When is the best time to go on holiday to Vietnam? Where is the best place to relax in Vietnam?

The countries of Southeast Asia are conducive to a relaxing holiday. Holidays in Vietnam on your own are no exception. The kindness of the locals and the aura of calm allow you to relax and get away from the everyday hustle and bustle. And of course, visiting excursions where you enjoy the natural beauty and of course enjoy the local cuisine also contributes.

I will try to cover the questions in as much detail as possible, but if something remains unanswered, you can write what interests you in the comments and I will definitely answer.

Vietnam is gradually gaining momentum among Russian tourists. New hotels are being built, infrastructure is developing, and Russian speakers can be found on every corner. And if earlier in the question “where to fly for the winter?” preference was still given to wintering in Thailand, today some still choose a neighbor and there are enough reasons: affordable housing, good prices, delicious cuisine, eternal summer with sun, availability of transport to move between cities.

We also have an article about the pros and cons of Vietnam and its differences from Thailand.

Basics for solo travel

Today, the most profitable option for traveling to Vietnam is to plan your trip yourself. We always purchase tickets in advance and reserve a hotel or apartment. This saves both time and money. Also, for a comfortable stay in Vietnam, basic knowledge is required.

Vietnam is ruled by the Communist Party, but there is little left of communism here. The country has chosen its own special path of development according to the capitalist model with national flavor. Basically, the country is divided into regions according to geography: South, North, etc., and officially the country is divided into 59 provinces. In addition to the mainland, there are also island resorts, prices there are higher.

Currency of Vietnam: Dong. The money is made of plastic, so it does not get wet. For 1 dollar you will get approximately 22,500 dong. Therefore, by exchanging 100 dollars you will become a millionaire.

Population: Approaching the 100 million mark, the capital is Hanoi.

Religion: Most of the population are Buddhists.

Main language: Vietnamese and at some resorts they don’t speak either English or Russian, so you’ll have to use your fingers to express yourself. English speakers are present where there is a large European audience.

Massage: I would like to highlight this as a separate point. The massage here is inexpensive, but the quality is inferior to Thai.

Before visiting any country, you should definitely familiarize yourself with its features and plan everything in detail.

Where is the best place to go and to which resort?

When preparing, you must definitely decide on the dates of your vacation and familiarize yourself with the weather conditions on these days, both predicted and actual. If you eat for a long period, perhaps this will not be so critical for you, but still. In the winter of 2016, Southeast Asia experienced its worst rainy season in decades and people were forced to stay indoors for more than a month.

The consequences were also reflected in the subsequent weather; while in Nha Trang in February, we observed huge waves and it was not possible to swim there with the children. Therefore, carefully plan your vacation, take into account everything: with or without children, what is your budget, what is most important for you on vacation, etc. If you prefer a quiet family holiday on the beach, then you should go to the islands, for example, Phu Quoc, where the European public predominates, and if you want a party with bars and discos, then choose Nha Trang, Mui Ne.

If the sea is not a mandatory attribute for you, then you can stop at Ho Chi Minh City. I will try to describe the main resorts for you to make it easier for you to decide on the cities, because... Many people view their vacation in terms of exploring the sights and gaining new experiences.

Nha Trang— review of the resort. A very rapidly growing resort. It received its impetus for development after the opening of the most famous amusement park in the country - Vin Pearl. The bulk of tourists are Russians and Chinese. Locals mostly do not speak Russian or English, but there are places where they still speak English. There is affordable public transport (bus routes), inexpensive taxis, and many shopping centers and markets. A large selection of cafe restaurants with delicious Vietnamese cuisine. There are almost no beach hotels, because... The main beach is public and accessible to everyone. The exception is hotels outside the city and the Vin Pearl Hotel located on an island next to the park of the same name. Many excursions and attractions, both within the city and outside of it. Clubs and hookah bars for party lovers abound. For families and those who prefer a quiet holiday, there is an excellent embankment where you can walk in the evenings enjoying the sound of the surf.
Phu Quoc— . Following the example of the popularity of the famous Thai resort Phuket, the Vietnamese are trying to develop the islands. One of these resorts should be Phu Quoc Island. Unlike Nha Trang and Mui Ne, lazy beach holidays prevail here. If in Nha Trang on the street you will hear mainly Russian speech, then in Phu Quoc European speech will predominate. In the cafe, the waiters speak English, and the menu is adjusted to European preferences. There are a lot of people of retirement age here, but there are almost no attractions. But the Vin Pearl amusement park is already operating, and there are almost no people there, so now it is very comfortable there.
Dalat— review of the resort. A city in the province of Lamdog, also known as "Little Paris". It is located in the highlands at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level. He exudes romance from everywhere. And despite the fact that people mostly get here through excursion programs, we strongly recommend going here on your own for 3-4 days to truly enjoy the local atmosphere.
Ho Chi Minh City— . The former capital of Vietnam, and now one of the largest cities in the country. It is home to the world famous "Coochi Tunnels" and many other attractions.

Prices for tours to Vietnam:

How to buy air tickets yourself?

These days, you don’t even have to leave your home to buy air tickets. All you need to do is select the required dates, and the most optimal and most importantly the most inexpensive options. After purchase, you will receive everything you need for a successful flight by mail. A ticket from Moscow will cost 20-30 thousand rubles.

Sometimes a trip calendar helps us a lot, by which we can clearly select the desired date.

But mostly we use the standard search form.

The flight duration from Moscow to Ho Chi Minh City is about 9 hours. The list of companies operating flights is not small: Aeroflot, China Southern, Vietnam Airlines, Emirates, Etihad.

How to book a hotel yourself?

There are many different options here, ranging from cheap hostels for $7 to luxury five-star hotels with private beaches for tens of thousands. A good room will cost $50, and for this money you can also look for apartments - they may turn out to be more spacious.

As in the case of air tickets, to book accommodation we use well-known services such as booking and hotellook from aviasales.

You will need a debit or credit card when booking. The hotel may charge a small amount when confirming your booking to ensure that the details you have entered are correct. Payment is made directly at the hotel. Flexible cancellation policies often apply.

Visa to Vietnam

Russian citizens are lucky - they can stay in the country without a visa for up to 15 days. You need to present a passport with at least 6 months validity and preferably a return ticket.

Visa-free stay is possible only 30 days after leaving the country.

There are no grace periods for Ukrainians and Kazakhstanis, so they must apply for a visa either at their embassy or upon arrival at the airport. To apply for a visa on arrival, you need a valid passport with a validity period of at least 6 months and an approval letter; you can do it on one of the many services on the Internet. Then you will need to fill out a form, hand in documents and wait from half an hour to depending on your luck. We waited for three hours.

Insurance

You do not need insurance to obtain a visa and enter the country, but we strongly recommend not to take risks and take insurance with you. It costs only 500 rubles. per week and can be easily applied for online. To do this, you just need to fill out a form, select an insurance company and purchase.

Please note that some insurers charge additional fees for insurance claims resulting from extreme sports, including riding a bike. And for an insured event while intoxicated, they may not pay out. Carefully study the insurance rules.

Everyone decides for themselves whether they need insurance. We buy for ourselves to be calmer.

First aid kit

First of all, you need to protect yourself from poisoning. Because cuisine is not always familiar to the European stomach, so first of all we take activated charcoal and anti-diarrhea remedies.

The air is very humid, which favorably promotes the development of bacteria, so it is necessary to take iodine in order to cauterize injuries and antibiotics in time in case of illness or suppuration.

For those who have allergies, it is necessary to take antiallergic and antihistamine medications. We also put bandages, alcohol, plasters and painkillers in the first aid kit. Mosquito repellent will also come in handy.

In general, pharmacies have everything you need, some even have Russian-speaking salespeople who can help if something happens. And in order to be completely calm, purchase insurance.

Transport and modes of travel

Bike. In Vietnam they say this: if you have a bike, then you have a girl and you will have time for a date. If you have a luxury car, you don’t have a girlfriend, because she left for someone else while you were stuck in a traffic jam. This characterizes traffic in large cities and resorts. Everyone who stays here for some time rents a bike, which costs $5 per day + a dollar for each liter of gasoline. And those who don’t have one still use the services of a bike taxi.
Bus. In resorts, especially such as Nha Trang, shuttle buses are also popular; the fare, depending on your location, will be about $0.5. Buses running at night and with sleeping accommodations, the so-called sleeping buses, are popular. They are equipped with toilets and many have free wi-fi. They cost about 10 dollars.
Taxi. The taxi network is very developed; you can find our taxi recommendations in a separate article. Prices are reasonable and affordable, about 15,000 dong per kilometer, a taxi can be called either by phone or ordered on the Internet, but basically everyone just goes out onto the street and catches there, there are a lot of taxi drivers and you don’t have to wait.
Train. You can travel between cities by train. The price depends on the route, on average from 10 to 30 dollars.
Airplane. There are about 20 airports in Vietnam. There are international airports in the following cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Danang, Tam Ky, Haiphong, Hue, Can Tho.
By sea. Another option is to travel by sea.

Kitchen

There is no limit to the variety of cafes and bars. If you want a Japanese restaurant, there is one; you’re used to McDonald’s, and that’s no problem either. But mostly seafood is popular. The menu has everything from traditional shellfish, shrimp, mussels, lobsters, fish to unusual frogs, crocodiles, ostriches and snakes.

For those who are not satisfied with such arrangements, local entrepreneurs have prepared a cafe with traditional Russian cuisine, where you can taste your favorite borscht or dumplings.

Approximate prices for food:

Dinner at a decent establishment will cost about $30 for two.
BBQ Buffet - $10 per person + drinks.
Soups - 2-3 dollars.
Baked or fried fish will cost 2-4 dollars and up to 10 dollars freshly caught on the islands.
Tuna steak 2-3 dollars.
Mango - $1 per kg.
Pineapple - 0.5 dollars.
Beer - 0.5-1 dollar.
Water, juices - 0.5-1 dollar.
Pastries - $1.

Vietnamese coffee is especially worth highlighting. He's great. Drinking coffee is a whole ceremony.

Alcohol in Vietnam is also not expensive, and beer is fresh and tasty. A huge selection of local wine, which you can taste and purchase what you like.

Local Vietnamese eat at small roadside cafes. You've probably noticed near the road small tables with tiny blue chairs where cheerful Vietnamese eat, drink beer and play cards. The cost in such catering establishments is several times cheaper than in a cafe; the difference can be 3-4 times.

Safety

It is quite safe here and nothing criminal happened to us during our stay, but you should not forget certain features. For example, when we were in Ho Chi Minh City and sitting in a taxi filming the city, the driver advised us to close the window, because a passing biker might grab his camera and ride off. Therefore, just in case, we have compiled a list describing how to behave and what to be wary of. Of course, everything must be approached adequately and within reasonable limits, otherwise preparation and rest can turn into a complete phobia.

Vietnam receives an increasing number of tourists every year. Both Europeans and Russians go there for oriental exoticism and beach holidays. What attracts foreign guests so much: good beaches, comfortable hotels, delicious and inexpensive cuisine, the beauty of untouched nature, a lot of historical attractions? Yes. And not only. The highlight of Vietnam is that everyone will find a truly “paradise” here for themselves and will want to come back again and again.

We present to your attention a review of the five best resorts in the true pearl of Southeast Asia.

Phu Quoc Island: deep sea diving for the most experienced drivers

Phu Quoc resort is ideal for those who are tired of the bustle of the city. For those who dream of soaking up the white sand of the beach in the Gulf of Thailand, mastering diving and simply having a great time with their family.

Peculiarities

Phu Quoc is located in the southwest of Vietnam and is considered the largest island in the country. In recent years, tourism here has begun to develop rapidly - infrastructure is expanding, entertainment facilities are being built, and a new airport of international importance has appeared. But despite this, here you can relax peacefully in nature. There are beaches where, if you're lucky, you'll enjoy splendid solitude.

Suitable for:

mature married couples;
families with children;
diving enthusiasts;
people who prefer a quiet and measured holiday.

Beaches

There are wild beaches, as well as with developed infrastructure.

Entertainment

The main entertainment on the island is snorkeling. Water diving enthusiasts will not regret using the services of local instructors.

Attractions

Factory for the production of fish sauce "Nuoc Mam". It will be possible to taste it and purchase it, but people with an extremely sensitive sense of smell should refrain from such a “fragrant” excursion.

Coconut prison, once created by French colonialists. This, of course, is no longer a real prison, but a museum.

Lots of eco tours. Guests of the island are invited to visit waterfalls, black pepper plantations, a pearl museum, jungles and much more.

clean beaches;
absence of noisy companies;
presence of an airport;
diving and snorkeling at reasonable prices.

high cost of hotel rooms;
few attractions.

Nha Trang: holidays for every taste

It’s difficult to call a holiday in Nha Trang calm and measured. It is designed for more active tourists - who are equally interested in sunbathing on the beach, going on excursions, going shopping and spending evenings in.

Peculiarities

Basically, the beaches at this resort, although very well-groomed, are not at all “paradise” - the sand is coarse, of uneven depth. In addition, most of the time there are strong waves here, especially after. Children are usually taken away from the city to specially equipped beach areas with all conditions, for example, such as.

Clubs, shops, restaurants and hotels are located in one area, which can roughly be called a tourist center.

Nha Trang is one of the most beloved and popular places among Russian tourists. Signs in Russian can be found here all the time. Those who know English at least to a small extent will not have any difficulty finding a common language with the indigenous population. You can communicate with many townspeople in Russian.

Suitable for:

young active people;
families with children.

Beaches

The free city beach extends for almost 7 km, is regularly cleaned and maintained in good condition.

Entertainment

During the day you can sunbathe, go diving, or attend one of the many excursions. Children will be especially interested in looking into. Be sure to buy yourself a few new things, go for a massage or go to a beauty salon. Spend the evening in a noisy company of friends in a nightclub, bar or disco.

Attractions

This entertainment center will not leave both children and adults indifferent. A performance with marine life, an aquarium and a 4D cinema are just some of the things that are there.

Monkey Island

This is an island park with many monkeys to watch. In addition, they will gladly accept a tasty treat from you.

The largest Buddhist temple, Long Son Pagoda and Cham Towers

Da Nang and Hoi An: See two sides of Vietnam

These two cities are located nearby, 40 km from each other. They, like the two “poles” of Vietnam, will reveal to tourists two sides of the country’s life - loyalty to historical roots and a tribute to modern society.

Peculiarities

In Hoi An, you involuntarily immerse yourself in the atmosphere of antiquity - small picturesque houses, many antique shops and religious buildings open to your eyes. Da Nang, on the contrary, is a completely modern city with busy traffic. But in both the first and second cases, it won’t hurt to take a camera for a walk.

Suitable for:

young active people;
mature married couples;
families with children;
connoisseurs of historical places.

Beaches

Near these cities there is a wide variety: from small patches of sand to the most popular China Beach with a bunch of visitors and surfer guys conquering the waves of the South China Sea.

Entertainment

Da Nang is, above all, a famous surfing center. Accordingly, the main entertainment here will be a surfing holiday.

There is a river running through Hoi An, along which boats painted in bright colors slowly float, and everyone is offered mini-excursions on the water.

Attractions

Without exaggeration, the whole of Hoi An can be called an open-air museum, but the following places can be especially highlighted:

Marble Mountains

Five mountains made of real marble, which were islands before the South China Sea became shallow. These attractions will tell you a lot about the history of Vietnam.

Collection of Cham sculptures

Until the 15th century The Chams owned most of modern Vietnam, after which they were conquered and defeated. Various sculptures in the Cham Museum are the only thing left of them.

35 km from Da Nang there is the world's longest cable car, which daily delivers tourists and city guests to the top of the mountain, in. The picturesque views that will be revealed to its visitors will take your breath away.

Pagodas with unique Buddha statues.

good beaches;
a large number of historical places and souvenirs;
low prices in cafes.

remoteness of city centers from beaches;
no clubs or discos;
There are no modern supermarkets or public transport.

Mui Ne: the most popular resort among Russians

The once fishing village of Mui Ne has today acquired the reputation of a real tourist capital of Vietnam.

People from Russia feel especially comfortable here. Why? Yes, because every second sign in a store or menu in a cafe is in Russian, local residents also know Russian and English superficially. And in some establishments they even prepare borscht and dumplings.

Peculiarities

Mui Ne has a well-developed tourism infrastructure: there are many hotels, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. Everyone will find something here.

It is noteworthy that the climate in the bay is stable almost all year round and is ideal for aquatic spots.

Suitable for:

active young people;
families with children;
mature married couples.

Beaches

The coastline, 15 km long, consists of excellent, well-kept beaches.

Entertainment

For young people, this is, first of all, windsurfing and kiting, as well as surfing. Both beginners and experienced athletes come here for big waves. They have dozens of schools at their disposal where they can get the necessary training and rent equipment.

Another fun thing is the huge mountains of sand called. With the help of a simple device rented from local residents, you can ride them like a real slide.

Attractions

A colorful place with many cute boats. There is a market nearby with fresh seafood - an interesting and useful pastime.

Cham towers

The Cham towers, built in the 8th century AD, are another majestic trace of a disappeared people.

no language barrier;
compactness and clarity of infrastructure;
familiar cuisine.

distance from the nearest airport;
high cost of food and souvenirs.

Vung Tau: for those who love to travel

The city is in many ways inferior to most tourist centers in Vietnam and, nevertheless, is among the popular ones. It is unlikely to be recommended for a first-class seaside holiday, but rather as a source of new impressions.

Peculiarities

Here you will hardly meet Russian tourists; most vacationers are residents of Ho Chi Minh City. Although there is a Russian diaspora in the city itself.

Suitable for:

older married couples;
families with children;
lovers of new experiences;
connoisseurs of historical sights.

Beaches

Vung Tau is clearly not made for a beach holiday: the shore is crowded during the daytime, the sea is not very clean, and sometimes debris washes up in the waves.

In the evening, walks near the sea, on the contrary, become especially romantic. After 18:00, the beaches are closed, and portable cafes are set up on the embankment, beautiful music is played.

Entertainment

For adults, Vung Tau offers a standard range of entertainment: shopping centers, restaurants and parks. For young visitors there is a wonderful Nylon amusement park - named after the mountain on which it is located. There is everything here that will keep kids occupied for the whole day - horseback riding, a wonderful zoo and, of course, the attractions themselves.

Attractions:

Hai Dang Lighthouse

Hai Dang Lighthouse, built by French colonists. From the top of the structure there is a beautiful view of the coast and the city. The height of the lighthouse is 18 meters.

Statue of Christ of Vung Tau

The white marble statue of Christ of Vung Tau is the tallest in Asia - 32 meters. This monument was erected by the Catholic Association of Vietnam from 1974 to 1993. About a thousand steps along the mountain stairs lead to the observation deck and 130 inside the statue itself.

easy and quick access from Ho Chi Minh City;
there are good bars with live music;
interesting sights.

Vung Tau is one of the oil cities, so you can’t swim on every beach;
beaches are closed after 18:00;
high taxi prices;
few attractions.

What time is considered the best to travel?

Holidays in Vietnam are available all year round. In any season, rainy or dry, you can find an area with excellent weather conditions.

Ideal time to visit Mui Ne – December—April. During the rainy season, from May to November, it is advisable to postpone the trip.

Order tickets to Hoi An, Danang, Nha Trang better on May-October when it's dry and sunny. You should refrain from traveling due to the high probability of hurricanes in September-November. In December-February the ocean will be turbulent, so it is unlikely that you will be able to swim.

The most attractive for tourists will be in November-March- not too hot and minimal precipitation; April-June is also considered a good period.

Vung Tau better to visit November-April, the rainy season in the city occurs from May to October, but the level of precipitation is low.

Vietnam is one of the “rice civilizations” with ancient Buddhist temples lost in the jungle, underground guerrilla tunnels and a rich colonial heritage, perfectly preserved from French times. Vietnam is the Thailand of 20 years ago, not yet trampled by millions of tourists. “Fun, bright, inexpensive” - this is how you can describe local resort life in three words. Incendiary discos until the morning, forbidden pleasures, excellent shopping, unimaginable exotic dishes... Or a relaxing holiday with children, romantic sunsets, mountain hikes and the best photos as a souvenir. You choose what you like.

How to get there?

It takes approximately 9 hours to fly from Moscow to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City on regular Aeroflot or Vietnam Airlines flights. And this is the only point that can confuse beach lovers in winter. Our fellow citizens do not need a visa to Vietnam. And if you want to see more in one trip, it’s logical to combine a vacation in Vietnam with a visit to neighboring countries - China, Laos, Cambodia, Burma or Thailand. Where is the best place to relax? More on that later.

Which resort should you choose?

If you fly now or in the coming months, then a rain-free holiday is most likely in the south and center of the country. These are popular resorts: Phu Quoc Island, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Da Nang. Focus on flights to Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, depending on the chosen resort. January and February are “velvet” months, it’s comfortable to relax, the air and water are +25...+28 °C. In March and April it is hot and dry, the temperature is +30…+35 °C. In the summer months, it is better to choose resorts in Northern Vietnam with a flight to Hanoi. And now we will briefly describe the most popular and rated resorts in the country, where you should go first.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang and its antipode Phan Thiet top the rating of preferences of Russian tourists. Nha Trang Bay takes an honorable 29th place in the world ranking of the most beautiful resort bays. Nha Trang (Russians from the Far East say “nishtiang”) is growing and developing rapidly, new hotels of international hotel chains appear every year. Many restaurants, shops, colorful markets, a beautiful resort promenade. You won't be bored. After or instead of the beach, you can go on a boat to the neighboring islands - see the monkeys or hang out for the whole day in an amusement park. Temple complexes, Buddha statues, pagodas are the cultural component of the resort. And you can improve your health in local mud baths and thermal baths. Nha Trang has a lot of European youth, decent clubs with trendy DJs, and a good selection of inexpensive alcohol. A few disadvantages: most hotels are on the second line; Locals come to the city beach, which is used by most tourists, in the late afternoon; after work, they like to relax here with their children. And in the summer months there are many jellyfish near the shore.

Phan Thiet

The complete opposite of Nha Trang. Relaxed, democratic, inexpensive. Most of the hotels are two- or three-story cottages on the shore, comfortably hidden in palm groves. Here everyone smiles at each other, there is no crowd on the beaches, only the sea, the sun and a light, fresh breeze. If flip-flops (aka “flip-flops”), shorts and a white Panama hat are your style of relaxation, but you want to forget about the dress code at least for a while, this is definitely the place for you. Tourists come with children because it is inexpensive, sandy beaches and the entrance to the water is gentle. Couples find romantic sunsets and time to be alone in Phan Thiet. Lovers of large portions of seafood with ice-cold beer will find relaxation here, and local masseuses will make you see “the sky in diamonds” with their little hands. There are no particularly interesting attractions in Phan Thiet and the surrounding area. Tourists tired of the sun prefer to dilute their idle lying on the sand with water sports. And the downside is perhaps the only one. From the nearest airport in Ho Chi Minh City, it will take 5-6 hours to get to the resort by bus or taxi.

Mui Ne

A neighbor of Phan Thiet, this resort is loved by outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to the constant wind, there is an ideal wave for surfers and kiters and several dozen specialized schools with professional instructors. The prices are tolerable: an hour of windsurfing costs about $50, kitesurfing costs $70. Many speak Russian, and there are several establishments where you will be treated to borscht and dumplings. True, prices at the resort are higher than in Phan Thiet, again thanks to the large number of our tourists. On the central street of Mui Ne you will find spas and massage parlors, cafes and souvenir shops.

Phu Quoc

An island resort in the very south of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand, just 15 km from the coast of Cambodia. Considering the size of the island (the largest island in Vietnam is the size of Singapore), there is plenty of room to expand here. Active tourists choose trekking through the jungle, kayaking and canoeing, walks through numerous gardens and parks, and excursions to pearl factories. And diving in coastal waters is considered the most interesting and inexpensive in the country. But the main natural wealth of the island is its luxurious sandy beaches, stretching for many kilometers. There are still very few tourists on the island, although the infrastructure is rapidly developing. Hotels, casinos, golf courses, shopping and entertainment complexes are being built, and a new airport has appeared. But today it is still a calm, clean and still inexpensive resort. There is no better place for a quiet family or romantic holiday in Vietnam.

Vung Tau

A popular family resort 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is almost as large and famous as Nha Trang, but there is no vibrant nightlife here. But in the evening you can while away the time in bars with live music, which is very rare for Vietnam. The beaches are wide, sandy, and restaurants and guest houses are now open in the former villas of the French aristocracy. The choice of hotels is also decent, for every taste and budget. Buddhist temples, pagodas, parks, a former royal residence, caves and underground tunnels - there is where to walk and what to see. There are two disadvantages: petty theft on the beaches and the presence of oil drilling platforms in the water area.

Con Dao

“Let’s catch up and overtake Thai Phuket!” – this is roughly how one can voice the ambitions of the Vietnamese tourism authorities on the islands of this archipelago in the South China Sea. The first description of the islands belongs to Marco Polo, and Con Son (the old name of Con Dao) received its notorious fame thanks to the most terrible prison for political prisoners in Vietnam. Today it is a young resort with beautiful beaches and the best Six Senses hotel complex. Most of the island is occupied by a National Park, with many interesting dive sites and fishing spots.

Dalat

A popular international mountain resort in the south of the country, 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City. These places are reminiscent of the French Alps with their mild climate and natural beauty. And it was built during the French colonization of Indochina as a mountain refuge from the sweltering heat. It is cooler here than on the coast, and daytime temperatures, even in the hottest summer months, do not exceed 25 °C, and at night drop to a comfortable 15 °C. From November to April is the dry season, it is better to come at this time. Dalat can be compared to Ubud in Balinese. Here are the best spas and massage parlors in the country, and also offer several options for treatment and healing using traditional oriental methods. These are acupuncture, Vietnamese herbal massage, Indian massage, Tibetan practices of facial and body massage with warm basalt stones. And Dalat has the best themed restaurants serving Vietnamese and French cuisine. As souvenirs, tourists buy the famous Luwak coffee (a palm marten has already feasted on its beans), artichoke tea, ceramic dishes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and premium quality silk products. It’s logical to combine Dalat with a holiday on the beaches of Nha Trang and a few nights in Ho Chi Minh City.

Danang and Hoi An

The most popular seaside resorts in Central Vietnam. The best season for a beach holiday is March and April. Da Nang has a modern international airport, the city is the fourth largest and the industrial center of Vietnam. Nevertheless, it is very picturesque, there are several good beaches nearby, including the famous China Beach - a place for youth hangouts and surfing stations. And 40 km away is the cozy town of Hoi An with a huge number of temples, pagodas, art salons, silk and souvenir shops. This is a museum city; 844 historical monuments are officially registered in it. Here you should try authentic Vietnamese cuisine and inexpensively replenish your summer wardrobe with handmade silk items, literally sewn in front of you. The ancient imperial capital of the country, the city of Hue, is a place of pilgrimage for tourists, history buffs and adventurers a la Indiana Jones, located a few hours away by car from Da Nang.

Halong and Haiphong

Halong Bay is a very beautiful and unusual place in northern Vietnam. From Hanoi it takes 3-4 hours (150 km) by bus or taxi. If you've seen James Cameron's film Avatar, the cliffs of Ha Long will remind you of the floating boulders of the planet Pandora. Only in Ha Long do they strangely stick out from the turquoise waters of the bay. The best way to spend a few days in Ha Long is on board a wooden cruise ship. So you can swim to your heart's content in warm and clear water, visit the most beautiful and interesting places, buy authentic souvenirs in a floating village, go down into mysterious caves on the shore and take the best selfies of your life. And don’t forget to try the local delicacy – sweet and sour fish baked in sugar. Ha Long is also famous as the filming location for the films “Indochina” starring Catherine Deneuve and “Tomorrow Never Dies” with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Haiphong is a cozy resort town not far from Ha Long. It is reminiscent of Hanoi twenty years ago with its clean flower-filled boulevards, colonial houses and leisurely pace of life. In addition to good shopping, the city has many temples, inexpensive restaurants, and a decent zoo. The proximity to Hanoi makes it easy to visit Halong and Haiphong in one trip, along with a few days' stop in the capital.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

A description of the resorts will be incomplete without mentioning the main cities of Vietnam, which are usually visited by almost all tourists, because they are also the air gates of the country. These cities are definitely worth attention and at least a short introductory visit.

Hanoi is the capital of the country. This city will not leave anyone indifferent: old French houses are surrounded by greenery, and two steps around the corner there are ancient temples. Halt a rickshaw and ride along the city boulevards, and in the evening catch a performance at the Theater on the Water. Have dinner at a national restaurant, and the next morning go take a photo at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, look into the Temple of Literature and be amazed at the elegance of the One Pillar Pagoda and throw a coin into the Lake of the Returned Sword. And if you have time and energy left, go for a while to the mountains to the former French resort of Sapa. In one day in Sapa you can feel all four seasons, enjoy natural beauty, see the unique Tafin Underwater Palace and the Thac Bak Silver Waterfall. And the bravest and most resilient will be able to climb the highest peak of Indochina, Mount Fansipan (3,143 m).

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as locals and American tourists habitually call it, is the main city of South Vietnam. Saigon is interesting during the day and does not sleep at night. Colonial buildings from the last century coexist peacefully with skyscrapers, shopping centers and office buildings. You'll be impressed by the former Presidential Palace, and you can buy interesting finds from local designers on Dong Hoi Boutique Street. Military history buffs will be interested in descending into the guerrilla tunnels of Cu Chi, while families with children will appreciate a river cruise along the Mekong with lunch and a visit to a snake nursery. And in the evening it’s so nice to admire the bright lights and life boiling below, while sipping a cocktail or a cool beer at the hotel’s rooftop bar. And with renewed vigor, go in search of “adult” night adventures after an invigorating foot massage. In terms of the number and density of bars, discos, and entertainment on the edge, Saigon is not inferior to Bangkok.

With the onset of May, tourists have a huge choice of countries where they can bask on the beaches, swim in the warm sea and open or continue the beach season. Someone is in a hurry to Europe, where the season is just beginning, and someone is flying to Southeast Asia in order to have time to relax in those parts before the rainy season begins. If you decide to take a risk and visit Vietnam, then you should know where it’s better to go on holiday to Vietnam in May, which resort to choose so that the weather is good and the prices are reasonable. Let's try to understand this issue.

More and more tourists visit the country every year. And those who have visited here on vacation once are happy to return again. And all because the country has a well-developed infrastructure, luxury hotels, unique nature and endless white sand beaches. But coming here in May is not particularly recommended. After all, the rainy season begins in this region of Asia, and you can get caught up in the monsoons and spend your entire vacation in a hotel room. Although, as for Vietnam specifically, it doesn’t rain everywhere at the end of spring. Where are they not? Read on.

Monsoons, which cover almost all of Eastern Asia from late spring until autumn, make it difficult to fully enjoy a beach holiday. But tourists mistakenly think that at this time it rains from the sky for days on end. It's not like that at all. Of course, there are prolonged rains, but mostly monsoons are short-term downpours that bring with them winds, large sea waves and floods. Between the rains the sun comes out, heats up very strongly and the air temperature instantly soars to +40 degrees. The sun may shine for an hour or half a day, and then the wind will blow again and charge a heavy downpour. It is because of the unpredictability of the weather that tourists do not fly here. Few people want to be on the beach in the midst of the elements and feel the power of the wind, waves and other natural phenomena. In Vietnam, the rainy season does not begin throughout the country. At first it covers some areas, and the closer to summer, the more territory the monsoons conquer.

The rains arrive later in the center of the country, in cities such as Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue. Almost until July there are no heavy downpours, and it rains 5-7 times a month, while the rains are weak and not at all like monsoons. Here in May the most tourists are observed. And residents of other regions of Vietnam come to these cities, away from the rain and closer to the beaches. Besides the fact that there is no rain in the center of the country, there is no heat either. The average air temperature is about +31 degrees, evaporation is very small.

We have new reviews from tourists about holidays in Vietnam at different times of the year. Read them, they will help you choose the best resort in the country.

Vietnam's favorite resorts: Nha Trang, Vung Tau, Mui Ne and Con Dao Island also experience excellent weather. During the day, the air temperature is no higher than +32 degrees, and the sea shows +28 degrees. But it’s not entirely safe to rest here. The rains are getting closer and closer to the south of the country and the humidity is increasing greatly. Even if you are lucky and there is no rain during your holiday at the resorts, it will still not be comfortable, since the air humidity is at least 82%. Such air humidity is difficult to bear, and people with heart and blood pressure problems should not come here at all these days.

The north of the country is already completely at the mercy of the monsoons. It rains here 23-25 days a month. As we said above. It hardly rains all day. But they can be taken more than ten times a day. Therefore, the north of Vietnam is not at all suitable for a holiday in May.
Phu Quoc Island is also one of the favorite places among tourists. They come here all year round, and this is not without reason. According to statistics, the rainy season lasts the shortest here. And the air temperature always stays at approximately the same level around +32 degrees. But you shouldn’t relax, as the weather is changeable, and it rains in Phu Quoc 5-7 times a month.

Where to go for sure?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict the weather in Vietnam in May. Local weather forecasters do not provide forecasts in advance as winds change and the direction of the monsoon changes. If you are going to Vietnam at the end of spring, then be prepared for the fact that you may spend your entire vacation in hotels and watch the rain outside the window. The best option is to head to the south of the country. It rains the least here, and the gap between rains is longer.

What to do in Vietnam in May: beach, excursions.
Since the weather in the country in May can present an unpleasant surprise, you need to figure out in advance what to do in case of rain. There are a huge number of excursions in the country. But during the rainy season, their diversity decreases sharply. For example, there are almost no excursions to nature, to the mountains and to plantations. After all, in the rain and strong wind it is very dangerous. Mostly from May to September, guides take tourists to attractions and temples. You will learn the history of the country, in museums you will see with your own eyes what the war did to the people of Vietnam, how it changed their way of life and culture.

Those who take risks and go to the shores of Vietnam in May receive almost empty beaches and a relaxing holiday as a bonus on sunny days. So you can take a chance, because prices for holidays in the country are the lowest at this time of year.

In this article we will tell you about the best resorts in Vietnam, where and when is the best time to relax. We will share information about holidays in Vietnam and where it is better to go this year, we will tell you the pros and cons of the best and most popular resorts in Vietnam. For convenience, we have marked on the map of Vietnam the resorts we are talking about in the article.

Map of Vietnam in Russian with resorts

The best resorts in Vietnam - where to go?

Nha Trang (Nha Trang)

One of the most popular and best resorts in Vietnam.

A favorable time to go on vacation to Nha Trang, Vietnam is the period from January to August. At this time, the climate in Nha Trang is most favorable for a beach holiday.

It's better NOT to go to Nha Trang from October to December. At this time, the resort becomes unsuitable for a relaxing holiday due to rainy weather and large waves.

Pros and cons of holidays in Nha Trang

Nha Trang is well developed beach holiday. Nha Trang city beach stretches 7 km along the coastline. The beach is cleaned regularly, so it is always clean. The sand is fine, yellowish-white. There is a famous beach north of Nha Trang. The city is washed by the warm South China Sea. Nha Trang is perfect for both young and active people and for couples with children.

Note: From 11:30 to 13:00 it is better not to stay in the sun for a long time, at this time it is the most dangerous in Nchanga. You can burn instantly.

Sights of Nha Trang: Ponagar Cham Towers (13th century), various pagodas, an aquarium, Vinpearl amusement park, silk museum, monkey island and much more. Thanks to the developed city, most attractions can be reached independently.

Since Nha Trang is popular for holidays among Russians, they provide excursions in Russian. You can read more about the attractions of Nha Trang and how to get to them in our article.

Entertainment in Nha Trang a lot. Daytime- this is diving, snorkeling, excursions, a huge Gorky Park, massage parlors and beauty salons, entertainment in shopping centers, cinemas, and so on the list can be endless. Evening time these are karaoke, bars, restaurants, various discos and clubs, etc.

Huge in Nha Trang selection of hotels from no-star to luxury five-star hotels. The first line is occupied mainly by large five-star hotels. But they are separated from the beach by a wide road with active traffic.

The more modest hotels are located 2-3 lines away, but in general they are also close to the sea, within a 5-6 minute walk. You can read more complete information about hotels in Nha Trang in our article.

For shopping in Nha Trang Many shopping centers, supermarkets, small shops, many day and night markets have been built. Prices in stores are affordable, except for the Nha Trang Center shopping center, prices here are high, but this is due to the fact that they mainly sell things from world brands. You can read about what is brought from Nha Trang, as well as where it is best to shop in Nha Trang in our article.

Package packages are very popular tours to Nha Trang. We recommend the service as it tracks prices from 120 tour operators and offers the best price.

Useful articles about holidays in Nha Trang

Photos from the resort of Nha Trang, Vietnam

Mui Ne is not suitable for shopping lovers; there are no large shops or shopping centers here. Prices for souvenirs are high. But there are many pharmacies, spas, etc.

Hotel selection, despite the small area of Mui Ne, it is quite large: regular and luxury rooms, bungalows, large and small hotels, spa hotels. It is better to rent a room or bungalow near the sea (first line), as they have direct access to the beach.

To get to Mui Ne, you need to get to Fantet, and from there take a regular bus to the resort area, you can read in the article about the bus, the cost of travel and how to find it.

Tours in Mui Ne can be viewed on the service (choice among 120 tour operators)

Useful articles about holidays in Mui Ne

Photos from the resort of Mui Ne, Vietnam

Dalat (Da Lat )

Dalat is first and foremost mountain resort, there are no beaches or seas here. There are many parks, flower, tea and coffee plantations, evergreen forests, clear lakes, many pagodas and Buddhist temples.

Dalat is very different from other resorts in Vietnam. The climate in Dalat is not so aggressively hot. The architecture and landscape of the city are more reminiscent of European cities. Dalat is the only city in the country where wine is made.

In general, the resort can be visited all year round, but it is better to go from November to April.

Dalat attractions rich both in the city itself and in its environs. Religious attractions such as the Catholic and Evangelical churches, the Cathedral, pagodas and Buddhist temples, the monastery of the Virgin Mary. Everyone can go on vacation to Dalat: elderly people who can’t stand the heat well but dream of Vietnam, young couples and families with children.

Architectural attractions: Hang Nga Hotel (Crazy House), French Quarter, Da Lat Flower Gardens, Cable Car, Old Train Station, etc.

Natural monuments and attractions: lakes, forests, tea and coffee plantations and much more. You can read more detailed information about the attractions, how to get to them and how much entrance tickets cost in the articles “” and ““.

Activities such as rafting and canyoning are popular in Dalat. Tennis and golf courses that meet modern standards have been built in Dalat.

Tourists like to come to Dalat for 1-2 days as part of an excursion from Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and Mui Ne. For some this time is enough to enjoy Dalat, but for others it is not. Our opinion is that it is better to live in Dalat longer. This is a great place to relax.

If you don’t know where is the best place to stay in Dalat, then our article “” will be useful to you. The choice of hotels in Dalat ranges from hostels to luxury hotels.

Tours to Dalat are not so common among tour operators, but sometimes offers appear. Look at it - the best offers from 120 tour operators are collected there. If you couldn’t find a tour to Dalat, you can find a plane ticket below and go on a journey on your own. Dalat Airport is located 30 km from the city.

Useful articles about Dalat

Photos from the mountain resort of Dalat, Vietnam

Phu Quoc ( Phu Quoc)

Phu Quoc Island is a beach resort, as it has many of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. The island is located in the south of Vietnam, 45 km from the mainland.

The best place to go on holiday to Vietnam is on the island of Phu Quoc from November to June. Rainy season on the island from July to October.

Pros and cons of holidays on the island. Phu Quoc

There are many interesting things to do on Phu Quoc Island besides beach holidays. You can take a jungle tour, visit a pearl farm and museum, a pepper farm or Fukuota Prison. Or go fishing and catch fish, squid, crabs and other sea delicacies.

It is better for beach lovers, divers and couples with children to relax on the island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam. The island has many beaches, both wild and with developed infrastructure, with cafes, restaurants, bars.

Also, lovers of diving and snorkeling will enjoy the conditions on the island. The price tag for these types of entertainment is low here.

If you don’t know where to stay to relax on Phu Quoc Island, then look at the map with hotels from hotellook.ru

Photos from Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

Hoi An

Hoi An is a small town with a rich history. It is built in the central part of Vietnam. Since 1999, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a monument to the trade and port city of Southeast Asia from the fifteenth to nineteenth centuries.

More than 820 buildings in Hoi An are historically valuable and protected by law: old shops, old Chinese houses, Cham temples, burial structures, and other buildings. Because of such an abundance of historical buildings and structures, the city can be called an open-air museum.

The most favorable time to go to Vietnam to the city of Hoi An is the period from January to August. The rainy season reaches Noyan for a period from September to December.

Pros and cons of holidays in Hoi An

For those who like to bring gifts from Vietnam, Hoi An will delight you with its small traditional and souvenir shops, a large selection of sewing workshops, where you can order a variety of outfits and shoes. There are many markets in the city. You can also find high-quality and inexpensive cotton and silk.

Hoi An is also famous for its skilled chefs and low prices in cafes. So, if you are a foodie lover, you will love Hoi An.

Since the city is cut through by a river, you can find many boats offering small boat excursions.

How to get to Hoi An? The lack of its own airport is compensated by the proximity of the city of Da Nang (less than an hour's drive), which has its own airport.

Accommodation in Hoi An very diverse: Hostels, hotels of different stars within the city or beach hotels near the sea. Despite the fact that there are not many hotels near the sea, beach holidays do exist here.

Many hotels in the city center offer transfer to the sea, there is a taxi. You can rent bicycles and get to the sea in 10-15 minutes. Some hotels provide free bicycles. The sea in Hoi An is clean, the entrance to the sea is gentle. Beaches with fine white sand and palm trees from the picture.

Below is a selection of hotels on the map of Hoi An from hotellook.ru

Photos of Hoi An resort, Vietnam