There’s so much to fall for in Vietnam: the Mekong, sensational street food, and historic cities pulsing with energy and Vespas. But its geography creates an obvious north–south route, which most follow. We take a different approach.
There’s a standard Vietnam itinerary. Five cities, north to south, all starting with an ‘H’. We use it as a starting point, not a blueprint.
Rather than begin with the route, we start with the experience you want to have. From there, the journey takes shape around you, weaving in quieter countryside (perhaps high in Mai Chau or deep into Ninh Binh) to spirit you away from the crowds and slow the pace.
Meeting fishermen deep in the Mekong Delta. Exploring Hanoi’s street food scene with a specialist who knows those backstreets by heart. These aren’t add-ons: they’re how we build the trip.
Vietnam rewards the curious. So do we.
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In Our Travellers’ Words
Cultural Discovery from Vietnam to Cambodia
Unforgettable Vietnam Memories
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
Our Unique Holidays in Vietnam
Relaxing, immersive, life-affirming adventures that show you the best of the destination. Packed with experiences that connect you to the country and are kind to its people and environment. Your holiday can be as adventurous or as luxurious as you choose, as every trip will be turned into your own bespoke package.
Here are some ideas to spark your curiosity…
How We Plan Vietnam
Vietnam is long, layered and too often rushed along the same familiar route. The country rewards a more considered approach:
Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and the Mekong Delta make a natural pairing, but most do the Delta as a day trip. We spend two nights in Cai Be, getting you deeper into life here.
Central Vietnam for Hoi An‘s lantern-lit streets and cooking classes, slowly exploring Hue‘s imperial history and garden houses, and the coastal journey riding pillion on a Vespa.
Hanoi deserves proper exploration. Rise early for the flower markets, then stroll the lake as locals practise t’ai chi and badminton in the street. Discover the Old Quarter’s labyrinthine alleyways, sip Vietnamese coffee and dive into the city’s extraordinary street food with a great guide.
We also favour lesser-seen rural areas. We weave in the Central Highlands to differ from the standard itinerary to unhurried spots like Lak Lake. We choose Phong Nha over Halong Bay for its cave systems, jungle and river landscapes. And rather than Sapa, we head to Mai Chau or Phu Luong: still breathtakingly beautiful but quieter and less touristy.
For Vietnam without the formula, explore our Classic Holidays.
Explore Experiences in Vietnam
Immersive experiences sit at the heart of ETG. Each one is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional moments.
Meet Our Experts
After living in Hanoi while teaching English and making the most of her free time exploring the countryside, Chione knows the country inside out. From the capital’s hidden street food gems to the best boutique stays in Hoi An, she helps travellers experience Vietnam beyond the obvious.
“You’ve got to try bánh mì when in Vietnam – they’re so good I pretty much had one every day when I lived in Hanoi! And the bánh xèo in the Mekong Delta? Crispy, delicious, and wrapped in fresh herbs.”
Chione Armstrong
Vietnam Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas in Vietnam
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Vietnam. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use — they’ll live long in your memory.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to Vietnam
Intrigued? The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Vietnam is our experts’ edit of hotels, experiences and holiday tips. Get your complimentary copy today.
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Important FAQs about Vietnam
Few countries pack in as much variety as Vietnam: ancient cities and dramatic coastlines, storied history and relentlessly alive street culture.
- Spend time in places where daily life hasn’t changed much in centuries: old citadels, lantern-lit towns, floating markets.
- Then head into the lovely landscapes: the rice-terraced hills of Mu Cang Chai, the waterways of Tam Coc, the unhurried beaches of Phu Quoc or the crescent coastline of Phu Yen.
- The food alone is worth the trip. Pho from a Hanoi street stall, fresh seafood on the coast; Vietnamese cuisine has a deserved reputation, and eating your way through the country is one of its great pleasures.
- History runs deep here too. The temples of Hue, the war-era sites scattered across the country — Vietnam’s layered past gives every journey an extra dimension.
Vietnam is layered, lively and full of unexpected contrasts – and with ETG, you’ll experience it in a way that feels personal and deeply rewarding. Our guides don’t just lead tours, they open doors: into homes, markets, workshops and places most travellers overlook. Whether you’re navigating Hanoi’s backstreets, drifting through the Mekong Delta, or uncovering Hue’s imperial history, you’ll do it with fresh insight and the support of a team who knows Vietnam inside out.
Vietnam’s weather varies by region, so the best time depends on your route. It’s pretty confusing, so the easiest thing to do is speak to one of our Vietnam specialists who’ve cracked the code.
Generally speaking:
North (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa): October to April offers clear skies and mild temperatures. Central (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang): February to August is warm and dry. South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): November to April is the dry season, with steady warmth year-round. For a full north-to-south itinerary, March to April or October to November gives you the best all-round conditions.
Every ETG holiday to Vietnam is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Vietnam specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.