Join us on a holiday to Vietnam
Vietnam holidays are the stuff of dreams.
Float lazily past spectacular limestone karst islands aboard a traditional boat in HaLong Bay, soak up the sounds of Hanoi’s bustling streets and lose yourself in Ho Chi Minh City’s (formerly Saigon) Old French Quarter. Here especially, the memories of the Vietnam War still lie close to the surface. Explore the underground tunnels that formed a hidden city of sleeping quarters, hideouts and supply routes beneath the city, or honour the memory of the fallen in a cemetery of thousands of war victims.
Leave Ho Chi Minh and head out to discover the calmer pace of life in the Vietnamese countryside. Travel south into the Mekong Delta’s scenic landscape of rice paddies, orchards and colourful market towns. Alternatively, head inland into terraced hillsides of rice paddies and forests teeming with over 9,000 different species of animal and bird. Here you’ll discover a timeless world of pagodas and monasteries, former Royal capitals and peerless sunsets. Stroll the historic cobbled streets of Hoi An, with its quaint cafes, traditional craft shops and brightly coloured lanterns, or stop by the city of Can Tho for a fascinating boat ride to its lively floating markets.
Join a Vietnam tour package with Newmarket Holidays and witness the breathtaking sights of this beautiful country and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Things to do in Vietnam
Vietnam is full of fascinating sights and experiences, from buzzing cities steeped in history to unspoilt beaches and striking natural landscapes. Indeed, Vietnam tours are truly magical. There are plenty of things to do in this enchanting land, but here are some of our top things to do.

Journey through the Mekong River
The Mekong River runs throughout Southeast Asia and is home to a variety of wildlife and traditional scenes. Board a boat in Ben Tre to explore the maze of its rivers, canals and streams, and to watch local vessels loaded with coconuts and fruit float past on their way to market.

Cruise Ha Long Bay
A particular highlight of many Vietnam tour packages, a cruise on a traditional vessel in Ha Long Bay is a truly stunning experience. The scenery here is dramatic and features imposing limestone peaks and emerald waters. Opt for an overnight cruise to enjoy the even more spectacular sight of a sunset or sunrise over the bay.

Visit Hanoi
Step back in time in Hanoi. See its colonial architecture and modern sights. Visit the old quarter, ancient commercial streets, the temples and pagodas. Discover the customs and history behind sites such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Imperial Citadel.
Things to see in Vietnam
Vietnam’s landscapes resemble scenes from a fantasy story. Surreal seascapes of limestone islands rise from the waters, and brightly coloured French Colonial buildings add to the charm of this fascinating land. Discover this captivating country on one of our enchanting Tours of Vietnam and enjoy spectacular sights such as these.
Vietnam tour highlights
Things to see and places to visit on your escorted tour of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh city
Vibrant, diverse, and full of excitement, Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities.

Hanoi
Trendy, lively and romantic, Hanoi has plenty to offer visitors.
Food and drink in Vietnam
Vietnam is a foodie paradise – its cuisine renowned for freshness and punchy flavours. Contrasting textures and flavours make Vietnamese cuisine stand out – with a brilliant balance of aromatics, spices, and sweet and sourness. Whether you're eating at humble street food stalls or glitzy fine dining establishments, you can be sure of mouthwatering meals throughout the country.
Tastes and flavours change from region to region. Each region in Vietnam has its own distinct specialities and signature dishes, with many restaurants and street vendors serving up fresh and locally sourced cuisine. You’ll find stir-fries and noodle-based soups in the north, heavily influenced by its Chinese neighbours. While in Hanoi, opt for Vietnam’s national dish – pho. It’s the best place to savour an authentic taste of this noodle soup dish, usually made with beef or chicken.
Further south, you’ll get a sweeter and spicier taste. The tropical climate here means more fruits and vegetables are available. Try banh mi, the famous Vietnamese baguette sandwich, influenced by its French colonial past. Don’t be fooled though, this sandwich is very Vietnamese, and often liberally garnished with fresh coriander, chilli sauce and lightly pickled vegetables. Other popular dishes to look out for on your holidays in Vietnam include bò kho, a beef stew usually served over noodles or accompanied by a bread roll, and bún riêu, a noodle soup made with crab paste and tomato and topped with meat or tofu.
Just in need of a snack? Try summer rolls. These crispy rolls consist of rice paper stuffed with shrimp, noodles and vegetables and are often served with a peanut sauce. Or, if you’re a really adventurous eater, there’s always the option to try some of Vietnam’s most unusual eats – fried crickets, snake meat or whole grilled frogs, anyone?

Vietnam FAQs
First holiday in the Vietnam? Here are a few questions you might have.
- Time Zone
- GMT +7 hours
- Avg. Flight Time
- 11 hours 40 minutes (Hanoi)
- Visa Required
- Visa required
- Currency
- Vietnamese dong (VND)
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What are the best tours to Vietnam?
To get the best of your Vietnam adventure, we recommend the following tours:
Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
Timeless Vietnam
Halong Bay & Five-Star Vietnam River Cruise
Classic Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
Halong Bay & Five-Star Vietnam River Cruise with Angkor Wat & Phnom Penh ExtensionIf you'd like to see more Vietnam tours, check out our website.
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When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam depends which part of the country you intend to go to, as the weather typically varies by region. Generally speaking, the south is affected by the southwesterly monsoon, which lasts from May to September, whilst the north is affected by the northeast monsoon, from October to April. If you want to see the whole country, then autumn (September to December) and spring (March and April) are the best seasons in which to visit, before the hot, humid summer (May to August).
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Is it safe to go to Vietnam?
Vietnam is a friendly and safe country for tourists to visit. That being said, petty crime isn’t uncommon, although taking sensible precautions should negate any risk. The most hassle tourists encounter is usually from over-eager street vendors and sellers. There are unexploded ordnance from past conflicts in some parts of the country, most notably the Demilitarized Zone, where you should always stick to the marked pathways.
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What’s the capital of Vietnam?
Vietnam’s capital city is Hanoi, which is in the north of the country. The most populated city in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, which is in the south.
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What language do they speak in Vietnam?
Vietnamese is the primary language spoken in Vietnam, with English and French often favoured as alternatives. The Vietnamese language uses a modified version of Latin alphabet, which has 29 letters, including 12 vowels and 17 consonants. Here are a few useful phrases in Vietnamese and French, with pronunciation included for Vietnamese:
Vietnamese
Hello – Xin chào (sin chow)
Goodbye – Tạm biệt (tarm byeet)
Please – Làm ơn (lahm un)
Thank you – cảm ơn (gam un)
Do you speak English? – Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không? (ban gaw noy dee-ing ahn khohm?)
French
Hello – Bonjour
Goodbye – Au revior
Please – S’il vous plait
Thank you – Merci
Do you speak English? – Parlez vous Anglais?
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What currency do they use in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, they use the Vietnamese dong, which is abbreviated to VND. For the latest exchange rates, please see www.xe.com.
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Can I use US dollars in Vietnam?
Although Vietnam’s official currency is the Vietnamese dong, you can pay in US dollars ($) in many big hotels and shops.
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Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Most foreign visitors require a visa to enter Vietnam, including citizens of the UK. To get a visa, apply in advance online for a letter of approval, which is then stamped when you arrive in Vietnam. Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days, although you can apply for a longer one directly with your local Vietnamese embassy. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with two free pages for the visa itself, and you must be able to show proof of onward travel.
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What’s the best way to get to Vietnam?
Vietnam shares borders with China, Cambodia and Laos, and is easily accessible from these three countries, by either road or river. For most tourists though, the easiest way to get to Vietnam is to fly. Vietnam has several international airports, with the three main ones being Noi Bai (HAN), Tan Son Nhat (SGN) and Da Nang (DAD), along with Phu Quoc (PQC) in the south, which receives international flights from Asian countries.
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What’s the best way to get around Vietnam?
Vietnam’s domestic transport network is fairly well developed, with a network of bus, coach and train routes, connecting the country’s main cities and most popular sites. Domestic flights are also a good way to get around, are relatively cheap and save time. However, by taking domestic flights, you’ll miss out on the staggering views afforded to those who take the bus or train.
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What’s the weather like in Vietnam?
Generally speaking, the weather in Vietnam is warm and humid. However, given the length and size of the country, the weather does vary depending on location. The far north can get quite cold during winter, and has even experienced snow in the past. Typically the north has wet summers, with daytime temperatures ranging between 15–28°C, and mild, dry winters, with average temperatures of 17–22°C. In the south, the temperatures are more stable, typically ranging between 25–35°C throughout the year, with two distinct seasons: wet and dry.
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What is Vietnam famous for?
Vietnam is famous for its stunning natural beauty, energetic cities, Buddhist temples, delicious, fresh food and rich culture. The country is also known for the Vietnam War, known in Vietnam simply as the American War, which took place between 1955 and 1975. The war, which was fought between South Vietnam and the Americans against Communist North Vietnam and her allies, was bitter and bloody with massive losses on both sides. The war was eventually won by North Vietnam, resulting in the reunification of North and South Vietnam into a single country, and the unilateral withdrawal of US troops from the country.
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What are the top things to see in Vietnam?
Ha Long Bay, a collection of 1,600 picturesque limestone islands, is one of Vietnam’s most popular natural attractions, along with the Phu Quoc Island and the Mekong Delta. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An are among the country’s most popular cities to visit. The country’s Vietnam War remnants are also popular tourist sights, including the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum, both in Ho Chi Minh City.
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What’s the food like in Vietnam?
Food in Vietnam tends to be light, fresh and subtle in flavour, more often boiled or steamed, as opposed to stir-fried, which is the most common method of cooking in this part of Asia. Great emphasis is placed on using fresh herbs and seasoning, which makes sense when you consider Vietnam’s fertile paddy fields and great plains. Popular dishes in Vietnam include pho, a Vietnamese soup typically made with beef broth, banh pho noodles and thin slices of beeth, served with fresh herbs. Banh mi is a popular Vietnamese street food snack that has its roots in Vietnam’s French colonial past, consisting of a fresh baguette filled with a choice of meats, fresh herbs and vegetables.
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What should I take to Vietnam?
Visitors to Vietnam should pack breathable, airy clothing, together with a light raincoat and travel adaptor. Always take sun cream and a sun hat, especially if you are travelling during summer. Insect repellent and tiger balm are also useful items to take to Vietnam. Flip flops or sandals are suitable for the most part, but it is also advisable to pack a more durable pair of shoes, especially if planning on doing a lot of walking. A travel pillow and pair of earplugs could come in handy for lightsleepers.
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