
Frequently Asked Questions
Vietnam's climate varies considerably from north to south, so the ideal season depends on where you plan to travel. - Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay) is at its best from October to April, with particularly pleasant conditions in autumn (September to November) and spring (March to April). - Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) is generally driest from February to August. The wet season, from September to January, carries a higher risk of heavy rain, flooding and typhoons. - Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) is most comfortable during the dry season, from November to April.
As a general guideline, seven days allow you to explore one region at a comfortable pace, ten days suit a combination of two regions, and two weeks make a classic north-to-south journey possible. Because Vietnam stretches roughly 1,650 kilometres from end to end, we advise against attempting to cover everything in a short trip
Most first-time travellers build their journey around a few complementary highlights: Hanoi, together with Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh, in the north; Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An in the centre; and Ho Chi Minh City with the Mekong Delta in the south. For dramatic highland scenery, Sapa and Ta Xua are outstanding additions.
Tet, which falls between late January and mid-February, is Vietnam's most important festival and offers a vivid insight into local traditions. However, transport is heavily booked weeks in advance and many local businesses close for several days, so early planning is essential.
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of a number of countries, including several European nations, Japan and South Korea, may enter visa-free for up to 45 days, while certain ASEAN nationals are typically permitted shorter visa-free stays. Travellers from countries that are not on the exemption list, such as the United States, Canada and Australia, must obtain a visa in advance. In addition, foreign visitors arriving directly on Phu Quoc Island from abroad may stay on the island for up to 30 days without a visa. As entry policies are updated from time to time, please confirm the latest requirements through official government channels before you travel.
The e-visa is applied for online through the official portal of Vietnam's Immigration Department and is now open to all nationalities. It is valid for up to 90 days and is available for single or multiple entry, with government fees of USD 25 and USD 50 respectively. Processing usually takes around three working days, but we recommend applying at least a week before departure. Please note that the fee is non-refundable, even if an application is refused.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Vietnam and must have blank pages for entry stamps.
The official currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Major hotels, restaurants and shops in cities generally accept international credit cards, but cash remains essential at local markets, street food stalls and in rural areas.
Yes. ATMs are common in cities and tourist destinations, although they are less frequent in remote highland areas. We recommend withdrawing sufficient cash before heading to the mountains or countryside, and carrying small denominations for everyday purchases.
Vietnam is widely regarded as a welcoming and safe destination. As in any popular destination, we advise standard precautions: keep valuables secure, particularly in crowded areas, and be cautious around busy traffic. When crossing the road, walk slowly and steadily so that motorbikes can anticipate your movements. In cities, ride-hailing apps such as Grab or Xanh SM offer transparent pricing and are a reliable alternative to street taxis.
We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic four to six weeks before departure to ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date and to discuss any additional recommendations. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care and trip interruption is strongly advised, and it is not included in our packages.
Depending on your itinerary, journeys may combine private vehicles with drivers, domestic flights, comfortable sleeper cabin buses to the mountains, and scenic rail routes such as the Heritage Train between Hue and Da Nang. Your itinerary will specify the mode of transport for each leg.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés and restaurants. For mobile data, you may purchase a local SIM card from an authorised provider such as Viettel, Vinaphone or Mobifone at the airport, or use an eSIM for added convenience. We advise buying SIM cards only from official counters or authorised stores.
Vietnam operates on 220V at 50Hz. Type A (two flat pins) and Type C (two round pins) sockets are the most common, so we recommend carrying a universal travel adapter.
Lightweight, breathable clothing suits most of the country, supplemented by a light rain jacket during the wet season and warm layers for the northern mountains from November to February. When visiting temples and pagodas, please dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for trekking and sightseeing.
Vietnamese is the national language. English is widely understood in tourist areas, and all of our itineraries are accompanied by experienced local English-speaking guides.
Vietnamese cuisine offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, and many restaurants can adapt meals to suit allergies or dietary preferences. Please inform us of any requirements when booking so that we can advise and prepare accordingly.
VNT Signature is the premium travel brand of Vietnamtourism-Hanoi, a company with more than six decades of experience in the tourism industry since its founding in 1960. This heritage has made it one of Vietnam's most trusted and long-established names in travel.
We offer a diversified range of products and services, including inbound tour operator partnerships, customisable themed tours, villa and beach resort reservations, transport services, private helicopter and jet arrangements, MICE programmes, and private tours for VIPs, celebrities, and royal and government clients.
A private tour is designed exclusively around you and your travelling companions, with your own guide and vehicle and no shared schedules. Your pace, interests and preferences shape the journey from beginning to end, free of group constraints.
On selected itineraries, departure is guaranteed from just two guests, giving you flexibility and convenience when planning your journey.
On selected itineraries, we offer two tiers. The Signature package provides quality accommodation and standard private transfers, while the Exclusive package enhances the experience with higher-category hotels, upgraded room views, fast-track airport service and private premium limousine transfers.
Inclusions differ by itinerary and are clearly outlined in each programme. They typically comprise accommodation with daily breakfast, transfers and activities as specified, meals as listed, and a local English-speaking guide. Items usually excluded are international and domestic flights, visa arrangements, travel insurance, meals not specified in the itinerary, and personal expenses and tips.
No. Our pricing is fully transparent, and our private tours contain no shopping stops, so that your time is devoted entirely to authentic cultural immersion.
Our team provides personalised customer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that any question or change of plan can be addressed promptly wherever you are.
Absolutely. Every journey can be tailored to your interests, travel dates, pace and budget, whether you wish to focus on culture, cuisine, nature, relaxation or a combination of all four.
Simply message VNT Signature with your preferred travel dates and trip length. You do not need to have every detail worked out; our team will guide you through the next steps and curate a journey that is uniquely yours.