Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
Hanoi’s Old Quarter, lakes and coffee culture, then a night aboard a boat among Ha Long Bay’s more than a thousand limestone islands.
Best for First impressions, scenery
Why Vietnam
Vietnam runs from Hanoi's old quarter and Ha Long Bay in the north through lantern-lit Hoi An to the Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
Highlights
- Ha Long Bay
- Hanoi
- Hoi An
- The Mekong Delta
Where to go in Vietnam
The places our travelers love most, and what each one does best.
Getting between the highlights
- Hanoi to Ha Long BayAbout 2.5 to 3 hours by car
- Hanoi to Hoi AnAbout 1.5 hours by air to Da Nang, then 45 minutes by car
- Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh CityAbout 1.5 hours by air
- Ho Chi Minh City to Siem ReapAbout 1 hour by air
Hoi An
A lantern-lit old trading town on the river, with tailors who can turn around made-to-measure clothes in a day or two, cooking classes, nearby beaches and easy cycling through rice paddies.
Best for Couples, food lovers, families
Ho Chi Minh City & the Mekong Delta
Colonial landmarks, fast-paced streets and a terrific dining scene, with floating markets and riverside villages a short drive away in the delta.
Best for City energy, river life
When to go
February to April suits the whole country. Each region has its own weather, so we plan the route around it.
Vietnam is long, so the weather changes as you go. Spring and late fall are pleasant from north to south, and the central coast around Hoi An is best from February to August.
- JanDry south; cool Hanoi
- FebLunar New Year (Tet)
- MarPleasant almost everywhere
- AprWarm and dry nationwide
- MayHot; central beaches
- JunCentral coast at its best
- JulHumid north, sunny center
- AugShowers; Hoi An still sunny
- SepTyphoon risk on the central coast
- OctCentral coast rains
- NovNorth cool and clear
- DecDry south; clear Ha Long Bay
Peak season Shoulder season Low season
Average temperatures and rainfall
Jan0.8″
Feb0.8″
Mar1.4″
Apr4.1″
May6.5″
Jun10.4″
Jul10.0″
Aug10.8″
Sep9.6″
Oct6.1″
Nov2.4″
Dec0.8″
Average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches. Bangkok is warm all year, while Hanoi has a genuinely cool winter, so pack a light jacket for northern Vietnam from December to February.
Ideas by month:
Trip ideas
Starting points only. Every Vietnam trip we plan is built around you.
North to South
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and the Mekong.
Vietnam and Cambodia
Add the temples of Angkor.
Where you'll stay
Colonial-era hotels, overnight boats and beach resorts. We choose every hotel ourselves and know which rooms have the view.
Good to know
The small things that make a big difference once you land.
Paperwork, country by country
Each country has its own visa and online arrival card rules, and some change with little notice. We confirm the current requirements for your route and tell you exactly what to file, and when, using only official government sites.
Dress for the temples
Shoulders and knees should be covered at temples and royal sites, including the Grand Palace in Bangkok and Angkor Wat. A light scarf and breathable long pants or a skirt make it easy.
Cash and cards
Cards work well in hotels and better restaurants, but markets and small shops prefer local cash. In Cambodia, U.S. dollars are widely used; bring crisp, undamaged bills.
Power and plugs
Outlets run on about 220 volts and plug shapes vary by country, with Singapore using the UK-style three-pin plug. Pack a universal adapter and check that your chargers are dual-voltage.
Pace yourself in the heat
We schedule temple visits and walking tours for early morning and late afternoon, with time back at the pool or spa in the heat of the day.
Tipping, gently
Tipping isn’t expected the way it is at home, but it’s appreciated for guides, drivers and great service. Singapore restaurants usually add a service charge. We include simple guidance in your travel documents.
Vietnam questions
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
February to April suits the whole country. Each region has its own weather, so we plan the route around it.
How long should I spend in Vietnam?
Most of our travelers spend 12 to 16 days in Vietnam. We'll shape the length around what you want to see and how you like to travel.
Can Global Escapes plan a private trip to Vietnam?
Yes. Every trip we plan to Vietnam is designed around you, with hand-picked hotels, private guides where they make a difference and support while you travel. Call 706.549.1164 or tell us about your trip below.
Tell us about your Vietnam dream.
Share as much or as little as you like. A member of our team will reach out personally to start shaping your trip.
Rather talk it through? Call 706.549.1164