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Find out more about Vietnam’s salt production in Phan Thiet. Once the water from the salt fields has evaporated, salt is painstakingly gathered by local workers.
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Duck through the ancient gateways of beautifully preserved Hue to reveal original 18th century silk shops and Buddhist temples.
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Board an old-fashioned Vietnamese teak boat to explore the hidden beaches, lakes and lagoons of Halong Bay.
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Terraced rice fields cascade down the hills in Mai Chau.
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Set on a remote island within the Con Dao archipelago, the polished Six Senses Con Dao resort stretches across one of the best beaches in Vietnam.
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Glide down the Perfume River (Song Huong) in Hue at sunset for a memorable evening.
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A simple yet enduring scene and an iconic image of traditional Vietnamese life.
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Local women enjoying a sit and a gossip!
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Exotic fruit are displayed at this bountiful market in Dalat, located in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
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Wander around the Old Quarter in Hoi An to absorb its atmosphere and admire its merchant townhouses.
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Beautiful silk lanterns are emblematic of Vietnam and you will find them in markets in Hoi An and across Vietnam. Buy some to take home with you as an enduring reminder of your Vietnamese adventure.
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Amanoi’s sparkling white-sand beach on one of Vietnam’s most undiscovered and beautiful coastlines – Vinh Hy Bay.
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Soak up the spectacular views from your private villa at Amanoi. The Pavilions are perched far enough from the sea for the passing fishing boats to be a distant romantic hum, but close enough to feel connected to it.
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Set on its own stretch of white sand beach away from the main resort, the vast presidential villa at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay offers assured privacy and an extremely high level of comfort including a spa treatment room.
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Open-sided to sensational sea views, the stylish Water Pool Villa bathrooms at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay re-write the rulebook on rustic chic.
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Colourful fishing boats jostle in readiness for the day’s fishing, providing the vital ingredient for Phan Thiet‘s finest export: fish sauce.
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Chill out in a hammock, under a blanket of stars, whilst you watch your favourite movie at Six Senses Hideaway Can Dao.
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Discovering Vietnam's Halong Bay by boat is an unforgettable way to explore this UNESCO world heritage sight.
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Feel the sea breeze, drink in the stunning beach scene and feast on the freshest seafood at Vietnam's island paradise, Six Senses Can Dao.
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A historic hotel in central Hanoi, the Sofitel Metropole has a welcoming and colonial atmosphere and it is our top choice for a glamorous city stay.
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The glamorous La Residence Hotel & Spa in Hue evokes the Jazz Age era of French Colonial Vietnam with its distinctive Art Deco architecture.
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Villas at the Nam Hai come with sizeable private swimming pools and are only steps from powder soft sand on a picture-perfect beach.
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There is a unique skill in manoeuvring these woven fishing boats around. Of course the Vietnamese fishermen make it look easy!
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Learn more about the fascinating Hmong tribes people of Vietnam and admire their intricate hand stitched clothing and unchanged way of life.
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See how the Vietnamese haggle and barter for fresh produce at the floating market in Can Tho – a real slice of Vietnamese life.
30/30Vietnam: Best time to go
Packing for a trip to Vietnam can be difficult because the climate varies so much depending on when and where you go. When the weather isn't ideal in one area, it's great in another. Vietnam is subject to two monsoon seasons: from April to October, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief to the heat. The cooler northeast monsoon hits the central coast from October until January. North Vietnam is generally warm and sunny in the autumn, cool in the winter and hot in the summer. Halong Bay is perfect in the summer months as the water is warm enough for swimming. The hottest months in Ho Chi Minh City are April and May, although there is generally a decent breeze. The central highland town of Dalat is temperate year-round.
N.B. All information given here is to the best of our knowledge, however, changes do occur, sometimes at short notice. Ampersand cannot be held liable for such happenings. Of course, if you have any tips that you feel would benefit other travellers, please pass them onto us and we will add them.
There are direct flights with Vietnam Airlines from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
British citizens holding a full British passport do not require a visa for stays of up to 45 days in Vietnam for tourism or business purposes. This visa-free entry is currently valid until at least March 2028 and applies to single entry only. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date and contain at least two blank pages.
If you plan to stay longer than 45 days, a visa is required. Options include:
Vietnam e-Visa
Apply online in advance for an e-Visa valid for up to 90 days (single or multiple entry). This is the simplest option for extended stays.
Visa via the Vietnamese Embassy
Applications can be made in person or by post through the Vietnamese Embassy in London. Processing times vary, and fees depend on the visa type and length of stay.
Visa on Arrival
Available only if you have obtained a pre-approval letter in advance. This option is valid for entry at international airports only.
Important notes
- The 45-day visa-free entry cannot be extended in-country.
- Visa regulations can change, sometimes at short notice.
- It is your responsibility to ensure you hold the correct visa for your trip.
For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking with the Vietnamese Embassy or official government sources before travel.
It is essential to visit your GP as soon as possible to check if you need any vaccinations prior to travel. Risk for vaccine preventable diseases can change at any time. MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) can supply a quick and easy online Travel Health Brief. This includes easy to understand vaccination advice for single or multi-country trips. Their website is www.masta-travel-health.com.
London - Hanoi: 11 hours 40 minutes
London - Ho Chi Minh City: 12 hours 20 minutes
We highly recommend you reconfirm your onward and return international flights at least 72 hours prior to departure.
Places of Interest
Accommodation
