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Destination
Vietnam
Lanterns over the old town. Limestone in the mist. A country that runs north to south.
Best months
February to April
When the north, centre and south are all good at once.
Suggested stay
12 to 16 nights
The journey on this site is twelve nights.
Climate
Three climates
Cool winters in the north, tropical heat in the south.
Local time
Hanoi No daylight saving.
One country, three climates, and more than three thousand kilometres of coast.
From the mountains of the north to the delta in the south is a long way.
The weather changes with it. We plan the order so every region meets you at its best.
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Best time to travel
Every month is good somewhere.
The north, the centre and the south keep different seasons. We match the route to your month.
The northHanoi, Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh
The north: best Mar to Apr and Oct to Dec.
Northern mountainsSapa, Ha Giang
Northern mountains: best Mar to May and Sep to Nov.
The centreHue, Hoi An, Da Nang
The centre: best Feb to Jul.
The southHo Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta
The south: best Dec to Apr.
A guide only. Weather varies from year to year, so we check it with you when we design the journey.
What to expect
Long distances, busy streets, and a lot to eat.
Pace
The country is long. We fly between regions, and keep the time on the road short.
What to pack
Light clothes for the south and centre. A warm layer for the north in winter.
Food
Pho and bun cha in Hanoi, cao lau in Hoi An, herbs with everything. Tell us about allergies and we plan around them.
The streets
Motorbikes everywhere. Cross at a steady pace and the traffic flows around you. Your guide shows you how.
Before you go
Visas, Tet and the typhoon months.
We confirm each of these with you before you travel.
Checked against official sources in October 2026.
Entry
Citizens of the UK and many European countries can visit without a visa for a set number of days. Others apply online for an e-visa of up to 90 days, and the official portal shows which applies to you. Your passport should be valid for six months.
Health
Speak to your doctor about vaccinations. Mosquitoes carry dengue, so bring repellent. Drink bottled or filtered water.
Tet
The Lunar New Year falls on 6 February in 2027, with the public holiday expected to run from about 4 to 10 February. Many places close for days and travel is busy either side. We plan around it.
Temples
Cover shoulders and knees in pagodas and temples. Shoes come off where you see others do so.
Money
The Vietnamese dong. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants. Carry cash for markets and small places.
Storms
The central coast has typhoons and heavy rain from about September to December. We keep plans flexible in those months.
Official advice
Rules can change at short notice. Check your own government’s travel advice when you book, and again before you fly.
Where we stay
Small hotels, a quiet boat, a house by the river.
Three examples of the kind we look for: four and five star hotels and boutique stays we would choose ourselves.
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The journey · Lanterns and Limestone
Vietnam, built around you.
Five regions in twelve nights. The rest is planned around who you are.
- The city before it wakes.
- Limestone and still water.
- Lanterns on the river.
- Fast streets, quiet corners.
- Life on the water.