Vietnam Tour Packages

Vietnam is a ribbon of emerald mountains, mirror‑smooth rice terraces, lantern‑lit towns, and 3,000‑plus kilometers of coastline. From the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the time‑stilled lanes of Hoi An and the high‑octane buzz of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the country blends deep history, soulful culture, and glorious nature. Add wallet‑friendly prices, superb vegetarian options, and a flourishing coffee scene, and you have a destination that’s as welcoming as it is diverse—perfect for first‑time international travelers and seasoned explorers alike.

Type of Destination

• Nature & Landscapes: Bays, caves, mountains, beaches, deltas.
• Culture & Heritage: Imperial citadels, pagodas, war history, craft villages.
• Adventure: Trekking, caving, canyoning, kitesurfing, diving, motorbike routes.
• Culinary: Street food capitals, markets, cooking classes, specialty coffees.
• Relaxation: Island retreats, spa resorts, river cruises.

Prime Season and “Snow” Season

• Prime Season (generally November–April): Cooler and drier in the North and South; pleasant beach weather in Central Vietnam from February–August. Ideal for first‑timers wanting reliable conditions.
• Snow Season: Vietnam isn’t a classic snow destination. However, in the far‑north mountains around Sa Pa and Fansipan, light frost or rare snowfall can occur in late December–January. Expect cold, misty conditions rather than prolonged snow.

Languages Spoken

• Vietnamese (official)
• English widely understood in major tourist areas
• Regional languages (Khmer, Cham, Hmong) and some French/Chinese in pockets
• Learning a few phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) is appreciated.

Local Transport Options

• Domestic flights connect major cities affordably.
• Reunification Railway (trains) along the coast—scenic and comfortable.
• Buses & luxury limousines (minivans) for intercity travel.
• Taxis & ride‑hailing (Grab, Xanh SM Electric)—reliable and app‑based fares.
• Scooter rentals (for experienced riders); or guided scooter tours.
• Cyclo rides (three‑wheeled rickshaws) for short, old‑town experiences.
• Boats & ferries in Halong, Ninh Binh, Mekong, Phu Quoc, Con Dao.

How to Reach Vietnam (From India)

• By Air (most convenient):

  • Major gateways: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City/SGN, Da Nang (DAD), Nha Trang/Cam Ranh (CXR), Phu Quoc (PQC).
  • Nonstop and one‑stop connections from Indian metros (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, etc.) operated by multiple carriers.
  • Typical nonstop flight time: ~4.5–6 hours, city‑pair dependent.

• By Rail:

  • No direct rail from India. Within Vietnam, trains connect Hanoi–Hue–Da Nang–Nha Trang–Ho Chi Minh City.

• By Road/Overland (regional add‑ons):

  • Crossings from Cambodia (e.g., Phnom Penh/Siem Reap routes to HCMC) and Laos (to Central/Northern Vietnam) are possible for multi‑country trips. Expect longer travel times and formal border procedures.

Best Time to Visit (Season‑wise)

Summer (May–August)

• Weather:
  • North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh): hot, humid; showers and afternoon storms.
  • Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): sunny beach days from May–Aug.
  • South (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc): warm with tropical downpours.
• Average Temperatures: 28–35°C (varies by region).
• Crowd Density: Moderate–High (school holidays, Indian summer breaks).
• Budget: Good deals if you book flights early; resorts in Central Vietnam can be peak‑priced.
• Packing Tips: Light cottons/linens, sun protection, hat, quick‑dry footwear, rain jacket, electrolyte sachets, mosquito repellent.

Monsoon/Shoulder (September–October)

• Weather:
  • North starts cooling with rain easing by late Oct.
  • Central sees its wettest months (Sep–Nov) and occasional typhoons—plan flexibly.
  • South remains rainy but travel‑friendly with short bursts.
• Average Temperatures: 24–32°C.
• Crowd Density: Lower—great for value travelers.
• Budget: Attractive hotel rates, promotions.
• Packing Tips: Umbrella/poncho, waterproof daypack cover, quick‑dry clothes, spare footwear.

Winter (November–February)

• Weather:
  • North: cool to cold (especially Dec–Jan in Hanoi/Sa Pa), mostly dry and clear.
  • Central: lovely Dec–Aug around Da Nang/Hoi An (dry sets in by Feb).
  • South: dry, sunny, beach‑perfect.
• Average Temperatures:
  • North: 10–22°C (colder in mountains).
  • Central: 20–27°C (after rains pass).
  • South: 24–32°C.
• Crowd Density: High around Christmas–New Year and Tet (Vietnamese New Year).
• Budget: Airfares/resorts may spike during holidays—book early.
• Packing Tips: Light sweater/jacket for the North; layers for mountains; beachwear for South/Central; comfortable walking shoes.

Places to Visit (Top Attractions)

1. Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh): UNESCO‑listed seascape of limestone pillars; best explored on an overnight cruise with kayaking and cave visits.
2. Hanoi Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake: French‑Indochine facades, ancient temples, street food alleys, and the iconic Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
3. Ninh Binh (Trang An & Tam Coc): “Ha Long on land” with boat rides through grottoes, karst valleys, and panoramic viewpoints like Hang Mua.
4. Hoi An Ancient Town: Lantern‑lit streets, riverside cafés, tailor shops, assembly halls; nearby An Bang Beach for lazy afternoons.
5. Hue Imperial City: Moated citadel, royal tombs, and Perfume River cruises that reveal the Nguyen dynasty’s legacy.
6. Da Nang: Modern seaside city, Marble Mountains, the Dragon Bridge fire show (weekend nights), and cable car to Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge).
7. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): War Remnants Museum, Notre‑Dame Cathedral (restoration ongoing in phases), Central Post Office, and vibrant markets.
8. Mekong Delta (Cai Rang, Ben Tre): Coconut groves, canoe rides, floating markets, and countryside cycling.
9. Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park: Cave capital of Asia—Paradise Cave, Dark Cave adventure, and expeditions to colossal systems.
10. Phu Quoc Island: White‑sand beaches, snorkeling/diving, sunset cafés, and pepper farms.

Things to Do (Signature Experiences)

• Overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay with sunrise tai chi and kayaking.
• Lantern‑making workshop in Hoi An and an evening river boat ride.
• Street‑food safaris in Hanoi or Saigon—pho, bun cha, banh mi, and more.
• Cu Chi Tunnels day trip to understand wartime ingenuity.
• Ninh Binh sampan ride through caves and rice fields, plus Hang Mua hike.
• Coffee pilgrimages—egg coffee in Hanoi, coconut coffee in Saigon.
• Cycling tours in the Mekong or around Hoi An’s rice paddies.
• Sunrise on Fansipan (cable car + short hike) for alpine‑like views.
• Tailor‑made outfits in Hoi An—fast turnarounds, great value.
• Spa & wellness days at a beachfront resort.

Adventure Activities

• Trekking in Sa Pa & Ha Giang: Rice terraces, ethnic villages, homestays.
• Caving in Phong Nha: From family‑friendly caves to multi‑day expeditions near the world’s largest cave system.
• Canyoning in Da Lat: Abseiling waterfalls, natural slides, and ziplining.
• Kitesurfing/Windsurfing in Mui Ne: Consistent winds Nov–Apr.
• Motorbiking the Hai Van Pass: Sweeping coastal road between Hue and Da Nang (ride with a guide if inexperienced).
• Kayaking in Ha Long/Bai Tu Long or Ninh Binh: Silent coves and grottoes.
• Diving & Snorkeling: Nha Trang and Phu Quoc for reefs and macro life.

Cuisines to Try

• Pho: Aromatic noodle soup—Hanoi and Saigon styles differ.
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork with herbs and noodles (Hanoi staple).
• Banh Mi: Crusty baguette stuffed with meats/veg/paté—great veg versions too.
• Goi Cuon (Fresh Spring Rolls): Healthy, herby, peanut‑dipping goodness.
• Bun Bo Hue: Spicy beef noodle soup from Hue.
• Cao Lau (Hoi An): Unique noodles with herbs and croutons.
• Com Tam (Saigon): Broken rice with grilled meats and pickles.
• Banh Xeo: Crispy stuffed rice crepes.
• Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung) & Coconut Coffee: Must‑sip specials.

Dining Places (Curated Mix, Including Indian Options)

• Hanoi:
  • Bun Cha Huong Lien (the famed “Obama” bun cha)
  • Pho Thin (Lo Duc) for smoky pho
  • Namaste Hanoi (Indian)
• Hoi An:
  • Morning Glory Original (classic Central flavors)
  • Baba’s Kitchen Hoi An (Indian)
• Da Nang:
  • Banh Xeo Ba Duong (iconic crepes)
  • Mumtaz Indian Restaurant (Indian)
• Hue:
  • Hanh Restaurant (home‑style Hue dishes)
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):
  • Quan An Ngon (regional Vietnamese under one roof)
  • Secret Garden (rooftop Vietnamese)
  • Baba’s Kitchen Saigon / Tandoor Saigon (Indian)

Tip: Hours and popularity change—reserve for dinner, especially in Hoi An/Da Nang during peak months.

Resorts & Stays (Across Budgets)

• Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (Hanoi): Heritage luxury near the Opera House.
• Azerai La Residence (Hue): Art‑Deco riverfront charm.
• InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula (Da Nang): Cliffside icon with a private bay.
• Four Seasons The Nam Hai (Hoi An): Ultra‑lux beachfront villas.
• Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery (Hoi An): Walkable to the Ancient Town.
• Six Senses Ninh Van Bay (Nha Trang): Barefoot‑luxury hideaway on a private bay.
• Topas Ecolodge (Sa Pa): Hilltop bungalows with terrace views.
• Park Hyatt Saigon (HCMC): Classic city luxury.
• Regent Phu Quoc / JW Marriott Phu Quoc: Island indulgence.
• Hanoi/Da Nang/Ho Chi Minh City – La Siesta Hotels: Excellent mid‑range value.

Nightlife

• Ta Hien “Beer Street” (Hanoi Old Quarter): Lively outdoor seating, draft beer culture.
• Water Puppet Theatre (Hanoi): Evening cultural show by the lake.
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Saigon): Street performers, cafés, and city buzz.
• Bui Vien Walking Street (Saigon): Backpacker nightlife, bars, and music.
• Chill Skybar / Hotel Rooftops (Saigon) & Top Rooftops in Hanoi: City panoramas.
• Sailing Club (Nha Trang): Beachfront DJ nights.
• Dragon Bridge Fire Show (Da Nang): Weekend pyrotechnics over the Han River.

Shopping: What to Buy & Where

• Hoi An: Tailor‑made suits/dresses, silk lanterns, leather goods.
• Hanoi: Dong Xuan Market, Old Quarter boutiques, Bat Trang ceramics (nearby village).
• Saigon: Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square (fixed‑price fashion), lacquerware.
• Hue: Conical hats (non la), sesame candy.
• Phu Quoc: Pepper, fish sauce (liquid souvenirs require careful packing), pearls.
• Nationwide: Vietnamese coffee beans, drip filters (phin), tea, dried fruits.
  Tip: Bargain politely in traditional markets; check product authenticity for silk/pearls/lacquer.

Off‑beat Places (Hidden Gems)

• Ha Giang Loop: Dramatic limestone passes, ethnic markets—best explored with a guide or easy‑rider.
• Ban Gioc Waterfall (Cao Bang): Border‑straddling cascades with jade pools.
• Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Thanh Hoa): Quiet terraces, bamboo waterwheels, gentle treks.
• Bai Tu Long Bay: Quieter alternative to Ha Long with similar karst beauty.
• Con Dao Islands: Untouched beaches, turtle nesting sites, poignant history.
• Quy Nhon & Phu Yen: Under‑the‑radar central coast with arches, lagoons, and seafood shacks.
• Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak): Vietnam’s coffee heartland, waterfalls, elephant conservation sites.
• Ly Son Island: Volcanic island landscapes and garlic farms.

Festivals & Events (Approximate Timing)

• Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year): Late January or February (dates vary; intense travel rush).
• Hoi An Lantern Festival: Monthly on the full moon—streets go car‑free and glow with lanterns.
• Hue Festival: Major cultural festival (typically spring; some years biennial).
• Hung Kings Temple Festival: 10th day of the 3rd lunar month (Phu Tho).
• Perfume Pagoda Festival: From Feb to Apr (pilgrimage season).
• Reunification Day: 30 April (nationwide events).
• National Day: 2 September (parades and fireworks).
• Da Nang International Fireworks Festival: Usually early summer.

Key Experiences (Must‑Do for First‑Timers)

• Overnight Ha Long/Bai Tu Long cruise with a top‑reviewed operator.
• Sunset and lantern release in Hoi An Ancient Town.
• Ride the Hai Van Pass (guided bike/jeep) between Da Nang and Hue.
• Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels and visit the War Remnants Museum.
• Boat, bike, and homestay in the Mekong Delta.
• Egg coffee workshop or tasting trail in Hanoi.
• Ninh Binh day trip with Hang Mua viewpoint hike.
• Beach day at My Khe (Da Nang) or An Bang (Hoi An).
• Night markets in Hanoi/Hoi An for snacks and souvenirs.

Travel Tips for Indian Visitors

• Visa: Indians can apply for a Vietnam e‑visa online. Processing times and rules can change—apply early, carry a printed copy, and check your port of entry matches your visa.
• Flights & Connections: Nonstop and one‑stop options from major Indian cities; compare fares across hubs (Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur).
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Carry some cash; cards accepted at hotels/large restaurants. Use ATMs for good rates; avoid street currency swaps.
• SIM & Connectivity: Airport kiosks and city stores offer tourist SIMs from Viettel, Vinaphone, MobiFone; eSIMs are widely available.
• Power: 220V, 50Hz; plug types A & C are common—carry a universal adapter.
• Time Zone: Vietnam (UTC+7) is 1 hour 30 minutes ahead of India (IST, UTC+5:30).
• Food & Dietary Needs: Vegetarian/vegan options are easy to find; say “chay” for veg. Numerous Indian restaurants in big cities and Hoi An/Da Nang.
• Health & Safety: Drink bottled/filtered water; use mosquito repellent; helmets are mandatory on scooters; cross roads slowly and predictably.
• Money‑Saving: Use ride‑hailing apps, travel by train/bus between nearby cities, and enjoy excellent street food for value.
• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples; remove shoes where required; ask before photographing people.

Interesting Facts

• Ha Long translates to “descending dragon,” a nod to local legend.
• Vietnam is among the world’s top coffee producers, famous for robusta beans.
• Hang Son Doong in Phong Nha is often cited as the world’s largest cave (by volume).
• The surname Nguyen is shared by a large portion of the population.
• Water puppetry is a uniquely Vietnamese art form dating back centuries.
• Vietnam’s coastline stretches over 3,000 km, yielding superb seafood diversity.
• Egg coffee was created in Hanoi in the 1940s as a creative response to milk shortages.

Final Planning Notes

• For a first visit, many Indian travelers choose a 10–12 day route: Hanoi (2) → Ninh Binh (1) → Ha Long Bay (1–2) → Da Nang/Hoi An (3) → Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong (3).
• Prefer beaches? Add Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. Prefer mountains? Add Sa Pa or Ha Giang.
• Book key elements—flights, visa, Ha Long cruise, and Hoi An hotels—well in advance for November–February travel.

Enjoy Vietnam’s blend of nature, heritage, and cuisine—all with warm hospitality and terrific value for Indian travelers.