For remarkable variety in one country: northern mountains and Ha Long Bay, imperial cities and the lantern-lit town of Hoi An, a long coast of beaches and islands, and the buzzing Mekong south, all wrapped in deep history, famous hospitality and one of the world's great cuisines. It works as a touring trip, a beach holiday or a mix of both, and offers exceptional value throughout.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

It depends on the regions, as the climate varies hugely along the country's length. Spring, roughly February to May, is the safest all-round window for a north-to-south trip. The northern and central areas are also good around September to November; the southern and island beaches, including Phu Quoc, peak between November and April; and Nha Trang is driest between February and August. There is good weather somewhere most of the year.

How long do you need in Vietnam?

Ten days to two weeks suits a classic north-to-south trip, taking in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, the central cities of Hue and Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong, with internal flights linking them. Add several days of beach time in Nha Trang or on Phu Quoc to unwind at the end, and two weeks or a little more covers the country comfortably without rushing.

Is Vietnam good for a beach holiday?

Yes, increasingly so. Alongside its cities and landscapes, Vietnam has a long coast and fine islands: Nha Trang for a lively beach-city break with island-hopping and mud baths, and Phu Quoc, the largest island, for white-sand beaches and sunsets, visa-free for many visitors. They work beautifully as a relaxing end to a touring trip, or as a beach destination in their own right.

Do you need a visa for Vietnam?

Many nationalities need a visa or e-visa to enter Vietnam, though rules vary by country and change periodically, and short stays are sometimes exempt. Phu Quoc island has its own more relaxed visa-free arrangement for many visitors on short stays. Because the requirements shift, it is always best to check the current rules for your nationality before booking travel.

Is Vietnam a good destination for food?

Among the very best. Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, herb-laden and strongly regional, from the pho and bun cha of the north to the imperial dishes of Hue and the seafood and bright flavours of the south. It is eaten everywhere, from pavement stalls and markets to refined restaurants, and is consistently excellent and good value. For many travellers, the food alone justifies the trip.

Boutique Hotels in Vietnam - Coast & Heritage Stays

Where to Go

Vietnam divides naturally into north, centre and south, and most trips take in at least two. The north holds the capital, Hanoi, with its frantic, atmospheric Old Quarter, and the iconic seascape of Ha Long Bay, along with the rice terraces and hill tribes of Sapa. The centre is the cultural heart: the imperial city of Hue, the beautifully preserved trading town of Hoi An with its lanterns and tailors, and the beaches and big resorts around Da Nang. The south centres on fast-moving Ho Chi Minh City, gateway to the waterways of the Mekong Delta. Running down the long coast between are the beach destinations, chief among them Nha Trang, Vietnam's best-known seaside city, set on a beautiful island-studded bay. Off the south-western tip lies Phu Quoc, the country's largest island, a tropical escape of white-sand beaches and jungle in the Gulf of Thailand.

The Beaches and Islands

While Vietnam is known first for its cities and landscapes, its coast and islands are a destination in themselves. Nha Trang offers a classic beach-city break of warm, clear water, island-hopping and the region's famous mineral mud baths, with quieter retreats on the surrounding headlands and bays. Phu Quoc, a short flight from the mainland and visa-free for many visitors, is the country's premier beach island, with sunset-facing west-coast sands, protected jungle interior and a laid-back pace. Both make a relaxing counterpoint to a touring trip through the cities and countryside.

When to Go

Vietnam's climate varies so much along its length that there is no single best time, but the broad picture helps. The north and centre are most reliable between roughly February and May and again around September to November; the far north is coldest in winter. The southern and island beaches, including Phu Quoc, are at their best in the dry season between November and April, while Nha Trang runs differently, driest between roughly February and August. For a multi-region trip, spring is the safest all-round bet.

Getting the Most From a Trip

Because Vietnam is long and varied, the usual approach is to move through it rather than base in one spot. Most itineraries run north to south, or the reverse, linking Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, the central cities of Hue and Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong by a series of short internal flights. Beach time is best saved for the end, unwinding on the coast at Nha Trang or on the island of Phu Quoc after the touring is done. With less time, pairing one region with a few days by the sea makes a satisfying trip in itself, while the food, found everywhere from street stalls to fine dining, ties the whole journey together.

Getting There and Around

The main international gateways are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, with frequent flights and good links worldwide. Internal flights are cheap and the simplest way to cover the long distances, while the north-south railway and the scenic coastal roads repay those with more time. Within cities, taxis and ride apps are easy and inexpensive; beaches and islands are reached by short flights or ferries, and most hotels arrange transfers.