Vietnam is a country defined not just by where you go, but by how it makes you feel. This is a place where ancient traditions and modern life blend seamlessly; where serene countryside meets compelling cities; and where hospitality comes as naturally as the landscapes are beautiful.

🇻🇳 A Journey Through Culture & History

Vietnam’s history is woven into every street, every temple, every market and every meal. Wander Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter, explore the imperial citadel of Hue, or drift through Hoi An’s soft glow of lanterns — each destination offering its own story, its own rhythm, and its own sense of place.

🏞️ Breathtaking Scenery at Every Turn

Few countries offer such varied scenery in one journey. Cruise among Halong Bay’s limestone karsts, cycle through emerald rice paddies, stroll along peaceful rivers, or sail through the lush channels of the Mekong Delta. From mountain passes to quiet beaches, Vietnam’s landscapes unfold with cinematic beauty.

🍜 One of the World’s Great Cuisines

Balanced, fresh and bursting with flavour, Vietnamese cuisine is a highlight in itself. Enjoy fragrant pho in Hanoi, market-to-table dishes in Hoi An, and exquisite seafood along the coast. Whether simple street food or elegant dining, meals in Vietnam are unforgettable — and deeply tied to local culture.

🚲 Authentic Experiences, Meaningful Moments

Vietnam rewards those who slow down and connect. Share tea with local families, learn traditional crafts, join a cooking class, take a boat to floating villages, or glide along tropical waterways. These authentic, human moments often become the most cherished memories.

😊 Warm, Welcoming People

Vietnamese hospitality is genuine and heartfelt. Travellers ranging from families to older couples often speak of the kindness they experienced — from animated guides and caring hotel teams to villagers happy to share stories of everyday life.

🏖️ A Destination for Every Traveller

Whether you're seeking culture, nature, relaxation or a gentle adventure, Vietnam offers something exceptional for every style of traveller.

For families: safe, educational, hands-on experiences.
For older couples: comfort, calm, soft exploration and boutique elegance.
For food lovers: extraordinary flavour and variety.
For first-timers and return visitors: endless inspiration.

Vietnam invites you to experience Asia at its warmest, most graceful and most memorable.

Vietnam spans two weather systems, meaning the best time to visit depends on the regions you plan to explore. The beauty is that Vietnam is a year-round destination — somewhere is always at its best.

🇳🇴 North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa)

Best time: October to April
Expect cooler temperatures, clear skies and ideal conditions for cruising, cultural touring and light walking.
May to September brings warmer weather and occasional showers, creating lush green landscapes.

🇨🇴 Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Danang)

Best time: February to August
Sunny, dry weather makes this region ideal for combining culture with beach relaxation.
October to January sees cooler weather and occasional rainfall, though still pleasant for sightseeing.

🇸🇴 South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

Best time: December to April
Dry and warm, perfect for river journeys, markets and beach stays.
May to November brings tropical showers, but rarely disrupts travel — lush scenery and great value.

Vietnam stretches over 1,000 kilometres from north to south, offering a remarkable diversity of landscapes, cultures and experiences. Whether you prefer gentle exploration, immersive culture or relaxed beach time, each region has its own personality — and its own reasons to visit.

Explore the highlights below to discover which parts of Vietnam speak to you.

🌿 North Vietnam

Culture, scenery, history & natural beauty

North Vietnam is Vietnam at its most atmospheric — ancient streets, dramatic landscapes, misty mountains and iconic limestone bays.

Hanoi

Best for: culture lovers, food fans, history seekers
Vietnam’s capital is charming, historic and full of character. Expect tree-lined boulevards, French-colonial architecture, narrow lanes and vibrant markets.

Highlights include:

• Water puppet theatre

• Old Quarter street food tours

• Hoan Kiem Lake

• Temples & old guild districts

• Cyclo rides through historic streets

Great for families and older couples alike.

Halong Bay / Lan Ha Bay

Best for: relaxation, nature, luxury cruising
Sail among towering limestone karsts on a luxury overnight cruise — a highlight of any Vietnam holiday.

Expect:

• Kayaking through emerald bays

• Cave visits

• Cooking demonstrations

• Sunset decks and fine dining

We recommend Lan Ha Bay for quieter, more exclusive experiences.

Ninh Binh (“Halong Bay on Land”)

Best for: gentle exploration, scenic landscapes
Limestone cliffs rise above green rice fields and river valleys. A peaceful alternative or complement to Halong.

Enjoy:

• Sampan boat rides

• Countryside cycling

• Temples & ancient capital sites

Perfect for older travellers wanting beauty without crowds.

Sapa & Northern Highlands

Best for: mountain scenery, soft adventure
Ideal for:

• Light village walks

• Terraced rice fields

• Cool mountain air

• Meeting ethnic minority communities

Gentle trekking options and luxury lodges make this region accessible for all.

🏯 Central Vietnam

Culture, cuisine, beaches & quiet charm

Central Vietnam offers a beautiful balance of history, natural beauty and relaxation. It’s one of the country’s most enjoyable regions for travellers of all ages.

Hue

Best for: heritage, architecture, slow-paced culture
Former imperial capital with:

• Ancient citadels

• Pagodas

• Tombs of emperors

• Perfume River cruises

Gentle, refined and wonderfully atmospheric.

Hoi An

Best for: everyone — families, couples, older travellers
Hoi An is one of Asia’s most loved destinations — a riverside town of lanterns, tailors, boutiques and graceful old buildings.

Enjoy:

• Cooking classes

• Cycling through rice paddies

• Lantern-making workshops

• Riverside dining

• Beaches nearby (Danang or An Bang)

Perfect for slow days, relaxation and immersive culture.

Danang

Best for: beach stays, luxury resorts
Long, soft sands and excellent hotel options. Ideal for combining with Hoi An.

Phong Nha

Best for: nature lovers
Home to:

• Some of the world’s largest caves

• Blue rivers and jungle landscapes

• Wildlife and rural tranquillity

Suitable for families and adults who enjoy gentle adventure.

🌴 South Vietnam

Tropical warmth, river life & historical stories

South Vietnam is warm, welcoming and varied — from modern cities to peaceful islands.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Best for: food, history, energy
A vibrant mix of French-colonial architecture, markets, museums and outstanding restaurants.

Visit:

• Reunification Palace

• Notre Dame Cathedral

• Ben Thanh Market

• Street food tours

• Sky bars with sunset views

Great for travellers who enjoy culture with a modern twist.

Mekong Delta

Best for: gentle river life, family experiences
Explore a patchwork of canals, floating markets, orchards and local villages.

Activities include:

• Sampan boat trips

• Local farm visits

• Coconut workshops

• Bikes through rural lanes

A peaceful contrast to the cities.

Phu Quoc Island

Best for: beach relaxation, families, winter sun
Soft sands, clear waters and excellent resorts. Ideal for unwinding after touring.

Con Dao Islands

Best for: luxury, seclusion, couples
Remote, beautiful and quiet — with superb snorkelling and some of Vietnam's best boutique hotels.

For older couples

• Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

• Optional add-on: Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc
  Paced gently with characterful, premium hotels.

For families

• Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hoi An (family-friendly activities) → Mekong Delta

• Optional add-on: beach stay
  Hands-on experiences, short travel days and memorable activities.

For first-timers

• Classic North–Central–South itinerary with easy, comfortable pacing.

For a relaxing cultural holiday

• Hoi An, Hue, Danang and a luxury beach stay.

For natural beauty

• Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha and Sapa.

7–10 Days — The Highlights

Ideal for first-time visitors or travellers short on time. You can comfortably see:

• Hanoi and its Old Quarter

• An overnight cruise in Halong Bay

• Hoi An for culture, tailors and riverside charm

This itinerary is gently paced and exceptionally rewarding.

12–14 Days — Classic Vietnam

The most popular length for a balanced, culturally rich trip:

• Hanoi

• Halong Bay

• Hue (imperial history)

• Hoi An (UNESCO ancient town)

• Ho Chi Minh City

• Optional: Mekong Delta or Ninh Binh

This gives you Vietnam’s iconic experiences without feeling rushed.

14–18 Days — Deeper Exploration

For travellers with more time:

• Add Sapa for mountain villages

• Add Phong Nha for world-class cave systems

• Add Phu Quoc or Con Dao for beaches

• Add Ninh Binh for scenic river landscapes

Perfect for older couples or families who want a rich, varied holiday.

3+ Weeks — Grand Vietnam

See it all:

• Full north–central–south touring

• Rural highlands

• Island stays

• Cultural extensions

Beautiful for retirees or long-haul family adventurers.

Visa-Free Entry (UK, EU & others)

Travellers from the UK and most of Europe can visit visa-free for 45 days.

eVisa (for longer stays)

If your trip exceeds 45 days or you want multiple entries:

• Apply online for a Vietnam eVisa

• Simple, fast and inexpensive

• Usually processed within 3–5 days

• Valid for up to 90 days

Passport Requirements

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival

• At least 1 blank page

The Holiday People provides guidance and step-by-step support for your visa.

Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, fragrant, healthy and very accessible — ideal for families, older travellers and food lovers alike.

What Makes Vietnamese Food So Loved

• Light and balanced flavours

• Rarely spicy unless requested

• Lots of fresh herbs and vegetables

• Grilled, steamed and stir-fried dishes

Popular Dishes

• Pho – comforting noodle soup (great for jet lag)

• Banh mi – French-Vietnamese sandwich

• Bun cha – grilled pork with noodles

• Cao lau – Hoi An speciality

• Fresh spring rolls – light and healthy

• Seafood along the coast

Dietary Flexibility

Vietnam caters exceptionally well to:

• Vegetarians and vegans

• Gluten-free diners

• Lactose intolerance

• Mild/no-spice diets

• Children

Most hotels offer international menus too.

Yes — Vietnam is an outstanding destination for older travellers seeking comfort, culture, scenery and gentle adventure.

Why Older Travellers Love Vietnam

• Private transfers everywhere

• High comfort hotels with great service

• Relaxed sightseeing

• Delicious, healthy food

• Scenic boat trips (Halong Bay, Mekong Delta)

• Excellent spa facilities and wellness retreats

• Easy domestic flights

We design pacing around your comfort:

• Shorter travel days

• Minimal walking options

• Accessible hotel rooms

• Leisure time built into itineraries

Vietnam is peaceful, inspiring and extremely welcoming to mature travellers.

Vietnam is one of Asia’s most child-friendly and family-friendly destinations.

Why Families Love Vietnam

• It’s safe and easy to navigate

• Locals adore children

• Hands-on cultural experiences

• Beach resorts with pools

• Cooking classes and craft workshops

• Boat trips, cycling, gentle hikes

• Well-paced travel with lots of variety

Excellent Family Activities

• Lantern-making in Hoi An

• Basket boat rides

• Kayaking in Halong Bay

• Street food sampling (tailored for comfort)

• Market visits

• Mekong Delta coconut workshops

• Boat rides in Ninh Binh

Vietnam blends fun, learning and adventure beautifully.

Hanoi

A fascinating blend of tradition and modernity with:

• Street food tours

• Pagodas and colonial architecture

• Lakes and leafy boulevards

Halong Bay / Lan Ha Bay

Limestone cliffs rising from emerald water. Best enjoyed on a:

• Luxury overnight cruise

• Kayaking or cave visit

• Sunset deck experience

Ninh Binh

“Halong Bay on land”:

• Quiet rivers

• Karst scenery

• Peaceful villages

• Cycling routes

Hue

Vietnam’s imperial heart:

• Citadels

• Tombs

• Pagodas

• River cruises

Hoi An

Vietnam’s cultural jewel:

• Lantern-lit streets

• Beaches

• Tailors and craft shops

• Riverside restaurants

• Cycling through rice paddies

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Dynamic and engaging:

• Markets

• Rooftop bars

• French architecture

• History museums

Mekong Delta

A peaceful, rural region ideal for:

• Canal cruises

• Floating markets

• Village visits

Sapa

For mountain lovers:

• Terraced rice fields

• Light trekking

• Luxury lodges

Phu Quoc / Con Dao

For beaches and relaxation:

• Soft sands

• Excellent resorts

• Quiet island atmosphere

No — Vietnam can be enjoyed at any fitness level, and itineraries can be tailored to suit you.

For older travellers

• Vehicle-assisted sightseeing

• Gentle walking only

• Optional walking alternatives

• Door-to-door transfers

• Lift- and ground-floor hotel choices

For families

• Easy cycling

• Simple countryside walks

• Boat trips and scenic river journeys

• Cooking classes and fun hands-on activities

You can be as active or relaxed as you like.