Halong Bay
A cruise across the water among thousands of limestone karsts rising from the calm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, often wrapped in light morning mist.
Vietnam
Between terraced rice fields, karst bays and bustling streets filled with the smell of pho, Vietnam offers a journey in several acts, from the mountainous north to the tropical southern delta, by way of the ancient cities of the center.
Why visit Vietnam?
Vietnam combines remarkable landscape diversity, from the mountainous north and Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta, alongside a rich cultural heritage and globally recognized cuisine. Its length from north to south lets travelers experience varied climates, terrains and urban atmospheres within a single trip.
What to discover in Vietnam?
Vietnam stretches over more than 1,600 kilometers, offering a mosaic of strikingly different landscapes and atmospheres. In the north, Hanoi blends colonial quarters, peaceful lakes and lively markets, while Halong Bay reveals its limestone karsts rising above calm waters dotted with traditional junks. Further inland, in the mountains, the terraced rice fields of Sapa or Mu Cang Chai trace landscapes shaped by generations of farmers from the northern ethnic minorities.
Toward the center of the country, Hue and Hoi An reflect a rich imperial and trading past, with their temples, historic architecture and distinctive local cuisine. The south, centered around Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, shifts the pace entirely: floating markets, a dense network of canals and continuous urban energy day and night. Across these very different regions, Vietnamese cuisine, its street markets and the warmth of local hospitality complete a varied, accessible and consistently refreshing travel experience.
Cities to visit in Vietnam
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Vietnam in pictures
Highlights
A few iconic experiences to discover the diversity of Vietnam, from the mountainous north to the tropical south.
Hoi An Old Town
UNESCO-listed lanes, yellow facades, colorful lanterns at night and a rich past as a historic trading port between Asia and Europe.
Sapa rice terraces
Terraces carved into the mountainside over many generations of careful farming, set amid villages of the ethnic minorities of northern Vietnam.
Mekong Delta
A vast network of canals, floating markets and tropical orchards, reachable by boat from Ho Chi Minh City in a single day.
Hue Imperial City
The former capital of the Nguyen emperors, with its temples, royal tombs and graceful riverside architecture along the Perfume River.
Vietnamese street food
Pho, banh mi and bun cha are enjoyed on small low stools, amid the continuous bustle of the city sidewalks.
Practical information
- Capital
- Hanoi
- Area
- About 331,000 km²
- Population
- About 99 million
- Language
- Vietnamese
- Currency
- Vietnamese dong (VND)
- Time zone
- UTC+7
- Climate
- Tropical in the south, more temperate and humid in the north
- Best season
- February to April, and September to December depending on the region
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The climate varies greatly from north to south, so the best time depends mainly on which regions are visited during the trip. Overall, spring and autumn offer more stable conditions across the country.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Entry requirements depend on the traveler's nationality and can change over time depending on current bilateral agreements between countries. It is advisable to check visa requirements with Vietnamese authorities or the embassy before any departure.
How long should a first trip to Vietnam last?
To explore the main regions, from the mountainous north to the tropical south, two to three weeks usually allow for a comfortable pace without rushing between the different cities and landscapes.
How do you travel between the different regions?
The country can be crossed by plane for long distances between the north and south, and by train or bus to connect nearby cities, thanks to a well-developed domestic transport network.
Is Vietnamese cuisine really that diverse?
Yes, it varies noticeably from one region of the country to another, with specialties distinct to the north, center and south, shaped by local history and the ingredients available there.
Is Vietnam suitable for a family trip?
The country offers a wide range of activities, from quiet beaches to accessible cultural sites and gentle nature excursions, making it a genuinely adaptable destination for different family travel paces.
Plan your trip to Vietnam
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
