).
Other Costs: $5/day (laundry, snacks).
Luxury Vacation ($200-550+/day)
Accommodation: $120-300+/night (5-star international hotels, private beachfront villas).
Food: $50-100/day (fine dining, multi-course tasting menus).
Activities: $60-150+/day (overnight luxury cruises, private historical guides).
Transportation: $40-80/day (private drivers, domestic flights).
Other Costs: $25+/day (spa treatments, cocktails).
Off-Peak Season: May-October (Wet Season)
Budget Vacation ($25-40/day)
Accommodation: $8-12/night (discounted hostel beds).
Food: $5-10/day (neighborhood markets, noodle stalls).
Activities: $3-8/day (indoor museums, art galleries).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public city buses).
Other Costs: $4/day (heavy rain ponchos).
Mid-Range Vacation ($50-100/day)
Accommodation: $25-50/night (discounted boutique rooms).
Food: $10-20/day (indoor cafes, local restaurants).
Activities: $10-20/day (cooking classes, indoor craft workshops).
Transportation: $5-10/day (Grab cars).
Other Costs: $5/day (hot tea, snacks).
Luxury Vacation ($150-350+/day)
Accommodation: $90-200+/night (luxury resorts at low-season rates).
Food: $35-70/day (hotel restaurants, fine dining).
Activities: $40-100/day (private wellness packages, indoor experiences).
Transportation: $25-50/day (private airport transfers).
Other Costs: $15/day (souvenirs).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Hanoi
- The historic northern capital, famous for its bustling Old Quarter, French colonial architecture, and street-food scene.
2. Ho Chi Minh City
- The economic hub of the south, known for towering skyscrapers, historic wartime landmarks, and energetic nightlife.
3. Hoi An
- A preserved ancient trading town along the central coast, lit up by thousands of colorful silk lanterns along its riverfront.
4. Hue
- The former imperial seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, filled with historic royal tombs, stone gates, and a massive riverside citadel.
5. Da Nang
- A modern coastal city boasting long white sand beaches, seaside resorts, and the famous fire-breathing Dragon Bridge.
Hanoi
Did you know?
Floating Markets – The Mekong Delta features bustling river markets where traders hang long bamboo poles from their boats to show what fruit they are selling.
Islands
1. Phu Quoc
- Vietnam's premier resort island in the southwest, famous for powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and coastal luxury resorts.
2. Cat Ba Island
- The largest rugged island in Halong Bay, popular for rock climbing, dense jungle trekking, and boat trips.
3. Con Dao
- A quiet, isolated archipelago in the south known for turtle nesting beaches, clear diving waters, and historic French prisons.
4. Cham Islands
- A protected marine park off the coast of Hoi An featuring clear shallow bays and coral reef snorkeling.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Phu Quoc
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Halong Bay
- A UNESCO World Heritage landscape where thousands of towering limestone karsts rise directly out of emerald waters.
2. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- A vast jungle reserve hiding the largest, most spectacular underground river cave systems on Earth.
3. Trang An Landscape Complex
- A scenic waterway system in Ninh Binh where small wooden rowboats navigate through flooded caves and limestone cliffs.
4. Ban Gioc Waterfall
- A magnificent, multi-tiered waterfall situated directly on the border between northern Vietnam and China.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. The Imperial City of Hue
- A grand, walled palace complex surrounded by moats, which served as the political heart of Vietnam's emperors.
2. Cu Chi Tunnels
- A massive, underground labyrinth of tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City used by guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam War.
3. Temple of Literature
- An ancient, walled Confucian university complex built in Hanoi in 1070 to honor scholars and sages.
4. My Son Sanctuary
- A collection of ancient red-brick Hindu temple ruins nestled in a lush valley, constructed by the Champa civilization.
Unique Experiences
1. Riding the Ha Giang Loop
- Motorcycling through the breathtaking limestone passes and steep canyons of the extreme northern mountains.
2. Cruising Through Karst Bays
- Sleeping on a traditional wooden junk boat in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay while waking up to mist-covered islands.
3. Exploring Floating Markets
- Taking an early morning wooden longtail boat through the river markets of the Mekong Delta to buy fresh tropical fruits.
4. Custom Tailoring in Hoi An
- Having a custom suit, jacket, or dress measured, tailored, and hand-stitched by local tailors within 48 hours.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Halong Bay
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Location: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
A legendary French colonial-era grand hotel established in 1901, serving as an enduring architectural icon in the capital with historic heritage wings, a lush interior courtyard garden, and timeless luxury.
Restaurants / Bars
Chapter Grill & Bar
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
A sophisticated fine-dining venue celebrated for its creative wood-fired gastronomy, blending traditional Vietnamese flavors and local herbs with contemporary international cooking techniques.
Tours to do
1. The Classic North-to-South Route
- The quintessential cross-country journey starting in Hanoi, cruising Halong Bay, exploring the historic towns of Hue and Hoi An, and finishing in Ho Chi Minh City.
Best Time: February to April.
Average Cost: $600 – $1,200 per person
2. The Northern Mountains and Valleys Expedition
- A dramatic loop departing Hanoi into the terraced rice fields of Sapa and continuing through the mountain highways of Ha Giang.
Best Time: September to November.
Average Cost: $350 – $650 per person
Ha Giang
How to get around
1. Domestic Aviation
- Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways provide cheap, frequent connections linking Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
2. The Reunification Express
- The historic railway that runs the length of the country between Hanoi and Saigon, offering safe, scenic sleeper train journeys.
3. Limousine Vans and Sleeper Buses
- High-roof vans with reclining leather seats are the fastest way to connect nearby hubs like Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Halong Bay.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Underground War Tunnels – The Cu Chi district features an extensive 120-mile network of underground tunnels used by soldiers during the war.
What to eat
1. Pho
- Vietnam's iconic noodle soup, made with slow-simmered beef or chicken broth, flat rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced meat.
2. Banh Mi
- A crispy, airy French-style baguette packed with liver paté, cold cuts, fresh herbs, pickled daikon, carrots, and savory sauce.
3. Bun Cha
- Charcoal-grilled pork patties and pork belly served in a warm, sweet-and-sour dipping broth, accompanied by vermicelli noodles and fresh greens.
4. Com Tam
- Steamed broken rice grains served with a tender grilled marinated pork chop, steamed egg-meat patty, cucumber, and seasoned fish sauce.
Pho
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €500 to €900.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $700 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $200 to $600.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $900.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $1,000.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: June to August and December holidays.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and many other countries need a visa to enter Venezuela.
2. Visa Application
- Travelers must apply for a Venezuelan visa at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate before traveling.
3. Types of Visa
- Common visa types include a Tourist Visa: Typically valid for tourism, allowing stays of up to 90 days.
4. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take several days to a few weeks, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
5. Duration of Stay
- Tourist visas generally allow for stays of up to 90 days, with possible extensions in some cases.
6. Health Requirements
- Vaccinations, especially for yellow fever, may be recommended depending on travel history.
7. COVID-19 Regulations
- Check for any current COVID-19 entry requirements before traveling, as regulations may change.
8. Safety Considerations
- Travelers should stay informed about the current political and security situation in Venezuela.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). Credit cards are accepted in urban areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 120V, and plug types A and B (flat pins) are used.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is appreciated, usually around 10%.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Movilnet.
6. Driving Side
- In Venezuela, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Silk Lanterns
- Hoi An is globally famous for its vibrant, foldable silk lanterns made with bamboo frames, which are hung across every street of the ancient town.
2. Marble Carvings
- At the base of the Marble Mountains in Da Nang, generations of local artisans carve intricate statues, jewelry, and figures from solid blocks of regional stone.
3. Cham Pottery
- Traditional, unglazed terracotta pottery crafted by the indigenous Cham people. It is molded entirely by hand and baked in open wood fires without the use of a potter's wheel.
Silk Lanterns
Location
Reviews
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