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Group Departure Dates

11 Tours | From A$2145 p/p

Duration:

11 Days

Country(ies):

Vietnam

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 9, L - 4, D - 3

Highlights:

Ancient Hanoi tours, street food walk, Halong Bay overnight junk boat cruise, perfume river in Hue, colonial Hoi An, boat trip and overni...


   From

A$3220(p/p)

Duration:

13 Days

Country(ies):

Vietnam

Tour Type:

Family

Group size:

Min: 3 | Max: 16

Meals:

B- 11, L - 8, D - 2

Highlights:

Night on a junk boat in Halong Bay, Hanoi's Old Quarter, traditional cooking class, quaint riverside town of Hoi An, energetic old Saigon...


   From

On Request

Duration:

8 Days

Country(ies):

Vietnam

Tour Type:

Private

Group size:

Min: 1 | Max: Any

Meals:

B- 9, L - 4, D - 3

Highlights:

Cooking class at the Saigon Culinary Arts Centre, Mekong Delta boat cruise, cooking class at the Hoi An Red Bridge Cooking School, taking...


   From

A$3645(p/p)

Duration:

8 Days

Country(ies):

Vietnam

Tour Type:

Private

Group size:

Min: 1 | Max: Any

Meals:

B- 12, L - 8, D - 2

Highlights:

Trekking in Mai Chau, night on a junk in Halong Bay, hustle & bustle of Hanoi's Old Quarter, traditional riverside town of Hoi An, energe...


   From

A$4720(p/p)

Duration:

16 Days

Country(ies):

Cambodia, Vietnam

Tour Type:

Small Group

Group size:

Min: 2 | Max: 12

Meals:

B- 14, L - 7, D - 5

Highlights:

Ancient Hanoi, Halong Bay cruise, colonial Hoi An, Mekong Delta homestay & boat trip, Saigon, Phnom Penh sites, local markets, Kulen moun...


   From

A$4935(p/p)

Duration:

15 Days

Country(ies):

Cambodia, Vietnam

Tour Type:

Private

Group size:

Min: 1 | Max: Any

Meals:

B- 14, L - 5, D - 3

Highlights:

Hanoi's Old Quarter, Cruise on Halong Bay, Reunification Express, ancient Hoi An, colourful Saigon, Chu Chi Tunnels, cruise along the Mek...


   From

On Request

Duration:

13 Days

Country(ies):

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

Tour Type:

Private

Group size:

Min: 1 | Max: Any

Meals:

B- 12, L - 5, D - 2

Highlights:

Discover the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, spend a night on a junk in Halong Bay, explore the World Heritage ...


   From

A$4505(p/p)

Duration:

8 Days

Country(ies):

Vietnam

Tour Type:

Private

Group size:

Min: 1 | Max: Any

Meals:

B- 10, L - 5, D - 1

Highlights:

Night on a junk in romantic Halong Bay, hustle and bustle of Hanoi's Old Quarter, imperial city of Hue, traditional riverside town of Hoi...


   From

A$2465(p/p)

Duration:

16 Days

Country(ies):

Cambodia, Vietnam

Tour Type:

Private

Group size:

Min: 1 | Max: Any

Meals:

B- 14, L - 1, D - 1

Highlights:

Explore Vietnam's capital city Hanoi, cruise the beautiful Halong Bay, relax on China Beach, visit Hoi An town, tour the bustling Ho Chi ...


   From

A$5040(p/p)

Vietnam Tours

If you're looking for an adventure or a unique cultural experience, our Vietnam tours has something to offer every traveller.

Our Vietnam tours take you to a country full of contrasts, from the beautiful sandy beaches of the south to the esoteric beauty of Halong Bay. We'll also explore the fertile farmland around the Mekong Delta to the hill-tribe forests in the north.

The timeless temples and pagodas stand beside vibrant skylines in Saigon and Hanoi, whilst in cities such as Hue and Hoi An, time seems to have stood still.

The capital Hanoi is the centre of the arts in Vietnam and has world-class museums, theatres and cultural shows while Ho Chi Minh City in the south (which most people still refer to as Saigon) is the business hub of the country, though no less interesting.

The imperial city of Hue along with nearby Hoi An offer an insight into Vietnam's long and interesting past with lots of traditional architecture and much more relaxed feel.

Our carefully put together Vietnam tours guarantee to leave you with a longing to return to Vietnam and whilst our tours do visit the most popular tourist sites, there is lots more to see and do on a return trip!

If you're thinking about trying one of our Vietnam tours, have a look at our article titled the top 10 temples to visit in Vietnam for more inspiration about this fascinating destination.

More information about Vietnam tours

Do you want to know more about Vietnam and its beauty? Or do you need accurate visa information?

Contact the Vietnam tourism board for more information.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is the best time of the year to visit Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October). During these seasons the temperatures are milder, and rainfall is much lighter.

What is the official currency of Vietnam?

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnam dong and because the dong is tied to the US dollar, you can use dollars at most hotels.

What should you wear in Vietnam?

If you are visiting temples or religious sites, you should wear conservative clothing, otherwise there are no cultural concerns when it comes to inappropriate clothing.

Can you drink the tap water in Vietnam?

The tap water is not safe to drink in Vietnam and you should only drink bottled, filtered or boiled water.

How do I plan a trip to Vietnam?

Planning a trip to Vietnam depends on your interests – where you’d like to go and what sites you’re most interested in seeing. At Encounters Travel we offer a selection of Vietnam tours which are suited to all types of travellers, ranging from six-day tours to 16-day tours.

How much is a meal in Vietnam?

Meal prices in Vietnam can vary as the cost of your meal depends not only on the type of meal but also where you’re planning on dining.When dining out in Vietnam, an average meal costs around $3-5 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner, with street food costing as little as 1 USD per person.

Is it safe to travel to Vietnam?

Yes, Vietnam is a relatively safe country for travellers, with millions of tourists welcomed inside its borders each year. However, Vietnam sees high volumes of crowds of foreigners, resulting in a fair share of petty theft such as pickpockets.

Do people in Vietnam speak English?

The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese and this is the most widely spoken language. English is spoken in the areas which see high volumes of visitors and tourists, however many locals do not speak English in the rural areas. The older generation of Vietnam do not speak English but may be more prone to speak French.

Do you need vaccinations to go to Vietnam?

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Vietnam: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

How much would a trip to Vietnam cost?

A trip to Vietnam depends entirely on your interests and travel goals. However, we recommend budgeting roughly $40 per day for your accommodation, food and activities.

Where should we go in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a fascinating country which boasts a wide range of cultural, historical and natural sights. From breath-taking rural scenery to the buzz of modern cities, Vietnam has something for everyone. We recommend a visit to Hanoi, as the country’s capital range of world-class museums, theatres and cultural shows.

How many days in Vietnam is enough?

To fully immerse yourself in the culture of Vietnam and explore the main attractions that this fascinating country has to offer, we recommend a minimum of eight days in Vietnam.

What is the best month to visit Vietnam?

The best months to visit Vietnam are February and March as the temperatures are milder and there is less rainfall in comparison to other months of the year.

Is Vietnam expensive?

Vietnam is relatively affordable for travellers as food costs tend to range from 4-7 USD per person per day. Accommodation and activities are also quite affordable in Vietnam.

TOUR REVIEWS

Amazing tour. Any issues we had were addressed in a timely fashion and the resolutions were satisfactory. My only complaint is the driver picking us up was late and none of the cell numbers worked when we tried to call and figure out what to do.

I was pleased and impressed with the experience in booking and obtain all necessary documents in a timely manner. I am looking forward to my tour and hope the ground experience it just as good. This trip is my dream/bucket list trip.

Conscientious in early communication; knowledgeable, humorous and caring tour guides; an exemplary itinerary that was well organized yet flexible; an overall extraordinary experience. I'd recommend them enthusiastically.

Anthony has been a pleasure to work with and when he is not available, other members of the team respond in a timely manner. I have booked a total of 6 trips since December 2013 and plan to book more to fill my bucket list.

Trip booked through Groupon at a Great offer price - Encounters was nothing but professional from the start. I even purchased insurance - extra days and got the best flights from my local airport- Great experience

ratings

Vietnam Country Guide

Vietnam Country Guide Flag

Factfile


Time: GMT+7
Dial Code: +84
Area: 331,210 km2
Elevation: The lowest point in Vietnam is the South China Sea 0m | The highest point in Vietnam is Fansipan 3,144m (10315 ft.)
Population: 96,491,146 (2018)
Capital: Hanoi
Government: Unitary state, Communist state, One-party state, Socialist state
Language: Vietnamese

Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula. It is the 15th-most populous country in the world and the ninth-most populous Asian country. Vietnam is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, Thailand across the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest and Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines across the South China Sea to the east and southeast.

The capital city of Vietnam is Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh is the most populous city. From 111 BC to 939, AD the northern part of Vietnam was part of Imperial China. It was only in 939 AD that Vietnam became an independent state. Vietnam's landscape is mostly mountainous and woodland. In the northern part of the country, the land is mainly highlands and the highest mountain in Vietnam, Phan Xi Ping, is found in the Lào Cai Province.

Two World Natural Heritage Sites are in Vietnam including Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The high level of biodiversity in Vietnam is seen as unique and it is ranked 16th worldwide in biological diversity, being home to approximately 16% of the world's species.

The official language spoken in Vietnam is Vietnamese, which is a tonal Mon-Khmer language spoken by most of the population. It has been noted that in its early history, Vietnamese was written using Chinese characters and only in the 13th century did the Vietnamese develop their own set of characters.

Highlights

  • Ninh Binh - a city in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam, known for its limestone peaks.
  • Hanoi’s Old Quarter - a part of Hanoi that has existed since Imperial times with narrow, winding streets.
  • Sa Pa - a town in the Hoàng Liên Son Mountains and a trekking base overlooking rice fields.
  • Viet Cong Cu Chi tunnels - a vast labyrinth of connected underground tunnels built during the Vietnam War.
  • Mekong Delta - located in the south of Vietnam, this assortment of rivers features floating markets.
  • Nam Cat Tien National Park - an expansive lowland tropical forest and biosphere reserve in Southern Vietnam.
  • War Remnants Museum - a war museum in Ho Chi Minh that features displays relating to the Vietnam War.
  • The Temple of Literature - home to the Imperial Academy, which is Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070.

Tips

  • Be prepared to haggle, as there are no fixed prices in markets and some shops.
  • The roads in Vietnam are dangerous and chaotic, so it is best to explore with an experienced driver.
  • Master some useful Vietnamese greetings and phrases to interact with the locals.
  • Petty theft and purse snatching are common so keep an eye on your belongings.
  • Bring earplugs for sleeping in the bigger cities, as the noise can be overwhelming.
  • Always eat from stalls where the food is prepared on the spot and cooked hot.
  • Watch out for taxi scams where the taxis have rigged meters and charge you more.
  • Always ask permission before taking a photograph of a person or a place of worship.

VIDEO FEATURE

Our video features bring our tours to life in a way the no photo can, you'll feel like you're on the tour.

POSTS FROM OUR BLOG

Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.

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