Vietnam is gradually being discovered as one of Southeast Asia’s best kept secrets and is considered as an exciting new option for travelers as compared to its neighbors in the area.
A land of shimmering terraced rice fields, powder-fine sandy beaches, breathtaking landscapes and modern bustling cities, Vietnam delivers one of the world’s most delicious and diverse gastronomies. Despite its history of an extended French occupation, and devastating wars, the Vietnamese are a proud people with a deep and rich cultural heritage. The country has one of the fastest growing economies in the area and is undergoing rapid change: air access has become easier than ever, roads are continuously being upgraded, hotels and resorts are springing up in destinations across the country as foreign investment increases. Not to be discounted is the Vietnamese entrepreneurial spirit which is a driving force behind this success.
There’s an unimaginable array of things to see and experience countrywide. Starting with Hanoi in the north, renowned worldwide for being a peaceful, welcoming and inexpensive capital. On the other hand, in the south, modern day Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is on the fast track with towering skyscrapers with the hustle and bustle you’d expect to find in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. In between lies a tapestry of soaring mountains, fertile deltas, misty forests inhabited by exotic flora and fauna, pristine beaches, waterfalls, rock formations and caves. Vietnam has a centuries-old history and culture of ancient architectures, religions and cults, traditional festivals and an authentic way of life. Finally, Vietnam has been recognized as one of the most secure and welcoming countries on the globe.
Hanoi, formerly Thang Long, the “City of the Rising Dragon,” is one of the most picturesque, culturally rich, and has well-laid streets that it one of the world’s most attractive and interesting cities. It’s the country’s cultural heart where its thousand-year history is ever-present and takes center stage by its centuries-old but well-preserved colonial architecture. Hanoi is best known for its two main neighborhoods - the French Quarter and the Colonial Quarter which are rich in attractions. It is a capital of irresistible charm, at the meeting point of traditions and legends, dotted with lakes, tree-lined avenues, and lush parks.
Lung Cu, in Ha Giang province, Vietnam, is a captivating destination known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Situated on Dragon Mountain, it is Vietnam's northernmost point, offering stunning panoramic views. With its iconic flag tower symbolizing national sovereignty, Lung Cu showcases the resilience of the local people. The area features rugged mountains, valleys, and scenic rice terraces. Ethnic minority communities, like the Hmong and Tay, add to its cultural richness. Visitors can immerse themselves in the countryside, explore ethnic villages, and embark on exhilarating treks. Lung Cu is a place to experience Vietnam's history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Best time to visit Lung Cu
The most beautiful time to visit Lung Cu is during October and November. The cool and dry weather creates ideal conditions for exploring the region and enjoying the stunning landscapes. In October, the mountains and valleys are adorned with vibrant autumn colors, while November continues to showcase the enchanting foliage. The temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), providing a comfortable environment for outdoor activities and trekking. Both months offer clear skies and excellent visibility, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the panoramic views from Lung Cu's vantage point. It's recommended to plan ahead and check weather forecasts for the best experience.
Thing to do
Cao Bang, close to the Chinese border, is a nature lover's paradise and wildly magnificent. Located on the high, northern plateau, a 6-hour drive from Hanoi will be well worth it. The region is doubtlessly one of the most beautiful in Vietnam, and boasts too many natural treasures to count but what sets it apart is the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall which is the fourth largest in the world. Splendid view over the age-old mountains, the sun-drenched valleys, dotted with small villages, rich forests and clean air makes Cao Bang a nature escape that leaves visitors feeling refreshed and filled with appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Best things to do in Cao Bang:
Best time to visit Cao Bang:
How to get to Cao Bang:
Ha Giang is a stunning mountainous region, 350 kilometers from Hanoi, in the northeastern part of the country and on the edge of its border, neighboring China, set in valleys surrounded by forbidding peaks and connected by a hair-raising road with spectacular views. This is a high concentration of mountains. According to recent statistics, it covers about 8,000 km2 but there are 49 high mountains from 500m – 2,500m. Rice terraces slice along precariously steep mountainsides, hanging over blue snaking rivers, beneath blood-curdling bends. Colorful farmland climbs to rocky, edged cliffs before rolling off to distant pine forests.
This is also the residence of 24 ethnic minorities, whose life and traditions still remain untouched by the rapid development of the world around. Their way of life is undiminished and is the most unique and truly cultural experience for you.
Best things to do in Ha Giang:
Best time to visit Ha Giang:
How to get to Ha Giang:
Located in the northwest of Vietnam, with a distance of 315 kilometers from Hanoi, Sapa is considered a gateway to touch the sky and a real retreat after all the noise and rush of city life. Overlooking a beautiful valley, lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides, the spectacular scenery that surrounds Sapa includes majestic rice fields with seasonally-changing shades making it one of the most beautiful rice terraces in the world. Its villages, the numerous ethnic communities living in the region, traditional costumes of amazing multi-colored fabrics, vibrant markets instantly inspire travelers the desire to discover Vietnam’s authentic culture.
Best time to visit Sapa
From March to December, skies are more likely to be clear. Summer months of June, July and August are rainier and hotter. Winter (January to February) is a period of time that contains a risk of cold, foggy, and rainy weather.
Best time to visit Sapa is during the harvest time from August to early October. June and July are green rice terraces.
Best things to do in Sapa:
How to get to Sapa
Ha Long Bay located in the Gulf of Tonkin, just 165 km from the capital of Ha Noi is known not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the world's most famous natural wonders. Ha Long Bay has been featured in countless movies, travelogues, and magazines because of its rich biodiversity and exceptional scenic beauty that looks straight out of a postcard. Seen from above, the bay resembles a light blue handkerchief dotted with emerald limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500 square kilometers making for a most breathtaking and spectacular view to humble even the most jaded traveler.
Best time to visit Mai Chau Valley
You can travel to Mai Chau at any time in the year. From March to December, skies are more likely to be clear and the best time to visit Mai Chau. Summer months of June, July and August are rainier and hotter. Winter (January to February) is a period of time that contains a risk of cold, foggy, and rainy weather.
Best things to do in Mai Chau Valley
How to get to Mai Chau Valley
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and eco lovers listening to the sounds of nature. They will be rewarded by a view of the surrounding tranquil setting of fields and mountains, forests and valleys. In the middle of autumn, the harvest was bustling with excitement, the smell of new rice following the wind on the gables… could be compared to a very beautiful mountain girl. Apart from endless mountains, fertile valleys there are many traditional stilt houses of minorities of Thai ethnic group under the lush canopies of greenery. Simply stay still among the peaceful life of the villagers and let nature consume you.
Best time to visit Pu Luong
The best seasons to go are from March to June when the weather is still cool and the paddy fields are nice. The next best season is from September to October which is harvest season and the green has been replaced by golden fields and the lush scent of ripening rice seeds is ever-present.
Best things to do in Pu Luong
How to get to Pu Luong
Ninh Binh, approximately 100km south of Hanoi, is a wondeful spot for many tourists who love natural beauty of mountains, rivers, caves, and hundreds of limestone cliffs scattered across swaths of lush paddy fields, that is why we call it "Halong Bay on land." Recharge yourself in its beautiful karst scenery and its lush green environment and experience a quiet, peaceful and pure rural way of living. It is absolutely an ideal trip for anyone who wants to get away from the noise of the city and live a carefree life.
Best time to visit Ninh Binh
You can travel to Ninh Binh at any time in the year. However, we recommend that you should visit Ninh Binh in the summer (from the end of April to June when rice is turned from green to yellow)
Things to do in Ninh Binh
How to get to Ninh Binh
Vinh Long is a province in the Mekong Delta region, about 140 km from the center of Saigon. This is the land of lush and intensely cultivated rice and fruits orchards, ceramics and bricks. You will be delighted by the fruit orchards in Vinh Long, which is well-known as the land of rivers and tropical fruits all year round. The province is criss-crossed with canals and tributaries all flowing into the teeming rivers. It’s surprising that the name Vinh Long translates to ”eternal prosperity”.
Float gently down the streams of Tiền Giang District, passing locals fishing for catfish, children playing on the banks and families doing household chores in stilt houses.
Best time to go to Vinh Long- Cai Be:
Vinh Long-Cai Be is good for visiting all year round, but better to discover the area during dry season (from December to April) for outdoor activities and experiencing local life.
Best things to do in Vinh Long- Cai Be:
How to get to Vinh Long:
Nearly 300 km from Hanoi to the Northwest, Mu Cang Chai is the most unique in Vietnam and ranked as a national monument for its scenic terraced fields and stunning harvest scenes. Each season of rice ripening, this place is a destination not to be missed on the journey to discover the lush rice terrace explode with beauty and vibrancy. Traveling to Mu Cang Chai, visitors will be immersed in the golden color of sunshine and the “golden sea” of rice rolling in the middle of the vast sky. There are old forests still retaining many rare species of flora and fauna such as pine oil, coriander and other rare birds and animals. The winding pass paths between the old forests still bear bold pristine features and terraced fields of the H’Mong and Thai ethnic groups.
Best things to do in Mu Cang Chai:
Best time to visit Mu Cang Chai:
How to get to Mu Cang Chai
Mui Ne, a picturesque coastal town in Phan Thiet – the capital of Binh Thuan province, is a 12-kilometer long sweeping bay that boasts sandy beaches, luxurious beach resorts, loads of dining options, and shopping venues. This “paradise of sea” is a water sports mecca, most notably for kitesurfing. Furthermore, this location is worth checking out for relaxing strolls, peaceful jogs, unforgettable sunsets and charming fishing villages.
Best time to go to Mui Ne:
Visitors can come to Mui Ne year-round, the weather is roughly the same – hot and dry with an average temperature of around 27 degrees. From April to August is the most beautiful time in Mui Ne, the sea is clear and cool. From August to December is the best time for surfing and outdoor activities.
Things to do in Mui Ne:
How to get to Mui Ne:
Chau Doc is in An Giang Province which slings along the banks of Bassac River (Hau Giang River) links with the Cambodian border by waterway and by land. It is the homeland of mainly Cham and Khmer people with the diversity of cultures so visitors can see mosques, temples and churches. Life of local people here is always closed to boats, their greatest shelters. The floating market is always full of boats as is typical of the Mekong Delta regions. The boats come from different places in Vietnam selling their products to the locals and tourists.
Best time to go to Chau Doc:
Visitors can come to Chau Doc all year round.
Things to do in Chau Doc:
How to get to Chau Doc:
How to Apply for a Vietnam’s e-visa
Step 1: Prepare the required materials:
● One 4x6 passport photo in .jpg format with a white background, without glasses.
● One photo in .jpg format of your passport data page in jpg format.
● Passport valid for at least six months. from the date you plan to enter Vietnam.
● Your temporary address in Vietnam and points of entry and exit.
● Debit or credit card for payment.
Step 2: Click this link or access https://immigration.gov.vn/ and go to 'E-visa Issuance'
then click on the link for 'Outside Vietnam foreigners'
Step 3: Upload your .jpg images (passport data page and passport photo) and fill out
the required fields on the form completely. Submit your form.
Step 4: Pay the e-Visa fee of 25 USD for single entry or 50USD for multiple entry through online payment gateway as prescribed by the Immigration Department. The fee will not be refunded if the application refused.
Step 5: After 3-5 working days you should receive news of your e-Visa application via email. If not, please click this link to search for your e-Visa application status.
Step 6: Use your document code to locate your e-Visa online. Download and print the e-Visa in two copies for extra safety.
TIP: Travelers with an e-Visa can go directly to immigration counters at their point of entry and do not need to queue at Visa on Arrival counters.
If you do not want to obtain e visa through the website of Vietnam Immigration Department, let us take care of it on behalf of you at a small service fee.
Visa On Arrival
Those who are not eligible or failed to get an E-visa to Vietnam, can apply for a visa on arrival.
To do this you' ll need to:
1. Book and pay tour package with Asia Color Travel (we do not provide visa application singly service)
2. Provide us copy of your passport with valid for minimum six months from the date you plan to enter Vietnam.
3. Your roundtrip flight e-ticket to and from Vietnam
4. Visa application fee (25usd for single entry or 50usd for multiple entry)
How to apply for a visa on arrival
Step 1. Complete the Vietnam visa online application form and pay for service fee
Provide us all the required information as listed above.
Make payment for service fee via Credit/ Debit Card via OnePay or pay together with your tour package.
Step 2. Get the approval letter via email
After your submission and payment, we will start processing your visa with the Vietnam Immigration Department. Within 05 working days (or even 02 – 04 working hours with our super urgent service), you will get your visa approval letter (also known pre-approved letter) and the entry-and-exit application form delivered to your email.
Note: Once applied, visa application cannot be cancelled, and non-refund.
Step 3. Get visa stamped upon arrival at Vietnam airport
You then print them out and complete the entry and exit form, prepare 01 passport-sized photos, original passport, and cash (USD) for the stamping fee.
Upon arrival at any of Vietnam international airports, (in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Hai Phong), show the followings:
1/ Your visa approval letter
2/ Your original passport
3/ 01 passport-sized photos (4*6cm)
4/ Completed entry/exit form with your photo
5/ Pay stamping fee to get visa stamped on your passport by Immigration Officer.
For any further inquiry, please email us contact@asiacolortravel.com
Now, you are in Vietnam, enjoy your trip!
Vietnam's weather ranges from a familiar four-season system in the north to eternal summer in the south. Because of regional variation, there are pleasant places to visit in Vietnam throughout the year.