By Gabi ·
· 4 min read
BEST TIME
Feb to Apr, Sep to Nov
CURRENCY
Vietnamese dong (₫)
VISA
UK: visa-free for short stays
GETTING AROUND
Grab, trains + domestic flights
LANGUAGE
Vietnamese
SAFETY
Safe with normal care
01
Vietnam is long and thin, so the weather changes a lot from north to south. Spring and autumn are the best all-rounders.
North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay)
Cool, sometimes cold winters and hot, humid summers. Spring and autumn are ideal.
Central (Hoi An, Da Nang)
Lovely from February to August. The rainy season usually runs from September to December.
South (Ho Chi Minh City)
Hot all year, with a dry season from around December to April and a wet season from May to November.
02
Vietnam is one of the best-value countries in Asia, and it's easy to travel well for less.
Food: street food is cheap, fresh and some of the best you'll ever eat.
Transport: Grab rides are cheap, and domestic flights and sleeper trains are good value.
Accommodation: great quality for the price, even in the cities.
Extras: tailoring in Hoi An and cruises in Ha Long Bay are worth budgeting for.
03
Vietnam is generally safe for women travelling solo, and violent crime against tourists is rare. The main things to watch are petty theft and traffic.
Watch your bag and phone, especially on busy streets and from passing scooters.
Crossing the road takes practice: walk slowly and steadily.
Use Grab or a reputable taxi rather than hailing one on the street.
On our trip you're with a group and a leader the whole way.
04
UK passport holders can currently visit Vietnam visa-free for short tourist stays. For longer trips, Vietnam offers an e-visa you apply for online before you fly.
Your passport needs at least 6 months left on it.
Rules have changed several times in recent years, so check gov.uk before you book.
Other nationalities vary, so check your own government's advice.
05
Getting around Vietnam is part of the adventure.
Grab is the easiest way to get around the cities, by car or scooter.
Sleeper trains and buses cover the long north to south journey.
Domestic flights save time on the longest stretches.
Boats and cruises are the way to see Ha Long Bay.
06
Pack for heat, humidity and a few chilly northern evenings.
Light, breathable clothes and one warm layer for the north.
A light rain jacket.
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
Something to cover your shoulders and knees for temples.
Insect repellent and sun cream.
A small padlock for overnight trains.
The complete Vietnam packing list
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STRAIGHT FROM THE TRIP
07
Is Vietnam safe for solo female travellers?
How long do I need in Vietnam?
Is Vietnam cheap to travel?
RATHER NOT PLAN IT YOURSELF?
Vietnam with the girls
Women-only group trip with a local guide. From £1250pp.
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