Vietnam

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Vietnam?

Vietnam is a country that stretches over 1,600 kilometres from north to south, with a different climate, culture and cuisine at either end. Hanoi in the north is dignified, full of French colonial architecture and street food, and the gateway to Ha Long Bay. Hue in the centre is the former imperial capital, surrounded by royal tombs and citadel ruins. Hoi An is the best-preserved merchant town in Southeast Asia. Ho Chi Minh City in the south is high-energy, modern and the entry point to the Mekong Delta. Getting the most from all of this requires a coherent plan - which is exactly what our escorted itineraries provide.

The historical complexity of Vietnam - the imperial dynasties, the French colonial period, the American war and the extraordinary resilience and recovery since - is best understood with a guide who lives in this history, not just reads about it. Our local guides bring context that transforms visits to the War Remnants Museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Imperial Citadel of Hue from sightseeing into genuine understanding. For British-Indian passengers, Vietnam offers excellent vegetarian options particularly in the Buddhist temple regions, and is one of Southeast Asia's most food-forward destinations.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Vietnam Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, typically three or more evenings per week
• Vegetarian options widely available, particularly in Buddhist pagoda towns including Hoi An and Hue
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included group meals
• India departure add-on available on some itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam's long shape means weather varies significantly by region. As a general guide:

February to April is excellent for the whole country: the dry season is well established, temperatures are comfortable and the crowds are manageable. February sees Tet (Vietnamese New Year) festivities.

May and June are good for the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) before the heat builds, but the south becomes hot and humid. A good time for the north-focused itinerary.

September to November is excellent for the centre and south: the dry season returns to Hoi An and Hue after the central monsoon, and Ho Chi Minh City is at its most pleasant.

December and January are cooler in Hanoi (around 18°C), fine in the south, and the most popular period overall. Book well ahead for December and January departures.

Popular Destinations Within Vietnam

Hanoi - the Old Quarter with its 36 guild streets, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature. A city that rewards slow exploration on foot.

Ha Long Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of over 1,600 limestone islands rising from the emerald water of the Gulf of Tonkin. An overnight cruise by traditional junk is one of Asia's great experiences.

Hue - the former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty, with the Imperial Citadel, the forbidden Purple City and a series of royal tombs spread across the surrounding hills.

Hoi An - the most beautiful town in Vietnam: a UNESCO World Heritage merchant port with Japanese covered bridges, Chinese assembly halls, tailor shops and lantern-lit streets on the Thu Bon River.

Ho Chi Minh City - the economic engine of the south, with the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Ben Thanh Market and day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

The Mekong Delta - the river system south of Ho Chi Minh City, with floating markets, rice paddies and river life that moves at a completely different pace from the cities.

Practical Information

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cards widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants; cash useful for markets and small vendors.
• Language: Vietnamese; English spoken in tourist areas and hotels
• Time zone: Indochina Time (GMT+7). No daylight saving.
• Electricity: Type A, C and F plugs (220V). A multi-adapter is recommended.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Vietnam holidays are fully protected