Vietnam Vacations — Ha Long Bay, Ancient Towns, and Extraordinary Cuisine
Vietnam
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?
Wendy handles flights, hotels, transfers, and experiences — all in one place.
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
LuxuryOne of Vietnam's most extraordinary resorts — extraordinary clifftop villas overlooking Vinh Hy Bay, exceptional service, and world-class spa.
Anantara Hoi An Resort
LuxuryA beautiful resort on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An — exceptional design, world-class spa, and extraordinary location.
La Siesta Hotels, Hanoi
Mid-RangeHanoi'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.
Wendy's Take on Vietnam
35+ years of travel expertise
Hello, fellow travelers! With over 35+ years of helping clients discover their dream destinations, I can confidently say that Vietnam holds a truly special place in my heart. This captivating country is a tapestry woven with ancient history, breathtaking natural beauty, and a culinary scene that will awaken every one of your senses.
What makes Vietnam so utterly unique? It's the harmonious blend of its rich past, evident in the imperial citadels of Hue and the charming ancient town of Hoi An, with the vibrant energy of modern cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Then there are the landscapes – from the ethereal limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like stepping into a painting, to the lush, life-giving waters of the Mekong Delta. And the food! Oh, the food. From the fragrant bowls of pho to the crispy banh mi and the fresh spring rolls, every meal is an adventure in itself. It’s truly an incredible cuisine that you’ll dream about long after you’ve returned home.
Vietnam is best for the adventurous soul, the curious foodie, and anyone who cherishes cultural immersion. If you love exploring bustling markets, cruising serene rivers, and delving into fascinating history, this is your destination. The best time to visit often depends on the region you plan to explore, as the country spans diverse climates. Generally, the spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) offer pleasant weather across most areas, making them ideal for a comprehensive journey.
My personal favorite thing about Vietnam has to be the genuine warmth and resilience of its people. Their welcoming smiles and eagerness to share their culture make every interaction memorable. It’s these authentic connections that truly enrich the travel experience. As a booking tip, I always recommend securing your internal flights and popular tours, especially for Ha Long Bay, well in advance. Vietnam is a popular destination, and early planning ensures you get to experience all the magic without a hitch. Let's plan your unforgettable Vietnamese adventure!
Insider Tips — Vietnam
Ensure your Canadian passport has at least six months validity beyond your intended departure date, and apply for your e-visa well in advance through the official Vietnamese government website to avoid last-minute stress.
When navigating cities, download and use ride-hailing apps like Grab (for cars and motorbikes) for transparent pricing and convenience, as it helps avoid potential overcharging from traditional taxis.
Embrace the incredible street food scene, but look for stalls with high turnover and long lines of locals – this is usually a sign of freshness and deliciousness.
Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for a tropical climate, and consider bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Always carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong for purchases at local markets and street vendors, as larger notes can sometimes be difficult to break.
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.
More Asia & Southeast Asia Destinations
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.