Vietnam travel has become one of the top choices for international tourists in recent years. Moreover, its growing popularity comes from the country’s diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. With a mild climate, over 3,000 km of coastline, multiple UNESCO-recognized heritage sites, and world-famous cuisine. As a result, Vietnam offers a fulfilling journey for anyone looking to explore Southeast Asia in the most authentic and immersive way. Therefore, if you are searching for a comprehensive guide, this article of Laguna Lăng Cô will be your perfect Vietnam travel companion.
Vietnam Travel Visa
One of the key factors driving the rise of Vietnam travel is its increasingly open visa policy. Today, the process has become far simpler and more traveler-friendly. Notably, 2025 marks a major milestone with expanded visa exemptions. Specifically, Vietnam now allows up to 45 days of visa-free stay for citizens of 22 European countries. For example, these include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
This extended 45-day stay is a golden opportunity for slow travelers. You can fully embrace a relaxed journey, from strolling through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and cruising Ha Long Bay to exploring the heritage towns of Hue and Hoi An, and ending with a luxury beach getaway in central or southern Vietnam.
International Flights to Vietnam
The year 2025 marks a significant transformation in Vietnam’s aviation landscape, making Vietnam travel more accessible than ever.
Since the beginning of the year, Vietnam Airlines has launched and reinstated nearly 15 international routes. These routes connect Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to major Asian destinations like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka, and Busan. Furthermore, airlines have strengthened long-haul connections to Europe. They now offer direct flights to the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands and Switzerland.
In addition, major international airlines operate direct flights to Vietnam’s key cities. Additionally, these carriers include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Scoot Airlines and Cathay Pacific. As a result, travelers have more options than ever regarding route flexibility, scheduling, and pricing.
With its rapidly expanding aviation network, Vietnam is becoming one of the most convenient travel hubs in Asia, ready to welcome millions of international visitors.
Best Time for Vietnam Travel by Region
One of the things that makes Vietnam travel special is that you can visit this country at any time. Because the terrain stretches from North to South, the climate and landscape change by region. This creates a journey of discovery that is always fresh. Depending on your visit time, each region opens up a completely different story.
Northern Vietnam Travel Weather
The North is a land bearing the strong characteristics of a tropical monsoon climate where four seasons appear extremely clearly. Each season here has its own charm and attraction. Therefore, depending on your preference, you can choose the appropriate time to visit.
Spring (January – April) brings a slight chill, sometimes with drizzle causing the scenery to be covered in a soft mist layer. The temperature is about 20 – 21°C (68-69.8°F), just enough to enjoy the pure painting of flowers entering the blooming season.
- Suggested destinations: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Moc Chau, etc.
Summer (May – July) brings characteristic golden sunshine and hot humid air, temperatures can touch 39°C (102.2°F). This is the ideal time for Vietnam travel beach destinations and outdoor activities.
- Suggested destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba Island, Ha Giang, Sam Son beach, etc.
Autumn (August – November) is considered the “peak of natural beauty”. Temperatures 18-28°C (64.4-82.4°F), light wind, little rain, low humidity – every condition seems perfect. Furthermore, this is the ripe rice season. It turns Northwest mountains into beautiful golden terraced fields.
- Suggested destinations: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Moc Chau, Ninh Binh, etc.
Winter (October – December) is the time cold air rushes in accompanied by fog, especially in mountainous areas. Average temperature is about 10-20°C (50-68°F). Some far North areas sometimes even have snow falling, creating a unique and beautiful atmosphere.
- Suggested destinations: Hanoi, Sapa (Lao Cai), Ninh Binh, Moc Chau (Son La), Cao Bang, etc.
Southern Vietnam Travel Weather
In contrast to the North, the South only has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. However, the weather here is rarely too harsh. Therefore, it is suitable for travel year-round.
Dry season (December – April): During the dry season, the sky is blue, there is much sun, and rainfall decreases sharply. Temperatures usually fluctuate from 25°C to 35°C (77-95°F). Additionally, humidity is lower compared to the remaining months. Creating a comfortable and pleasant feeling for outdoor activities.
- Suggested destinations: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island, Con Dao, Vung Tau City, Dong Nai, etc.
Rainy season (May – November): The rainy season brings characteristic showers, usually appearing in the afternoon or evening. Although humidity is higher and weather is cooler, daytime still has many beautiful sunny intervals. Temperatures 25-32°C (77-89.6°F), suitable for sightseeing activities, cultural experiences, and cuisine. Although there is rain, this area is still fresher and greener.
- Suggested destinations: Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Ca Mau, etc.
Central Vietnam Travel Weather
Central Vietnam is a symphony of golden sun, blue sea, and heritages. This place possesses a tropical monsoon climate with a quite clear two-season division.
Dry season (March – August): This is considered the golden time for Vietnam travel in the Central region. The weather is mainly beautiful sun, dry, calm sea, and blue sky. Temperatures fluctuate from 25°C to 35°C (77-95°F), perfect for all beach bathing activities, coral diving, and leisurely exploring cultural heritages.
- Suggested destinations: Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
Rainy season (September – February): The rainy season in the Central region usually starts in September. This period usually has sudden showers, especially concentrated in October and November. Temperatures will be significantly cooler and more pleasant, fluctuating from 20°C – 27°C (68-80.6°F). Although the rain might interrupt beach bathing activities, this offers a great opportunity to experience a softer and quieter scenery.
- Suggested destinations: Hue (experience heritage space, characteristic cuisine), Da Nang, Hoi An (enjoy tranquility).
Top Destinations for Vietnam Travel Trip
The Vietnam travel journey is an adventure taking tourists through lands bearing diverse beauty. From majestic mountains, long-standing cultural heritages to sunny blue beaches. Each location is a characteristic piece, making the irresistible attraction of the S-shaped land.
Ha Noi
Hanoi appears as a painting interfering between the mark of a thousand years of civilization and the modern rhythm of a transforming metropolis. Small streets shaded by trees, old roofs covered in the color of time along with the bustling sound of life create an unmistakable identity.
Experiences not to be missed: Get lost in 36 streets of the Old Quarter, stroll around Sword Lake, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visit Temple of Literature.
Ha Long Bay
Twice recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, Ha Long Bay is a precious “green gem”. Thousands of limestone islands rising amidst blue water resemble a charming ink wash painting.
Experiences not to be missed: Take a 5-star cruise, kayak to explore caves (like Sung Sot cave, Thien Cung cave), visit Cua Van fishing village and watch
Ha Giang
Ha Giang is a destination that anyone who loves Vietnam travel must once hope to set foot in. This region keeps its pristine and magnificent beauty almost original. Especially the terraced fields at Hoang Su Phi in the ripe golden rice season, stretching like rice waves rolling amidst mountains and forests.
Experiences not to be missed: Check-in with Lung Cu flag tower, Ride Ma Pi Leng pass, Immerse in Buckwheat flower season, Visit Pho Cao – Sung La – Dong Van villages.
Sapa
Sapa resembles a misty city, where clouds and sky embrace Hoang Lien Son mountains and forests. Each season here bears a separate attraction: spring is brilliant with peach blossoms and plum blossoms, summer is green with terraced fields, winter has snow covering mountain peaks white.
Experiences not to be missed: Conquer Fansipan peak (Roof of Indochina), trek through villages of H’Mong, Red Dao people (Cat Cat, Ta Van village) and immerse in indigenous culture.
Hue
Hue is not noisy or hurried but carries within itself an ancient and poetic beauty. As a result, being the place preserving the last heritages of the Vietnamese feudal dynasty, Hue takes tourists back in time to golden historical values.
Experiences not to be missed: Explore the Citadel (Hue Imperial City), visit solemn mausoleums of King Khai Dinh, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, take dragon boats on Perfume River and listen to Royal Court Music.
Hoi An
Once the busiest trading port in Southeast Asia, Hoi An today is a “living museum” with yellow houses and mossy tiled roofs preserved almost intact. The attraction of Hoi An for Vietnam travel guests lies in rare peace and nostalgia.
Experiences not to be missed: Walk in Old Town, release flower lanterns on Hoai River, tailor a suit or Ao Dai for immediate pickup and cycle to An Bang beach.
Da Nang
Da Nang is a modern, dynamic city where the blue sea embraces the city. Dubbed the “city of bridges”, Da Nang always knows how to renew itself to become the most attractive destination on the Vietnam travel map.
Experiences not to be missed: Stroll on Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills), bathe in My Khe beach, explore Marble Mountains and watch Dragon Bridge breathe fire on weekends.
Ho Chi Minh City
Contrary to the quietness of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a bustling economic center, where life rhythm seems never to sleep. This is the clearest East – West cultural interference point.
Experiences not to be missed: Visit Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, explore Cu Chi tunnels and blend into vibrant nightlife at rooftop bars.
Quy Nhon
Quy Nhon in recent years has emerged as a new bright spot of Vietnam travel. A coastal city keeping pristine, liberal beauty yet still full of youthful vitality. Quy Nhon always brings tourists a peaceful, close, and authentic feeling.
Experiences not to be missed: Welcome sunrise on Ky Co – Eo Gio, Dive to see coral at Hon Kho, Visit Nhon Ly fishing village, Explore Cu Lao Xanh.
Conclusion
Vietnam travel is not just a trip, but a journey full of colors and emotions. Ultimately, whether you love exploring culture, nature, or seeking relaxing moments by the sea, Vietnam can meet fully. Let your Vietnam travel journey become an unforgettable memory, where each footstep is a new experience, and each moment is a vivid painting about the S-shaped country.
Photos: Internet
