"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
Best Time to Travel: November–April
Tailor-made Vietnam Tours 2026, 2027 & 2028
Vietnam is a country of intense geographical variety, stretching 1,650 kilometres from the northern alpine peaks bordering China to the tropical river networks of the Mekong Delta. It is home to Son Doong, the world’s largest cave, and the karst towers of Ha Long Bay, a 1,500-square-kilometre seascape of 1,600 limestone islands. Vietnam’s identity is defined by a fusion of French colonial architecture, dynastic history in Hue, and a world-renowned street food culture anchored by Pho and Banh Mi.
Vietnam
Why Travel to Vietnam?
Old Quarter of Hanoi
Hanoi’s 36 Streets are still organised by trade, from Hang Bac (Silver) to Hang Ma (Paper). 19th-century French villas sit beside the 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, while motorbikes weave past stalls serving bun cha. Locals drink Ca Phe Su Da (iced coffee with condensed milk) on plastic stools, a daily ritual beneath the colonial shutters of the Hoan Kiem district.
Kayak in Ha Long Bay
Navigate a 1,500-square-kilometre seascape of 1,600 limestone karsts rising from the Gulf of Tonkin. Paddle past the Cua Van floating village, where residents live in stilted houses, and enter the Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave to find hidden tidal lagoons. The emerald water reflects the prehistoric stone of Cat Ba Island, home to the world’s most endangered primate, the white-headed langur.
Craft in Central Vietnam
Hue’s Imperial City preserves the 19th-century Forbidden Purple City and the tiered tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. Nearby, Phu Cam villagers craft conical non la hats while Rishtan artisans hand-dye silk. In Hoi An, a 15th-century trading port, yellow-walled tube houses and the Japanese Covered Bridge glow under thousands of silk lanterns along the Thu Bon River.
Vietnam at a Glance
- Capital
Hanoi
- Population
101 million
- People
Viet, 53 other recognised ethnic groups
- Religions
Folk religions, Buddhism, Catholicism, Hoahoism Buddhism, Caodaism, Protestantism
- Languages
Vietnamese
- Currency
Vietnamese đồng (VND)
- Phone Code
+84
- Time Zone
UTC+7
- Power Plug
Types A, C & F
- Peak Season
November–April
- Dishes
Pho (noodle soup with herbs and beef or chicken), banh mi (baguette sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), ca kho to (caramelised fish in clay pot)
- Neighbours
China to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, South China Sea to the east and south
- E-sim
Get a Vietnam e-sim from Airalo or Holafly, or locally from Viettel, Vinaphone, or Mobifone stores.
- Visa
Vietnam tourist visa information is available on the Vietnam National Electronic Visa System. Contact us for visa assistance.
Vietnam Tour Packages
Prefer something entirely bespoke? Design a private Vietnam journey.
What makes us different from the rest
Compare how Forward Travel stacks up against traditional travel agents and large tour operators.
| Feature | Forward Travel | Travel Agents | Tour Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised itineraries built around your interests | |||
| Direct access to a dedicated travel expert (David) | |||
| Handpicked local guides in every destination | |||
| Flexible dates, pace, and on-trip adjustments | |||
| Transparent, ethical pricing with no hidden margins | |||
| 24/7 in-destination support | |||
| Exclusive small-group experiences (max 15) | |||
| Responsible travel & community give-back |
Vietnam Travel Guide
Stories from the road
Traveller Testimonials
Real journeys, real words — hear from explorers who've travelled the world with Forward Travel.
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
Tailor-made journeys
Want to See Vietnam on Your Own Terms?
Let's bring your dreams to reality. Whether you know exactly what you want or need inspiration, we'll design a journey as unique as you are.