Vietnam Tour
Best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam has different climates depending on each region. Therefore, this is a broad question to answer. If you want to experience a bit of everything in Vietnam, you can scroll down to understand more about the weather in Vietnam.
If your Vietnam plan is to go on a North-to-South tour, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) might be the most beautiful seasons of Vietnam. Overall, the weather is not too hot or cold. Most of the time, it will be cool with breezes and light sun rays.
In short, each Vietnam region has different weather patterns but spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) have the most pleasing weather.
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Weather in Vietnam
Each region in Vietnam has different weather patterns especially the North and South of Vietnam. Make sure to research your destination’s weather in advance so that you can pack the most essential and suitable things for your trip to Vietnam.
North
The North of Vietnam has all 4 seasons including spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best time for travelers is likely to be from March to May and September to November.
You will be able to experience the pleasantly warm weather of late spring in the North of Vietnam around March-May. The best thing about this season is the blooming season of many beautiful flowers of the North. This can be a perfect time to visit the mountainous Sa Pa and enjoy the impressive scenery of light pink ban flowers all over the town. This is also the time when the paddy fields are in fresh green.
In addition to mountainous Northern towns, Halong Bay is also a top hit. Everyone yearns for relaxing on the deck in the sun and cool breezes. The water is not too cold, which makes it perfect for swimming as well.
The least recommended time to visit North Vietnam is between June and August. The temperature can nearly hit 40 degrees Celsius which is extremely hot and humid. If you are a summer lover, make sure to stay hydrated all time and apply sufficient sunblock to protect yourself from the heat.
A lot of the North locals escape this summer heat by flying to beaches in the Central Highlands and the South. So this season’s domestic flight tickets and accommodation can be more pricey than usual.
The weather can change suddenly in summer and a downpour can come at any moment. Unexpected showers can be a “delicacy” of summertime in Hanoi so remember to carry an umbrella or a poncho with you.
On the other hand, winter (November to February) is totally opposite. Hanoi and North Vietnam are cold and humid in the summer. The temperature can drop to below 10 Celcius degrees sometimes. With the humidity, it can feel a lot more freezing than the number. Northern destinations such as Sa Pa and Ha Giang are sometimes below 0 Celcius degrees.
Average temperature and rainfall levels of Hanoi: here
Central Highlands
The central region of Vietnam has a coastal climate so it has great weather most of the year. However, there are likely to be thunderstorms in October and November so it is better not to plan too many outdoor activities at this time. May to August is summertime, which means it can be quite hot. The temperature can hit up to 40 Celsius degrees.
If you plan to visit Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An, January/ February to August is recommended. The weather is pleasantly nice with rare heavy showers.
Average temperature and rainfall levels of Hue: Here
South
The southern region of Vietnam is especially great between December and April. In contrast to the North of Vietnam, the South has a consistently warm weather pattern all year round.
There are specific seasons in Southern Vietnam including dry and wet seasons. The dry season is between November and April/ early May. The hottest time of the year belongs to this season’s February and May with a peak of 34 Celsius degrees. The wet season begins in May and ends in early November. June, July, and August are the months that receive the largest amount of rainfall. An interesting feature of the Southern wet season is how quickly the heavy rains last. Sometimes the rain only lasts for 10 minutes but it can get you soaking wet.
At the end of Vietnam, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Island are often sunny all year round with enjoyable weather.
Average temperature and rainfall levels of Ho Chi Minh City: here
Transportation in Vietnam
Within the country
To travel within Vietnam, airplanes, trains, and coaches are the most common mode of transportation. If you want to get from Hanoi to the Central Highlands or South Vietnam, it is highly recommended to book a flight. Flight tickets might be pricier but it will save you from the long wait and uncomfortable accommodation on trains.
If you only travel to a nearby city that takes only 4-5 hours on the road, book a coach.
Within the city
Vietnam offers a wide range of transportation from taxis, taxi motorbikes, Grab app, Be app, and buses. (But it can be really difficult for foreigners to take a bus.)
Where to visit in Vietnam
Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam is a city of history and culture. It is a memorable experience to walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi near Hoan Kiem Lake and immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the ancient architecture. This city will impress you with its French architecture, lakes, and tree-lined boulevards. Travelers can explore the Capital of Hanoi on foot without too many difficulties.
This interesting city also offers unique opportunities to visit Train Street where trains run through narrow residential corridors.
Halong Bay
This UNESCO recognized bay is famous for its emerald waters and thousands of impressive towering limestone islets topped by green rainforests. However, the true “delicacy” of this incredible destination is cruising. There is no better way to explore the beauty of Halong Bay than by cruises.
The cruise tour will take tourists into the serene bay and past the limestone islands. This is a chance for visitors to truly immerse themselves in nature.
Hoi An
Located on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is a well-preserved Ancient Town that cuts through the canals. As a former port, Hoi An is a reflection of history in its architecture. It is a combination of Chinese styles with wooden shophouses and temples, the colorful French colonial buildings, the iconic Japanese Bridge Pagoda, and the traditional Vietnamese tube houses.
Regardless of the fast pace of life outside, once you set your foot in this town, your mind is instantly calm and restful. The incredibly cozy and intimate atmosphere created by the ancient houses and the peaceful scenery will definitely put your mind at ease.
Phu Quoc Island
Located in the Gulf of Thailand and Kien Giang Province, Phu Quoc is the largest island of Vietnam. It is famous for the white-sand beaches and resorts along the palm-lined southwest coast of Vietnam. With the high mountains and dense tropical jungles of Phu Quoc National Park, the clear air here is truly refreshing.
Besides, the food from this island is fresh with a well-balanced range of flavors. You can maximize your stay in Phu Quoc by detoxing your body with the cuisine here.
What to eat in Vietnam
Pho
Pho is the signature dish of Vietnam that no tourists can skip while being here. The dish includes rice noodles cooked in a flavorful soup with meat and many greens. It can be served with chili sauce depending on your preference. A basic bowl of pho has beef or chicken topped with bean sprouts, lime wedges, basil, mint, cilantro, and onions.
This dish is also really cheap but it has everything that makes you full.
Banh mi
Banh mi is a unique Vietnamese sandwich that tastes nothing but awesome. It includes a toasted baguette sandwich, vegetables, pate, butter, sauce, cilantro, and chilies. You can choose a wide range of the main ingredients ranging from a fried egg, roasted pork, grilled pork, grilled beef, boiled sausages, Chinese barbecued pork, fried fish with turmeric and dill.
What to pack for a trip in Vietnam
No matter what parts of Vietnam you are traveling to, here is a list of 10 essential items you need to pack.
1. Backpack
A thick-strapped backpack will be extremely useful for all the walking and traveling. It is recommended to pick a backpack that is big and durable enough to carry all your essential belongings such as water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, and maybe some clothes to change during the day. If you buy some food or souvenir on the way, a backpack is your credible safe.
2. Travel pillow
If your trip includes a lot of road trips, a travel pillow is a must-have. Long hours of sitting and sleeping on a coach will be much better with a soft pillow to assist your neck. For your health, remember to pack a travel pillow to Vietnam.
3. Earplugs
Vietnam is sleepless, but travelers are not. Earplugs are necessary for light sleepers to have a restful and peaceful sleep. These items are perfect to ward off snorers or crying babies on long flights as well.
4. Diarrhea treatment
Medicines are a need for travelers. At some time during your travel, you will suffer from a terrible stomach aches for eating something you are not used to. Your travel routine is also different from your normal routine so the digestive system might have some problems getting used to it. Some remedies will help you to quickly recover and allow you to fully enjoy your Vietnam trip.
5. Below-the-knee skirts/ trousers
Vietnam has a lot of pagodas and temples along with the country. If you want to enter these holistic places, below-the-knee clothing is required. To express your respect, make sure that you bring some modest skirts or trousers while visiting sacred locations. On days that you plan to visit pagodas or temples, it is best to dress politely and not show too much skin.
6. Power adapter
For Vietnam, travelers are recommended to use plugs type A (two flat vertical pins), type C, and type F (two round pins). The electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 Volts at 50 Hz. It is best you prepare a global adapter before traveling to Vietnam.
If you are from Europe (excluding the UK), your power plugs are similar to the ones in Vietnam. If you are from North and Central America or Japan, you use the same plugs but it is needed to check the voltage carefully. If you are from the UK, type G plugs with 3 rectangular pins can be used in Vietnam but this plug is not common in Vietnam. If you are from Australia, you need an adapter.
7. Power bank
Power banks are super convenient. This will save you from boredom on a long flight, bus, or train ride. If you are using LTE constantly, power banks will be your lifesaver as your phone battery will burn down really fast. The worst scenario is having a dead phone in a foreign country that doesn’t speak English so avoid that by having a power bank.
8. Sun protection
Vietnam has a tropical climate, which means it will be sunny and hot for most of the time. Protection yourself with a high SPF sunblock or spray. A wide-brimmed hat is also recommended to cope with the extreme sunlight.
9. Waterproof jacket
During the monsoon season, a light and waterproof jacket will protect you from sudden rainfall. In Vietnam, the locals often use a thin plastic poncho that is extremely helpful when you are riding a motorbike.
10. Mosquito-repellent
Undoubtedly, there are a lot of mosquitoes and insects in Vietnam. It is wise to carry a bottle or spray of insect repellent. Remember to apply it before going out and reapply it during the day. This can save you from malaria and dengue fever.
If you happen to get bitten by mosquitoes, the famous tiger balm can prevent the bites from getting infected. Rub it to the mosquito’s bite to reduce swellings and itching.
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Christmas & New Year
Run away from the busy festive season for a healthy trip with our luxury Christmas & New Year Holiday in idyllic destinations in South East Asia. From family fitness holidays in Vietnam, to couples beach spa breaks in the Koh Samui and singles yoga retreats in Bali, there is a winter sun solution for all holiday maker. You may find time to relax over the Christmas Day with our rejuvenating Traditional spa, de-stress and healing wellness holidays, or get a head start on your New Year’s resolution with our active outdoor adventure trip, Yoga and detox retreats. Tailor-make your festive season holiday with a combination of healthy cuisine, luxury spa treatments, local activities encounter or bamboo boat riding in Hoi An.
Couples Holidays
Any time of the year you should treat yourself and your partner to a truly romantic and healthy getaway to warm up your love. Our couples healthy holidays are designed for you two to ensure that after the trip, you will board the flight home not only relaxed but rejuvenated as well. They all offer a range of vitality-boosting activities and spa treatments that will make your trip unforgettable. With balmy temperatures, beautiful beaches, and lush jungles, it’s hard not to feel the romance in the air in Southeast Asia. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to jet off somewhere exotic with that special someone. We know that no two couples are alike when it comes to traveling styles, so we’ve put together a list of the most romantic getaways in the region for all types of lovebirds. If it’s an intimate escape you’re after, these seductive spots won’t disappoint!
Culinary Tours
Ginger, chili, garlic, lemongrass, Lime, Kampot’s pepper, Tomatoes in Inle Lake, Mango and star fruit and durian and papaya, All the ingredients in South East Asia have created the best flavor in the world. From simple fast food to Michelin-starred street vendors, South East Asia’s main attraction is not what you see, but what you eat. In all cultures, culinary life revolves around the dining table, but in SE Asia, it is everywhere. Walking down the street from Hanoi or Bangkok or Bali, your senses are under attacked. Flashing peppers sting your eyes. Roasted duck in Vietnamese style hanging on the window of small stall in an alley in Hanoi. Seafood recently picked from the sea is served by a talented chef like his fisherman ancestor. Although the lives of locals are still street food, the next generation in South East Asia is promoting traditional & international food. Whether it’s integrating international influences from around the world like Peru into New Zealand’s farms to source quality ingredients, Asia can also offer the same cuisine as Europe and North America.
De-Stress
Getting on our De-stress Vacation, you will unwind and immerse yourself in a peaceful stress control retreat in idyllic locations. We’ve handpicked the best programs to recharge your body and mind. Our programs include therapies of Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama, and Ayurveda alongside with holistic therapies and natural medical consultation. We recommend tailor-made supportive emotional therapies, which are designed for those who need to isolate themselves from their busy life schedules, then they can start to recharge, renew and rebalance their mind, body, and spirit.
Detox
The detox holidays are getting more popular because it derives from the health benefits through good nutrition, carefully chosen treatments and well-being activities that it brings to the travelers such as yoga to archive the clarity in mind, body detoxification and stress reduction. On our detox holidays, you’ll receive a specialized detox consultation before starting your program to set up clear goals and, where necessary, customize your program so that it’s tailored made to you personally. After completion of the program, you’ll have a better body awareness also with the nutritional advice to keep it in good health condition long after the vacation has ended.
Family Holidays
Every year, you are wondering where to take your little angels to go to explore the world… Amusement park or beach again? Maybe this year, you will expect to create unforgettable memories for your dear babies, not perfunctory. It is a good choice to embrace the new world, explore the beautiful scenery, and spend time with the local people. This will convey the child’s concept of courage to explore new things and develop the child’s ability to adapt to the new environment. For children, travel is the best way to learn. It is a silent school! Of course, you may want to have an adventure trip, but you are also concerned about the safety of you and your family. This may be a difficult decision for you … Our team has the experience to solve this concern for you! Our local consultant team knows their area well, which is a decisive factor in guaranteeing your travel success, allowing you to feel at ease and calm in your family journey. Because each child is different, and children at different stages have different expectations of travel, we will adjust the pace of travel according to your child’s age and recommends activities that make every family member happy.
Fitness Adventure Tours
Consist of a staggering diversity of cultures, landscapes and experiences, South East Asia is a true adventure destination that you can choose for yourself. Anyone coming here, from the beach lovers and history explorers to serious outdoor adventurers will find it difficult to cut down their dream itinerary. Summit enormous mountains, trek through tropical forest and cycle through the peaceful countryside back roads. Dip your toes on white-sand beaches and jungle-clad islands, rafting down mighty rivers, and visit indigenous villages where cultural traditions remain largely intact. With an Itinerary of exciting activities including walking, trekking, climbing, cycling, cruising, kayaking, diving and sailing holidays, each of our South East Asian adventures will give you an authentic introduction to this very special region. Join us as we explore the highlights and hidden gems of some of the world’s most intriguing places!
Honeymoon Holidays
You want to create an unforgettable trip for your newly married lover and yourself, but you don’t have time to plan your honeymoon trip. Why not delegate this honeymoon trip to an expert who knows where your honeymoon is? Coincidentally, Metta Voyage will be your best choice. Our trip expert, who know their country well, will be the most loyal allies in your journey and work with you to create an exclusive trip that perfectly matches the temperament of your husband and wife. Because no one wants to celebrate the knot in a mediocre and standardized honeymoon! Local travel agencies have a keen sense of detail. They understand the situation clearly, can weave unique activities for you, try to meet your expectations, and avoid all mistakes. You may want to have an unforgettable honeymoon in this intact natural area. Explore wildlife, climb mountains, and experience local culture … in Malaysia. Or Just want to have a beautiful sea view? Then why not go for a honeymoon in Hoi An! This is a place in harmony with nature in the heart of Vietnam, it is the ideal destination for your sweet journey …
Relax & Leisure Vacation
To put it simply, leisure tours allow you to decide where you want to go, when you wish to travel, for how long, how you wish to get to your destination and who you want to travel with. The abundance of choice and personal agency are attractive features of free and easy tours. Having to follow a strict schedule and being around strangers can be stifling and uncomfortable. With our relaxing and leisure tours, we just provide the basic services as accommodation, transportation and some basic day trips in each destination then you’re free to go on your own adventure without being heavily monitored or restrained by time. Your itinerary is aligned with your interests which assuredly makes your travel more fulfilling.
Seasonal Tour
In Herman Heese’s seminal classic Sidharttha, our young protagonist says across the river: “They heard it laugh, but they did not hear it all. Listen, you will hear more. “The river embodies the concept that the only constant in life is change, whether you drive the Irrawaddy in Myanmar, the Mekong in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, or meander through the limestone karst of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam Passages of Asia have the opportunity to hear everything the water has to say.
It is estimated that the Mekong, Asia’s largest river, affects the daily lives of 300 million people. The Mekong is more than just a waterway, from the power supply of the cities to the supply of distant villages. The Irrawaddy, which neatly halves Myanmar from north to south, is the testing ground for the endangered river dolphin, but also connects Mandalay, Bagan and Yangon. Similar stories can be told from all waters of Asia.
Short Break
Ginger. Chili. Garlic. Lemongrass. Kaffir lime. Pepper from Kampot. Sichuan pepper. Tomatoes from Inle Lake. Mangoes and star fruits as well as durian and papaya. Ingredients meet to create some of the best flavors in the world. From bizarre grasshoppers to Michelin-starred street vendors, Asia’s main attraction is not what you see, it’s what you eat.
Life revolves around the table in all cultures. But nowhere is it as ubiquitous as in Asia. Walk down the street from Hanoi or Hong Kong, Beijing or Bangkok or Bali and your senses are under attack. Sizzling woks. Flash fried chili peppers sting your eyes. Leg of lamb on a Mongolian style skewer on a hutong in Beijing. Sushi, recently picked from the sea, is served by a chef as talented as his samurai ancestors.
While local life is still about street food, Asia’s next generation is promoting traditional cuisine. Whether it’s integrating international influences from around the world, such as Peru, into sourcing high-quality ingredients from farms in New Zealand, Asia offers a cuisine that is equal to that of Europe and North America.
Short Breaks in Vietnam
The elongated roughly S-shaped country with a north-to-south length of 1,650 km and approximately 50 km wide at the narrowest point, located in the eastern side of southeast Asia, Vietnam has it all: mountainous highlands in the North part, multiple beaches with its 3,444 km coastline, the last part of Mekong River can be accessible, fresh and delicious foods, thousands of years of history, a confused mixture of cultures and more scooters than you can imagine at anywhere in the world. Whether you are searching for Calm & relaxing moment within the emerald waters of northern Ha Long Bay, want to design your own lantern in Hoi An, wish to understand about the Vietnam War from a local perspective, or simply eat your way through the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam promises to keep you well entertained. Although flights from the northern city of Hanoi reach southern Ho Chi Minh in around two hours, if you’ve got under a week to sample Vietnam, it’s best to stick to one area rather than rush to cram the entire country in. Our Short break trips are tailor-made for you to visit the best in each area.
Solo Holidays
When traveling solo, the world is all for you to explore. Solo Travel needs arise from people’s growing desire for independence. The joy to travel without having to negotiate with others on choices of destination, itinerary, activities, and excursions. You won’t need to worry if your partner is going to be bored to tears if you stayed another hour at the Ethnology Museum in Ha Noi. You won’t feel guilty either if you prefer lounging by the pool and reading the Elizabeth Gilbert novel Eat Pray Love over canoeing or hiking with a friend.
Special Interests
A budget traveler, for example, can stay overnight in budget accommodation or hostels, enjoy cheap meals and fly in the off-season. Budget travelers are different from backpackers in the sense that they may not stay for a longer period of time. They tend to go to budget hotels / motels rather than hostels, and their travel is usually not indefinite.
Theme Tours
As the number of travelers continues to increase, the “highlights” are exceeded. Twenty years ago, a lot of intrepid travelers got up in the sun to watch them climb over Angkor Wat. In 2016, more than two million travelers visited the legendary Khmer Temple. Similar trends can be found throughout Asia. Once lonely national parks today remind of a jam on weekdays. Islands famous for their lost paradises are currently closed as ecosystems can not cope with the expanding tourism footprint. The “highlights” become a stop on Instagram and lose the essence that made them magical in the first place.
Wellness & Health Tour
The ocean has instructed humanity to return since our ancestors designed to go to the land. The water is part of our soul. And in Asia there is a beach that satisfies every soul. For those looking for loneliness on sugar-white sand, there is To Pho Beach on Koh Kood in eastern Thailand.
For those who want to dive in a real aquarium, Sipadan is an uninhabited pearl in Borneo’s Celebes Sea. For those looking for a youthful revival, there is Phra Nang Beach on Railay, which can only be reached by longtail boat along the Thai Andaman coast. For those who want to indulge in fine linens and eat even finer, the five-star resorts on Langkawi Island in Malaysia are just the ticket. For those who want to bathe at the bottom of the world, Ngapali Beach is a mashup of hippie hideaway and barefoot luxury in the Bay of Bengal in Myanmar.
Wellness Culture Tours
Nowhere on the globe can offer a more gratifying array of unique cultural heritage travel experiences than South East Asia. With more than 1,000 languages & accent spoken, over one hundred ethnic groups, a huge number of UNESCO Heritage sites, and thousands of years of history, South East Asia is a colorful carpet woven with diverse traditions, delicious food, colorful arts, striking costumes, mixed religions and cultural beliefs, and spectacular festivals. Each part in Asia can open a unique window into its timeless past, displayed through its dazzling temples, charming landmarks, enormous architectures, long time traditions and elite cultures. For those who eager to learn more about South East Asia’s deep-rooted culture and heritage, the only way is a trip to this charming land can give you a real appreciation of its splendor; and only through the eyes of the traveler can one truly appreciate the mankind diversities. We invite you on a journey that may forever change the way you view the world and enlighten your anima to heights that you never thought possible. Check out our expansive array of exquisite and personalized Asia travel packages and elevate your senses like never before.
World Heritages Exploring
Searching for a touch of the real heritage on your well-deserved vacation? Southeast Asia is home to forty-one of the planets more than one thousand UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites in nine of the region’s eleven countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Cambodia, for instance, already has three UNESCO listings despite having scores of archaeological sites, as well as exquisite Khmer Empire temples in Thailand’s Northeastern Isaan region. This is the right time for exploring the rich heritage of Southeast Asia. From clambering over the temples of Angkor, slurping noodles in Georgetown, or riding a Horse cart in Bagan Myanmar, Metta Voyage shows you the best World Heritage Sites within the ASEAN region so you can plan an unforgettable Southeast Asian Exploring trip!
Yoga
Yoga is a mind and body combination practice with a nearly 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy. Yoga is a systematic practice of physical exercise ( Asana), breath control (Pranayama), relaxation, diet control, positive thinking and meditation which aim at developing harmony in the body, mind, and the surrounding environment. Our luxury yoga holidays are an invigorating way to improve your health and unwind in peaceful and idyllic surroundings. Participate in different disciplines including Ashtanga, Pranayama, Hatha, Yin Yoga, and introductory lessons. Indulge yourself in 1-on-1 yoga classes alongside other holistic activities and luxury treatments that will help your mind and body relax and heal.
Other Trips
These are other trips.