Vietnam is one of those destinations that grabs you from the moment you land and doesn't let go. The food is unreal, the people are warm, the scenery is jaw-dropping, and your money goes further than almost anywhere else on the planet. Our Vietnam holidays fly into Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two of Southeast Asia's most exciting cities, and from either one you're perfectly placed to explore the rest of the country.
✨ Vietnam Holiday Highlights 2026/2027
🍜 The street food is the best in the world, and that's not an exaggeration. A bowl of pho for under £2, a banh mi for less than a quid, and bia hoi (fresh draft beer) for about 30p. You'll eat like royalty for pennies.
🏞️ The landscapes are properly cinematic. Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts rising out of emerald water, the terraced rice paddies of Sapa, the Mekong Delta's floating markets, and the white sand beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc.
🏍️ The energy is addictive. Millions of motorbikes weaving through the streets, night markets buzzing until late, rooftop bars with skyline views, and a cafe culture that revolves around some of the best coffee you'll ever drink.
🏛️ The history runs deep. From the ancient town of Hoi An (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Imperial Citadel of Hue, Vietnam wears its past with pride and tells its story honestly.
🌏 It's one of the best value long-haul destinations from the UK & Ireland. Five-star hotels for three-star prices, meals out for a few pounds, and internal flights between cities for less than a train ticket back home.
📌 Good to Know
☀️ Vietnam stretches over 1,600km from north to south, so the weather varies hugely. Ho Chi Minh City is warm year-round (25-35°C) with a wet season from May to November. Hanoi has proper seasons, with cool, dry winters (14-22°C) and hot, humid summers. The sweet spot is October to April.
💷 Vietnam is spectacularly cheap. A bowl of pho costs around £1-£1.70, a bia hoi draft beer is about 30p, and a full meal in a decent restaurant comes in at £3-£6. Even top-end restaurants rarely cost more than £15-£20 a head.
🏍️ Vietnam has more motorbikes than any country in the world per capita. In Ho Chi Minh City alone there are over 7 million registered bikes. Crossing the road is an art form. The trick? Walk slowly and steadily, and the bikes will flow around you.
🏨 Hotels in Vietnam 2026/2027
Vietnam's hotel scene punches well above its weight. You'll find boutique stays with rooftop pools, colonial-era charm and spa treatments for a fraction of what you'd pay anywhere in Europe. Our Vietnam hotels are split between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
💑 Couples
🌃 The Myst Dong Khoi - Stylish 4-star on the banks of the Saigon River in District 1. Rooftop pool, spa, sauna, and you're a 5-minute walk from the Opera House. Proper date-night material.
🏮 Authentic Hanoi Boutique Hotel - Charming spot right in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Rooftop bar, complimentary breakfast, and Hoan Kiem Lake is a 9-minute stroll. Intimate and atmospheric.
🏞️ Hanoi Hotel - Gorgeous views over Giang Vo Lake and the city skyline. Spa, gym, casino, and multiple restaurants. A proper luxury base for exploring the capital.
👨👩👧👦 Families
🏊 Somerset Ho Chi Minh City - Serviced apartments in District 1, so you've got space to spread out. Outdoor pool, kids' club, and kitchenettes in the rooms. Walking distance to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
🎨 Somerset Chancellor Court Ho Chi Minh City - Another excellent apartment-style option with kids' swimming area, playground, gym, spa, and a beauty salon. Near the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral.
🗺️ Hanoi Allure Hotel - Small and friendly, right in the heart of Hanoi. The Old Quarter is 5 minutes away, Hoan Kiem Lake is 9. Rooms have fireplaces, and cots are available for little ones.
✨ Luxury
👑 Super Candle Hotel - Japanese-inspired architecture with in-room kitchens, an indoor pool, spa, sauna and steam room. Sleek, modern, and a cut above.
💎 The Myst Dong Khoi - Riverside pool, spa centre, and a pub on site. District 1 location means the best of Saigon is on your doorstep.
🎉 Groups
🍻 Vien Dong Hotel - Right in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, a 5-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien Walking Street (the backpacker strip). Gym, spa, bar, and brilliant value.
🏯 Hanoi Allure Hotel - Small but perfectly located. The Old Quarter's bars and Bia Hoi Corner are minutes away. 24-hour room service and massage facilities for the morning after.
💰 Value
🛏️ Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel - Slap bang in District 1, two minutes from Ben Thanh Market. Clean, comfortable, and central. Everything you need, nothing you don't.
☕ Authentic Hanoi Boutique Hotel - Free breakfast, rooftop bar, and an Old Quarter location. Vietnam's hotel prices are already brilliant, but this one makes them look even better.
🔭 Must See in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country built for exploring. Even if you're based in one city, day trips and internal flights open up some of the most spectacular scenery in Southeast Asia.
🌊 Ha Long Bay - Over 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising from emerald waters. Overnight cruise boats are the classic way to see it, and they're surprisingly affordable. About 3-4 hours from Hanoi by road.
🏮 Hoi An Ancient Town - A UNESCO World Heritage Site with lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, and some of the best food in the country. Time your visit for the monthly Full Moon Lantern Festival and the whole town glows.
🏯 Imperial City of Hue - Vietnam's former capital, with a vast walled citadel, ornate royal tombs, and dragon boat rides on the Perfume River. A proper step back in time.
🕳️ Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - Home to some of the largest caves on earth, including Son Doong (the world's biggest). Underground rivers, massive caverns, and jungle-covered karst mountains.
🌾 Sapa rice terraces - Cascading green terraces carved into misty mountain slopes in Vietnam's far north. Trek between hill tribe villages and stay in local homestays. Best from September to November when the rice turns gold.
🏖️ Da Nang and the central coast - Long stretches of white sand, the Marble Mountains, and the Dragon Bridge that breathes actual fire on weekend nights. Vietnam's fastest-growing beach destination.
🚣 Mekong Delta - A maze of rivers, floating markets and fruit orchards south of Ho Chi Minh City. Take a boat through the narrow canals, sample tropical fruit straight from the trees, and watch daily life unfold on the water.
🏍️ Hai Van Pass - The most scenic road in Vietnam, winding along clifftops between Da Nang and Hue. Made famous by Top Gear, it's best experienced on the back of a motorbike (with a driver, if you prefer).
📍 Where to Stay on Your Vietnam Holidays
Our Vietnam hotels are in two cities: Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Both are brilliant, but they've got very different vibes.
👨👩👧👦 Families
🌳 District 1, Ho Chi Minh City - The city's central district, with wide boulevards, parks, the Saigon Zoo, museums, and loads of restaurants. Easy to get around on foot or by Grab (Vietnam's version of Uber), and most family-friendly hotels are here.
⛩️ Hoan Kiem area, Hanoi - The area around Hoan Kiem Lake is compact, walkable and full of things to see. The Water Puppet Theatre, the Old Quarter's sweet shops, and Ngoc Son Temple are all within a short stroll.
💑 Couples
🏮 Old Quarter, Hanoi - Narrow streets, tiny bars, egg coffee shops and the buzz of the night market. It's chaotic and romantic in equal measure. Perfect for couples who like their evenings atmospheric.
🌇 Dong Khoi, Ho Chi Minh City - The city's most elegant street, lined with French colonial buildings, upscale restaurants, rooftop bars and the Opera House. A more polished, grown-up side of Saigon.
🎉 Groups
🍺 Bui Vien, Ho Chi Minh City - The backpacker strip, but don't let that put you off. Cheap beer, street food, live music, and a buzzing atmosphere that kicks off every night. Brilliant for groups who want to be in the thick of it.
🍻 Bia Hoi Corner, Hanoi - Tiny plastic stools, fresh draft beer for pennies, and the kind of atmosphere you can't manufacture. It's where locals and travellers mix, and it's the perfect starting point for a night out in the Old Quarter.
🗣️ Local Lingo
Vietnamese is a tonal language, so pronunciation is tricky for English speakers. But even a basic attempt at a few words will earn you huge smiles. Most people in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City working in tourism speak some English, and Google Translate is your best friend for everything else.
🙋 Xin chao (sin chow) - Hello
🙏 Cam on (gahm uhn) - Thank you
🍻 Mot, hai, ba, yo! (moht, hai, bah, yo) - One, two, three, cheers! (the Vietnamese drinking toast)
😋 Ngon qua! (ngon kwah) - Delicious!
🧾 Tinh tien (tin tee-en) - The bill please
🌅 Chao buoi sang (chow boo-oy sahng) - Good morning
🙇 Xin loi (sin loy) - Sorry / excuse me
💰 Bao nhieu? (bow nyew) - How much?
🗺️ Vietnam Holidays Travel Guide 2026/2027
👨👩👧👦 Families
🎭 Water Puppet Theatre, Hanoi - A uniquely Vietnamese art form where carved wooden puppets dance across a water stage, accompanied by live traditional music. Shows last about 50 minutes, tickets are cheap, and kids are mesmerised.
🐊 Cu Chi Tunnels - About 70km from Ho Chi Minh City. Kids can crawl through sections of the wartime tunnel network (widened for visitors), and the outdoor exhibits make history feel tangible. Best for older children.
🚲 Cycling through Hoi An - Rent bikes and ride through rice paddies to the beach, stopping at workshops where artisans make lanterns, pottery and silk. Flat terrain, no traffic stress, and cooking classes are easy to add on.
🌿 Botanical Gardens and Zoo, Ho Chi Minh City - One of the oldest zoos in the world (founded 1864), set in lush tropical gardens. It's a shady, peaceful escape from the city heat, and entry costs about £1.
🧗 Canyoning in Da Lat - For adventurous families with older kids. Abseil down waterfalls, slide through natural rock chutes, and jump into pools in Vietnam's cool highland town. Several operators run family-friendly routes.
💑 Couples
☕ Egg coffee at Cafe Giang, Hanoi - The original home of ca phe trung (egg coffee), a whipped egg yolk and condensed milk concoction that tastes like liquid tiramisu. Tiny, atmospheric, and a Hanoi institution since 1946.
🛶 Overnight junk boat on Ha Long Bay - Wake up surrounded by limestone karsts, kayak through hidden lagoons, and watch the sunset from the deck with a cold beer. Most cruises depart from Hanoi and include meals.
🌙 Rooftop cocktails on Dong Khoi, Ho Chi Minh City - The Saigon skyline at night is something else. Bars like the Social Club (Hotel des Arts) serve craft cocktails with views that make you feel like you're in a film.
🏮 Full Moon Lantern Festival, Hoi An - On the 14th day of each lunar month, Hoi An turns off its electric lights and the streets fill with paper lanterns, candles on the river, and live traditional music. Properly magical.
🚂 Reunification Express train - The rail line from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City covers 1,726km through the heart of the country. You don't need to do the full 30-hour journey. The Hue-to-Da Nang section (3 hours) runs along the coast and through the Hai Van Pass.
🎉 Groups
🏍️ Motorbike food tour, Ho Chi Minh City - Hop on the back of a scooter and let a local guide take your group through back alleys and markets, stopping at street food stalls for pho, banh xeo, and grilled seafood. Chaotic, brilliant fun.
🎤 Karaoke in Hanoi - Private rooms with all-you-can-drink packages are everywhere, and they're absurdly cheap. Vietnamese karaoke culture is massive, and joining in is one of the best group nights out you can have.
🏖️ Beach day in Da Nang - If your group fancies a break from the cities, internal flights to Da Nang are cheap and quick. My Khe Beach has warm water, long stretches of sand, and a row of seafood restaurants along the shore.
🍺 Bia hoi crawl, Hanoi - The ultimate budget night out. Fresh beer brewed that morning, served on tiny plastic stools at street-corner joints for pennies. Start at Bia Hoi Corner (junction of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen) and see where the night takes you.
🏔️ Overnight trek in Sapa - For active groups who want something different. Trek through terraced rice fields, stay in a homestay with a local family, and wake up to mountain views. Several operators run 2-day/1-night trips from Hanoi.
🌏 More Holiday Destinations
Southeast Asia
🇹🇭 Thailand Beaches, temples, incredible street food and prices that make your jaw drop. Phuket is the big hitter for package holidays from the UK & Ireland.
🇯🇵 Japan Ancient temples, neon cities, bullet trains and the best food culture on earth. A completely different flavour of Asia.
🇮🇩 Indonesia Bali is the star of the show. Rice terraces, surf beaches, temple ceremonies and sunset cocktails at a fraction of European prices.
🇲🇾 Malaysia Kuala Lumpur's skyline, Langkawi's beaches and Penang's legendary street food scene. A brilliant mix of city buzz and tropical escape.
🇭🇰 Hong Kong Dim sum, harbour views, hiking trails and some of the most exciting shopping in Asia. Compact, electric, and easy to navigate.
South Asia & Indian Ocean
🇮🇳 India The Taj Mahal, Goa's golden beaches, spice-scented bazaars and food that'll change your life. A full-on sensory adventure.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Tea plantations, elephants, ancient temples and golden beaches. A proper adventure destination that's getting more popular every year.
🇲🇻 Maldives Overwater villas, turquoise lagoons and the kind of peace and quiet you can't find anywhere else. The ultimate couples' escape.
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FAQs
How long is the flight to Vietnam from the UK?
How long is the flight to Vietnam from the UK?
Direct flights from London to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi take around 11-12 hours. With a connection (usually via the Middle East, Bangkok or Singapore), it's more like 15-20 hours. Vietnam Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines all operate popular routes.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
UK & Ireland passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. You just need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. For stays longer than 45 days, you'll need to apply for an e-visa online before you travel.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Very. Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Petty theft (bag snatching, phone theft) can happen in busy areas, so keep your valuables close, but overall the country is welcoming and well-trodden by UK & Ireland visitors.
What's the best time to visit Vietnam?
What's the best time to visit Vietnam?
It depends on where you're going. For Ho Chi Minh City and the south, December to April is dry and warm (25-35°C). For Hanoi and the north, October to December or March to May gives you pleasant temperatures (17-28°C) without the summer heat or winter chill. The country is so long that somewhere is always in season.
How do I get around Vietnam?
How do I get around Vietnam?
Within the cities, Grab (Southeast Asia's answer to Uber) is the easiest way to get around. It works for motorbike taxis too, which are faster and cheaper. Between cities, domestic flights are quick and affordable (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is about 2 hours). Trains are scenic but slow. Sleeper buses connect most major destinations and are surprisingly comfortable.
Is Vietnam good for families?
Is Vietnam good for families?
Absolutely. Vietnamese people are incredibly welcoming to children, the food is fresh and varied (even fussy eaters can find rice, noodles or grilled meats), and there's loads to do from cave exploring to beach days. Hotels in the cities tend to have smaller rooms than European standards, so look for apartment-style stays like the Somerset properties for more space.
What about beaches in Vietnam?
What about beaches in Vietnam?
Vietnam has some brilliant beaches, but they're outside Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City where our hotels are based. Da Nang (central coast) has long stretches of white sand and is a short domestic flight from either city. Phu Quoc island in the far south has turquoise water and resort-style beaches. Nha Trang is another popular coastal spot.
What cultural differences should I know about?
What cultural differences should I know about?
Vietnamese culture is warm and hospitable, but there are a few things worth knowing. Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Bargaining is expected at markets but not in restaurants or shops with fixed prices. When someone hands you a business card or a gift, receive it with both hands. And if you're invited to eat with a Vietnamese family, try a bit of everything. Refusing food can be seen as impolite, even if you're full.
How cheap is Vietnam really?
How cheap is Vietnam really?
Properly cheap. A bowl of pho costs about £1-£1.70, a banh mi is 40-85p, a bia hoi draft beer is about 30p, and a full meal in a good restaurant rarely tops £6. You can live like a king on £20-£30 a day for food and drink. Even five-star hotels in Vietnam cost a fraction of what you'd pay in Europe.