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Vietnam

Vietnam Trips & Tours

Vietnam

From the quiet beauty of Sapa and the wave-lapped coast to the many vibrant places to visit in Hanoi, Vietnam rewards the curious.

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Vietnam Trips & Tours

Culture, war-time history and astounding cuisine: there’s nowhere like Vietnam

Long, thin and incredibly geographically diverse, there are few countries in the world that compete with Vietnam when it comes to versatility. Complex yet charming, laidback yet feisty, staggeringly beautiful yet poignantly historical, the country has an expert way of matching exactly what you’re looking for, without you really knowing it. From teeming markets and buzzing trading quarters to neon-lit cities and hundreds upon hundreds of mopeds, a holiday may be fast-paced and action-packed; but then there’s the whitewashed sands, ethereal bays, graceful architecture, and wonderfully laidback people... Accommodation can range from stylish city abodes to palatial retreats with whisper-quiet spas – and a traditional junk or rice barge thrown in too – and honeymooners, families and travellers all have the world at their feet. Then there’s the multitude of cultures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the tranquil backwaters of the Delta, the hilltop tribes, and the food. Oh, the food. Entwined firmly in Vietnamese life, it’s some of the freshest and most fragrant on the planet, be it a bowl of steaming pho in the market, or your own rice-paper rolls after a cookery lesson…

Why you'll love it

Why you'll love it

The sensory overload of scenery, history, food, culture, life – but one that’s balanced with a laidback charm and effortless attraction.

Off the beaten track

Off the beaten track

With top spots in the north, south and central regions (and a very long, narrow country!) it’s worth spending some time planning your route and balancing it with the weather. And that’s where we come in…

Something to think about

Something to think about

The weather. Each part of the country has its own unique climate systems and patterns and the sun almost never shines in all of them at the same time. Not a problem in the slightest, but just something to bear in mind if you’re looking for wall to wall rays.

Places to Visit

Where to go in Vietnam

From the many dazzling places to visit in Hanoi to the emerald hills of Sapa and sparkling Halong Bay, Vietnam is blessed with highlights galore.


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Best time to visit

When to go on a Vietnam Trip

It can definitely be said that the weather in Vietnam is as diverse as its landscape. Although there is no singular season where every region will be perfect, we're here to help you plan your trip to catch the best of the weather. Thanks to its long, winding coastline, Vietnam receives a monsoon in the south from May to September, while the central coast gets its monsoon from October to April. July and August are the most temperate months across the board; while March to May is ripe for trekking in the north and brings clear skies to Halong Bay and the southern beaches. The central coast is stunning from May onwards, the ideal time to visit Hoi An, while exploring the north becomes difficult from June. October brings sunny scenery to Mai Chau Valley and Hanoi is a hubbub of activity, while December is a fantastic time to see Ho Chi Minh City in full swing. Vietnam has a steadfast calendar of festivals so plan ahead if you'd like to experience any in particular or give them a miss - Tet takes place from the end of January to February and most of the country is on the move so many restaurants and museums close.

Vietnam is a year-round destination, but March to April and October to November bring the best weather for exploring the cities, beaches, and countryside. For sunny beach days, head south between November and April!"
Jessica

Jessica Klauzenberg

Travel Specialist

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Vietnam in the blog

Vietnam Trips & Tours

Frequently asked questions

Essential information for travel to Vietnam

Vietnam has three main international airports in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang and the number of direct fights has increased steadily in recent years. However, the majority of travellers choose to take the cheaper option of an indirect flight with a stopover in Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong. Vietnam Airlines has direct flights from London to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi at around 12 hours flying time. If you’re travelling from North America, a stopover flight is your only option as there are no direct flights at present. The same often applies to travellers from Australia as there are very few direct flights, although Vietnam Airlines offers routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Melbourne or Sydney. The popular choice of combining a visit to Vietnam with other Southeast Asian countries has become easier and less pricey thanks to good-value regional air deals.

As you begin planning your trip, it’s best to visit a doctor as early as possible, preferably two months before you depart. Although there are no required vaccinations for entering Vietnam, typhoid and hepatitis A jabs are recommended and it’s a good idea to make sure you’re up to date with boosters for tetanus and polio. If you’re travelling to rural areas with a higher risk of malaria, it’s worth taking preventive tablets to ensure a worry-free trip. A rule of thumb is to avoid drinking the tap water and having ice in your drinks with the exception of a few high-end hotels and restaurants. In terms of general safety, Vietnam is known to be open and safe for visitors. However, petty crimes are becoming more common on a small scale so it’s best to keep an eye on your valuables and be aware of your surroundings in the bigger cities and tourist hubs.

Money The Vietnamese dong isn’t available outside of the country but US dollars can be used so it helps to take a few small bills until you are able to draw money from an ATM, which there are plenty of. Tipping isn’t expected on your travels but it’s definitely appreciated if you feel comfortable doing so. Gratuities suggestions: Private guide: $10 per person per day Private driver: $5 per person per day General staff: $10 per person per day Waitstaff in a city restaurant: 10% (large group may incur automatic service charge - please check)

Insurance It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: Compulsory Insurance: a. Emergency evacuation expenses b. Medical expenses c. Repatriation expenses Recommended Insurance: a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

Most passport holders will need a visa to enter Vietnam. Please ask your travel specialist whether a single or multiple entry visa is needed. Your travel specialist can also arrange the visa for you, if you prefer. In order to initiate the e-visa process, we will need the following: 1. A colour photo of your passport details page 2. A recent headshot photograph of you (no glasses or hats) 3. A photograph of two blank pages in your passport. The cost will be $60 per person (single entry) or $90 per person (multi-entries) and it will be completed in about 10 business days. We will then include it with your Final Documents email so that all your documents are in one place. The team in Vietnam is very familiar with the e-visa process, and can take that stress away if you'd like to simplify the process. If you choose to do it yourself, please be aware that there are many scam visa websites, your name must be entered exactly as your passport reads, and you are liable for any mistakes. Please use this one when applying for your evisa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt Single-entry tourist visas are generally valid for 30 days from your date of arrival, although longer durations can be arranged.


All foreign passport holders arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) are required to complete a pre-arrival declaration of their personal information prior to entry. This can be done through one of the following methods:

  1. Online before departure (recommended) - https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/
  2. On arrival at the airport: By scanning a QR code available in the immigration area

To help ensure a smoother arrival experience, we strongly recommend that travellers complete the declaration online before departure and have the QR code ready upon arrival.


Some might say the weather in Vietnam is as varied as its scenery, and what you pack boils down to when and where you’re going - check out our guide on when to go! Here are a few handy essentials to start you off: - Light and cool clothing including modest items - Beachwear (if you’re travelling to the coast) - Warmer items and rain coat - Comfortable and sturdy footwear - Mosquito repellent with DEET - Torch - Electrical adaptors ((electricity runs on 220 volts and round or flat two-pin plugs are most commonly used) - Camera - Photocopies of passport and visa details - Leech socks and gaiters

Travel with a purpose
Travel with a purpose

We're proud to be making a positive impact

We’re big believers in leaving a positive impact in the countries in which we operate. We’re proud to donate $50 for every booking to projects focusing on female empowerment, tech education, and conservation.

Our dream is to empower our guests to travel with a purpose.

So far, we’ve donated $78,000 to projects across Africa.

Reviews

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Based on 12 Feefo Reviews for Vietnam

My SE Asia trip with Timbuktu was Amazing
Jeff Peck
My SE Asia trip with Timbuktu was Amazing
April 2024
Journey Through Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam
The Timbuktu team did an amazing job putting together an itinerary that got better every day. All the places I visited and journeys I went on were not ones I could have found myself. The schedule had me stopping and enjoying where I was now and looking forward to those to come. Your execution of the trip was outstanding and flawless. I was always met when I disembarked from whatever mode of transportation I was on by a friendly and smiling face. Each guide in every location was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly! Each time we parted, I felt like I was leaving a new friend. The accommodations were also amazing. First class with a local feel. All the hotels had wonderful staff and service, and no room disappointment. The mahogany room in Chiang Khong overlooking the Mekong was truly an experience. My time in northern Thailand with my guide and driver was fascinating. Stopping at the White Temple was inspiring. The boat trip down the Mekong was certainly a highlight. What an experience to visit the villages and the Buddha Temple cave. Luang Prabang was so interesting and full of history. The trip to the falls and the villages made for a wonderful day. I made new friends on the boat trip, and I celebrated Christmas in the night market. And I was up at 5:30 am to watch and offer offerings to the monks. Flying into Hanoi was easy thanks to the airport guide, who got me through customs quickly, and the local guide, who whisked me through the city to the train station. On her advice, we stopped, and I bought sandwiches and drinks for the overnight train trip. I had seen a documentary on this north-to-south train, and it turned out to be another highlight of my trip. In the morning, I was having coffee with my suitemates from India and Vietnam. Although we did not have a common language, we still found a way to laugh. The stop in Hue was mystical on a grey, rainy day, making it the perfect setting for the visit. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, and the driver was fantastic. Overnighting in Da Nang, a 5-star hotel on the beach, was a real treat. And allowed for a morning run along the water, As always, the guide and driver were on time to take me to the train station and pick up a few more sandwiches for the long daytime train ride that day. This was a great way to experience the countryside as it rolled by for many hours. Nha Trang was a perfect rest stop for a few days near the beach with no itinerary. A beautiful hotel with a great gym and an ocean view. Dalat was also amazing. Staying high in the mountains in a beautiful colonial hotel added to the overall experience. My guide was amazing, and after I had New Year's Day to myself to explore, there were so many things I would have missed without the local knowledge. To top off a fantastic trip, the luxury bus ride in my suite just put a big exclamation mark on everything. And just so you made sure I made it, my trip was wrapped up with a local guide in HCMC, who picked me up and delivered me to my hotel. Thank you again for putting together an amazing experience. Everything you did was perfect, and I will certainly be reaching out again soon for more experiences!

Why travel with Timbuktu?

We design tailor-made journeys for travellers who want more than a holiday, from first-time safaris, gorilla treks and multi-generational family adventures to once-in-a-lifetime honeymoons - and everything in between. And here's why so many choose us to plan them.

Tailor-Made Since 2014

Tailor-Made Since 2014

We've been crafting one-of-a-kind journeys since 2014 — over 2,500 trips across 40+ countries, each one built from scratch around your interests and dreams.

Specialists Who've Been There

Specialists Who've Been There

Our team only recommends places they've slept in, eaten in, and happily keep going back to. Condé Nast Traveler named 11 of them Top Travel Specialists in 2026, and Travel+Leisure made three A-List Advisors.

The World's No 1 Tour Operator

The World's No 1 Tour Operator

Travel+Leisure's readers voted us the World's No.1 Tour Operator in 2024 and No.2 in 2025 — the travel industry's biggest readers' award, judged by people who actually travel.

Every Trip Makes A Difference

Every Trip Makes A Difference

$50 from every booking goes to female empowerment, tech education, and conservation projects across the countries we love. We have donated $78,000 so far – and it's going up!

Collaboration Is Key

Collaboration Is Key

Your travel specialist is with you the whole way, dreaming up the trip, building the itinerary, checking you in, and answering the 2am question from the other side of the world..

Loved By Our Guests

Loved By Our Guests

We are rated 4.9 out of 5 from 911 verified Feefo reviews. And these are the words of people who actually went, not us talking about ourselves.

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11 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists 2026

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No. 1 & No. 2 Tour Operator in Travel + Leisure's Best Awards 2024 & 2025

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Best Booking Platform in Women's Health Travel Awards 2025

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Travel Specialist voted as Latin America A-List Travel Advisor 2025

Condé Nast Traveler A-List Awards

"Timbuktu can take relatively complex and slightly amorphous travel plans and transform them into a well-organized, perfectly tailored trip."

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