North to south in one trip
From Hanoi’s old quarter and the karst islands of Ha Long Bay to lantern-lit Hoi An and the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is one of Asia’s great journeys. We plan internal flights, cruises and guides so it flows easily.
Where to go
An overnight cruise among thousands of limestone islands.
Lantern-lit streets, tailors and beaches nearby.
Rice terraces, hill-tribe villages and mountain treks.
Old-quarter street food and boat rides through karst landscapes.
Markets, history and river life in the south.
Culture and customs
Vietnamese people are friendly and proud; a smile and patience go a long way.
Temples. Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering.
Crossing the road. Walk slowly and steadily — traffic flows around you.
Bargaining. Expected at markets; agree prices before taking cyclos or taxis without meters.
Tipping. Not traditional but appreciated for guides, drivers and good service.
Carry ID. You must carry photo ID — a printed copy of your passport photo page and visa is accepted. Don’t leave your passport as a deposit.
Laws to know. Drug penalties are severe, vapes and e-cigarettes are banned, and photography near military bases isn’t allowed.
How far is Vietnam from you?
Distances are great-circle estimates and flying times are typical, not timetabled. Message us for live fares and routes.
Vietnam, month by month
Hover overTap a month for average day and night temperatures and rainy days.
Long-term averages from national weather services (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City). Actual weather varies year to year.
Ready-made holidays, coming soon
We’re adding Vietnam packages you can browse and filter by trip type, length and budget. Until then, tell us what you’d like and we’ll send ideas and prices — usually the same day.
Tell us about your Vietnam trip
Holiday, flights only or just a hotel — send us the details and our team will come back with options and prices, usually the same day during opening hours.
- Flights issued by our own IATA-accredited team
- Internal flights, transfers and tours arranged
- Visa and passport help from our documents team
- One team to message before, during and after
Read the full official entry requirements
See the official GOV.UK entry requirements for Vietnam.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Updated automatically from GOV.UK travel advice.
Travelling to Vietnam — quick answers
Can’t see your question? Send us a message or WhatsApp us.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam with a British passport?
Not for stays of up to 45 days — British passport holders can visit visa-free for tourism or business. For longer stays, apply for an e-visa, which allows a 90-day stay with multiple entries. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive, with at least two blank pages. Vietnam is also introducing an online pre-arrival information form (submitted up to 3 days before arrival) at major airports, so check whether it applies to your arrival airport.
How long is the flight?
About 12 to 13 hours nonstop from London Heathrow with Vietnam Airlines, or longer with one stop via the Gulf or Asia.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
It varies — the north is best in spring and autumn, the centre from February to August and the south from December to April. With the right route there’s somewhere good all year.
How long do I need?
Two weeks covers the highlights from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
Please note: the information on this page is a general guide, checked when it was published. Entry rules, health advice, weather, seasons, flight routes and local conditions can change at any time and vary from person to person, so we can’t accept responsibility for changes or for decisions based on this page alone. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice and official travel health advice before you travel. It is your responsibility to check the entry, health and travel requirements that apply to you before you travel. See our terms and conditions.