Why Visit Vietnam?
A custom made holiday to Vietnam can offer something for everyone, from awe-inspiring landscapes and world-famous cuisine, to bustling metropolises where endless schools of motorbikes swim in and out of traffic on autopilot, creating an atmosphere of intoxicating chaos. Enjoy the vibrant streets while sipping $1 beers with the locals on plastic stools, or watch the hive of activity from a rooftop bar with happy hour cocktails and panoramic views of South-East Asia’s most eclectic cities.
But where do you even start when planning a trip to Vietnam? The North, Central, and Southern regions of the country are different worlds, each with their own unique climate, traditional dishes, and even dialects. There is so much to see and do. The only downside is, there is just so much you could miss.
That’s where we come along, contact us to get the very best local knowledge and help with your own custom made holiday to Vietnam where you won’t have to worry about missing a thing.
What are the types of tours in Vietnam?
Only in Vietnam can you be cycling through acres of vibrant green rice paddies one moment and be at the foot of a grand mountain the next, the only way to the top aboard an army jeep roaring up the hill through lush, jungle-like vegetation.
Yes, it’s possible to explore Vietnam in luxury and stay in five star hotels, play golf at premium courses, eat at sumptuous restaurants, and float down the Mekong River aboard an opulent cruise ship.
At the other end of the spectrum, those after a grittier experience can jump on the back of a motorbike and explore the ramshackle, maze-like streets to hunt down the most delicious street food steaming away by the roadside. Whatever your tastes, we can create a tour to suit your needs.
Our point of difference to other tour companies is we can continue to tailor your travel experience while you are travelling through Vietnam. For example, if you enjoyed the history motorbike tour of Hue, we can organise a similar tour in Hanoi. If you loved the Mekong River Cruise, our team can quickly book you into a cruise of Ha Long Bay. Our travel team on the ground are only ever a phone call away
Hotels and Resorts In Vietnam
Whether you are looking for a 5 star resort on the beach on Vietnam’s coast, a traditional homestay on the banks of the Mekong Delta, a boutique hotel in the heart of Hoi An or anything in between, Wide Eyed Tours prides itself in finding the best accommodation in Vietnam to suit your needs and budget.
Book your custom made holiday to Vietnam
Booking a custom made holiday to Vietnam takes away the guesswork and stress of visiting a country for the first time. But booking a custom made tour to Vietnam created by locals also ensures you won’t miss a thing.
The family at Wide Eyed Tours create tailor made tours to Vietnam for every type of traveller. Our team is made up of travel veterans from Australia and New Zealand who fell head over heels for Vietnam almost 20 years ago and never left, and local Vietnamese travel experts who can’t wait to share every unforgettable experience of their home country with you. Get in contact today to start planning your custom made holiday to Vietnam and South East Asia and meet the team in their hometowns.
For many, the perception of Vietnam is a developing nation perfect for young, robust backpackers capable of surviving the sweltering heat and manic crowds. The idea of taking young children to a country where drinking tap water is ill advised and crossing the road is an expedition in itself sounds impractical. We can tell you first-hand that travelling to Vietnam with a young family isn’t just doable, it will be one of the most enriching cultural experiences of their lives. It all comes down to the planning.
It is possible to create life-long memories of tasting new foods for the first time together, of seeing water buffalo flap their ears to swat away flies while bathing in a lagoon, and of ethnic minorities living as they have done for hundreds of years, in complete safety.
The team at Wide Eyed Tours has successfully and safely guided hundreds of young families on trips through Vietnam. But, just as every tour is different, so is every family. We can’t wait to chat with you about your beautiful, unique family. The conversation we have will inspire our team to custom create a holiday in Vietnam you will never forget.
In short, yes, Vietnam is perhaps the safest country to travel to in South-East Asia and is a very safe destination to travel with family. But Vietnam is considered a developing country and it is important to abide by a few simple rules. He is a brief list of guidelines to follow to stay safe when you travel to Vietnam :
- Do not drink tap water.
- Keep your belongings safe in high quality backpacks or bum bags/fanny packs. This applies mainly to the busier tourist areas such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi.
- Before crossing the road, look left, then right, then left again. Vietnam has more motorbikes per capita than any destination on earth. Take extra care when crossing the road, even in quieter areas.
- If you do rent a motorbike wear appropriate clothing and drive slowly. Do not get on the bike after a few beers or glasses of wine.
- Travelling to Vietnam with children can be very safe if you visit suitable locations, stay in child-friendly accommodation, and choose smart transport options.
When you book a tour with Wide Eyed Tours our local guides consider your safety their highest priority. We will do our utmost to keep you safe when you travel through Vietnam.
Most people need a visa when they travel to Vietnam. There are two ways you can get one.
- Order via Wide Eyed Tours
- Apply for an E-visa online (An option for 46 countries including, AUS, NZL, NLD. Fast, cheap and easy.) Only applicable for single entry visas.
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. But we’re sure you already knew that. But do you know how to say hello or thank you in Vietnamese? It is important to learn a few key phrases if you travel to Vietnam. If you put in a bit of effort, the rewards will be great. Don’t worry, you won’t get the pronunciation right as it is a very complex language, but here are a few very basic phrases.
How do I say hello in Vietnamese?
Xin Chào – pronounced Sin-Chow
How do I say thank you in Vietnamese?
Cám ơn! – pronounced Ga-Mon
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). We suggest bringing either a travel card or bank card that waives international transaction fees, because they do add up.
To give you an idea of the currency conversions:
£100 GBP = 2.8 million VND
$100 USD = 2.3 million VND
$100 AUD = 1.6 million VND
$100 NZD = 1.5 million VND
So yes, you will become a millionaire overnight.
A bowl of steaming hot pho will cost around 40,000 VND
A beer? 25,000 VND
Vietnam is a great destination to visit all year around, however, there are a few points to consider.
Firstly, the wet season does not mean it will rain all day every day. There will be days of brilliant sunshine, followed by days where it is clear until the afternoon then buckets down for a few hours. It really is a mixed bag, but our local team can help you navigate through the ever-changing climate of Vietnam.
If you have any questions about the best time of the year to visit Vietnam, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We have teams on the ground in every part of the country who know the weather better than anybody.
The weather in Vietnam can be unpredictable. Blink and the heavens can open, blink again and its blue skies for days. Here is a brief list of what to pack when you visit Vietnam:
- Pack your best swimmers, trunks and bikinis for your hotel pool and the beautiful beaches.
- A good poncho or wet weather jacket, just in case.
- Vietnam is casual, you don’t need your Sunday best.
- As many pairs of underpants, underwear, undies, pants, whatever you call them as possible.
- A good backpack for short excursions and outdoor adventures.
- Light, airy clothing. Thin, breathable fabrics are best, as the days can reach forty degrees celsius.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sun Cream
- Insect Repellent
Most importantly, leave some space in your bag for all the wonderful shopping you will be doing when you get here.
