TravelWhiz by Wendy Orr
Ha Long Bay Vietnam limestone karsts and emerald water

Vietnam Vacations — Ha Long Bay, Ancient Towns, and Extraordinary Cuisine

Vietnam

Best Time to Visit: February through April for the whole country; October through December for the south; May through August for the north. Vietnam's long shape means the weather varies significantly by region.
Climate: Tropical with significant regional variation. The south is warm year-round (28–35°C); the north has four seasons with a cool winter (15–20°C in Hanoi).

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary travel destinations — a long, narrow country with an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, cultures, and cuisines. From the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and the ancient streets of Hoi An to the chaotic energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the extraordinary cuisine of Hanoi, Vietnam offers an extraordinary range of experiences for every type of traveller.

Why Visit Vietnam?

  • Ha Long Bay — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of extraordinary limestone karsts
  • Hoi An — a UNESCO World Heritage ancient trading town with extraordinary tailors and cuisine
  • Hanoi — Vietnam's extraordinary capital, with ancient temples and world-class street food
  • Ho Chi Minh City — a dynamic, modern city with extraordinary history and street food
  • Mekong Delta — an extraordinary river delta with floating markets and lush scenery

Things to Do in Vietnam

Wendy can arrange any of these experiences as part of your personalised itinerary.

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Take a junk boat cruise through the extraordinary Ha Long Bay — 1,600 limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, with caves, kayaking, and extraordinary sunsets.

Hoi An Old Town

Explore the extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Hoi An Old Town — ancient trading houses, lantern-lit streets, and world-class tailors.

Hanoi Street Food Tour

Take a street food tour through Hanoi's extraordinary Old Quarter — pho, bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee.

Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the extraordinary Cu Chi Tunnels — the underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Mekong Delta Day Trip

Take a day trip to the extraordinary Mekong Delta — floating markets, rice paddies, and traditional river life.

Sapa Trekking

Trek through the extraordinary rice terraces of Sapa in northern Vietnam — extraordinary mountain scenery and traditional hill tribe villages.

Ready to book your Vietnam trip?

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Where to Eat in Vietnam

Wendy's recommended restaurants — from fine dining to authentic local cuisine.

Street Food

Pho Gia Truyen, Hanoi

Hanoi's most celebrated pho restaurant — extraordinary beef pho that has been served from the same location for over 60 years.

Street Food

Banh Mi Phuong, Hoi An

The most celebrated banh mi in Vietnam — extraordinary Vietnamese baguette sandwiches that Anthony Bourdain called 'the best sandwich in the world.'

Fine Dining

The Deck, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City's most celebrated riverside restaurant — exceptional modern Vietnamese cuisine with extraordinary Saigon River views.

Where to Stay in Vietnam

Wendy has personal relationships with these properties and can often secure upgrades and exclusive rates.

Amanoi, Nha Trang

Luxury

One of Vietnam's most extraordinary resorts — extraordinary clifftop villas overlooking Vinh Hy Bay, exceptional service, and world-class spa.

Anantara Hoi An Resort

Luxury

A beautiful resort on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An — exceptional design, world-class spa, and extraordinary location.

La Siesta Hotels, Hanoi

Mid-Range

Hanoi's most celebrated mid-range hotel chain — exceptional service, beautiful design, and excellent value in the Old Quarter.

Planning Your Vietnam Trip

📅 Best Time to Visit

February through April for the whole country; October through December for the south; May through August for the north. Vietnam's long shape means the weather varies significantly by region.

🌤️ Climate

Tropical with significant regional variation. The south is warm year-round (28–35°C); the north has four seasons with a cool winter (15–20°C in Hanoi).

✈️ Getting There

Connecting flights from Calgary to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) via Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, or Singapore. Total travel time approximately 18–22 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions — Vietnam

Do Canadians need a visa for Vietnam?

Canadian citizens need a visa for Vietnam. An e-visa can be obtained online before travel — it is valid for 90 days and costs approximately USD $25.

How long should you spend in Vietnam?

A minimum of 10–14 days is recommended to see the highlights of Vietnam. Three weeks allows a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore more of the country.

Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Vietnam is generally very safe for tourists. Petty crime (bag snatching, scams) can be an issue in tourist areas. Wendy will advise on the safest and most rewarding itineraries.

Book Your Vietnam Trip with Wendy

As your trusted travel consultant, Wendy handles every detail of your Vietnam vacation — from flights and hotels to transfers and experiences. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.

Book Your Vietnam Trip with Wendy

Tell Wendy about your Vietnam travel plans and she'll respond within 24 hours with personalised options and pricing.

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