Explore Vietnam like a Pro: Insider Travel Tips and Recommendations
Vietnam, affectionately known as the "land of the ascending dragon," is a captivating destination that attracts travellers from around the world. Here's a guide to help you plan your trip based on the country's distinct regions and weather patterns.
Weather and Best Travel Months
Vietnam's geography gives rise to unique microclimates, making it essential to plan your trip by region and season to ensure maximum travel comfort.
- Far North Vietnam: The ideal time to visit is from November to February. During these months, the weather is cooler and dry, making it suitable for trekking and exploring places like Sapa. However, from May to September, the north experiences hot, humid conditions with heavy rainfall, less ideal for outdoor activities.
- North Vietnam: The best period is February to April. This time offers pleasant, mild weather ideal for visiting Hanoi and Halong Bay without heavy rain or excessive heat.
- Central Vietnam: The most favorable months are February to August. During these months, the region is generally dry and warm, perfect for visiting coastal cities like Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, and enjoying beaches. From September to November, the region faces heavy rainfall and typhoons, making it less suitable for travel.
- South Vietnam: Southern Vietnam has a relatively consistent warm climate with two main seasons, dry from December to April and wet from May to November. The dry months from December to April are optimal for exploring Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and beach destinations like Phu Quoc.
Visa Information
Visitors from the UK (and some other countries) can enter Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa in 2024. For stays longer than 45 days, travellers can book with a travel agent in Vietnam, apply for other visa types from the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK, or apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries.
Payment and Accommodation
Visa cards are widely accepted in Vietnam, and most ATMs offer free withdrawals. It's essential to note that e-visas restrict entry and exit points to those selected when applying. If an e-visa is obtained while in Vietnam, the traveller must exit the country and re-enter to start the e-visa.
Popular Attractions and Experiences
North Vietnam
- Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the northeast of Vietnam, is known for its thousands of towering limestone islands.
- The Castaway Island booze cruise in Halong Bay is a popular choice for the best party in Vietnam.
- The Hanoi Night Lights and Food Tour is a food tour in Vietnam that offers a unique culinary experience.
Central Vietnam
- The Hoi An Motorbike Food Tour is a food tour in central Vietnam that lets you explore the region on two wheels.
Far North Vietnam
- Sapa, located in the far north of Vietnam, is known for its rice terraces and is a must for nature-loving backpackers.
Cultural Experiences
- A homestay in a Hmong village in Sapa offers an opportunity to get to know the local culture.
- The Tet Festival date varies depending on the lunar calendar but generally falls in February or the end of January. During this time, transport and hotels can be sold out weeks in advance, prices rise, and it seems the whole country is on the move.
Important Considerations
- October to November is typhoon season in Central Vietnam and sees a huge deal of rain.
- December and January can get very cold in the Mountainous Far North.
- During the Vietnamese New Year's festival of Tet, transport and hotels can be sold out weeks in advance, prices rise, and it seems the whole country is on the move.
With its diverse regions, rich culture, and appealing weather, Vietnam is an exciting destination for travellers. By planning your trip with this guide, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the "land of the ascending dragon."
- To optimize comfort during your trip to Vietnam, plan your travel by region and season, as the country's unique microclimates vary significantly.
- UK travellers can enter Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa in 2024, but for longer stays, consider booking with a travel agent or applying for other visa types.
- Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Vietnam, offers a popular booze cruise, while Sapa in Far North Vietnam is famous for its rice terraces and is a must-visit for nature-loving backpackers.
- During the Vietnamese New Year's festival of Tet, transport and hotels can get sold out weeks in advance, prices rise, and it seems the whole country is on the move.
- When exploring central Vietnam, consider the Hoi An Motorbike Food Tour for a unique culinary experience while discovering the region on two wheels.
