Fancy sailing at dusk among the karst peaks of Halong Bay aboard a junk, getting lost in the old town of Hội An lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, walking along the golden terraced rice fields of Sapa, or exploring the floating markets of the Mekong Delta from a motorboat?

The Vietnam is one of the most fascinating and most contrasting destinations in Southeast Asia. This S-shaped country, stretching 1,650 kilometers from north to south, unfolds a succession of extraordinary landscapes, cultures and flavors unlike anywhere else: Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its 1,969 karst islets rising from the emerald waters of the South China Sea; the old town of Hội An (UNESCO) and its 15th-century spice merchants’ warehouse-houses illuminated by thousands of silk lanterns at sunset; the terraced rice fields of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai tracing perfectly geometric curves along the mountainsides of the Northwest; and the Mekong Delta with its floating markets where vendors bargain aboard sampans loaded with fruit and vegetables.

Vietnam also boasts an exceptionally rich cuisine: Hanoi’s Pho soup served on the street at daybreak, Bánh mì (stuffed Vietnamese baguettes) inherited from French colonization, fresh spring rolls from Hội An, crispy Central-region Bánh xèo pancakes, Vietnamese iced coffee — every region of the country has its own specialties, and eating local is a continuous gastronomic adventure.

Voyages Flammang helps you design a tailor-made tour of Vietnam, from the great classic Hanoi–Halong–Hội An–Saigon to extensions to the rice terraces of Sapa, the Mekong Delta or Phú Quốc Island, fully adapted to your pace from Luxembourg.

Halong Bay – UNESCO’s 1,969 karst islets

The Halong Bay, listed twice as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (for its outstanding natural values and its biodiversity), is Vietnam’s most iconic landscape. Its 1,969 karst islets and islands rising from the emerald waters of the South China Sea form a scene of unreal beauty, particularly spectacular at dawn, when the morning mist still drifts among the peaks. The best way to explore it is aboard a traditional junk (2- or 3-day/night cruise), by kayak into the caves and secret coves, or by visiting the nearby site of Ninh Binh (inland Halong, also UNESCO) by rowboat on the Ngo Dong River.

Hội An – the old town of silk lanterns (UNESCO)

Hội An, a former cosmopolitan port city from the 15th to the 19th century, is one of the best-preserved towns in Southeast Asia. Its UNESCO-listed old town brings together spice warehouse-houses, covered bridges, temples, and Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese merchants’ houses in a remarkable state of preservation. In the evening, the town lights up with hundreds of colorful silk lanterns, creating a unique, magical atmosphere. Hội An is also Vietnam’s capital of bespoke fashion — its tailors and seamstresses make clothes in 24 to 48 hours for a negligible price.

Terraced rice fields of Sapa & Mu Cang Chai

In the mountains of Northwest Vietnam, on the Chinese border, Sapa and the valley of Mu Cang Chai offer some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular terraced-rice-field panoramas. These architectural masterpieces, shaped for centuries by the Hmong, Dao and Tày ethnic minorities, turn the mountainsides into a living canvas whose hues change with each season: watery green in spring when the paddies are flooded, deep green in summer, and bright gold at harvest time (September–October). Hikes between ethnic-minority villages are a rare cultural immersion in Vietnam’s mountain regions.

Hanoi – the old quarter of the 36 guilds

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a city of rare Asian authenticity, still largely spared from modernism. Its Old Quarter of the 36 guilds (Phố Cổ), where each street was historically dedicated to a specific craft (Bamboo Street, Paper Street, Tin Street…), is a living maze of merchants, workshops and street-food restaurants. Hoan Kiem Lake and its island temple, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum round out a historical and cultural heritage of exceptional density. Don’t miss the famous Train Street, where the train passes just centimeters from the houses.

Mekong Delta & Ho Chi Minh City – the vibrant South

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the great metropolis of southern Vietnam, is the country’s most dynamic city — an astonishing mix of French colonial art deco buildings, Buddhist and Taoist temples, futuristic skyscrapers, and two-wheeler traffic of fascinating intensity. 80 km to the southwest, the Mekong Delta is a world apart: a labyrinth of river branches and canals where life unfolds on and along the water — the floating markets of Cai Rang and Cái Bè, tropical fruit orchards, small-scale coconut-candy workshops, stilt houses, and sampans loaded with mangoes, papayas and pineapples.

From Luxembourg – how to get to Vietnam?

Vietnam is accessible from Luxembourg via a stopover in Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), Bangkok (Thai Airways / Bangkok Airways), Singapore (Singapore Airlines) or Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines) to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Total duration: 14 to 17 hours. A Vietnamese e-Visa (USD 25, valid for 90 days, obtained online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn within 3 business days) is required before entry. The local currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND) — USD are accepted in hotels and agencies, but cash in VND is essential for markets and street-food restaurants.

Discover our best Vietnam tour deals

Ready to experience Vietnam — lanterns, karsts, rice paddies and the Mekong?

We’ve selected for you our most popular tours and stays in Vietnam, designed to reveal the very best of this fascinating country: the great classic North–Central–South (Hanoi, Halong, Hội An, Saigon), the Sapa rice-terrace extension, the Mekong Delta tour, or the Vietnam–Cambodia combination.

Whether you’re dreaming of a 12 to 15-day discovery tour from North to South, a family trip with a junk cruise on Halong Bay, a gastronomic getaway centred on Hanoi and Hội An, or a Vietnam–Cambodia–Thailand combination, each itinerary is fully tailored to your wishes.

Choose your package, and we’ll create for you a bespoke Vietnam tour, turnkey from Luxembourg.

Femme au milieu de bâtons d’encens rouges en séchage
Asia Vietnam
From

€3,382

price per person
Experiences

EXPERIENCES – Private tour in Vietnam

  • Hanoi – Mai Chau – Hang Kia – Ninh Binh – Halong – Hue – Danang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
  • Authentic encounters
  • Charming accommodation & an exceptional cruise
Asia Vietnam
From

€1,275

price per person
DERTour

Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa

  • Resort 5 étoiles en bord de lagon entre Hué et Hoi An.
  • 95 chambres et villas dans un domaine naturel de 27 hectares.
  • Bungalows sur l’eau, présentés comme les premiers du Vietnam.
Silhouette d’Angkor Wat au Cambodge avec reflet dans l’eau sous un ciel sombre
Asia Cambodia, Vietnam
From

€6,595

price per person
Travel Sensation

Cambodia & Vietnam: Zannier Collection

  • Overnight stays in charming establishments
  • Discovering the temples of Angkor
  • Cambodian and Vietnamese gastronomic experiences

When to go to Vietnam?

Vietnam stretches over 1,650 km from North to South, which gives it several distinct climate zones. The weather in Hanoi is very different from that in Ho Chi Minh City, and there isn’t a universally ideal season for the whole country at the same time.

November to April – High season for the Central region and the South
This is the ideal time for Hội An, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City: dry weather, pleasant temperatures (24–30°C), plenty of sunshine. A junk cruise on Halong Bay is possible year-round, but the months of March–April and October–November offer the best visibility. December–February is the low tourist season in the Central region (rain), but ideal for the South.

September–October – The season of Sapa’s golden rice terraces
This is the most beautiful season for the terraced rice fields of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai: the terraces turn golden at harvest time (mid-September to mid-October), offering the most spectacular panoramas of the year. Book early for this very popular period.

May to August – The rainy season
The monsoon brings heavy rainfall, especially in the Central region and the North. Temperatures in the South remain high (34–36°C). Tours are still possible, but expect regular downpours. Prices are lower and tourist sites less crowded — a significant advantage on Halong Bay.

Hanoi / Vietnam (central coast)
Jan Feb March April Mai June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Our opinion
Season
Tourist peak
T° max 20°C 22°C 27°C 32°C 36°C 35°C 34°C 33°C 31°C 28°C 24°C 21°C
Rainy days 7 d 5 d 4 d 6 d 15 d 20 d 22 d 24 d 10 d 8 d 5 d 6 d
Beach
Diving
Hiking

Where to go in Vietnam? The must-sees from North to South

Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital, is one of Asia’s most charming cities — a labyrinth of bustling alleyways, pagodas, lakes, street markets and colonial cafés. Its Old Quarter of the 36 guilds (Phố Cổ) is a journey into Vietnam of yesteryear, where each street still bears the name of its historic trade. 150 km to the east, Halong Bay (UNESCO) and its 1,969 karst islets form Vietnam’s most iconic image. A 2–3-night cruise aboard a traditional junk — with kayaking into caves, sunset between the limestone peaks and breakfast on deck — is a must.

Not to be missed:

  • 2–3-night junk cruise on Halong Bay
  • Train Street and Hanoi’s Old Quarter of the 36 guilds
  • the Ninh Binh site (inland Halong) by rowboat

Hội An is Vietnam’s most enchanting town. A former cosmopolitan port city from the 15th to the 19th century where Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese merchants each left their architectural mark, its UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the best-preserved sites in Asia. In the evening, hundreds of colourful silk lanterns turn the town into a luminous fairytale. Hội An is also Vietnam’s capital of made-to-measure clothing — tailors craft dresses, suits and coats in 24–48 hours at unbelievably low prices. 30 km away, Da Nang and its white-sand beaches are perfect for a day by the sea.

Not to be missed:

  • get lost in the lantern-lit Old Town in the evening
  • cycle ride through the rice fields around Hội An
  • Vietnamese cooking class at the central market

In the mountains of north-west Vietnam, Sapa and the Mu Cang Chai valley are home to some of Asia’s most spectacular terraced rice fields. These landscapes, shaped over centuries by the ethnic minorities Hmong, Red Dao and Tày, change colour with every season — pale green in spring when the fields are flooded, deep green in July–August, and burnished gold at harvest (mid-September to mid-October). Hikes between remote villages perched in the clouds offer an authentic cultural immersion with communities that have preserved their clothing traditions, crafts and rituals.

Not to be missed:

  • Mu Cang Chai’s golden rice terraces in September–October
  • hike between Hmong villages from Sapa
  • Sunday ethnic market in Bắc Hà

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), a metropolis of 13 million inhabitants, is Vietnam’s most dynamic city — a striking blend of French colonial buildings (City Hall, the Central Post Office by Gustave Eiffel, Notre-Dame Cathedral), Taoist temples heavy with incense smoke, ultra-modern skyscrapers and a fascinatingly intense flow of two-wheel traffic. 80 km away, the Mekong Delta reveals an extraordinary amphibious world: the floating markets of Cai Rang, tropical fruit orchards, coconut candy workshops and sampans gliding through the canals at daybreak.

Not to be missed:

  • War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Cai Rang floating market at sunrise
  • Củ Chi tunnels — an underground wartime network

The island of Phú Quốc, off Vietnam’s southern coast, is the country’s largest island and a booming beach destination. Its white-sand beaches fringed by tropical forest — Bãi Sao in the south and Long Beach on the west coast — are among the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. The island, long untamed, now has an international airport and luxury resorts without having lost its end-of-the-world charm. Fishing villages, Phú Quốc pepper plantations (the most renowned in Vietnam), traditional nuoc-mam sauce factories and still-preserved seabeds make it an ideal complement to a cultural itinerary from North to South.

Ideal for:

  • a beach extension after a North–South cultural tour
  • snorkeling on the coral reefs of the An Thoi archipelago
  • pepper plantations and authentic nuoc-mam factories

Which Vietnam itinerary is right for you?

A family cultural tour from North to South with a cruise on Halong Bay, a couple’s trip in the magic of Hội An’s lanterns and Sapa’s rice terraces, or an intensive discovery with friends of street flavors and the Mekong’s floating markets — Vietnam adapts to every desire.

Practical tips for your trip to Vietnam

Vietnam is the world’s 2nd-largest coffee exporter (robusta), behind Brazil. Vietnamese coffee, served with sweetened condensed milk over ice (cà phê sữa đá), is one of the most flavorful and energizing drinks in Southeast Asia. Hanoi even popularized a very rare coffee: cà phê trứng (egg coffee) — espresso whipped with egg yolks, condensed milk and sugar, creating a creamy foam served hot or cold.

Luxembourg nationals must obtain a Vietnamese e-Visa before entry. It is obtained online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (USD 25), is valid for 90 days with multiple entries, and is issued within 3 business days. Information required: passport (minimum 6 months’ validity), photo, dates and place of entry (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City). Keep the QR code of your e-Visa on your smartphone — it is checked on arrival at the airport.

The currency is the Vietnamese đồng (VND). Exchange rates in the major cities are: 1 EUR ≈ 27,000 VND. USD are accepted in hotels, agencies and tourist sites. Bank cards work in higher-end hotels, tourist restaurants and ATMs in major cities (withdrawal fees apply). For local markets, street restaurants and transport: carry cash in VND. Avoid exchanging at airports — rates are unfavorable.

Vietnam is long (1,650 km) and distances between sites are significant. Recommended options:

  • Domestic flight: fast and affordable (EUR 40–80), essential between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
  • Reunification Express train: the legendary Hanoi–Saigon route (30 hours on an overnight train) — ideal for one or two stops (Da Nang, Huế)
  • Sleeper night bus: a budget option between Central and Southern cities
  • Car + private driver: more comfortable, recommended for regional excursions (Mekong Delta, Ha Long Bay)

Vietnam is a very affordable destination. For a mid-range trip, budget EUR 60–120 per person per day (3–4-star boutique-hotel accommodation, meals in decent restaurants, transport, entrance fees). Flights from Luxembourg cost between EUR 700 and 1,200 (stopover in Dubai, Doha or Singapore). The junk cruise in Halong Bay (2 nights) should be budgeted separately: EUR 250–600 per person depending on the level of comfort. A complete 15-day tour costs EUR 2,500–4,000 per person in the mid-range, all inclusive.

There are three levels of cruises in Halong Bay:

  • Budget (EUR 50–100/night): standard junks, decent cabins, meals included — enough for flexible travelers
  • Mid-range (EUR 100–200/night): comfortable junks with a sundeck terrace, gourmet meals, kayaking included
  • Luxury (EUR 200–400/night): premium cruises (Heritage Line, Indochine Cruises) with suites, spa, chef on board

Choose Lan Ha Bay (less crowded than Halong) and 3 days/2 nights cruises to make the most of it. Book at least 1–2 months in advance.

Also discover our other destinations in Asia

Feel like combining Vietnam with another Asian destination?

Vietnam pairs perfectly with Cambodia (Angkor Wat 1 hour from Ho Chi Minh City), Thailand for a grand tour of Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka via a stopover in Colombo, or the Maldives for an exceptional culture-and-beach combo. Our experts suggest the most coherent itineraries based on your time and your budget.

Bali

Bali

Between rice paddies, volcanoes and lagoons, serenity becomes an island

Cambodia

Cambodia

An eternal kingdom between rice fields and ruins

China

China

From the Great Wall to futuristic skyscrapers

India

India

A world of colours, scents and spirituality

Japan

Japan

Experience the harmony between temples and skyscrapers

Maldives Islands

Maldives Islands

A turquoise jewel at the end of the world

South Korea

South Korea

Between ancient rituals and urban beats

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

A jewel of Asia where nature and spirituality unite

Thailand

Thailand

Between golden temples and azure lagoons.

FAQ: everything you need to know before traveling to Vietnam

Yes, Vietnam is an excellent family destination. The Halong Bay cruise (kayaking, swimming, fishing on board), a cooking class in Hội An, a bike ride through the rice fields, and rickshaw rides in Hanoi create unforgettable memories for children. Vietnamese restaurants offer mildly spiced dishes that children easily enjoy (Pho soup, fried rice, fresh spring rolls). Plan for a moderate pace — distances are long and the intense heat can tire younger kids.

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended — it’s Vietnam’s most iconic experience. A cruise of at least 2 nights lets you sail far from the busiest areas, explore secret coves by kayak, experience sunset and sunrise among the karsts, and enjoy the bay away from day-trippers. Travelers short on time can choose one night, but two nights really transform the experience. Alternatively, Lan Ha Bay (less crowded, just as beautiful) is an excellent alternative.

Yes, with the right itinerary adjustments. The monsoon affects different parts of the country at different times — when the South is dry (November–April), the Center gets its heaviest rainfall. Traveling in the low season means lower prices and less crowded sites (Halong Bay in particular). Rain in Vietnam is often short, intense downpours rather than gray days, and generally doesn’t prevent sightseeing. Our team adapts your itinerary to the season.

Yes, a Vietnam–Cambodia combo in 14–15 days is absolutely doable. Classic itinerary: Hanoi (2 days) → Halong (2 days) → Hội An (2 days) → Ho Chi Minh City (1 day) → Saigon–Siem Reap flight (1h) → Angkor Wat (3 days) → Phnom Penh (2 days). This tour covers the highlights of both countries without rushing. For a more comfortable version, choose 17–18 days to add Da Nang and the Mekong Delta.

For a classic North–South itinerary, start in Hanoi (North) and finish in Ho Chi Minh City (South) — or vice versa. This avoids unnecessary backtracking. Hanoi is generally preferred as the entry point because it lets you go straight into a Halong Bay cruise, then head down to Central Vietnam (Hội An) and the South. Ho Chi Minh City is ideal for onward flights to the Maldives, Cambodia or Thailand.

Vietnamese cuisine is one of the tastiest and healthiest in Asia. Must-tries: Phở (Hanoi-style beef soup with bamboo shoots, served from 6 a.m.), Bánh mì (colonial-style baguette filled with pork, coriander, carrots and chili), Bún chả (rice vermicelli, grilled pork patties, nuoc-mam sauce — Barack Obama’s favorite dish in Hanoi), Cao Lầu (Hội An specialty with distinctive noodles), Cơm tấm (Saigon broken rice) and Hanoi’s egg coffee. Eat at street stalls — that’s where the food is best.

No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Vietnam from Luxembourg. The following are recommended by travel medicine doctors: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus-polio-diphtheria and influenza. Dengue (transmitted by mosquitoes) is present — mosquito protection is essential. Antimalarial treatment is recommended for rural border areas (Cambodia). Consult a travel medicine specialist 4 to 6 weeks before departure.