Vietnam Holidays

Vietnam holidays promise a truly enlightening experience, from lush green paddy fields and hazy rivers, the rural landscapes seem strangely familiar from its exposed history. Yet today’s bustling cities and stunning beach resorts are infused with local traditions and culture, with floating markets and traditional sampans gliding along rivers, and the blur of bicycles through the streets.

Stretching over 1,600 km, the weather in Vietnam varies according to three climate zones: North (Hanoi), Central (Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet) and South (Ho Chi Minh City). Hanoi and its surroundings are best enjoyed between September and December when weather is warm and not so humid. It can be cold and wet between January and March and the level of humidity is quite oppressive between May and September with monsoon rains not unusual especially in August and September. December to April is the ideal time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, with the wet season being May to November with short afternoon downpours. February to April are the best months to visit the central seaside resorts of Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet, when the chances of rain are little and temperatures are warm and pleasant. Apart from the rainy season between September and January, the climate along the east coast is tropical year round with June to October generally very hot and dry.

Most people travel to Vietnam from January to May. It is the most popular time to explore many areas of the country and enjoy sunshine in the beach resorts. As it is so diverse, different areas experience different temperatures and weather dependant on the times of the year but in general June to December tend to be hot with scattered monsoon showers.

It is always a good time to travel to Vietnam, especially if you are touring the country as you can experience different areas and weather conditions. Apart from the peak holiday time, prices are quite moderate and with little variance between dry and rainy season. For warmer temperatures and little chance of rain, choose April to June but even the scattered downpours during the rainy season shouldn’t stop you from exploring this beautiful country. At this time of the year the landscape is more verdant and luxuriant and, on the plus side, there will be fewer crowds than in peak season and you will get the same  amazing scenery for a bargain price.

Beachside resorts enjoy warm temperatures almost year round and these can reach over 30ºC from April to December. It is best to avoid the months of August to October in the north due to the high percentage of monsoon rain downpours.

The climate is predominantly tropical with some variation according to the region. Temperatures can be as low as 10°C between December and March around Hanoi but generally warm in the centre and south of the country with average temperatures varying between 25° to 35°C (with peak of 40°C between July and September).

JANUARY – Vietnamese New Year
MARCH – Hung Kings Commemoration
APRIL – Liberation Day
MAY- Music festival
SEPTEMBER – National Day

There are a number of carriers offering flights to Vietnam from the UK.

Direct Carriers: Vietnam Airlines offer a direct service from the UK to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as of Dec 2011.

Indirect Carriers: Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Air France offer indirect services to Vietnam.

Departure Taxes: An international departure tax of USD38/R$115 must be paid at Vietnamese Airports.

British Citizens are required to have a visa to enter Vietnam, which you can apply from the Embassy of Vietnam in London. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam. Please contact the Embassy of Vietnam for up to date country and visa information on 0207 937 1912.

How to obtain a visa
If you need a travel visa for your upcoming trip, Hayes & Jarvis are pleased to offer our customers the expertise and experience of CIBT, the Global Visa and Passport Professionals. CIBT UK Ltd specializes in fast, dependable visa application services. Don’t wait until the last minute, for an application form and discounted pricing. Call 0844 800 4650 or visit http://www.uk.cibt.com/hayesandjarvis

Hepatitis A, B, Polio, Typhoid and Malaria immunisation are recommended. All travelers should be up to date on routine immunizations. If arriving from an infected country Yellow Fever is recommended. Please contact your GP for further information.

Scenery: Little can prepare you for the 3,000 limestone islands of Halong Bay, Sapa’s rice-paddy terraces and colourful H'mong communities, or the pristine landscapes along the mighty Mekong River. Deign of UNESCO’s World Heritage status!

History: Despite a troubled recent history Vietnam’s resilient people are friendly souls, likely to share with you real life tales and traditions now almost disappeared. Take a wander through Cu Chi Tunnels, legendary during the 60’s when nationalist guerrillas fought against the Americans, or visit the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, an incredibly moving testament to the tormented history of this region.

French Heritage: Discover the strong French influence in Hanoi’s old quarter, adding an international flair to the charm of this destination, from the architecture to the delicious food. Enjoy a cycle ride and let the rich heritage enchant you in the ancient imperial city of Hue or along the cobbled streets of picturesque Hoi An with its French-Chinese architecture and culture.

Temples and Palaces: In a class of their own, Khmer and Cham ruins, royal palaces, tombs and pagodas literally abound everywhere in Vietnam.

Beaches: Miles of virgin and uncrowded sandy beaches await you in Vietnam. From the spectacular dunes of Phan Thiet to the delightful little towns of Nha Trang and Hoi An,
you are spoilt for choice! Divine beaches are scattered along the coast such as Nha Trang and charming Hoi An, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests.

Embassies and Consulates in Vietnam
British Embassy in Hanoi
Central Building
4th floor
31 Hai Ba Trung
Hanoi
Website: http://ukinvietnam.fco.gov.uk
Office Hours:  GMT Mon-Thu: 0230-1045 (lunch break 0630-0730); Fri: 0230-0900 (lunch break 0630-0730);
Local Time: Mon-Thu: 0830-1645 (lunch break 1230-1330); Fri: 0830-1500 (lunch break 1230-1330)

British Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City
25 Le Duan Street
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Website: http://ukinvietnam.fco.gov.uk/en
Office Hours:  GMT Mon-Thu: 0230-1045 (lunch break 0630-0730); Fri: 0230-0900 (lunch break 0630-0730);
Local Time: Mon-Thu: 0830-1645 (lunch break 1230-1330); Fri: 0830-1500 (lunch break 1230-1330)

085147, 085102, 050091, 085017

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Discover the cultural highlights and the outstanding natural beauty of Vietnam with a tailor made tour. From the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi to the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, history is alive in this amazing country. Visit royal tombs and ancient kingdoms, mountains and lakes and powdery-white beaches. Experience rural Vietnam and see its villagers at work in the paddy fields. Fill your camera's memory card on a boat ride in the spectacular Halong Bay, where limestone mounds grow graceful and tall in the shimmering waters. Take your photos home and leave your heart behind on a Vietnam tour.

Hepatitis A, B, Polio, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and Malaria immunisation required

Vietnam Airlines (as of Dec 11)

Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Air France

February to April

June to October

February to April

Temperature Range: 13°C to 33°C

Vietnamese Dong, US Dollar

Vietnamese, English

14hrs 30mins (London Heathrow - Ho Chi Minh City)