Misty limestone islands rise from green water under a hazy sky.

A narrow street lit by colorful lanterns, a trek through misty green hills, a silent pagoda, a buzzing megacity: Vietnam is a feast for the senses and a tonic for the soul. 

Your adventure begins

A tantalizing mix of stimulating cities and soothing countryside, imbued with history and culture

Vietnam, your way

Stretching down the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, travel to Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re seeking a rugged and remote mountain journey, a refined coastal escape, or a modern urban adventure—or a bit of all three—Vietnam delivers.

Explore tranquil waterways in Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, head to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for a taste of modern life and art, or spend time in Hue to take a trip back in time to Vietnam’s imperial past. In the north of the country, trekking and cultural encounters with hill-tribe communities await, and in Phong Nha, adventure seekers can travel on foot though a network of awe-inspiring, mystical caves.  

Wherever your thoughtfully curated journey takes you, you can count on an immersion in Vietnam’s fascinating history, contemporary culture, and the regional flavors of its celebrated cuisine. Just like a steaming bowl of aromatic bún chả served at the country’s many hole-in-the-wall streetside eateries, a trip here is meant to be savored long after it’s over. 

Sketch of a red-shanked douc langur.
Red-shanked douc langur

Why visit Vietnam?

Vietnam has a complex history and cultural diversity that makes for a rich and meaningful travel experience. This multifaceted past and present is perhaps most evident in the country’s architecture, from the exquisite ancient tombs and pagodas of Hue to the colonial-era buildings of Hanoi, and the romantic streets of Hoi An

You will also discover spiritual traditions dating back thousands of years, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. These religions manifest in daily life through ancestor worship, colorful festivals, and the beautiful temples and pagodas that enliven the landscape. 

The nation’s recent history, marked by war and reunification, continues to influence its collective consciousness, yet Vietnam has emerged vibrant and resilient, with a progressive spirit. This is reflected in its street art and contemporary galleries, as well as its food. From riotous street markets offering fresh banh mi sandwiches to the sophisticated flavors of imperial cuisine in Hue, Vietnamese food is renowned for a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that you’ll relish throughout your trip. 

Vietnam, your way

Stretching down the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, travel to Vietnam offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re seeking a rugged and remote mountain journey, a refined coastal escape, or a modern urban adventure—or a bit of all three—Vietnam delivers.

Explore tranquil waterways in Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta’s floating markets, head to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for a taste of modern life and art, or spend time in Hue to take a trip back in time to Vietnam’s imperial past. In the north of the country, trekking and cultural encounters with hill-tribe communities await, and in Phong Nha, adventure seekers can travel on foot though a network of awe-inspiring, mystical caves.  

Wherever your thoughtfully curated journey takes you, you can count on an immersion in Vietnam’s fascinating history, contemporary culture, and the regional flavors of its celebrated cuisine. Just like a steaming bowl of aromatic bún chả served at the country’s many hole-in-the-wall streetside eateries, a trip here is meant to be savored long after it’s over. 

Why visit Vietnam?

Vietnam has a complex history and cultural diversity that makes for a rich and meaningful travel experience. This multifaceted past and present is perhaps most evident in the country’s architecture, from the exquisite ancient tombs and pagodas of Hue to the colonial-era buildings of Hanoi, and the romantic streets of Hoi An

You will also discover spiritual traditions dating back thousands of years, including Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. These religions manifest in daily life through ancestor worship, colorful festivals, and the beautiful temples and pagodas that enliven the landscape. 

The nation’s recent history, marked by war and reunification, continues to influence its collective consciousness, yet Vietnam has emerged vibrant and resilient, with a progressive spirit. This is reflected in its street art and contemporary galleries, as well as its food. From riotous street markets offering fresh banh mi sandwiches to the sophisticated flavors of imperial cuisine in Hue, Vietnamese food is renowned for a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that you’ll relish throughout your trip. 

We thought the trip was perfect! Even better than we could have imagined it. Extraordinary Journeys made the planning process so easy, and our guides and drivers made the whole trip just so seamless for us.

Chrissie Mellett, 2025 Traveler

Traditional sailboat with red sails glides on calm water with limestone cliffs in the background.

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Is Vietnam the right destination for you?

Vietnam is right for you if you love trips that feel like a fresh adventure every few days. Enjoy street-food feasts and café culture in Hanoi, lantern evenings in Hoi An, and the fast pulse of Ho Chi Minh City. In between, the country unfolds into wildly different landscapes, from Ha Long Bay cruises and Sapa’s terraced mountains to cave expeditions in Phong Nha, and gentle days in the Mekong Delta.

What to expect on a private Vietnam tour

Every Extraordinary Journey is bespoke, deeply personal, and designed to uncover the unexpected beauty that makes a destination come alive

Memorable accommodations

From the rustic elegance of mountaintop hideaways to ultra-luxurious beachside retreats, Vietnam luxury hotels and lodges are destinations unto themselves. Get cozy in the mist-wreathed hilltops of Sapa at Topas Ecolodge, channel the elegance and opulence of opera culture at Capella Hanoi, and check in to a private villa overlooking the sea at Amanoi.

Expert guides

Whatever you’re seeking from your time in Vietnam, you’ll have friendly and knowledgeable, English-speaking guides connecting you to the destination in a meaningful way, whether you’re on an art tour, cycling and hiking, island hopping, or visiting local village.

Extraordinary experiences

Every trip we design is bespoke, and we pride ourselves on giving you access to exclusive experiences tailored to the type of travel that resonates with you. Explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi or Hoi An, trek through green terraced rice fields in Sapa, or navigate the mystical caves of Phong Nha—all with insider info at your fingertip.

When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?

The best time to travel to Vietnam is from November to April in the northern and southern regions, while Central Vietnam is ideal from January to May. During these periods, you’ll enjoy drier weather and mild temperatures. 

Vietnam’s weather varies across its regions. In Hanoi and northern destinations such as Mai Chau, May to October is marked by hot, humid, and rainy weather, while the cooler, drier season lasts from November to April. In the far north in places such as Sapa, December and January can get quite chilly. Head to central Vietnam from January to August, when the weather is dry and warm. Temperatures often hit 90 degrees Fahrenheit during this time, however, the rainy season arrives in September lasting through November, bringing the chance of heavy showers. Southern Vietnam experiences its dry, hot season from November to April. From May to October, the weather turns warm and wet, with the heaviest rainfall typically arriving from June to August.

Best

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

Nov

January - April

November - November

Good

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Nov

Dec

January - August

November - December

Where to travel in Vietnam

We recommend spending a couple of weeks in Vietnam to experience the country in all its beauty and complexity

Hanoi 

As one of Vietnam’s main transit hubs, there’s a good chance your Vietnam travel adventure will begin in this dynamic city. Linger here for a couple of nights and wander the colonial-era streets and urban parks, dine in hidden cafés and pho restaurants, and tour historical sites. Capella Hanoi, an exquisite, opera-inspired hotel home to the country’s only Michelin-star hotel, is a sumptuous place to unwind and rejuvenate.

Vietnam travel FAQs

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Why book with Extraordinary Journeys?

  • Sketch of a diver wearing a snorkel.

    We go deep

    We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.

  • Sketch of a flashlight held in a person's hand.

    We keep it honest

    Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.

  • Sketch of an umbrella with decorative fringe.

    We’ve got it covered

    Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.

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    We know it’s personal

    There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.