Vietnam Holidays: A Complete Travel Guide to Your Dream Vacation

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of an adventure that combines rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Vietnam holidays are exactly what you need.
From the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the golden beaches of Phu Quoc, Vietnam offers travelers an incredible variety of experiences. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a family getaway, or an active adventure, a well-planned Vietnam holiday package ensures every moment is unforgettable.

Let Private Tour Asia be your trusted companion as you explore Vietnam’s timeless charm.

Why Choose Vietnam for Your Holidays?

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and affordable destinations. Here’s why it should be on every traveler’s list:

• Rich culture & history: Ancient temples, royal citadels, and vibrant local festivals.
• Natural beauty: Lush rice terraces, stunning bays, and tropical islands.
• Delicious food: A paradise for food lovers with regional specialties across the country.
• Friendly locals: Warm hospitality and authentic cultural encounters.
• Easy travel: Excellent connections by air, train, and road make exploring Vietnam effortless.

🌟 Top Destinations for Vietnam Holidays

From vibrant cities to peaceful islands, Vietnam holidays offer a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and culture. Here are the top destinations you shouldn’t miss on your Vietnam vacation:

🇻🇳 1. Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnamese Culture

As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is where the country’s history and modern energy come together. Wander through the Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets named after traditional trades, and sample local favorites like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake for a morning stroll, explore the Temple of Literature, and pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
👉 Experience tip: Take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter or join a street food tour to taste authentic Hanoi flavors.

🌊 2. Ha Long Bay – Vietnam’s Natural Masterpiece

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Asia. Thousands of limestone islands rise from emerald waters, creating a surreal seascape. The best way to enjoy it? Take an overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk boat — complete with kayaking, cave exploration, and sunrise tai chi sessions on deck.
👉 Alternative: For a quieter escape, head to Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, equally stunning but less crowded.

🏮 3. Hoi An – The Ancient Town of Lanterns

With its well-preserved architecture and romantic riverside setting, Hoi An is often the highlight of any Vietnam holiday. The town’s Old Quarter is filled with tailor shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Don’t miss the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky Ancient House, both symbols of Hoi An’s unique cultural blend.
At night, the town transforms into a sea of colorful lanterns — especially during the monthly Lantern Festival, when the entire town glows with magic.
👉 Try this: Take a cooking class or join a boat ride to release paper lanterns on the Thu Bon River.

🏰 4. Hue – The Imperial City of Vietnam

Once the royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is a treasure trove of history and architecture. The Imperial Citadel (a UNESCO site) features ancient palaces, temples, and gardens surrounded by moats. Along the Perfume River, you’ll find the beautifully designed Royal Tombs of the emperors — especially those of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
👉 Local highlight: Enjoy Hue royal cuisine, famous for its artful presentation and delicate flavors once reserved for kings.

🌴 5. Da Nang – Beach City with a Modern Touch

Da Nang offers the best of both worlds — a lively modern city and stunning beaches. Spend your days relaxing on My Khe Beach, hiking the Marble Mountains, or visiting the Dragon Bridge, which breathes fire every weekend night. Take a short trip to Ba Na Hills to walk on the Instagram-famous Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands.
👉 Fun fact: Da Nang was named one of the most livable cities in Asia for its clean environment and laid-back lifestyle.

🌾 6. Sapa – Mountain Magic and Rice Terraces

Located in northern Vietnam, Sapa is a haven for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush rice terraces and misty mountains, it’s home to diverse ethnic communities like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay. Trek through villages such as Cat Cat, Lao Chai, and Ta Van, or take the Fansipan cable car, which leads to the highest peak in Indochina.
👉 Unique experience: Stay overnight in a local homestay to learn about traditional life and taste home-cooked meals.

🏖️ 7. Nha Trang – Vietnam’s Coastal Playground

Famous for its turquoise water and long sandy beaches, Nha Trang is perfect for sunseekers. Relax at Tran Phu Beach, go snorkeling or diving around Hon Mun Island, or unwind in a mud bath spa — a local specialty! The city also offers cultural sites like the Po Nagar Cham Towers, remnants of the ancient Cham civilization.
👉 Best for: Families, honeymooners, or anyone looking for a mix of relaxation and entertainment.

🏝️ 8. Phu Quoc Island – The Pearl of the South

The ultimate beach destination for Vietnam holidays, Phu Quoc Island boasts crystal-clear water, palm-fringed beaches, and luxury resorts. Visit Sao Beach for white sand and calm seas, explore Phu Quoc National Park, or take a cable car ride to Hon Thom Island, the world’s longest oversea cable car.
👉 Must-do: Enjoy fresh seafood at the Phu Quoc Night Market or visit a fish sauce factory — the island’s most famous export.

🌇 9. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – The City That Never Sleeps

Vietnam’s largest and most energetic metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, offers a perfect blend of history and modernity. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral for a glimpse into the city’s past. Then, dive into the buzz of Ben Thanh Market or experience its vibrant nightlife scene.
👉 Day trip idea: Head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating underground network from the Vietnam War.

🚤 10. Mekong Delta – The Soul of Southern Vietnam

Known as Vietnam’s “Rice Bowl,” the Mekong Delta is a vast region of rivers, floating markets, and lush orchards. Take a boat cruise through the waterways, visit local workshops making coconut candy, and enjoy tropical fruits straight from the farm.
👉 Unmissable: The Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho — a lively morning scene where traders sell produce directly from their boats.

✨ Whether you’re drawn to the history of Hue, the beaches of Phu Quoc, or the charm of Hoi An, these destinations capture the very essence of Vietnam holidays — vibrant, diverse, and unforgettable.

✨ Unique Experiences to Add to Your Vietnam Holidays

A trip to Vietnam is not just about sightseeing — it’s about living the experience. Whether you’re a culture lover, foodie, or thrill-seeker, these unforgettable activities will turn your Vietnam holidays into the journey of a lifetime.

🍜 1. Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class

Food is the heartbeat of Vietnamese culture, and one of the best ways to experience it is through a cooking class. In places like Hoi An, Hue, or Hanoi, travelers can visit local markets, learn how to choose fresh ingredients, and prepare dishes such as pho, spring rolls, and banh xeo.
👉 Why try it? You’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also take home authentic recipes — the ultimate souvenir from your Vietnam holidays.

🚲 2. Take a Countryside Bicycle Tour

Escape the cities and explore rural Vietnam on two wheels. Pedal through lush rice fields in Ninh Binh, small fishing villages near Hoi An, or fruit orchards in the Mekong Delta. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly locals, wave to farmers in conical hats, and capture postcard-perfect photos of Vietnam’s countryside.
👉 Best for: Travelers who love slow travel and authentic experiences.

🏞️ 3. Trekking in Sapa or Ha Giang Loop

For adventure lovers, northern Vietnam is paradise. Trek through terraced rice fields and stay overnight in a local homestay in Sapa, or challenge yourself with the Ha Giang Loop, a scenic mountain route known for its dramatic landscapes and ethnic diversity.
👉 Highlight: Interacting with Hmong, Tay, and Dao villagers — an authentic cultural connection far beyond the tourist trail.

🏮 4. Experience the Lantern Festival in Hoi An

Time your Vietnam holidays to coincide with the Hoi An Lantern Festival, held every full moon. During this magical night, all electric lights in the Old Town are turned off, and thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets and river. You can float your own lantern for good luck or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
👉 Perfect for: Couples, photographers, and anyone seeking a romantic cultural experience.

🚤 5. Cruise the Waters of Ha Long Bay or the Mekong Delta

No Vietnam holiday is complete without a scenic cruise. Sail through Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands, kayak into hidden lagoons, or enjoy a seafood dinner under the stars. In the south, cruise along the Mekong Delta, visiting floating markets and riverside villages.
👉 Why it’s special: These experiences showcase Vietnam’s most iconic waterways — serene, scenic, and full of life.

🏯 6. Discover Ancient Temples and Pagodas

Vietnam’s spiritual heritage is everywhere — from the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue to the Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi and My Son Sanctuary near Hoi An. Explore these sacred sites to learn about Buddhist and Cham architecture, and enjoy tranquil moments surrounded by nature and history.
👉 Tip: Dress modestly and bring a light scarf or cover-up when visiting religious sites.

🎭 7. Watch Traditional Performances

Vietnam’s performing arts reflect its deep cultural roots. In Hanoi, enjoy a Water Puppet Show, an art form dating back to the 11th century. In Hue, attend a Royal Court Music performance — recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
👉 Extra tip: Many shows include English explanations, making them easy to follow for international visitors.

🏝️ 8. Relax on a Private Island or Beach Resort

After exploring cities and mountains, unwind at one of Vietnam’s stunning beach destinations. Stay at a luxury resort in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, or Da Nang, where turquoise seas and soft sand await. Enjoy spa treatments, sunset cocktails, and yoga by the sea — the perfect way to end your Vietnam holidays.
👉 Ideal for: Honeymooners, families, and wellness travelers.

☕ 9. Explore Vietnam’s Coffee Culture

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and tasting it is an experience in itself. Try egg coffee in Hanoi, salt coffee in Hue, or strong drip coffee (ca phe sua da) anywhere in the country. Visit a coffee plantation in Da Lat to see how beans are grown and roasted.
👉 Fun fact: Vietnamese coffee culture is slow, social, and deeply rooted in daily life — a must-do for coffee lovers.

🌾 10. Immerse Yourself in Local Festivals

Vietnam celebrates countless festivals that reflect its heritage and community spirit.

• Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): The biggest national holiday with fireworks, flowers, and family gatherings.
• Mid-Autumn Festival: Lanterns, mooncakes, and joyful parades for children.
• Hue Festival: A cultural event with art, theater, and royal reenactments.
  👉 Tip: Festivals are a fantastic way to experience Vietnamese traditions up close.

✨ Whether it’s cruising through Ha Long Bay, learning to cook local dishes, or soaking in the sun on a tropical beach, these experiences will make your Vietnam holidays truly unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam’s climate varies from north to south:

• North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa): Best from October to April (cool and dry).
• Central (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Ideal from February to August.
• South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): Warm year-round, dry season from November to April.

Travel Tips for Your Vietnam Holidays

• Apply for an e-Visa in advance (valid for 90 days for many nationalities).
• Bring local currency (VND) and use ATMs for convenience.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly at temples.
• Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases — locals love it!
• Use licensed guides and tour operators like Private Tour Asia for safe, authentic experiences.

Conclusion

Vietnam holidays are the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure. From exploring ancient cities and tropical beaches to tasting world-famous cuisine, every corner of Vietnam tells a new story.

✨ Let Private Tour Asia craft your dream Vietnam holiday package — complete with custom itineraries, expert local guides, and unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s your first trip or a return journey, Vietnam will capture your heart.

Last Updated on October 11, 2025 by Elena