Although many westerners still imagine Vietnam through the lens of war, it is in reality a country filled with fascinating natural beauty and tranquil village life. Blessed with a ravishing coastline, emerald-green mountains, breathtaking national parks, dynamic cities, outstanding cultural interest and one of the world’s best cuisines, Vietnam has it all.

The culture-addicts can seek the soul of Vietnam, amongst the silk boutiques of Hanoi’s Old quarter, through the lush paddy fields and the colorful hill tribes in Sa Pa, on boat trips into the bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta, amongst the beauty of limestone karsts of Halong Bay, around the ancient tombs and temples of Hue’s Imperial City, and in the flamboyant Colonial facades of Ho Chi Minh City.

For the food-lovers, Vietnamese cuisine doesn't need an introduction. It's admired by foodies worldwide for good reason. The food-lovers can visit the best foodie stalls on the street food safaris in Saigon and Hanoi and learn a trick or two in one of the many Vietnamese cooking classes.

If you want beautiful beaches, then witness the spectacular sandy beaches of the central coastline and explore the reefs and coves of the Cham, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Islands.

For trekkers and bikers, Sapa & Bac Ha offer a wide range of adventure holidays, both active and not-so-active. Without a doubt cycling is one of the many finest ways to discover a country where hospitality comes as second nature.

No matter how many times you’ve encountered Vietnam, the Vietnam’s food, people, sights and history keep even the most seasoned travelers coming back for more.

There is no real best or worst time to visit Vietnam, with travel possible all year, but the seasons vary across the country and you will experience both sunshine and rain in varying quantities. Welcome to a country with more than 3000 km of coastline and three different weather systems.

Mountainous North (Ha Giang, Sapa, Bac Ha)
The climate in Sapa and Vietnam’s far north-west is divided into two seasons:  the dry season runs from October to late March with the wet season lasting  from April to September. It can get very cold in December and January, especially at night.

The best months to travel in the north-east (Ha Giang) is during the dry season, from October to April, although December and January can get very cold. We recommend avoiding travelling  in Ha Giang during the rainy season (May to September).

Daytime temperatures range from 15-28°C, and night-time temperatures from 10-18°C. Trekking and cycling are possible year round, however the wintertime can be rather chilly, and the summer rather wet.

North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh)
Northern Vietnam has a distinct winter and summer season. The cool but mostly dry winter lasts from November to April when temperatures average 17-22°C with the coldest months being January - March.

However, it is possible to experience lovely sunny, cloudless days here during this period. Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid and the region experiences its highest rainfall. July to September are often the wettest months of the year.

Central Vietnam (Hue, Hoi An, Danang, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang)
The centre of Vietnam have hot and dry weather from mid-January to late August, with temperatures often reaching the mid-30's °C. The wettest from September through to December see monsoon rains and occasional typhoons which can cause flooding in the area.

Consequences, to accommodate the weather conditions, there may be last minute changes to itineraries.

South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Da Lat, Phu Quoc)
With temperatures remaining constant year round the climate of the south is split into two simple seasons, wet and dry. The dry season begins in November and ends in April/early May with late February to May being slightly hotter and with higher humidity. The wet season lasts from May to early November with the months from June to August receiving the highest rainfall of the year. The average temperatures in the south range between 25 - 35°C year round.

Citizens of the UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States require a visa to visit Vietnam. The standard tourist visa is a single entry visa that allows you to travel in Vietnam for 28 days from the date of your entry.  If you exist Vietnam for an extension trip to Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar, you will require a new visa to enter. Sen Travel Group can assist and facilitate applications for Tourist visa.

How to obtain a tourist visa?

Visa application in your country before departure
In case there is a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Apply directly at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. The length of the process can vary. You will need one clear page (per visa) in a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your departure from Vietnam.

Pre-arranged visa-on-arrival at international entry points:
In case there is no Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Sen Travel Group can assist by applying for the approval locally in Vietnam and sending you a copy of this Approval Letter. We do not require your passport or photos, requiring just a completed form which you can return to us by email. You will then be issued with a letter of authorization to obtain your visas stamp upon landing. You must print out and bring this Visa Approval Letter to the airline check-in counter. Without this letter the airline will refuse you boarding. On arrival in Vietnam, before going through passport control proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter with your letter. You will then be asked to fill one more form, give 2 photos and pay 45USD/person (single entry), 65 USD/person (multi-entry until 28 days) or 95 USD/person (multi-entry until 45 days) in cash before the visa is stamped into your passport and handed back.