Vietnam

Traces of ancient humans in these lands go back thousands of years. Signs of culture date to the 8th millennium BC. The first state was founded in the 1st millennium BC and was called Van Lang. This was followed by the kingdoms of Au Lac and Nam Viet. Then, in the year 221, these lands came under the rule of the Chinese Empire, which lasted until 939. After the creation of the state of Dai Viet, there was a lull. In 1406, China occupied the country again, but could not hold these territories for long. In 1802, the Vietnamese Empire emerged and soon fell under the French protectorate. During World War II, the country was seized by Japan. Then came the period of the Indochinese Republic, the division into North and South, and the subsequent reunification into a single state in July 1976.

Today it’s an exciting, exotic destination. Searching and booking a tour to Vietnam online is worth it for the white-sand beaches, the emerald waters of the South China Sea, and stunning landscapes—towering green-clad cliffs, wild tropics, sand dunes, rivers, mountain valleys, and a vibrant, diverse wildlife. Travelers are also drawn by the country’s rich cultural heritage. A trip to Vietnam will leave unforgettable impressions and memories for a lifetime.

A few official facts

Capital: Hanoi.

Official language: Vietnamese.

Currency: dong.

Religion: animism and Buddhism.

Reasons to buy a tour or package to Vietnam — online search and selection

Active development of tourism in the country began in the 1990s. Today it is one of the most important sectors of the economy. Vietnam boasts the necessary infrastructure, numerous historical and cultural landmarks, and incredibly diverse nature. 

By purchasing a tour to Vietnam, you can:

• Relax on varied beaches. There are resorts with lively nightlife and quieter ones, places for surfing and kitesurfing, and plenty of wild beaches for lovers of untouched nature and seclusion.
• Enjoy incredible scenery. One of Vietnam’s top natural attractions is Ha Long Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, fantastically shaped limestone islets and cliffs rise above the calm sea. The gray rocks contrast with the greenery on their slopes and the vivid color of the water.
• Set off on a weekend tour around Vietnam and see countless fascinating sights: ancient temple complexes, imperial palaces and tombs, traditional pagodas, citadel ruins, statues of deities, the Forbidden Purple City, and Gothic cathedrals. You can combine your sightseeing program with beach visits, and you won’t even need to search for beautiful views—many attractions blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature.
• Explore the underwater world. Diving in Vietnam is one of the key reasons to visit. You’ll find entire coral forests, farms that raise sea turtles, and pearl farms. Dive centers are staffed by experienced, PADI-certified instructors and offer high-quality equipment. The diversity, vibrancy, and exotic nature of marine life is astounding—there are over a thousand species here.
• Try traditional cuisine. There are many seafood dishes—oysters, scallops, and lobsters can be sampled almost everywhere. But the country’s signature treat, even its symbol, is pho: a soup made with beef broth, rice noodles, and fixings that each person chooses to taste.

There are plenty of entertainment options in the country. You can opt for a relaxed beach vacation with visits to nearby points of interest, or immerse yourself in exploring the country—and unwind on the shore in the evenings while enjoying the sunset.

✔️ Types of entertainment by region

Vietnam is located on the Indochinese Peninsula and stretches mainly along its eastern side. The country can roughly be divided into three tourist regions.

• In the north you’ll find major historical landmarks, tea and coffee plantations, nature reserves, and the capital, where East and West meet in remarkable ways.
• The center of the country is a beach paradise. The famous long coastline of Da Nang comes with parties, scenic views, and the ancient architecture of the imperial city of Hue.
• In the south lie the best resorts, numerous shops for quality shopping, theme parks, and other conveniences of the modern world.

✔️ Climate and seasons

The country has two climate zones: subtropical, and temperate at elevations above 2,000 meters. Average temperatures range from +15–20 °C in winter to +22–27 °C in summer in the north, and from +26–27 °C in winter to +28–29 °C in summer in the south.

Depending on the region, there can be rainy and monsoon seasons. The best time to visit is generally from April to November. However, you should always check local weather conditions before your trip. 

✔️ Currency

The national currency is the dong. It’s best to arrive with US dollars or euros and exchange them locally for dong. You can exchange currency at banks, licensed exchange offices, jewelry shops, travel agency offices, markets, and airports. Avoid street moneychangers due to the high risk of fraud. Tours can often be paid for in US dollars. MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere.

✔️ Major holidays

Vietnamese people celebrate key milestones in the nation’s history, international holidays, and many traditional festivals tied to the seasons and the lunar calendar—the latter are the most interesting for tourists to experience. 

• Tet — Vietnamese New Year (late January–early February). This is the country’s biggest and most spectacular holiday. People decorate homes with peach and apricot blossoms, prepare festive dishes, and at midnight set off fireworks; from temples and pagodas ring bronze bells; colorful paper dragons dance through the streets; everything is filled with red and yellow hues. Concerts and festivals are held during the holiday period, and water puppet theatres stage performances.
• Perfume Pagoda Festival (after Tet) is also very important for Vietnamese people. It takes place at a temple complex located in caves. During the festival, which lasts for more than two months, crowds of pilgrims visit the pagoda to pray for the health and well-being of their families and loved ones. Beyond its cultural value, there are culinary delights too—nearby restaurants serve unusual dishes during this time.
• Lantern Festival (February). Streets glow with traditional red lanterns. Folk performances featuring the Yangge dance, lion dances, and stilt walking are also part of the festivities. 

The country hosts various interesting competitions. You might catch a fishermen’s festival, see elephant or boat races, and experience many other local events.

Another event that attracts tourists from all over the world is the Fireworks Festival held in Da Nang in spring–summer. Teams from different countries gather to showcase their traditions and mastery in pyrotechnics. The festival was created to unite nations and encourage cultural exchange, and over the years it has grown into a dazzling international event.

✔️ Healthcare

For peace of mind regarding your health and budget, we recommend purchasing insurance, as medical services in Vietnam are paid. With a policy, you’ll have coverage for all or part of the expenses should an insured event occur.

✔️ Useful tips

To make your travel experience as positive as possible, prepare carefully and learn key behavioral nuances and features of the country you’re visiting.

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting sacred buildings. Clothing that is too revealing may offend locals. 
• Public displays of affection are not customary—this includes hugging, kissing, and so on. Avoid dramatic gesturing and raising your voice when speaking with Vietnamese people; it is considered rude.
• Locals greet each other with palms together and a bow; handshakes are not customary.
• Do not touch people’s heads or shoulders; these areas are considered sacred.
• In cafés, confirm a dish’s price before ordering to avoid surprises when the bill arrives.
• When choosing a local eatery, look for places popular with Vietnamese patrons—that’s a good sign of quality cooking.
• Remove your shoes when visiting pagodas. Inside, do not turn your back to sacred objects. Walk around temples only clockwise.
• Photographing people in uniform and military sites is strictly prohibited. Always ask permission before photographing locals.
• Make copies of your documents and carry them with you; leave originals in the hotel safe. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash on walks or excursions.
• Be prepared for persistent street vendors. At local markets, avoid showing large banknotes to keep prices from being overly inflated for you.
• In business settings, Vietnamese people like to exchange business cards, so bring some to offer in return.
• Book excursions and services only through reputable agencies to avoid scams. 
• Remember the people in your group and take your guide’s contact details so you don’t get separated during tours.