What are the first things that come to your mind on mentioning Vietnam? We used to think about endless rice fields, pointed straw hats, and steaming pho bowls. You may as well dream about the thousand islands of Ha Long Bay or recollect the Vietnamese war veteran living next to you and buying you lollipops on Sundays.

And indeed, all of these images are very Vietnamese. Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries, filled with urban cities, UNESCO heritage sites, island bays, mountains, and caves.

Why should you visit Vietnam?

Vietnam has a lot to offer. From coffee and distinctive cuisine to warm and welcoming locals, not to mention its history. It stands out from Asian countries like Thailand or the Philippines. Vietnam is famous for its distinct blend of flavors, vibrant streets, and stunning natural beauty. Read our guide to know more about Vietnam’s unique places and things to do.

What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

In a country with more than 1,600 km, the weather varies considerably as you go from North to South Vietnam. The typhoon season, when things get a bit stormy, lasts from May to November. But if you’re looking for the sweet spot, March to April is the best time to visit. So, plan your trip around this period, and you’ll likely dodge the raindrops like a pro.

North Vietnam
The north of Vietnam experiences cold winters from December to February, with the lowest temperature of 5-10°C.

Center of Vietnam
The Summer season in the central part of Vietnam lasts from January until August. The weather is hot and dry, with temperatures between 22°C and 36°C.

South Vietnam
Down in South Vietnam, it’s all about that warm and welcoming vibe throughout the year – no need to worry about chilly days. The rain likes to join the party from June to November. For the prime experience, aim for a visit between November and April. That’s when the weather shows off its best side, giving you the perfect backdrop for a memorable trip.

How to get to Vietnam?

When planning to travel to Vietnam, most travelers also include beautiful nearby countries, like Laos, China, or Cambodia, in their itineraries. You’ve got loads of options, from scenic train rides to zippy flights, making it a breeze to explore not just Vietnam but all those awesome neighboring spots. Transportation in Vietnam is diverse and includes various options to explore the country and its neighboring destinations seamlessly.

Traveling by plane

There are lots of ways to get to Vietnam. You can take direct flights with international airlines – Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (HAN) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) are the hotspots for that. Then, there’s Danang International Airport in Danang (DAD), a bit quieter but still doing its thing with flights to some Asian spots.

Instead of going straight to Vietnam, catch flights with layovers in places like Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong. It can save you some cash! If Vietnam is on your radar, check out those flight prices ahead of time. And if you’re already exploring Asia, there are direct flights starting at just 50 bucks for a one-way ticket.

Bangkok to Hanoi
Singapore to Ho Chi Minh
Bali to Ho Chi Minh
Manila to Ho Chi Minh

Traveling by Train or Bus
Hopping on a train is one of the coolest ways to see Vietnam. It’s safe, super convenient, and lets you soak in the countryside views. Plus, you can zip to almost all the must-visit spots, and bonus, it’s often quicker than the bus.

There are even trains that whisk you across borders to Cambodia, China, and Laos. Vietnam has a whole railway system with different types and classes of trains. Basic, no-frills “hard seat” and “hard sleeper,” or if you’re feeling a bit fancy, there are the “soft seat” and “soft sleeper” grades. Some trains even crank up the luxury with air conditioning, private cabins, and swankier amenities.

In Vietnam, there are three main types of train carriages :

1st Class Sleeper: The highest class with 7 cabins of four berths each, providing pillows, sheets, and reading lights. It’s relatively comfortable for sleeping, and there’s storage space under the bottom bunk.
2nd Class Sleeper AC: Similar to 1st Class, but with 6 hard berths in each cabin
2nd Class AC Seats Only: These are soft seats, similar to well-used airplane seats. Luggage space is limited, and tickets may include sitting on small stools in the aisle.

One of the only popular places unreachable by train is Dalat in the central highlands, which one can get to by bus or plane.

Traveling by Ferry, Boat, or Cruise

For all island hoppers or coastal explorers, Vietnam is totally reachable by boat or ferry! They have neat ports and marinas all set up for international travelers. Think of places like Da Nang or Nha Trang – they’re like the welcoming doorways to Vietnam by sea. So, if you’re up for a bit of an aquatic adventure, sailing into Vietnam might just be your kind of entrance.

Vietnam is a hotspot for cruise enthusiasts! Picture this: cruise lines setting sail with awesome itineraries that stop at Vietnamese gems like Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

You can hop off the cruise and explore places like Hoi An, Phu Quoc Island, and the Mekong Delta. It’s like a floating adventure that goes beyond the ports.

These cruise trips in Vietnam can be shorter than you think. Some are quick day trips, while others let you enjoy the sea breeze all night long.

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