Vietnam Tours

November to April are the best months to plan your Vietnam tours, as it has less rainfall, and the temperature is pleasant, making it ideal for both relaxed beach vacations and outdoor historical sites.

Traveling in other months requires you to get well-prepared. In the north, the average daily temperature drops to 10-20°C (50-68°F) in winter (Dec.-Feb.), and you need to pack a windproof coat. If the highland town of Sapa is on your list, bring a down jacket. In the central and southern areas, rain gear is a must during the rainy season (May-Oct.).

Both North and South Vietnam boast distinct characters with no clear superiority, and the travel decision depends on your preference. The north is renowned for its magnificent natural landforms and rich historical culture, such as the limestone karst landscape of Ha Long Bay, the highland rice terraces and tribal culture of Sapa, and the capital Hanoi. Meanwhile, the south attracts worldwide travelers with its vibrant tropical rainforest scenery, islands, and French-style charm, such as the water coconut groves in the Mekong River Delta, the enthusiastic Phu Quoc Island and the economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City.

Additionally, the central region is also worthwhile for its Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town, the flower city of Da Lat, the beaches of Nha Trang, and the oldest karst caves in Asia at Dong Hai.

With a distance of around 170 km (106 mi), there are various transportation options available from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, including local coaches, shuttle buses, private cars, trains, and even flights.

The 3-hour local coach is an economical option, costing less than VND 200,000 (USD 7.5) per person, but with limited frequency, complex bus stops, and communication barriers with the bus staff.

Shuttle bus is a common choice, which takes 2.5 hours and costs around VND 250,000 (USD 10) per ticket, varying in types and pickup sites, either at your hotel or fixed points, like the Old Quarter, depending on the shuttle bus companies. If you book a cruise ahead of time, the shuttle bus is generally included in the price.

Hailing a car through the Grab app may be more convenient but carries a risk of uncertainty, and surely it costs more, about VND 2,000,000 (USD 75). However, the private car we’ve arranged for our Vietnam tour packages will save you the hassle.

Additionally, there is an expensive 1-hour direct flight from Hanoi airport to Ha Long Bay, costing around VND 9,000,000 (USD 340), and subject to weather conditions. Though a slow 7-hour train costing less than VND 100,000 (USD 4) is operated, it is not recommended at all.

The hot beach spots include beaches in Phu Quoc Island and Nha Trang, and Lang Co Beach along the way from Hue to Da Nang, as well as An Bang Beach in Hoi An, and My Khe Beach in Da Nang. Our itineraries covering beaches usually reserve free days for you to fully enjoy a laid-back Vietnam vacation at your own pace, and can be customizable!

Yes, US dollars can be used in Vietnam, especially in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but always with a lower exchange rate. Thus, it’s advisable that you exchange some Vietnamese dongs for local small purchases at the airport exchange counters, banks, and gold stores, which provide simpler exchange procedures and better exchange rates.