Vietnam is quickly becoming one of the most popular travel destinations for Australians looking for an exotic and adventurous vacation in Southeast Asia.
Known for its breathtaking natural scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, Vietnam has something to offer every type of traveler.
From the lively cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to the serene beaches of Nha Trang, to the majestic peaks of Sapa and sprawling rice paddies and floating markets of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam packs a punch for such a skinny country!
This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know to plan the perfect tour to Vietnam from Australia.
- When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
- How Long Should I Stay in Vietnam?
- What is the Budget for a Vietnam Tour?
- Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam?
- How to Get to Vietnam from Australia?
- Top Destinations and Attractions in Vietnam
- 10-Day Vietnam Sample Tour from South to North
- Tips for Booking Accommodation
- Don’t Miss These Iconic Vietnamese Foods and Drinks
- Getting Around Vietnam
- Staying Safe and Healthy in Vietnam
- What to Pack for Vietnam
1. When is the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?
Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate which means the weather varies quite a bit throughout the year.
The optimum time to visit is generally agreed to be between November – April, during the dry season when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal.
The hottest months are May to September, which coincide with the summer monsoon bringing very hot, humid and wet weather. September – October is shoulder season with occasional showers.
Overall the north experiences cooler temperatures than the south. Peak season is between November to March when prices are highest and crowds at their largest, so for a balance of good weather and smaller crowds, April – May or September – October are great options.
2. How Long Should I Stay in Vietnam?
Most travelers spend 2-3 weeks exploring Vietnam which allows enough time to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
With only 10-14 days you could squeeze in the main attractions but it will feel quite rushed.
If you have more time, 4 weeks would allow for a more immersive experience with time to venture off the beaten path.
The major destinations like Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City warrant 3-4 days each, while more remote regions like Sapa could take a full week when factoring in travel time.
Taking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay and a train ride is also highly recommended.
3.What is the Budget for a Vietnam Tour?
Vietnam is very budget-friendly, especially compared to most Western countries.
You can comfortably travel for around $50 USD a day per person if you stay in budget accommodation, eat street food, and use local transportation.
Mid-range expect to spend $75-$100 per day, and luxury could run over $200 per day.
Other costs to factor in are domestic flights ($50-110 each), activity fees like entrance tickets ($1.5-50 per site), and any organized tour fees which vary widely. E-visas cost around $25.
In total, plan to budget $1000 per person minimum for 2 weeks, excluding international flights.
4.Do I Need a Visa for Vietnam?
Yes, Australians need to obtain a visa before traveling to Vietnam.
There are two options – an E-visa can be applied for online prior to your trip which takes 3-5 working days to process and is valid for 30 days single entry.
Or you can get a visa on arrival by applying via an agent and paying an additional fee, which allows multiple entries and longer stays.
The visa on arrival is stamped into your passport at the airport upon landing in Vietnam. The process is relatively quick and painless.
5. How to Get to Vietnam from Australia?
There are no direct flights from Australia to Vietnam.
Most major airlines like Qantas, Vietnam Airlines and Cathay Pacific offer flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane which connect through Asian hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong or Bangkok.
Average flight times are around 10 hours including layovers.
Jetstar, Scoot and AirAsia offer cheaper budget flights with more stops.
Departing from Darwin or Perth tacks on an extra 1-2 hours of travel time.
Shop around for deals, but aim for $600-800 return flights if traveling in peak season.
6. Top Destinations and Attractions in Vietnam
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Mekong Delta
- Sapa
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
7. 10-Day Vietnam Sample Tour from South to North
Day 1 – Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive and check into hotel
Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels day trip
Explore city landmarks like War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office
Shopping at Ben Thanh Market
Day 3 – Mekong Delta Day Trip
Boat cruise through floating markets, villages of Mekong
Sample local fruits and cuisine
Day 4 – Fly to Danang, Transfer to Hoi An
Flight to Danang, transfer to Hoi An
Wander around charming Ancient Town
Day 5 – Hoi An Ancient Town
Visit old houses, Japanese Bridge, museums
Get custom clothes made
Day 6 – Hue Day Trip – Evening Flight to Hanoi/or Overnight Train to Hanoi
Transfer to Hue to visit Imperial City, royal tombs and pagodas
Evening flight to Hanoi or take overnight train to Hanoi, arrival in the early morning of the next day
Day 7 – Hanoi City Tour
Morning flight to Hanoi. Visit Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda
Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake area. Embark on a cyclo tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Day 8 – Hanoi Halong Bay Cruise
Off to Halong Bay for overnight cruise and stay overnight on the cruise boat
Cruise through stunning Halong Bay
Day 9 – Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi
Kayak, swim, explore caves if time allows
Return to Hanoi
Day 10 – Fly Home from Hanoi
Free morning in Hanoi
Afternoon flight back home
8. Tips for Booking Accommodation
Vietnam offers a wide range of accommodations from hostels to luxury resorts.
- Budget hotels generally run $30-$35 per night for simple rooms with air-con and ensuite bathrooms.
- Mid-range hotels from $35-$70 per night come with extra amenities like pools, restaurants and fitness centers.
- Luxury and boutique hotels start upwards of $100 per night for five-star service and facilities.
- Beach destinations often have beachfront bungalows.
- Book at least a few weeks in advance for the best rates during peak season.
- Read reviews and check locations when choosing accommodations.
9. Don’t Miss These Iconic Vietnamese Foods and Drinks
- Pho – Fragrant beef and rice noodle soup, the national dish.
- Banh mi – Baguette stuffed with meats, herbs, and vegetables.
- Bun cha – Grilled pork with rice vermicelli noodles and dipping sauce.
- xeo – Crispy Vietnamese crepes with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts.
- Cao lau – Noodles mixed with pork, greens, and croutons, unique to Hoi An.
- Vietnamese coffee – Dark, strong coffee sweetened with condensed milk.
- Bia hoi – Fresh draught beer for less than 50 cents a glass.
- Nuoc mam – The quintessential fish sauce seasoning.
- Fruits – Mangoes, dragonfruit, jackfruit, rambutans and more!
Street food stalls are ubiquitous in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and provide an authentic way to sample cheap, delicious local eats. Sign up for a street food tour to safely discover the best-hidden spots.
10. Getting Around Vietnam
- Flights: Vietnam Airlines and budget airlines like VietJet connect major cities like Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Trains: Efficient way to travel between main hubs along the country, with berths to sleep in for overnight journeys. Book early for routes like Hanoi to Sapa.
- Buses: A reliable, affordable bus network connects most destinations, though road conditions vary.
- Private cars: Hire a car and driver to customize an itinerary.
- Taxis: Widely available, metered taxis are best arranged via apps like Grab.
- Motorbike taxis: Fun local way to zip around cities, but not for the fainthearted!
- Cyclos: Cycle rickshaws allow leisurely exploration of smaller towns like Hoi An.
- Boats: Rivers like the Mekong Delta are best seen via boat tours.
11. Staying Safe and Healthy in Vietnam
- No vaccines are mandatory but hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies shots are recommended.
- Always drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
- Only eat cooked, peeled fruits and vegetables and cooked meat.
- Bring hand sanitizer and use it frequently when out, especially before meals.
- Vietnam is very safe but normal travel precautions apply: Don’t carry large sums of money or display valuables, be cautious of scams and pickpockets in crowded places.
- Get comprehensive travel insurance. Medical facilities may require payment upfront.
- Register your trip with SmartTraveller before departing Australia.
- Wear high-SPF sunscreen and stay hydrated – the tropical sun is intense.
12. What to Pack for Vietnam
- Light, breathable clothing – think moisture-wicking fabrics, skirts and dresses. Don’t flash shoulders or knees at religious sites.
- Sturdy walking shoes for city exploring and hiking.
- Rain jacket or compact umbrella during rainy season.
- Swimsuit if partaking in beach time.
- Universal adapter for electronics.
- Photocopies of passport, visa, travel insurance – keep separately from originals.
- Prescription medications in original containers.
- Mosquito repellent with DEET.
- Light towel and antibacterial soap, many bathrooms don’t provide.
- Daypack for carrying essentials while sightseeing.
- Cash in Vietnamese Dong – have small bills for street vendors
Start Planning Your Dream Trip to Vietnam with Ancient Orient Journeys
Vietnam is an incredibly diverse, vibrant and fascinating country that finds a place in every traveler’s heart.
With its rich cultural heritage, mouthwatering cuisine and jaw-dropping landscapes there is something for everyone.
Follow this guide to craft your perfect multi-stop Vietnam tour full of life’s little adventures.
Just don’t be surprised if you start planning your return trip before you’ve even departed – Vietnam has a way of drawing you back!
Contact the AOJ team today to start planning your dream Vietnam tour.