Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Vietnam

Discover Vietnam

Discover Vietnam

Why visit Vietnam?
Vietnam offers a blend of lively cities, traditional villages, and sweeping coastlines, where ancient temples sit beside sleek cafés and leafy boulevards. You find a country that feels energetic yet unhurried, with warm hospitality and a strong sense of local identity.
What to expect
In Ho Chi Minh City you encounter a fast-paced urban landscape of rooftop views and heritage districts, while Hanoi charms with lakeside streets, tree-lined avenues, and old-world architecture. Central Vietnam, with Da Nang as a gateway, opens up laid-back beaches, historic towns, and lush highlands.
Plan your trip
You can combine modern city stays with time in smaller towns and coastal resorts, tailoring a route that suits your pace. Vietnam also works well as part of a wider journey through South-east Asia, with Singapore providing a smooth and convenient hub for your connections.

Top experiences in Vietnam

Explore the alleys of Hanoi's Old Quarter

Wander narrow streets lined with shophouses, cafés, and market stalls, where each lane reveals a different craft or specialty.

Discover Ho Chi Minh City's historic landmarks

Visit grand colonial-era buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and museums that trace the story of modern Vietnam.

Unwind on Da Nang's coastal beaches

Spend slow days on long sandy shores framed by mountains, with easy access to nearby coastal viewpoints.

Cruise the karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay

Join a day or overnight cruise through limestone islands and quiet coves, with calm waters and dramatic scenery.

Stroll through lantern-lit streets of Hoi An

From Da Nang, explore a riverside town of historic houses, tailors, and glowing lanterns after sunset.

Venture into the Mekong Delta

From Ho Chi Minh City, take a trip into waterways lined with orchards, villages, and small river islands.

Experience Vietnam's café culture

Pause in street-side and rooftop cafés, sampling local coffee styles while watching city life unfold below.

Cycle through rural rice fields

Join a guided ride in the countryside around central or northern cities, passing paddies, canals, and village lanes.

Experience Vietnam's way of life

Getting around
Vietnam's main cities are linked by frequent domestic flights, making it easy to combine Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City in one journey. Within cities, you can rely on ride-hailing services, taxis, and short walks, while intercity trains and coaches suit slower-paced itineraries.
Local life & culture
You notice a strong café culture, busy pavements, and a daily rhythm that begins early in parks and around lakes. Each region has its own accent, architecture, and customs, from Hanoi's formal boulevards to Ho Chi Minh City's dynamic street life and Da Nang's relaxed coastal feel.
Where to unwind
You can slow down on city lakesides, riverside promenades, and broad beaches, with sunrise and sunset walks a gentle way to end the day. Mountain retreats, coastal resorts, and quiet heritage towns offer calmer breaks between time in Vietnam's major urban centres.

A taste of Vietnam

National dishes & specialties
Vietnam is known for aromatic broths, fresh herbs, and balanced flavours, with each region putting its own mark on classic dishes. Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City all offer distinctive specialities, from hearty northern bowls to lighter central fare and southern dishes rich in herbs.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You find casual eateries on almost every street, alongside contemporary restaurants that reinterpret local favourites. Food districts, shopping streets, and café-filled neighbourhoods in all three major cities make it easy to sample different flavours in a single day.
Signature & scenic dining
Riverside terraces, rooftop venues, and coastal restaurants offer memorable settings for a relaxed meal. You can dine with views of city skylines, lantern-lit streets, or the sea, creating dining experiences that stay with you long after your trip.

Retail therapy in Vietnam

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, modern malls and lifestyle centres gather international brands, cinemas, and dining in air-conditioned comfort. Da Nang combines beachfront promenades with contemporary shopping complexes, ideal for a break from the sun.
Markets & local crafts
You can browse markets for textiles, lacquerware, and everyday souvenirs, with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang each offering their own specialties. Nearby heritage towns, especially around central Vietnam, are known for tailoring, lanterns, and handmade crafts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many streets and markets light up with stalls, snacks, and relaxed browsing. Night markets and evening shopping streets in major cities create a lively atmosphere where you can stroll, people-watch, and pick up last-minute gifts.

Best time to visit Vietnam

Northern cool and dry season (peak season)
From November to March, northern Vietnam around Hanoi is typically cooler and drier, with averages around 17–22°C (63–72°F). This period is popular for city sightseeing and trips to nearby bays and highlands.
Central beach season (shoulder season)
From February to August, central regions such as Da Nang are generally warm and sunny, averaging 25–30°C (77–86°F). Sea conditions are often favourable, making this a good time for coastal stays.
Southern warm season (low season)
Ho Chi Minh City and the south are warm year-round, with temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). From May to October, brief showers are common, but you still enjoy plenty of dry spells for exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions