Vietnam Tour Plan 2024: 6 Easy Steps to Plan a Vietnam Tour

Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam... Vietnam is truly one of Asia's best-kept secrets. And just the name of this Southeast Asian wonderland stirs up images of lush landscapes, beautiful cityscapes, and a history rich with complexity and charm.

This country offers so much diversity that you could spend weeks here and still feel like you've only scratched the surface. Certainly, there's no shortage of options when planning a trip to Vietnam. So, here's how you can do your Vietnam tour plan in 2024 in just six steps.

First Step: Find the Best Season to Enjoy your Vietnam Tour

Vietnam is a country with a tropical climate. And this tropical zones mean the best season to visit can vary widely depending on your destination within the country. Generally, the best time to visit Vietnam is from November to April, when it's dry, sunny and pleasant in much of the country.

But don't be discouraged if you're traveling at other times - you just need to come prepared!

You can enjoy Vietnam in any season if you do your Vietnam tour plan ahead and pack accordingly. Some of the factors to consider when finding the best season for your Vietnam tour are:

● The temperature and humidity levels, which can affect your comfort and activities
● The rainfall and typhoon risks, which can affect your travel plans and safety
● The festivals and events which can add more fun and culture to your trip
● The crowds and prices which can affect your budget and availability

To help you decide, you can check out our detailed guide on the best time to visit Vietnam or contact us for more advice.

8 Days Best of Vietnam Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta – Saigon

Second Step: Confirm How Many Days You Have for a Vietnam Tour - Usually at Least 1 Week

The length of your stay significantly influences what you can see and do in Vietnam. Ideally, allocating at least one week for your Vietnam tour allows you to explore a region thoroughly or enjoy highlights across the country.

For a one-week itinerary, consider focusing on a specific area—north, central, or south—to immerse yourself deeply without the rush. If you have two weeks or more, you can plan a more extensive Vietnam tour that includes major destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, along with leisure time for unexpected adventures.

● 1 Week: Choose a region (North, Central, South) for a focused experience.
● 2 Weeks or More: Combine regions for a comprehensive tour.

Balancing travel time with experiences is crucial to avoid a hectic schedule, ensuring you have enough time to absorb the beauty and culture of each place.

7 Days Northern Vietnam Historical & Natural Tour Package

Hanoi – Sapa - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh - Hanoi

Third Step: It's a Must to Get a Vietnam Visa in Advance. Visa on Arrival Not Recommended

One of the most important steps for your Vietnam tour plan is getting your Vietnam visa in advance.

Vietnam has different visa requirements depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. You should check the official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department (https://www.immigration.gov.vn) or contact the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country to find out the specific visa regulations for your case.

There are two main ways to get your Vietnam visa in advance: applying for an e-visa online or applying for a visa at the embassy or consulate.

● E-visa: An e-visa is a type of visa issued to foreigners by the Vietnamese Immigration Department via an electronic system. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry, and costs $25 USD. You can apply for an e-visa on the official website or through a reliable travel agency. The processing time is typically around three to five working days.
● Visa at the embassy: A visa at the embassy or consulate is a type of visa issued to foreigners by the Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad. It can vary in validity, number of entries, and fees depending on your case. You can apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate by submitting your application form, passport, photos, and other required documents. The processing time usually requires five to seven business days.

We strongly recommend that you get your Vietnam visa in advance, either by e-visa or by visa at the embassy or consulate, rather than relying on the visa-on-arrival option.

Vietnam visa

A visa on arrival is a type of visa that you can obtain at the airport upon your arrival in Vietnam after getting an approval letter from a travel agency or an organization in Vietnam. However, visa on arrival has many disadvantages and risks, such as:

● It is only available at certain international airports in Vietnam, not at land or sea border gates
● It can take a long time and cause a lot of hassle at the immigration counter, especially during peak seasons or holidays
● It can be more expensive and less reliable than the other visa options, as you have to pay for both the approval letter and the visa stamp fee
● It can be rejected or denied by the immigration officers for various reasons, such as incorrect information, invalid documents, or insufficient funds

Therefore, to avoid any problems or delays, it is best to get your Vietnam visa in advance and enjoy your Vietnam tour with peace of mind. 

Part of the approval letter

Fourth Step: Estimate How Much You Will Cost for your Vietnam Trip?

How much is a trip to Vietnam? Actually, budgeting for your Vietnam trip involves considering several factors, including flights, accommodation, daily expenses, and activities.

● Accommodation: Prices can vary from budget options to luxury resorts, averaging $46 USD per night.
● Transportation: Flights, trains, and buses can range from $5-100 USD, with options for motorbike or car rental.
● Food and Drink: Expect around $15 USD per day for diverse cuisine, including street food and restaurant dining.
● Activities: Costs can vary for attractions like Halong Bay cruises ($50-200 USD) and Cu Chi Tunnels tours ($10-30 USD), with many free or low-cost options available.
● Miscellaneous: Budget for visa fees (around $25 USD), tips (5-10% of the bill), souvenirs, and emergencies.

Adjusting your budget according to your travel style and preferences allows for a fulfilling Vietnam experience without financial strain. You can also check out our sample itineraries with various budgets or contact us for more information.

7 Days Southern Vietnam Essential Relaxing Tour

Saigon – Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Phu Quoc

Fifth Step: Find a Local Travel Agency to Finalize your Vietnam Tour Itinerary

The most important step to make your Vietnam tour plan is to find a local travel agency to finalize your Vietnam tour itinerary. While you can travel independently in Vietnam, there are many benefits and advantages of using a local travel agency, such as:

● Convenience: They handle every aspect of your trip, from booking flights and accommodations to organizing transportation and activities, allowing you to travel stress-free.
● Expertise: With in-depth knowledge of Vietnam, agencies tailor your itinerary to your preferences, ensuring you experience the best places at the best times.
● Customization: Agencies offer personalized trips, giving you the freedom to select your destinations, activities, and the length of your stay, with the flexibility to adjust your plans.
● Value: You'll receive quality services at competitive prices, thanks to the agencies' local connections and negotiation skills.

You can count on IndochinaTour to provide reliable services. Through our network of long-trusted partners, we craft one-of-a-kind insider experiences whether you crave cultural treasures, untouched beaches or iconic landscapes.

14 Days Highlights of Vietnam from North to South

Hanoi – Sapa - Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Can Tho – Phu Quoc

Sixth Step: Learn about the Most Useful Vietnam Tour Tips

Arming yourself with practical tips can significantly enhance your travel experience in Vietnam. Some key tips include:

a. Language: Learn basic Vietnamese phrases for greetings, directions, and transactions.
b. Currency: Always carry small denominations of Vietnamese dong for everyday purchases.
c. Culture: Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette to show respect.
d. Safety: Be aware of your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.
e. Transport: Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps like Grab for safe and reliable transportation.

You can use these tips to explore the cultural landscape of Vietnam smoothly, ensuring a respectful, safe, and enjoyable Vietnam experience.

10 Days Central Vietnam Beach Relaxing & Culinary Tour

Da Nang - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Mui Ne - Da Lat - Da Nang

Conclusion

Now you must know how to plan Vietnam tour. By following these six simple steps, you'll be fully prepared to craft an amazing Vietnam tour in 2024. Whether you spend a week traveling north to south or linger longer to delve deeper into each region, these steps will point you toward countless rewarding discoveries. And as you plan your Vietnam adventure for 2024, let IndochinaTour be your guide.

Our expert team stands ready to assist you at every step, from finding the best season to visit to securing your Vietnam visa in advance. Get in touch now to start the planning process for your memorable Vietnam adventure!