Book cheap flights to Vietnam

Vietnam’s weather is complex and varies dramatically by region — there is genuinely no single “best time” to visit the whole country. Planning your trip by region is the key to getting the most out of Vietnam’s extraordinary diversity. **Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang)** The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the air is pleasant, the skies are clear and the summer rains are at bay. The rice fields of Sapa are lushly green and at their most photogenic during spring. Summertime (June to August) in the north is hot, humid and the peak of monsoon season — heavy downpours often cause significant flooding in low-lying areas and can disrupt trekking routes. Winter (December to February) brings a grey, misty chill to the north — not unpleasant, but pack a jacket. **Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An)** The central coast experiences a somewhat different climate from the rest of the country. The best time to visit is between February and August — dry, warm and ideal for beach days at Da Nang and exploring the ancient streets of Hoi An. The rainy season in Hue and Da Nang falls between September and February, with October and November seeing the heaviest rainfall. Cham Islands near Hoi An offer excellent scuba diving and snorkelling between March and September when visibility is at its best. **Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)** The south has a more consistent, tropical climate. The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit — warm, sunny and ideal for exploring HCMC, cruising the Mekong Delta and relaxing on Phu Quoc’s beaches. The wet season (May to November) brings afternoon downpours, and the Mekong Delta often floods during peak monsoon months, making some boat tours and outdoor activities difficult. **Important note — Tết (Lunar New Year):** Tết typically falls in late January or February and is Vietnam’s most important holiday. Domestic travel surges dramatically during this period, accommodation prices spike and many businesses and restaurants close for up to a week. Unless you specifically want to experience Tết celebrations, it is advisable to book well in advance or plan your trip around this period. For the cheapest flights to Vietnam from South Africa, the best value periods are April to June and September — shoulder seasons with good weather in most regions and lower fares.

South African passport holders are required to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. The most convenient option is the Vietnam e-visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) and can be applied for entirely online before your trip — no embassy visit required.

To apply for your Vietnam e-visa, you will need:

1) A valid South African passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)

2) A digital passport photo

3) A scan of your passport biographical page

4) A credit or debit card for the e-visa fee (USD $25 for single entry or USD $50 for multiple entry)

E-visas are typically processed within 3–5 business days and are valid for entry at designated international airports, land borders and seaports. Apply through the official Vietnam Immigration e-visa portal at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn.

Please note that immigration requirements can change, so always confirm the latest entry requirements before departure. See the consular services website for more information.

Visit our comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to apply for your Vietnam visa.

Regarding personal safety, Vietnam is an extremely safe destination for South African travellers. Locals are generally courteous and friendly towards foreigners, despite any language barriers.

Feel free to walk around the city streets, exploring attractions and the local gems tucked away in discreet alleyways. The rule of thumb at markets is to always bargain — aim for around a third off the asking price as a starting point. If you get hassled by peddlers, firmly say ‘No’ and walk away. Maintain a general sense of awareness in crowded areas where pickpockets and scammers target unsuspecting tourists — this is most relevant in the tourist hotspots of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market area and busy ferry terminals.

Traffic in Vietnam is hazardous and can be overwhelming — particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City where millions of scooters fill the roads. When crossing the road, move slowly and steadily so that traffic can flow around you — do not stop suddenly or run. If you decide to rent a scooter (advisable only if you have solid prior riding experience), always wear a helmet, carry an international driving licence and drive with extreme caution. Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers scooter riding — many standard policies exclude it.

No vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam; however, it is highly recommended to be immunised against typhoid and hepatitis A, as you may be exposed to contaminated food and water. Tap water is unsafe to drink throughout Vietnam — bottled water is cheaply and widely available. Exercise caution with ice in rural areas.

Pharmacies in major cities are well-stocked and international clinics and hospitals are available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. If you are travelling to rural areas, smaller towns or islands, bring your own medication as well as a basic first-aid kit.

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all South African travellers to Vietnam, covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation and — if you plan to ride a scooter or motorbike — specific activity cover.

Accommodation in Vietnam spans the full spectrum — from cheap and cheerful backpacker hostels and family-run guesthouses to world-class boutique hotels and some of Asia’s most celebrated luxury resorts. Vietnam offers exceptional value for South African travellers at every budget level.

In Hanoi, the Old Quarter is the most atmospheric place to base yourself — a maze of narrow streets lined with budget guesthouses, mid-range boutique hotels and excellent rooftop restaurants. The Hoan Kiem Lake area and French Quarter offer slightly more upscale options. Well-regarded hotels include the Sofitel Legend Metropole — a colonial-era landmark and one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic hotels.

In Hoi An, the ancient town itself is pedestrianised at night, making it a magical place to stay. A wide range of boutique hotels, heritage guesthouses and resort properties line the Thu Bon River and the nearby An Bang Beach. Da Nang has seen an explosion of luxury beachfront resorts along My Khe Beach — ideal for South African travellers wanting a beach base with easy access to both Hoi An and the Marble Mountains.

In Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 (the city centre) is the most convenient base, with a wide range of options from budget hostels on Bui Vien Street to five-star international hotels along Dong Khoi Street. Phu Quoc Island has developed rapidly in recent years and now offers some of Southeast Asia’s finest beach resorts, with international brands including JW Marriott, InterContinental and Novotel all represented.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Vietnam at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Getting around Vietnam is one of the great pleasures of visiting this extraordinary country — whether you’re cruising Ha Long Bay by junk boat, rattling south on the Reunification Express train or zipping through Hanoi’s chaos on the back of a Grab scooter.

Domestic flights are the most practical way to cover Vietnam’s considerable length (over 1,650km from north to south). Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways operate frequent, affordable connections between Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hue (HUI), Phu Quoc (PQC) and several other destinations. Book in advance for the best fares — domestic flights can be remarkably cheap when booked early.

The Reunification Express train runs the full length of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang and other towns along the way. The journey in full takes approximately 30–35 hours — but individual segments, such as the scenic Hanoi to Hue or Da Nang to Hue routes, are genuinely beautiful and highly recommended as an experience in their own right. Sleeper berths are comfortable and affordable.

In cities, Grab (Southeast Asia’s equivalent of Uber) is the safest, most convenient and most affordable way to get around — available for both car and scooter rides. Regular taxis operated by reputable companies (Mai Linh and Vinasun in the south) are also reliable; always ensure the meter is running. Avoid unmarked or unlicensed taxis.

For exploring the stunning countryside — the Da Nang to Hoi An coastal road, the dramatic Ha Giang Loop in the north, the Central Highlands or the Mekong Delta region — a hire car with a local driver or a self-drive hire car offers the most flexibility. Note that road conditions vary significantly outside major cities and an international driving licence is required.

Planning to explore Vietnam at your own pace? Search, compare and book a car hire in Vietnam at Travelstart and find the best rate for your trip.