Vietnam Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Most nationalities are required to obtain a tourist visa in advance to travel to Vietnam. When obtaining your visa you should allow 3 weeks for processing with your nearest embassy or consulate. The cost is approximately US$60 to US$100. Please check with your embassy or consulate for further requirements.

Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens traveling to Vietnam (for all purposes). This exemption is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Please also check the requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam.

E-Visa

An e-Visa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia, France, Ireland, Italy, Canada and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30-day stay in Vietnam. Learn more about the eVisa on the immigration website.

E-Visas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website.

Important information

Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure.

If you're traveling with us and your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Intrepid Vietnam 5th floor HiPT Building, 152 Thuy Khue Street, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Ph +84 4 3715 0996.

Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation for Vietnam but if you do need one, please contact your sales agent for more information.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain the relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 31 July 2023

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.

Internet access is widely available in tourist areas and big cities, which have many internet cafes. Internet access is less frequent in rural and remote areas.

You'll be able to use your mobile phone in most urban areas of Vietnam, although remote and mountainous areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your mobile carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your mobile while in Vietnam.

You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation while in Vietnam. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.

It is generally not safe to drink the tap water in Vietnam. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Major credit cards are widely accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in Vietnam. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Vietnam.

ATMs are found widely throughout Vietnam, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic in most areas. Some smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Public holidays celebrated in Vietnam include:

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• 21 Jan: Tết (Vietnamese New Year)

• 21 Apr: Gio to Hung Vuong Day
• 30 Apr: Reunification Day
• 1 May: Labour Day
• 2 Sep: National Day

Please note, Vietnam public holidays may vary.

The major festivals celebrated in Vietnam are Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, February), Reunification Day (30 April), National Day (2 September) and Tet Trung Thu (Mid-Autumn Festival, late September).

The most popular times to visit Vietnam are spring (February-April) and fall (September-December) but because of the huge variations in latitude and altitude, there is no one best time to go to Vietnam. It’s a good destination all year.

Vietnam has an incredibly diverse tropical climate, and temperatures vary from 39°F in Sapa in winter to humid 97°F days in Saigon in the middle of the dry season. The monsoons bring heavy rain to the south, and a cooler winter to the north depending on when you plan to tour Vietnam.

Traditional Vietnamese food is typified by its use of fresh herbs and vegetables and its wide regional variance. Vietnamese food is influenced by its Chinese and Khmer neighbors and echoes French colonization. Some of the best things to eat in Vietnam are noodle soups (pho, bun mam, bun bo hue), bread rolls (banh mi), savory pancakes (banh xeo) and fresh tropical fruits. 

Our list of best things to drink in Vietnam includes ice coffee, fruit smoothies, fresh coconut juice straight from a freshly cracked green coconut, sugar cane juice, local beers and artisan rice wine.

While the tropical climate lends itself to layered, breathable clothing all year round, if you are taking a tour in the North, cold winters mean you might need to bring a fleece or jacket.

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.


Depending on which trip you're on while in Vietnam, you may find yourself traveling by:

• Overnight sleeper train

Traveling aboard an overnight sleeper train is a fun way to journey through Vietnam. Interact with other passengers or sit by a window and watch the world go by.

Curious? Click here read more about what to expect on an overnight train.

• Bicycle

Take time to wave to locals as you cycle at a leisurely pace past rice paddies and through simple villages in rural Vietnam

• Cyclo

These 3 wheeled vehicles are a great way to zip around the sights.

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible. 


When traveling with us in Vietnam you may find yourself staying in a:

• Overnight boat

Sleeping aboard a boat on Halong Bay is a quintessential Vietnamese experience to be savored. Slip into relaxation mode as you take in stunning views of the surrounding limestone karst scenery.

• Homestay

Get acquainted with the Vietnamese way of life while on a memorable home stay. Be exposed to new languages, cuisine and customs while making friends with your hosts and neighbors.

The LGBQTIA+ community is gradually gaining recognition in Vietnam, with gay pride parades becoming a regular occurrence and a lift on same-sex marriage bans in 2015. With that said, Vietnam is still a conservative culture and many still hide their sexuality from their families. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have some gay-friendly bars and events. It's generally recommended that both gay and straight couples resist showing public displays of affection.  

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Vietnam directly support our foundation partners, Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, Vun Art and WildAct.

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Blue Dragon Children's Foundation
Blue Dragon Children's Foundation is helping disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, fighting the causes of human trafficking and (where possible) reuniting homeless or trafficked children with their families. Donations from our trips help their team of social workers, psychologists, teachers, and lawyers to offer individualized support to every child rescued. 

Find out more or make a donation

Vun Art
Vun Art empowers people with disabilities in Vietnam through vocational training and employment opportunities. They teach traditional folk painting using recycled materials which provides job opportunities, helps to preserve the ancient artform and cares for the local environment all at once. Donations from our trips support Vun Art's capacity-building programs for people with disabilities, including trainees' allowance, transportation, and equipment.  

Find out more or make a donation

WildAct

WildAct protects migratory birds of Vietnam and reduces illegal hunting by educating local communities about the importance of conservation. Donations from our trips help WildAct run educational programs to stop the illegal hunting of threatened migratory birds through knowledge-sharing in local communities.  

Find out more or make a donation

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Despite having a high population of people with disabilities, accessible infrastructure and facilities are still limited in Vietnam. Chaotic traffic and pavements blocked by parked motorbikes and street stalls, uneven footpaths and high curbs add to the challenges of getting around for travelers with mobility or vision disabilities. Most entrances to hotels, shops, restaurants and tourist sites will have steps and many doorways will not be able to accommodate wheelchairs wider than 60cm. Some sights and destinations will not be fully accessible (ie. Ha Long Bay boats, Cu Chi Tunnels) but other places such as Hoi An are flat and much more wheelchair-friendly. There are likely to be situations where travelers with disabilities may need to rely on local people to help. Taxis are readily available and an affordable way to get around for travelers who are not confident in exploring independently on foot.

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.