Vietnam offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, travellers can experience diverse landscapes and flavours. Explore ancient temples, trek through lush mountains or relax on pristine beaches. Savour aromatic pho and fresh spring rolls while immersing yourself in local markets. Vietnam is a country that offers a diverse travel experience, combining rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality. It’s a country that has something to offer every type of traveller, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs to food lovers.
With its ancient temples and unique history, Cambodia is a must-visit destination to add on to your perfect Vietnam holiday. Click here to view Vietnam deals or contact our friendly team on 1300 357 057 or web@bkbholidays.com to build your dream itinerary.
Our Vietnam brochure is also available to view here.
Highlights
Throughout the country, visitors encounter warm hospitality, delectable cuisine and a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, making Vietnam an unforgettable destination for travellers.
• Explore Ho Chi Minh City and its contrasts of modern skyscrapers with historic sites
• Discover the diverse city Hanoi, blending French colonial charm with bustling markets
• Stay overnight on a junk boat in Ha Long Bay, cruising through emerald waters and limestone islands
• A must-visit is the charming city of Hoi An, with its preserved architecture and local cuisine
• Cruise the Mekong Delta and discover rural life with floating markets and intricate waterways
• Visit Hue’s ancient temples and imperial heritage
• Trek through the terraced rice fields of Sapa in the North
• Beach lovers can enjoy the golden sands of Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s southern economic hub. Renamed in 1976 after reunification, it blends history and modernity. Key sites include the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace. The city’s cultural diversity shines through its vibrant street food scene, offering a wide array of delicious dishes. HCMC’s bustling energy, historical landmarks and culinary delights make it a captivating destination for visitors seeking to experience Vietnam’s dynamic urban culture.
Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, harmoniously blends ancient traditions with modern life. This millennia-old city boasts historical landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature. As a cultural hub, Hanoi preserves Vietnamese heritage through museums, galleries, and performances. The Old Quarter, with its narrow streets and bustling markets, offers a glimpse into local life. Here, visitors can explore ancient architecture, savour street food and shop for traditional crafts.
Hue
Hue, the old imperial capital, is a must-visit destination for travellers interested in history, culture and art. It provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Vietnam’s imperial past while enjoying its scenic beauty and cultural traditions. Hue’s historical significance, well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage make it a captivating destination for travellers. Hue is also famous amongst locals and travellers alike for its unique, regional cuisine.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a coastal city located in Khanh Hoa Province, a short flight north from Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its beautiful beaches, fresh seafood and a wide range of outdoor activities, Nha Trang is a popular tourist destination for locals and international travellers. Cam Ranh Bay, close to the airport, boasts pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, with a growing array of luxury resorts offering secluded getaways and world-class amenities along its picturesque shoreline.
Hoi An
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Vietnam’s central coast, enchants visitors with its remarkably preserved historic architecture. This former trading port showcases a unique fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences in its famed ‘Old Town’. With a rich cultural heritage, serene atmosphere and picturesque setting, Hoi An is also renowned for its skilled tailors offering custom-made clothing at reasonable prices, as well as its unique local cuisine and hands-on cooking classes.
Sapa
Sapa is a picturesque mountain town located in the north-western part of Vietnam, near the border with China. It’s known for its stunning natural landscapes, including terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and towering mountain peaks. Sapa has become a popular destination for trekking and exploring the unique culture of the local ethnic minority groups. Sapa’s combination of natural beauty, cultural richness and outdoor activities make it a unique and rewarding destination for travellers seeking an authentic and immersive experience in northern Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, located east of Hanoi, is one of the country’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. It is known for its stunning seascape of emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the Gulf of Tonkin. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay’s enchanting natural beauty is best enjoyed on a 1 or 2 night cruise on one of the many luxurious boats on offer.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s lush “rice bowl,” offers a captivating blend of vibrant floating markets, serene waterways and rich culture. Explore picturesque villages, sample exotic fruits and witness river life. Overnight cruises provide an immersive experience, allowing you to navigate narrow canals, enjoy stunning sunsets and wake to the gentle rhythm of river life in this unique aquatic world.
Cambodia
Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history and culture, from the grand colonial architecture to the bustling riverfront to the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – a reminder of life under the Khmer Rouge. However, it’s the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex near Siem Reap that truly captivates visitors. This vast archaeological park contains the magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. The incredible stone carvings and intricate bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat, along with iconic sites like the haunting stone faces of Bayon and the jungle-entwined ruins of Ta Prohm, make Siem Reap a must-visit destination.
Vietnam and Cambodia
Weather & Seasons
Vietnam’s unique geography creates a range of weather patterns, with both tropical and temperate zones. While March to May offers the best weather countrywide, there is no bad time to visit Vietnam, as there is always some part of the country with holiday blue skies.
Cambodia, like Southern Vietnam, essentially has two distinct seasons and is great to visit year-round: Wet season from May to November: hot and humid with temperatures from 30°-34°C. The dry season from December to April is more temperate and characterised by low humidity levels and minimal rainfall.
Currency & Tipping
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam đồng. The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel. ATM’s are plentiful and tipping is greatly appreciated.
Time
Vietnam and Cambodia share the same time zone throughout the country, which is GMT +7 (also known as Indochina Time)
Language
Vietnamese (aka Tiếng Việt) is the official language of Vietnam, and Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Cuisine
Vietnamese food culture is renowned for its diverse flavours and fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on balance and harmony. It’s a cuisine that reflects Vietnam’s history, geography, and cultural influences.
Cambodia has its own distinct cuisine with flavourful dishes like fish amok, fragrant Khmer curries and tangy green mango salads, showcasing a unique blend of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs and complex flavours that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage.
Navigating
Walking around Vietnam is the most popular way for tourists to explore. It’s not advised to hire a motorbike as a first-time visitor, and the bus routes are cheap but chaotic. There’s no train system, so book a taxi or Uber, or you can hire a cyclo instead! It’s relatively inexpensive to travel between places.
Travelling by private car or van is the most convenient way to explore Cambodia, connecting all major cities and towns. Hiring a car is not recommended, but taxis are another popular option.
Shopping
From big shopping malls to street stores, there is a variety of different stuff such as clothes, silk, jewelry, handicrafts, etc. to shop in Vietnam. Also, rich in crafts, from woodblock to weaving painting, Vietnam has it all. Top places for shopping in Vietnam include Street Night Markets, Supermarkets and Shopping Centre. Bargaining is a must-learn skill here, especially in some local markets. You will be surprised by how much you can put the prices down after bargaining successfully.
