Vietnam is an inspirational country - a long-standing favourite of ours here at i-escape - with its combination of tropical coastline and lush terraced hills, of luxe resorts and paddy-field villages, of ancient imperial history and recent war stories, of exotic local cuisine and artisanal crafts. It's also a very long country - 1650 km from top to toe - with most itineraries requiring either internal flights or long train journeys on the so-called Reunification Express, as well as shorter car or van transfers, and perhaps also an overnight cruise on a junk boat.
Putting this all together can become quite challenging, which is why we've teamed up with this highly regarded local operator, Trails of Indochina. Not only can they do all the nuts and bolts for you - hotel reservations, train tickets, itinerary planning - they can also throw in some wonderful experiences to help you get under the skin of this fascinating country. Cookery classes, arts and craft lessons, cycling excursions, sea kayaking or SUP trips, guided tours to museums and palaces, floating markets, river rides in a bamboo boat, after-dark city adventures on a vintage Vespa - they know all the best spots and have the best contacts. And their knowledgeable English speaking guides will make sure it all runs smoothly for you.
So if you want to add an extra dimension to your Vietnam trip, or are just finding it all a little daunting to arrange, choose one of their preset itineraries; or ask them to customise one for you.
Why we chose this partner
- Like us, they seek out small independent hotels (from midrange to luxury) where you don't feel like part of an organised tour
- We love the sound of their immersive experiences - making traditional pottery or paper lanterns, kayaking to a creek village for a local seafood dinner, or one of their many cycle tours
- Their guides (now numbering 280 of them) get rave reviews: most are university educated, with at least 10 years' guiding experience
- For road transfers, they use a range of smart, new, air-conditioned vehicles, from 4 to 16 seats or more
- Their sustainability pledge includes prioritising local ingredients and suppliers (chefs, artisans, accommodation hosts), reducing plastics, and donating to conservation projects
Please be aware
- It's a good idea to book at least 3 months ahead, as availablity is always tricky in the smaller hotels at busy times; and finalising your trip often takes a couple of weeks or more
- Distances are large by European standards, and travel can be slow, so don't try and cram too much in
- You'll want at least 14 days to see the whole country (or highlights of it); anything less and it's usually better to concentrate on just the north or the south
Best time to go
Vietnam has a complicated climate. In the north, autumn (Sept to Dec) is the nicest season. At this time of year it's warm, dry and sunny, though you'll need warm clothes up in the mountains and Ha Long Bay. Winter (Dec to Feb) can be surprisingly cold with temperatures as low as 10°C. Things warm up in March then get hot in May, though the rainy season starts in June and brings heavy downpours and flooding. By mid Sept, it's perfect weather.
The central region has a wet climate, particularly around Hué. The dry season lasts from Feb - May although there are occasional shock typhoons in April and May. After this it gets wetter and hotter (averaging 30°C) until the rainy season in Sept, which eases off from Nov - Jan.
The lower east coast and the south have a dry season from Dec to late April/May, and rain from May - Nov. Most rain falls in brief downpours. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 20°C.
The central region has a wet climate, particularly around Hué. The dry season lasts from Feb - May although there are occasional shock typhoons in April and May. After this it gets wetter and hotter (averaging 30°C) until the rainy season in Sept, which eases off from Nov - Jan.
The lower east coast and the south have a dry season from Dec to late April/May, and rain from May - Nov. Most rain falls in brief downpours. Daytime temperatures rarely fall below 20°C.
Our top tips
The story of the man behind the company is no less inspiring. John Tue Nguyen was in his mid-20s when he first started guiding visitors around his hometown of Hue. But as his vision of creating an innovative, bespoke tour company developed, so unfortunately did the vision in his eyes deteriorate. After two internal haemorrhages and an unsuccessful surgery, he was completely blind by 29.
But that did not stop him. Having already travelled throughout Europe and America, and with an MBA from Henley Management College under his belt, he hired offices, handpicked and trained a dozen guides, and expanded his black book to include contacts all around Indochina, almost all of whom he recognizes immediately by voice. His memory is phenomenal, his optimism undimmed, and the ethos of his company - unique experiences delivered with kindness, generosity and great attention to detail - shine through each and every trip
But that did not stop him. Having already travelled throughout Europe and America, and with an MBA from Henley Management College under his belt, he hired offices, handpicked and trained a dozen guides, and expanded his black book to include contacts all around Indochina, almost all of whom he recognizes immediately by voice. His memory is phenomenal, his optimism undimmed, and the ethos of his company - unique experiences delivered with kindness, generosity and great attention to detail - shine through each and every trip
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
We just used this company for a couple of days of excursions and transfers, internal flights etc. Cannot fault them. They are really efficient and everything worked perfectly and smoothly. We had private tours and the guide was superb (Saigon, Jerry), speaking great English and nothing was too much trouble. I would have no hesitation in recommending this excellent tour operator.
Really fabulous trip. The elements we loved the most included the Halong Bay Cruise, the Vespa tour through Saigon and the our time in Phu Quoc. We didn't enjoy the 21 hour train ride from Hoi An to Saigon so much.....we arrived in Saigon on very little sleep which impacted our enjoy of our first day. Overall we really loved Vietnam!
We enjoyed a perfect trip to Vietnam & Cambodia. Every part of our trip was well prepared and punctual with dedicated drivers and guides. The planning before with Mr An Tran was very easy and to the point with lots of tips and perfect service. We couldn't wish for more! it was a really well designed and performed journey. Highly recommend and very worthwhile.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape