If you’re planning a Vietnam trip, here are three things you won’t want to miss:

1. Hô Chi Minh City, where you’ll learn all about Vietnam’s war-stricken past and vibrant, modern culture
2. Rice fields, where many locals work and where much of Vietnam’s food comes from
3. Ha Long Bay, where you’ll see all kinds of boats, caves, and coastal towns

The best time to travel on our Vietnam tours is between December and February when temperatures are milder and rain is minimal.

Overall, since the weather varies along with the landscape, there’s truly no bad time for a Vietnam trip. Just do your research and pack accordingly, and you’re bound to have a great time.

Here are a few things to pack for our Vietnam guided tours.

• Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that you can easily layer for varying temperatures
• A light rain coat to keep you dry
• Sunscreen and bug spray to protect your skin
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, preferably waterproof
• Binoculars for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery
• Long pants or skirts and shawls for visits to temples or other religious sites

Here are some of the top excursions from our Vietnam travel packages:

• Mekong Delta Cruise, where you can board a motorized sampan for a winding introduction to life on the river, including a trip to the large floating market of Cái Bè
• The Tu Dúc & Khài Dinh Tombs, where you’ll see iconic relics of Vietnam’s past
• A Vietnamese Home-Hosted Dinner, where you can get a taste of authentic local flavors and hear stories from Hanoi locals

Learn more about each of these experiences by visiting our Vietnam & Angkor Wat tour page.

While less traditional, taking one of our tours of Vietnam could make for a very unique and exciting family trip. Just be aware that many Vietnam sites highlight war history that could be disturbing for younger travelers. Read about one staffer’s experience taking our Vietnam tour with her mother.

Before you head off on any tours to Vietnam, you’ll want to learn the difference between U.S. dollars and Vietnamese dong. You’ll need both on a Vietnam trip, as different places only allow certain currencies. For example, Vietnamese dong is more commonly used at local businesses, and U.S. dollars are accepted at larger companies. If you have a choice between paying in dollars or dong, choose dong, as it might be a little cheaper.