Some go for the food, some go for the French architecture, others go for the peace and beauty of the beaches.
Nature, culture and history – Vietnam has it all. Discover the beauty of places such as Ha Long Bay, an idyllic waterway of forest-drenched outcrops. Ho Chi Minh City shows Vietnam’s urban side, with attractions like the War Remnants Museum and French colonial buildings. The former imperial city of Hue is yet another of Vietnam’s wonders, with its sublime Forbidden Purple City and magnificent Thein Mu Pagoda. And while the world’s greatest cuisine is always contested, one thing’s for sure – Vietnam is certainly up there.
Vietnam travel highlights
Snorkel around Dao Ly Son Island
Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising around the Dao Ly Son Island with optional paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling.
Enjoy peace and quiet in Hanoi
Aside from its cultural sites like One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s tranquillity will prove one of the most memorable parts of your stay.
Float along the Mekong Delta
Just one of Vietnam’s stunning rivers, the Mekong Delta is the perfect place to take a cruise.
See the wartime tunnels at Cu Chi
This fascinating and hazardous underground system was instrumental to the Viet Cong’s wartime victory.
Our Vietnam trips
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
Vietnam tour reviews
Articles on Vietnam
Vietnam holiday information
Vietnam facts
Local culture of Vietnam
Geography & environment
Shopping guide to Vietnam
Vietnam festival calendar
Food & drink in Vietnam
Vietnam travel FAQs
- Australia: Yes - in advance
- Belgium: Yes - in advance
- Canada: Yes - in advance
- Germany Yes - in advance over 15 days (Effective 1 July 2015 - Visa free up to 15 days)
- Ireland: Yes - in advance
- Netherlands: Yes - in advance
- New Zealand: Yes - in advance
- South Africa: Yes - in advance
- Switzerland: Yes - in advance
- United Kingdom: Yes - in advance over 15 days (Effective 1 July 2015 - Visa free up to 15 days)
- USA: Yes - in advance
When obtaining your visa you should allow 3 weeks for processing, the cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Check with your embassy or consulate for further details.
Some nationalities are exempt from requiring a visa if their stay is less than 15 days, but if you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Effective from 1st July 2015 - 30 June 2016 exempt visa nationalities will also include British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam (for all purposes) for a period of up to 15 days, and on the basis of meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws.
Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.
If your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Intrepid Vietnam 57A Nguyen Khac Hieu St, Hanoi, Vietnam Ph +84 4 3715 0996.
Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation for Vietnam but if you do need one, please contact your sales agent for more information.
Tipping isn’t common practice in Vietnam but if the service has been particularly good, feel free to leave extra chance.
You’ll be able to access the internet easily in the main cities and touristy areas, but service is less common on Vietnam tours in rural and remote areas.
You’ll have mobile phone service in most urban places in Vietnam, but remote and mountainous areas will have little to no coverage. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.
While there are Western-style toilets at some hotels and restaurants, most toilets in Vietnam are squat toilets. Soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided so you may like to carry some with you.
- Quick city bus ride = 4,000 VND
- Local-style coffee at a cafe = 15,000 VND
- Bowl of pho from street stall = 20,000-30,000 VND
- Dinner at a simple restaurant = 70,000-100,000 VND
- Dinner at a up-market restaurant = 200,000+ VND
Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Vietnam. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.
You’ll be able to use your credit card in major shops, restaurants and hotels, however prepare to pay cash when making purchases form more local businesses.
You’ll have no trouble finding ATMs in Vietnam’s cities and major towns, but ATMs are less common in rural and remote areas.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their Vietnam tour. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/vietnam/public-holidays