Traveling to Vietnam from the UK: complete guide

Every year, Vietnam attracts more and more English-speaking travelers, including from the UK. With its landscapes drawn by terraced rice fields, its imperial monuments, its paradisiac beaches and its effervescent cities, the country seduces as much culture enthusiasts as nature and adventure lovers. But before flying away, a question always comes up: how to prepare a trip to Vietnam from the UK?

From the visa application to international flights, through the budget to plan, the best time to leave and the essential itineraries, the organization can seem complex and you ask for a lot of time. That is why, with our experience as a local English-speaking agency established in Vietnam, we have designed this practical guide. You will find all the essential information to transform your desire for escape into a unique and serene experience.

With us, Vietnam is not only visited: it is lived.

Prepare for your trip to Vietnam from the UK

Organizing a trip to Vietnam from th UK requires a minimum of anticipation. Before thinking about the rice fields of Sapa or your next cruise in Halong Bay, you must first take care of the administrative procedures, book your flight and check some essential points to travel calmly.

Administrative formalities: visa, passport, insurance

To enter Vietnam, English nationals must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date. Regarding the visa, several options exist for tourists:

• The visa exemption is granted for stays of less than 45 days (recently updated).
• The Vietnam e-visa allows a stay of 90 days, single or multiple entry. It is obtained online via the official website of the Vietnamese government.

We also recommend subscribing to travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation, which is essential for safe travel.

Flights UK – Vietnam: airlines, prices, tips

Vietnam is served by several airlines from the UK.

• From London, there are direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines (about 11 to 12 hours of travel).
• There are also flight with a stopover (Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airways).

Tip: booking your tickets 3 to 5 months in advance allows you to benefit from better rates. A round trip from UK to Vietnam costs on average £900 depending on the season.

Health and vaccines: advice before departure

No vaccine is mandatory to travel to Vietnam, but some are highly recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis among others for long stays (volunteering, working) in rural areas. The reminders (DTCP, hepatitis B) must be up to date.

Some simple precautions to follow:

• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Provide a suitable first aid kit.

We also recommend that you consult your doctor before departure to check your personal situation.

When to go to Vietnam? The climate according to the regions

One of the first questions travellers ask themselves is: when is the best time to visit Vietnam? The country of the dragon extends over more than 1,600 km from north to south, which gives it a great climatic diversity. To properly organize your stay, it is essential to understand the particularities of each region.

North Vietnam, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa

The northern climate is marked by two seasons:

• Cool and dry season (from November to April): pleasant temperatures, clear skies, ideal for visiting Hanoi, sailing in Halong Bay and discovering the Ha Giang region
• Hot and humid season (from May to October): heat, heavy rain and sometimes tropical storms. Best if you want to admire the green terraced rice fields of Sapa.

Tip: March-April and October-November are the most recommended months to have pleasant weather but are also the periods of high affluence.

Central Vietnam: Hue, Hoi An

The central region experiences a contrasting climate:

• Dry season (from February to October): guaranteed warmth and sunshine, perfect for discovering the imperial city of Hue and the lagoon of Tam Giang or for discovering Hoi An.
• Rainy season (from November to January): heavy showers and sometimes risks of typhoons. Nevertheless, Hué in the rain retains a unique charm.

South Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc

The south enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons:

• Dry season (from November to April): pleasant heat, little rain, ideal conditions for exploring the Mekong Delta or relaxing on the beaches of Phu Quoc Island.
• Wet season (from May to October): frequent but short showers, high temperatures. A still interesting time to travel, because the landscapes are lush.

In short:

• November to April: ideal for the south and north.
• March to October: perfect for the center.
• Vietnam is a destination where you can travel all year round, provided that you adapt your itinerary to the weather conditions.

How much does a trip to Vietnam from the UK cost?

Many English travelers wonder: what budget to plan for a trip to Vietnam? The answer depends of course on the duration of the stay, the comfort sought and the activities chosen. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare your budget.

Average budget for 2 weeks

For a 2-week trip to Vietnam, here is an estimate of the costs per person:

• International flight UK – Vietnam: around £900 (depending on the season and the airline).
• Accommodation: from £35 per night in a standard hotel to £100 and more for charming or luxury establishments.
• Meals: between £5 and £10 in local restaurants, £15 and more in higher-end establishments.
• Internal transport: domestic flights (£80 to £120 per trip), night train and car with driver.
• Activities & visits: cruise in Halong Bay (from £130 to spend one night on the Bay), excursions in the Mekong delta (from £80 for private excursions with an English-speaking guide), cultural site entries (from £1 to £10).

On average, for a comfortable trip of two weeks, it is necessary to plan from £1,500 – €2,000 per person on site, excluding international flights. Here are examples of circuits that we offer.

Organized trip or tailor-made trip?

Two main options are available to English travelers:

• Organized trip from the UK: practical but often rigid, with standard tours, large groups and a higher price as well as fixed dates
• Tailor-made trip with a local agency: more flexible, authentic and economical for an unforgettable experience in Vietnam. At Senteurs du Vietnam, we adapt each itinerary according to your desires, your budget and your pace, to offer you a unique stay without intermediaries.

Choosing a local agency in Vietnam not only saves money, but also provides an experience closer to the culture and people.

The must-see itineraries for a first trip

Vietnam offers a cultural, natural and historical diversity that appeals to all travelers. For a first stay, it is advisable to combine several regions in order to have a complete overview of the country. Here are the itineraries that we most often recommend to our English travelers.

The North of Vietnam: culture and nature

A journey often begins in Hanoi, a vibrant capital combining tradition and modernity. Its lively alleys, its temples and its old district make it an essential stop.
A few hours away by car, Halong Bay marvels with its unique karst landscapes. A cruise on a traditional junk to spend a night in the bay allows you to fully enjoy this majestic setting.

For people in search of nature, go to Tam Coc, known as the terrestrial Halong Bay to enjoy a walk on the water.
For hiking enthusiasts, the mountains of Sapa and their terraced rice fields offer total immersion with ethnic minorities.

Central Vietnam: history and heritage

The central region is rich in historical sites classified by UNESCO.

• Hue, the former imperial capital, reveals its royal tombs and citadel as well as its cultural richness with its many artisans.
• Hoi An, a preserved port city, charms with its timeless charm and its old houses, colorful lanterns and craft workshops.
• The most adventurous can explore the impressive caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, among the most beautiful in the world.

The South of Vietnam: modernity and exoticism

To the south, the bustling Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) mixes modern skyscrapers and traditional markets. It is also the starting point for an excursion in the Mekong Delta, nicknamed the “rice loft of Vietnam”, where life is organized around canals and floating markets and to discover the culture of the coconut.
Finally, to conclude a trip in beauty, nothing like a seaside stay on the island of Phu Quoc, renowned for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Expert tip: for a first trip to Vietnam of 15 days, we recommend an itinerary combining North – Center, and depending on the return flight, add a brief incursion into the South in order to discover all the facets of the country. For a longer stay (3 weeks), it is possible to travel deeper and explore less touristy regions such as the Highlands region with Dalat and Buon Ma Thuot, and northern Vietnam with Mai Chau, Mu Cang Chai and Ha Giang.

Why choose a local agency to organize your trip?

Organizing a trip to Vietnam from the UK can seem simple thanks to the many online guides. Yet, nothing replaces the expertise and support of a local agency directly located in Vietnam. At Senteurs du Vietnam, we have made this proximity our greatest asset.

An expertise of the field

Settled in Hué since 2014, we know the country in its smallest details and we continue to discover it every year more: from must-see sites to remote villages, authentic addresses with good deals that only the inhabitants know. This knowledge allows us to create itineraries adapted to your desires.

Total flexibility

Unlike organized trips from the UK, we build 100% tailor-made stays. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family or friends, each step is adjusted to your pace and preferences. An unexpected weather? A spontaneous desire? We can always adapt the program.

Cultural immersion

Traveling with a local agency also means getting in direct contact with the inhabitants: sharing a meal at the locals’ place, discovering traditional crafts, participating in a local celebration. These experiences give a human and unique dimension to the trip and will bring you unforgettable memories

Better value for money

By eliminating intermediaries, a local agency in Vietnam offers often more advantageous rates while ensuring a high level of service. You invest directly in local services, thus promoting responsible tourism.

Recognition and testimonials

Our seriousness is recognized: we are proud to be quoted in the Guide du Routard and to be recognized by Tripadvisor and to have accompanied hundreds of satisfied travelers. Their testimonies are our best business card.

By choosing a local English-speaking agency in Vietnam, you gain serenity, authenticity and quality of experience.

Conclusion

Preparing a trip to Vietnam from the UK can seem complex, between formalities, flights, budget and route choice. Yet, with a good accompaniment, every step becomes simple and exciting. From the mountainous North to the beaches of the South, passing through the historical treasures of the Center, Vietnam offers a mosaic of landscapes and cultures that leaves no one indifferent.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, we believe that a journey should not only be experienced as a succession of visits, but as a complete immersion with cultural, historical, natural and above all human discoveries. Thanks to our local expertise, flexibility and passion, we transform your desires into a unique, authentic and unforgettable stay.

Want to discover Vietnam differently? Contact us today and let’s create together the trip that suits you before meeting in Hue.