Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most layered and compelling destinations – where ancient dynasties, French-colonial charm and modern cityscapes all live side by side. You’ll find street corners buzzing with scooters and sizzling food stalls, quiet countryside where water buffalo graze between rice paddies, and coastlines so laid-back you’ll forget the concept of time.
What makes Vietnam truly stand out is how effortlessly it blends rich tradition with everyday life. In one day, you can explore the winding alleyways of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, learn to make pho in a family-run cooking class, and take a sunset cruise past Halong Bay’s limestone peaks. And if you’ve never heard of Son Doong Cave – bigger than a New York City block and still not fully explored – you’re only scratching the surface of Vietnam’s secrets.
Why we love a holiday in Vietnam
A Vietnam holiday package with Thompsons Holidays is the easiest way to experience all this and more. Here’s why travellers choose Vietnam again and again.
- The food is a journey on its own. Slurp your way through regional flavours, from Hanoi’s bun cha to Saigon’s bánh xèo.
- Vietnam beach holidays deliver turquoise water and golden sand in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and beyond.
- A walk through history. Imperial palaces, war relics, ancient temples – it’s all deeply woven into everyday life.
- Endless adventure. Whether it’s kayaking in Lan Ha Bay or hiking to hill tribe villages in Sapa, Vietnam rewards curiosity.
Vietnam suits all travellers. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture buff, a beach-lover or you're planning a fun family holiday, Vietnam offers a travel experience that’s as rich as it is refreshing. Enjoy a romantic getaway that includes breathtaking scenery. You’ll find your corner of paradise on Vietnam tours to this exotic, exciting holiday destination, so book your holiday package to Vietnam with Thompsons Holidays today.
A destination that is charming, exciting, fascinating and unbelievably beautiful, Vietnam offers a taste of Asia at its best. Things to do are as varied as the landscapes. Explore the fascinating coastline, laze on a pristine beach or learn to kitesurf. Discover Vietnam’s captivating cities, including Hue, with its rich history of the Nguyen dynasty, laid back Da Nang and sensational Saigon. Or, piece together the country’s history, from colonisation to war and freedom, and learn about its numerous religious and cultural influences.
Things to do in Vietnam
- Cruise through Halong Bay: Explore dramatic limestone karsts and floating villages on an overnight junk boat.
- Wander ancient Hội An: A beautifully preserved trading town known for its lantern-lit streets, tailoring shops, and riverside cafes.
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels: Step into Vietnam’s wartime past with a guided tour through this vast underground network near Ho Chi Minh City.
- Take a street food tour in Hanoi: Sample local favourites like egg coffee, sticky rice, and grilled meats cooked right on the curb.
- Visit the Imperial City of Hue: Walk the walls of a former royal capital filled with pagodas, tombs, and historical relics.
- Chill on the beaches of Da Nang or Phu Quoc: Ideal for laid-back days, fresh seafood, and stunning sunsets.
- Trek through Sapa: Head north to discover terraced rice fields, waterfalls, and traditional hill tribe villages.
Whether you’re ticking items off your bucket list, like visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum or just want to travel and experience Vietnam’s incredible natural beauty, you’re in for an extraordinary experience. Browse our Vietnam packages below and let's plan your holiday!
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
- Vietnam has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C.
- The best time to visit Vietnam is spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October).
Is Vietnam expensive to visit?
Not at all. Vietnam is great value for money. Food, transport and accommodation are all very affordable, especially when booked through a Vietnam travel package with us at Thompsons Holidays.
How to get to Vietnam?
- There are no direct flights to Vietnam from South Africa. You will typically travel via Hong Kong, Dubai, Doha or Bangkok.
- The shortest flight duration from Johannesburg to Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam is 16 hours, 15 minutes.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Vietnam.
- Passports should be valid for 6 months after travel.
What time is it in Vietnam?
- Vietnam is 5 hours ahead of South Africa.
Money matters
- The official currency is the Vietnam Dong (VND). This is the only accepted currency.
- The best place to change money is at the hotel or a local bank (banks open Monday to Friday).
- Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and shops, but not many other places.
- ATMs are widely available throughout Vietnam – they’re the easiest and safest way to access money.
- Tipping is gratefully accepted in Vietnam. Tip restaurant staff, luggage porters, drivers and guides at your discretion.
- Carry small notes: Great for tipping and street food purchases.
Remember to organise money with your bank prior to departure.
Language & phrases
The most widely spoken language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. English is spoken in the main cities.
Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience in Vietnam. Here are some useful phrases to know:
Greetings
- Hello: Xin chào (Sin chow)
- Good morning: Chào buổi sáng (Chao boo-ee sahng)
- Good afternoon: Chào buổi trưa (Chao boo-ee chuh)
- Good evening: Chào buổi tối (Chao boo-ee toy)
- Goodbye: Tạm biệt (Tahm bee-et)
- Nice to meet you: Rất vui được gặp bạn (Zut voo-ee duke gahp bahn)
Common Phrases
- Thank you: Cảm ơn (Gahm un)
- Excuse me/May I ask: Cho tôi hỏi (Cho toy hoi)
- Yes: Dạ (Dza) or Vâng (Vung)
- No: Không (Kong)
- Please: Làm ơn (Lahm un)
- Sorry: Xin lỗi (Sin loy)
Shopping and Dining
- How much is this?: Cái này bao nhiêu tiền? (Guy nyeh bao nyew tee-en)
- Can you give me a discount?: Có giảm giá không? (Gaw zam zaa kohng)
- This is too expensive!: Cái này đắt quá! (Guy nyeh dat waah)
- I’ll take this one: Tôi lấy cái này (Toy lay guy nyeh)
Directions
- Where is...?: Ở đâu...? (Uh dow)
- Can you help me?: Bạn có thể giúp tôi không? (Bahn koh teh zup toy kohng)
- I’m lost: Tôi bị lạc (Toy bee lahk)
Culture & religion
- Religion in Vietnam is defined by a mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, known in Vietnamese as the Tam Giáo ("triple religion").
- Catholicism is also practiced in modern Vietnam.
- Ancestor worship is common in Vietnamese culture.
Health information
- It is not safe to drink tap water in Vietnam. Bottled water is readily available.
- Required vaccinations: check with your travel clinic before you go.
- Pack loose and breathable clothing for summer, warmer layers for winter.
- Lightweight rain jacket.
- Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites – no shorts or tank tops. Legs & shoulders must be covered. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor. Plug type A (two flat vertical pins), type C and type F (two round pins) fit most Vietnam electrical outlets.
- Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs.
- Do not support animal encounters and wildlife activities that are harmful or unethical.
- Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially when travelling at night.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables.
What are the do’s and don’ts in Vietnam?
Do: Dress modestly at religious sites, remove your shoes before entering homes, and learn a few local phrases.
Don’t: Touch people’s heads (it’s considered disrespectful), or lose your cool in public – it’s frowned upon.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
