Vietnam’s official language is Vietnamese. English is generally understood in tourist areas, but having a local guide is strongly recommended for transportation and communication.
Direct flight: No direct flights from Quebec
Connecting flight: 21h to 30h (depending on connection times)
Vietnam time zone: UTC+7
12h ahead of Quebec (EST)
11h ahead of Quebec (EDT)
Vietnamese Dồng (VND)
Credit cards and U.S. dollars are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and upscale boutiques, but not on the street. It is important to carry Vietnamese Dồng for everyday purchases at small shops, street food stalls, and local markets, as well as for tips. Because this currency can be difficult to obtain in Quebec, it is best to exchange money upon arrival and use any remaining cash before returning home.
Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but the tourist industry appreciates and often expects it. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 5% to 10% of the total bill or a few thousand VND in smaller establishments. For taxis, porters, and tour guides, small amounts in cash are sufficient. Tips are almost always given in cash.
In Vietnam, travellers should stay alert, particularly in tourist areas such as markets, train stations, and public transportation. Petty crimes, including pickpocketing and scams, are common. It is recommended to keep valuables secure and use a safe whenever possible. When using transportation, opt for official taxis and recognized ride-hailing apps.
Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Vietnam Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.
Located in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park offers some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular natural landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its dramatic karst mountains, lush jungle, and more than 400 caves. Explore emerald-coloured rivers, rainforests, caverns, and tropical wildlife in an otherworldly setting.
The Ha Giang Loop, in northern Vietnam, winds for hundreds of kilometres through dramatic karst mountains, deep valleys, and ethnic minority villages. This scenic route reveals breathtaking panoramas of towering cliffs, terraced rice fields, and lush green forests.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is both a seaside resort destination and a national park. Surrounded by turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, it’s ideal for diving, sunset watching, and exploring night markets. Covered by lush jungle over nearly 70% of its territory, the island also offers scenic hikes and picturesque waterfalls.
Cao Bằng Province is home to Ban Gioc, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls. Set within a natural cirque surrounded by steep mountains covered in lush vegetation, the river’s turquoise waters cascade over terraced rock formations. The result is a natural wonder that feels both powerful and serene.
Nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Dalat charms visitors with its mild year-round climate, colourful French colonial villas, and blooming gardens. Surrounded by peaceful lakes, misty waterfalls, and rolling mountain landscapes, the city offers a truly distinctive and refreshing atmosphere.
Located in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park offers some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular natural landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its dramatic karst mountains, lush jungle, and more than 400 caves. Explore emerald-coloured rivers, rainforests, caverns, and tropical wildlife in an otherworldly setting.
The Ha Giang Loop, in northern Vietnam, winds for hundreds of kilometres through dramatic karst mountains, deep valleys, and ethnic minority villages. This scenic route reveals breathtaking panoramas of towering cliffs, terraced rice fields, and lush green forests.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is both a seaside resort destination and a national park. Surrounded by turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, it’s ideal for diving, sunset watching, and exploring night markets. Covered by lush jungle over nearly 70% of its territory, the island also offers scenic hikes and picturesque waterfalls.
Cao Bằng Province is home to Ban Gioc, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfalls. Set within a natural cirque surrounded by steep mountains covered in lush vegetation, the river’s turquoise waters cascade over terraced rock formations. The result is a natural wonder that feels both powerful and serene.
Nestled in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Dalat charms visitors with its mild year-round climate, colourful French colonial villas, and blooming gardens. Surrounded by peaceful lakes, misty waterfalls, and rolling mountain landscapes, the city offers a truly distinctive and refreshing atmosphere.
“I was blown away by Vietnam’s postcard-worthy landscapes. Travelling through this country means experiencing its art and history while discovering a culture that is both fascinating and refreshingly different. I loved its cuisine, rich in flavours and vibrant colours. Every moment here fills you with wonder.”
Originating in Tonkin, northern Vietnam, phở — also known as Tonkinese soup — features a fragrant beef broth infused with star anise, ginger, and garlic. It is served with thin slices of beef, silky rice noodles, green onion, chili, and fresh herbs such as Thai basil and cilantro.
Bánh mì is a sandwich that is a fusion of French heritage and vibrant Vietnamese flavours. This golden baguette, filled with grilled meats, crisp pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and chili, delivers an explosion of textures and aromas in every bite.
Light and refreshing, gỏi cuốn is what we call spring rolls. They are made with delicious shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. Dipped in a rich peanut sauce, they offer a fresh, fragrant bite that is delightful under the Vietnamese sun.
Bún Chả is a beloved Vietnamese dish that strikes a perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours. It features charcoal-grilled pork patties infused with garlic and lemongrass, served in a sweet-and-sour nuoc-mâm sauce alongside rice vermicelli and fresh herbs.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá is a rich, sweet, and refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee. Robusta coffee, slowly brewed using a traditional phin filter, drips over sweetened condensed milk before being stirred and poured over ice. The sweet, creamy milk creates a perfect balance with the coffee’s rich, robust bitterness.
Originating in Tonkin, northern Vietnam, phở — also known as Tonkinese soup — features a fragrant beef broth infused with star anise, ginger, and garlic. It is served with thin slices of beef, silky rice noodles, green onion, chili, and fresh herbs such as Thai basil and cilantro.
Bánh mì is a sandwich that is a fusion of French heritage and vibrant Vietnamese flavours. This golden baguette, filled with grilled meats, crisp pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, and chili, delivers an explosion of textures and aromas in every bite.
Light and refreshing, gỏi cuốn is what we call spring rolls. They are made with delicious shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper. Dipped in a rich peanut sauce, they offer a fresh, fragrant bite that is delightful under the Vietnamese sun.
Bún Chả is a beloved Vietnamese dish that strikes a perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours. It features charcoal-grilled pork patties infused with garlic and lemongrass, served in a sweet-and-sour nuoc-mâm sauce alongside rice vermicelli and fresh herbs.
Cà Phê Sữa Đá is a rich, sweet, and refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee. Robusta coffee, slowly brewed using a traditional phin filter, drips over sweetened condensed milk before being stirred and poured over ice. The sweet, creamy milk creates a perfect balance with the coffee’s rich, robust bitterness.
The best time to visit Vietnam is from November to March. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant: cool and humid in the north, mild and dry in the south. Outside these months, temperatures can be extremely high or it is the rainy season. It’s also important to note that during Têt (Vietnamese New Year, from late January to mid-February), flights and hotels are fully booked well in advance.
Vietnam’s road network can sometimes be underdeveloped, and traffic may feel chaotic: motorcycles, cars, pedestrians, and even animals share the road. In major cities, it is preferable to use “Open Tour” tourist coaches rather than local buses. The train is also a good option for travelling between major regions. For a more traditional experience, try a cyclo ride. For added peace of mind, travelling on an organized tour is recommended.
2 to 3 weeks.
This is the ideal amount of time to travel the country from north to south and fully enjoy off-the-beaten-track regions, trek in the northern mountains, relax on Central Vietnam’s beaches, and explore its vibrant cities.
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