- Travel the length of the country north to south, or vice versa, in two to three weeks
- The weather differs a lot between north, centre and south, so plan by region
- Vietnam Airlines flies direct from Heathrow in about 13 hours
- British citizens get 45 days visa-free
- Airports
- Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Da Nang (DAD)
- Flight time
- about 13h direct from London Heathrow to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
- Best time to go
- March-May and September-November for touring the whole country; December-April for the south
- Currency
- Vietnamese dong (₫)
Vietnam is long and thin, stretching about 1,650 kilometres from the mountains on the Chinese border to the Mekong Delta, and that shape makes it perfect for a journey. Most visitors fly into one end and out of the other, taking in the cool, misty north, the beaches and old towns of the centre and the energy of the south. It is one of the best-value destinations in our Asia guides, and the food is reason enough to go.
The country has opened up a lot in recent years, with easier visa rules, new domestic routes and more boutique hotels. This guide covers the main areas, the best time to travel, flights from the UK and what a trip costs in 2026.
Where to go in Vietnam
Hanoi and the north
Hanoi is the capital, a city of lakes, French colonial boulevards and an Old Quarter where every street once had its own trade. From here, head east to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise among limestone islands, south to the rice fields and river caves of Ninh Binh, or north-west to the mountain town of Sapa for trekking among terraced hillsides.
Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang
The centre packs a lot into a short stretch of coast. Hue was the imperial capital, with a walled citadel and royal tombs along the Perfume River. Hoi An is a beautifully preserved trading port, famous for its lanterns, tailors and the beach at An Bang. Da Nang, between the two, has the main airport, a long city beach and the scenic Hai Van Pass road.
Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's biggest and busiest city, with rooftop bars, war history at the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels nearby. Spend a night or two in the Mekong Delta to see floating markets and rural life by boat.
Beaches and islands
Phu Quoc, off the south-west coast, has the best beaches for a relaxing end to a trip, while Nha Trang and the quieter Quy Nhon sit on the central coast.
Best time to visit Vietnam
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Warm and mostly dry across the country; a good all-round time for a north-to-south trip |
| Summer (June-August) | Hot and humid with heavy showers in the north and south; good beach weather in the centre |
| Autumn (September-November) | Pleasant in the north; heavy rain, flooding and typhoon risk on the central coast, especially October-November |
| Winter (December-February) | Cool and often grey in Hanoi (around 15-20 °C), cold in Sapa; dry and hot in the south; Tet (Lunar New Year) disrupts travel |
Getting to Vietnam from the UK
Vietnam Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, taking about 13 hours. One-stop flights via Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok or Istanbul are widely available from the UK and allow open-jaw tickets, flying into Hanoi and home from Ho Chi Minh City, typically 15-18 hours in total.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can currently visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. For longer stays, an e-visa valid for up to 90 days is available from the official Vietnamese immigration portal; use the government site rather than agencies charging extra. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Vietnam before you book.
Getting around
Domestic flights with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and Bamboo Airways are cheap and save long journeys. The Reunification Express railway runs the length of the country; the full Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City journey takes well over 30 hours, but sections such as Hue to Da Nang are scenic and short. Sleeper buses are cheap but cramped. In cities, the Grab app is the easiest way to get a car or motorbike taxi at a fixed price. Crossing the road takes nerve: walk slowly and steadily, and traffic will flow around you.
Money and costs
Vietnam uses the dong, and the large numbers take some getting used to, so check the zeros before you pay. It is excellent value: a bowl of pho often costs well under ₫60,000. As a rough guide, backpackers can manage on about £25-35 a day, while a mid-range trip with good hotels, guides and domestic flights costs around £70-120 per person per day. Cash is still king at markets and street stalls, although cards and QR payments are spreading. Tipping is not traditional but is increasingly expected by tour guides and drivers; around 10% in restaurants is generous.
Top attractions in Vietnam
Vietnam on the map
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need in Vietnam?
Two weeks covers Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City with a domestic flight or two. Three weeks lets you add Ninh Binh, Hue, Sapa or a beach.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam from the UK?
Not for stays of up to 45 days, which British citizens can currently spend visa-free. For longer trips, apply for the official e-visa online before you travel.
Is it better to travel Vietnam north to south or south to north?
Either works. Many people start in the north in spring or autumn and finish on a southern beach, while in winter starting in the warm south and ending in Hanoi can make sense.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes, it is generally very safe. The main risks are traffic and petty theft, such as bag snatching from passing motorbikes, so keep phones away from the roadside.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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