Tour Vietnam: The Ultimate Guide

Vietnam has a rich culture that you can see with your own eyes during a tour. Of the Asian countries, it is described as the purest country, which is perhaps less touristy compared to Thailand. A visit to this vast country is definitely worthwhile. The friendly, modest population will certainly pack you in. And here you can try the real local cuisine. Another reason to visit this country is its extensive history. And because of the vastness it offers many contrasts; from green hills and rice fields to bustling cities. Discover this special country for yourself!

1. Characteristics tour Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country to visit. Take a look at all the features of Vietnam in the table below and discover the many sights that Vietnam has to offer.

2. Necessary vaccinations

Before you go on a tour of Vietnam, you can visit a local GGD to get advice on the necessary inoculations. It is recommended to make an appointment at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. During an intake interview you can go over your travel plan and personal situation. You will then hear about any vaccinations you may need. And since the most common vaccinations are in stock, they can be set immediately.

Inoculations against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) and Hepatitis A are recommended for Vietnam. In addition, personal inoculations may be necessary. For example, depending on the places you are going to visit during your tour in Vietnam, a vaccination against tuberculosis, for example, may be recommended. For a visit to the GGD you pay consultation costs. These costs are around €22. The costs for this and the vaccinations differ per GGD. Ask your regional office for more information. For a vaccination against DTP you pay about €25 and Hepatitis A costs an average of €55. Also contact your health insurance company to see what is reimbursed in your package.

3. Visa application required

A good preparation also includes applying for a visa. This is what you need during a trip to Vietnam. You can easily apply online with the Vietnamese immigration service. The costs are 25USD and it takes about 3 working days before your E-visa is ready.

4. Travel advice and safety risk's Vietnam

Security risks to Vietnam are reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What to look out for during a trip to Vietnam?

In the vicinity of former war zones there is a danger of unexploded mines and ammunition. Please note that these areas are often not clearly marked. Especially along the border with Laos and in the middle of the country you should be vigilant about this.

Places close to the border can be a risk to visit. There may be sudden conflicts between Vietnam and neighbouring countries. You can contact the local authorities if you want to visit an area close to the border.

• There are warnings in Vietnam about drugs being put into drinks. Never take a drink from someone you don't know.
• Avoid demonstrations - violence is sometimes used here.
• Do you visit Vietnam in the months May to November? Keep in mind that tropical storms can occur.
• In the mountainous areas in the north of Vietnam, earthquakes occur regularly due to heavy rainfall.

We would also like to share with you some tips on what you can do yourself to ensure safety during your trip:

• You are not allowed to take pictures of military objects or military personnel in Vietnam. Stay away from military installations.
• In spite of the fact that homosexuality is increasingly accepted in Vietnam, this is not the case throughout the country. Keep in mind that, for example, older people and outside the big cities do not always accept it.
• Have no drugs in your possession, there are severe punishments in Vietnam. For possession, - use and -trafficking you can get the death penalty.
• Dress appropriately when visiting a religious or cultural site.

5. Best travel period Vietnam

What is the best travel time for a holiday to Vietnam is a bit hard to tell given the length of the country. You will find different climate zones. In general, Vietnam can be divided into 3 zones.

5.1. North of Vietnam

Here you enjoy a subtropical climate. Winter runs from November to March, summer from May to October. In winter the temperatures are between 16 - 23 degrees. The summer months are hot and humid. July, August and September are the months with the most rain.

5.2. Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam has a tropical climate with influences from the north. It is hot and dry in the months February to August. The rainy months are October and November.

5.3. South of Vietnam

In the south of the country temperatures are high all year round. On average around 32 degrees. It has a tropical climate, with a mild period between December and March. The rainy season runs from June to November, the dry period is between April and June. Generally speaking, the best time to travel during a Vietnam holiday is from February to May (spring) and from August to December (autumn). If you want to visit Vietnam along its entire length, you can keep these months. If you only travel to a specific part of the country, you can look for the best travel period for that part.

6. Transport for a round trip Vietnam

There are several airports in Vietnam to fly around. So you can choose from Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City to visit the big places. The travel time is between 12 and 14 hours with a direct flight. In the country, a domestic flight is a common way to travel from one place to another. The distances are large.

In Vietnam you will notice that the traffic is chaotic and dangerous. Especially in the big cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Accidents happen regularly. The many mopeds that wriggle through everything are one of the reasons for this. You will also notice that traffic lights and zebra crossings are not respected, just like general traffic rules.

6.1. Rent a car or moped

It is not possible for foreigners to rent a car or moped of more than 50 cc. You need a Vietnamese driver's license and this is only issued to people who have been living in Vietnam for more than 3 months. Please note that an international driver's license issued in the Netherlands is not valid here. If you want to travel by car, you will need to rent a car with a local driver. It can get very hectic in larger cities:

6.2. By bus

Another way to travel around Vietnam, for example, is by bus. The bus is a cheap means of transport, but it also often causes accidents. You have the choice of local buses that cover smaller distances. These are often overcrowded with locals. And sometimes tourists are charged higher prices. A more popular, and more comfortable, way is with the luxury buses. These have air conditioning, a TV and sometimes wifi. You can often also travel at night with the luxury buses. Instead of a ticket for a fixed route, you can also opt for an 'Open bus ticket'. This is very popular among travelers. You can easily get on and off on the route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. The prices are attractive, but the buses are often overcrowded.

6.3. By train through Vietnam

Another option is the train. Vietnam has an extensive, reasonably well-maintained railway network. However, these tickets are also more expensive than a bus ticket. For a long distance you can also opt for a night train, so you don't actually lose any travel time. And often travel more comfortable. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance.

6.4. With the engine

A common means of transport in Vietnam is the engine. However, since your international driver's license is not valid here, you are not insured if you travel on a motorcycle. If you have an accident, all costs are for your own account. This is something to think about. A moped under 50 cc is allowed in Vietnam. You will probably just have to get used to the chaotic traffic. Another option is to rent a motorcycle or moped with driver and sit on the back.

7. Round trip Vietnam suitable for family with children?

Vietnam is a country you can visit with children. It only has to take a few things into account. What are the points of interest for a holiday to Vietnam with a child? Please note that you also need to arrange a visa for your child. The travel distances are long in this vast country. If you are going on vacation to Vietnam with children, it is advisable to take enough time to travel. When choosing the transportation method and booking excursions, take into account the size of the trip. Local buses can be very crowded. And some excursions are very extensive. Look at options for more luxurious means of transport and for example a private excursion.

depending on the age of the children, you can very well go and see the tourist sights with them. By the way, did you know that there are many playgrounds for children in Vietnam? Outside as well as inside. Especially in warm weather, an indoor playground with air conditioning is very pleasant. Basically, everything you need to take care of your child is for sale on the spot. Wipes, nappies and for example milk food is for sale in Vietnam.

8. Twenty sights in Vietnam not to be missed

This vast country offers several special attractions. Of course, many are linked to the Vietnam War. But also the influences of the former empire are still clearly visible. What can you really not skip during a tour of Vietnam? We are happy to list 20 highlights for you.

8.1. Muong Hoa Valley

In the northernmost part of Vietnam you will find the Muong Hoa Valley, in the Sapa region. This area is known for the routes you can take between the rice fields. Here you will see green peaks, rolling hills and impressive views with rice terraces. You can walk for miles through this special landscape. Don't forget your camera here, because the area lends itself very well to take beautiful pictures.

8.2. Old Quarter in Hanoi

In the old town in the capital of Vietnam you will enjoy a great atmosphere and culture. With a history of more than 1000 years, this is a lively place. Life here takes place outside on the streets. Walk through the narrow alleys, look your eyes out at the colourful colonial houses and listen to the street vendors selling their wares. And enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal at the street stalls.

8.3. Halong bay

8.4. Tam Coc

Tam Coc literally means "three caves". It consists of 3 natural caves you can see from the Ngo Dong river. Step into one of the narrow boats and sail through the rice fields, the limestone mountains and through the caves.

8.5. Phong Nha cave

In the national park Phong Nha-Ke Bang there are several hundred caves. It is not surprising that this natural park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of these caves is the Phong Nha cave. This is the longest river cave in the world. Throughout the cave runs an underground river system. You don't visit this cave on foot, but by boat.

The cave is divided into three parts. The entrance zone has natural light and during hot days is the shelter for all kinds of animals from the national park. What follows is referred to as the 'twilight zone'. In this part a light installation has been placed. This ensures that you can see the stalagmites and stalactites. The last zone is the 'dark zone'. Here you discover the cave in its original state: in the dark.

8.6. Hang Son Doong Cave

A highlight of the caves in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park is the Hang Son Doong cave. This is the largest cave in the world. Five kilometres long, 200 metres high and 150 metres wide, it is large enough to be flown through by plane. And did you know that it was first discovered in 1991? And it wasn't until 2009 that the cave was mapped out by a group of researchers.

During a trip through the cave you will enjoy giant stalagmites and stalactites. Also special is that in some places light shines from outside to inside. The ceiling of the cave has collapsed in several places. Because of this, life has also crept in from outside the cave, so you encounter an underground rainforest.

You can choose to make an expedition through the cave. An expedition of 4 days is not cheap. But if you want to see this miracle in nature, it is definitely worth it. You just need to be in good shape. You have to make a jungle trip, climb rocks and cross rivers to name but a few. This attraction is very suitable for adventurers.

8.7. Paradise Cave

8.8. Vinh Moc Tunnels

The Vinh Moc tunnels were used as a refuge during the Vietnam War to escape the bombings. The tunnel complex was strategically located on the border of North and South Vietnam. Rooms, kitchens and wells were built in the tunnels. At the time of the war whole families lived in the tunnels, who survived the attacks thanks to the tunnels. The tunnels are well preserved and can now be visited by tourists. It offers a special opportunity to learn more about the Vietnam War.

8.9. Hue Imperial City

Centrally located in Vietnam is Hue. Between 1802 and 1945 this was the imperial capital of the country. In the city you can still see its influences with the remains of ancient Vietnam. The Imperial city is surrounded by a moat and thick walls and you will find palaces and shrines.

The most famous landmark in the imperial city is the Forbidden City. This city was only accessible to the imperial entourage. It consisted of richly decorated halls, temples and pavilions. Unfortunately, Tu Cam Thanh cannot be seen in its completely original state. Due to the bombings during the war, parts of the complex were destroyed. A lot of hard work is being done to restore the buildings. In the middle of the complex you will find the Forbidden Purple City, this was the private residence of the emperor. And the To Mieu Temple in the southwest corner of the complex is one of the most beautiful parts to see.

8.10. Tomb of Minh Mang

The perfume river runs through the town of Hue. In the autumn time, flowers from orchards fall into the water, which gives the river a perfume-like scent. Along the banks of the river, Vietnamese emperors had tombs built for themselves. One of these tombs is that of emperor Minh Mang. This majestic tomb is located in the middle of a wooded area. And is known for its special architecture.

8.11. Ba Na Hills

Westerly of Da Nang you will find the hill station Ba Na Hills. It is located at an altitude of 1500 meters and offers fantastic views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding mountains. The resort was founded by French settlers as a leisure activity. Considering the altitude here is cooler than the area near the coast. There is a cable car, the Ba Na Cable Car. This is the longest non-stop single track cable car in the world. Another attraction is the Golden Bridge. This 150 meter long footbridge connects the cable car with the gardens. Two giant stone hands seem to support the structure of the bridge.

8.12. The Marble Mountains

8.13. Hi An ancient town

In the middle of Vietnam you will find the coastal town of Hoi An. Walking through the car-free city centre you will discover the story of trade and culture that goes far back into the past. You can wander through the old centre for hours to admire the centuries-old architecture. Take a look at the Japanese trading houses, Chinese temples and old warehouses. Here you can see influences from different cultures. The old town of Hoi An is on UNESCO's world heritage list. If you stay here, it might seem hectic Asia is just as far away.

8.14. I resort hot mineral springs

During a tour of Vietnam it is nice to have a moment of relaxation too. This can be done at theI-resort hot mineral springs. Here you can enjoy mud baths, hot water baths and massages. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in nature.

8.15. Vinpearl amusement park

In the south of Vietnam lies the town of Nha Trang from where you can visit the Vinpearl Land amusement park. This amusement park is located on the island of HònTre which used to be used as a prison. To get there you can use a speedboat or the cable car.

8.16. Datanla Waterfall

The Datanla waterfall is located near Da Lat in southern Vietnam. This 25 meter high waterfall consists of different levels. And on each level there is an activity to do, like rafting, abseiling and free jumping. You can walk up through a pine forest to the top of the waterfall. Or you can use the 'alpine coaster' to travel 20 to 40 kilometres per hour through the forest to the waterfall.

8.17. Elephant falls

At about 30 kilometers from Da Lat you will find the Elephant Falls (That Voi). This waterfall is thought to be a rock that is said to resemble the head of an elephant. What makes this waterfall special is that you can see the roaring stream up close. It is advisable to wear good walking shoes when visiting this waterfall. You have to walk a slippery and uneven path to get to the waterfall.

8.18. War Remnant museum in Ho Chi Minh City

During a visit to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) don't skip the War Remnant museum. Here you will find an exhibition about the Vietnam War. The museum has more than 20,000 documents, artifacts, photographs and films. Of these, about 1,500 items are on display in various permanent exhibitions. The aim of the museum is to inform the public about the struggle that was fought and to maintain peace and solidarity.

8.19. Cu Chi tunnels

From Ho Chi Minh City you can visit the Cu Chi tunnels. This is an ingenious network of tunnels and underground passages. They were used during the Vietnam War to resist the American groups. But the tunnel network was dug well before that. Rebels from the south of Vietnam built this network to operate from. During the Vietcong the system was further expanded.

The Cu Chi tunnels are now a museum. During a visit you will experience for yourself how small the narrow corridors and openings are where the soldiers had to wriggle their way through. Not only will you learn about the living conditions in the tunnels, you will also see how the army operated. For example by watching the booby traps they used to make. You can visit the Cu Chi tunnels in two places. If you go for an authentic experience, you can choose Ben Duoc. Keep in mind that this place is quite cramped and narrow. Another option is Ben Dinh. It can get very crowded here and these tunnels are specially equipped for tourists. This means that the corridors and tunnels have been widened.

8.20. Mekong

The Mekong River crosses several Asian countries and reaches the South China Sea via Vietnam. The area is called the Mekong Delta and is famous for the fertile soil between the waterways where a lot of rice is grown. You can visit the area, a good starting point for this is Can Tho. To get a taste of the atmosphere you will of course go for a boat trip. Enjoy the trade that is done on the floating market, see the daily life of the locals pass you by and look your eyes out at the many rice fields.

9. Book a round trip to Vietnam: compare providers and accommodations

Enjoy the beautiful scenery, friendly people and delicious food. Meanwhile, learn more about the history of the country as you travel around. A holiday to Vietnam is definitely unforgettable with everything this country has to offer!

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