Vietnam

Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from north to south, so its climate varies considerably by region. Understanding these differences is one of the most useful things a traveller can do when choosing when and where to go.

The North — Hanoi to Hue

Winter runs from November to April, with average temperatures of 16–26°C and relatively little rainfall — pack layers, as mornings and evenings can be cool, particularly in December and January. Summer begins in May and continues through October, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C and the possibility of heavy downpours and occasional typhoons between May and mid-September.

The Centre and South — Danang to Ho Chi Minh City

Temperatures here are warm and fairly consistent year-round, typically 30–35°C, so the seasons are defined by rainfall rather than temperature. The dry season runs from November to April and the wet season from May to October. Coastal areas are most exposed to typhoons between September and November.

The Highlands

In Vietnam’s hill country — including Sapa in the far north and the Central Highlands around Da Lat and Buon Ma Thuot — evenings stay cool throughout the year. Between October and March, night-time temperatures can drop as low as 4°C, so a warm layer is essential even outside the winter months.

• Peak season for the best all-round weather: March, October, November and December.
• Shoulder season, with fewer crowds and good value: January and February.
• Best value for money, with occasional rain showers: May, June, July, August and September.
• Planning a beach holiday? Vietnam’s coastline is long enough that somewhere along it is enjoying good beach weather at any time of year, so a beach-focused trip can be booked in any month.

Standard Business Hours

• Morning: 08:00 – 11:30
• Afternoon: 13:00 – 16:30
• Most government offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Time zone: GMT +7

Public Holidays

Vietnam observes the following public holidays. Dates for lunar holidays shift each year, so we always confirm exact dates with clients closer to their travel date.

• International New Year’s Day — 1 January (1 day)
• Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day — the 10th day of the third lunar month, usually mid-April (1 day)
• Reunification Day — 30 April, typically combined with Labour Day into a multi-day holiday
• International Labour Day — 1 May
• National Day — 2 September, now typically extended into a longer national holiday period
• Vietnam Culture Day — 24 November
• Lunar New Year (Tet) — falls between late January and mid-February depending on the lunar calendar, with around a week of national holiday. This is Vietnam’s most important traditional festival: many tourist-oriented restaurants close, while temples and pagodas become wonderfully lively. We recommend basing yourself in Hanoi to experience the evening festivities.

Most travellers can enter Vietnam using either an e-visa arranged online in advance, or a visa-on-arrival approval letter that we can arrange on your behalf. Citizens of a number of countries may also enter visa-free for short stays. Requirements do change from time to time, so we recommend confirming your specific requirements with our team or via the official channels below before booking flights.

Visa Exemptions

Vietnam currently grants visa-free entry to citizens of the following countries, with the permitted length of stay shown below:

Policy correct at time of writing; please check with our team for the latest position for your nationality.

E-Visa

Travellers who are not on the exemption list can apply for Vietnam’s e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn. The e-visa currently allows a stay of up to 90 days with multiple entries, costs US$25 per person, and is typically processed within 3–5 working days.

Visa Approval Letter (Visa on Arrival)

As an alternative to the e-visa, we can arrange a visa approval letter that allows you to collect your visa stamp on arrival at a Vietnamese international airport. To apply, we will need:

• A copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date)
• Your round-trip flight tickets to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Danang
• Confirmation of your booked travel services with Jewel Tours

Service fee: US$30 (or the VND equivalent), with standard processing of 5 working days — faster processing is available on request. Stamping fee on arrival: US$25 in cash, plus one 4x6cm passport-style photo. Fees vary slightly by nationality.

Entry Points

Vietnam’s e-visa and visa-on-arrival are accepted at a wide network of international airports, land borders and seaports:

By air: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Danang, Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Phu Bai (Hue), Van Don (Quang Ninh), Tho Xuan (Thanh Hoa), Dong Hoi (Quang Binh), Phu Cat (Quy Nhon) and Lien Khuong (Da Lat).

By land: Tây Trang (Điện Biên), Móng Cái (Quảng Ninh), Hữu Nghị (Lạng Sơn), Lào Cai, Na Mèo (Thanh Hóa), Nậm Cắn (Nghệ An), Cầu Treo (Hà Tĩnh), Cha Lo (Quảng Bình), La Lay and Lao Bảo (Quảng Trị), Bờ Y (Kon Tum), Mộc Bài and Xa Mát (Tây Ninh), Tịnh Biên and Vĩnh Xương (An Giang), and Hà Tiên (Kiên Giang).

By sea: Hòn Gai and Cẩm Phả (Quảng Ninh), Hải Phòng, Nghi Sơn (Thanh Hóa), Vũng Áng (Hà Tĩnh), Chân Mây (Thừa Thiên Huế), Đà Nẵng, Nha Trang (Khánh Hòa), Quy Nhơn (Bình Định), Dung Quất (Quảng Ngãi), Vũng Tàu, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dương Đông (Phú Quốc).

Visiting Vietnam is a wonderful introduction to a culture, history and way of life quite different from your own. A little local knowledge goes a long way — here is what our guides most often share with travellers before they set off.

Good to Know

• Avoid drinking tap water, particularly after heavy rain. Stick to sealed bottled water, which is available everywhere.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples, pagodas and private homes, or when taking part in local cultural activities.
• Leave valuables at your hotel when heading out at night or to the beach.
• When crossing the road — especially in Ho Chi Minh City — walk at a steady, predictable pace and stay alert to traffic on both sides.
• If you wish to support disadvantaged communities, donating to a reputable local charity is more effective than giving cash directly; small gifts such as pens or notebooks are a thoughtful alternative for children in minority villages.
• Try the local street food at least once — it is some of the best in Asia.
• Always ask permission before photographing local people, particularly in ethnic minority areas. Most are happy to say yes, but appreciate being asked.
• Carry the equivalent of around US$100 in local currency (Vietnamese dong), which can be exchanged at your hotel or a bank.
• Take care with cyclos (rickshaws) at night, and agree the price in advance.
• When taking a taxi, use a reputable metered operator (Hanoi Taxi, Mai Linh, Vinasun) or agree the fare before you set off.
• In the event of an insurance claim, you will need a police report along with statements from your guide and Jewel Tours, so please contact us immediately if anything goes wrong.

Not to Be Missed

• Have an outfit made to measure by a local tailor.
• Take a cyclo ride through the French Quarter in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Try a bowl of pho ga (chicken noodle soup) from a street-side stall.
• Watch a traditional water puppet performance in Hanoi.
• Experience the lantern-lit full moon festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An.
• Share a cup of rice wine in a northern minority village.
• Cruise the Perfume River in Hue en route to the Royal Mausoleums.
• Practise your bargaining at Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City’s largest.
• Wander the historic streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Tipping is not compulsory in Vietnam, but it is widely practised and genuinely appreciated as a way of recognising good service. As a general guide: