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Heroes and Heroines Hoi An
A picturesque and friendly port town with an old quarter dating back to the 15th century which seeps with charm, history and…
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Vietnam Holidays
Vietnam is a country of delicious food, magnificent hotels and unquestionably friendly people.
A holiday to Vietnam is all about variety – combining culture, friendly people and beautiful landscapes.
Vietnam also offers fabulous hotels which reflect the culture and architecture of each region and some superb beach resorts to unwind at the end of your trip. The food, even in the simplest of restaurants, is divine.
Vietnamese Beaches
The beaches along the coastline vary in the different regions of the country, although the majority have pristine white sands.
Hue
Hue is an architectural delight situated in Central Eastern Vietnam; it is full of historic temples, tombs and pagodas, a truly remarkable…
Ho Chi Minh
It is a fascinating yet complicated city with a buzz only found in South East Asian city life.
Mekong Delta
Through Cambodia and Vietnam, this great waterway inextricably links the two countries, despite their strikingly diverse cultures.
Hanoi and Halong Bay
Two of Vietnam’s treasures, Hanoi the capital and Halong Bay, a sublime seascape of limestone pinnacles which protrude out of the water.
What to expect on your Vietnam holiday
There are five major regions in Vietnam. The northern highlands, which form a ring around the second region, the Red River Delta, the Truongson Mountain range, the central coastal strip and finally the Mekong Delta. With over 1,800 miles of coastline, you will find very different weather patterns from north to south at different times of the year.
The further north you travel, the more authentic the feel, with thousands of bicycles, women wearing the traditional ao dai and delicious street food for which the area is famous. It is also in the north that the French influence is most noticeable, particularly in the architecture of old Hanoi.
Group tour
Vietnam
Cultures and Geology of Northern Vietnam with New Scientist
Vietnam is well known for its ancient and modern history, wonderful food and iconic landmarks. Discover a different side of Vietnam on this varied tour covering geology, spectacular landscapes, animal preservation and history. Explore the hidden…
Explore Vietnam
- Hanoi
- Halong Bay
- Hue
- Hoi An
- Nah Trang
- Ho Chi Minh
- Mekong Delta
Experiences
A selection of activities and experiences you could consider including in your holiday to Vietnam.
Places to stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Clare Higginson
It was my passion for languages that first encouraged me to leave the UK behind and grab my rucksack. Since then, it’s been a mixture of intriguing cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes and the wonder of seeing animals in their natural habitat that sees me continuously extending my travel wish list. I also seek adventure; exploring the deep blue or hiking a peak often winning favour. Although it’s my time horse herding in Mongolia that I regularly want to relive.
Talk with our experts
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Deborah Brock-Doyle
My first journey for Steppes was in 1999 when I set off to explore Thailand to gather those little details that constitute Steppes Travel’s trademark knowledge. I have since been lucky enough to travel extensively in Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East and India. A few special memories include being joined at dinner by an otter in Laos, proudly being shown an illicit picture of the Dalai Lama in Tibet and diving with manta rays on Christmas day in Indonesia. I’m pretty sure I always leave a country wishing I had done more, seen more, learned more ….. but I also always hope to return …
Talk with our experts
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Paul Craven
Paul is the Conde Nast Traveler chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.
Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz. Later, my father’s postings took us to Nepal where we had to transit Delhi and Kathmandu where we were sometimes stranded for days and Hong Kong from where I travelled in 1983 through China for two months.
Talk with our experts
- 01285 601 784
Let’s chat
Speak to our experts
Our team is waiting to help you tailor a trip that will leave you with stories for a lifetime. Call us on
01285 601 784 Do I need a visa for Vietnam?
British citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to 15 days in Vietnam. The exemption period is from July 1st 2015 to June 30th 2017 and also applies toGerman, French, Spanish and Italian citizens. If visitors from these five nations wish to travel in Vietnam for more than 15 days, they will still need to apply for a visa, as no extensions to visa waivers will be granted.Please note that after visiting Vietnam with a visa waiver, and after exiting the country, visitors will need to wait at least 30 days before re-entering Vietnam again,visa free.
I read crossing the road is terrifying.
Crossing for the first time is pretty breathtaking, ideally take your guide’s lead until you get the hang of it. Basically follow the crowd as zebra crossings and pedestrian lights don’t really exist. It will feel as though you’re walking into oncoming traffic but the numerous cars, motorbikes and bicycles will avoid you.
Is it safe for tourists?
Vietnam is relatively safe, with only incidents of theft being the worst menace to travellers. We advise keeping an eye on your belongings when out and about in busy crowds, and leaving any valuables behind.
Is the Street Food safe to eat?
The street food in Vietnam is some of the best in the world and a trip to this country should include trying some of the local cuisine. Eating at stalls which are busy and popular with the locals is our best tip, along with making sure food is fresh and has not been sitting around all day in the heat.
Is there a certain dish I should try?
During your visit, try a bowl of the popular ‘Pho’ pronounced fur which is eaten at all times of the day, every day. Made up of rice noodles in a broth flavoured with plenty of fresh herbs and meat, each Pho you try will be slightly different depending on its city of origin.
Should I have any clothes made?
Yes. While there are many places to have a suit made the best tailors are still found in Hoi An. It is worthwhile taking something to be copied also – a quick and easy way of recreating your favourite item.
What is the international dialling code?
84
What is the time zone in Vietnam?
Vietnam is seven hours ahead of GMT. Due to its position close to the equator, it does not observe daylight saving time.
How long are the flights to Vietnam from the UK?
From London to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, direct flights take approximately 12 hours.
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Why Choose Steppes?
These may be uncertain times but they are, without a doubt, still full of opportunity to discover the extraordinary safely. Through knowledge and expertise, we can connect you to those destinations embracing travellers with the added confidence of flexible booking and decades of insight.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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