How to Plan a Perfect Vietnam Holiday From South Africa
30 Jul 2019
Vietnam is having a visionary potential in operating cultural and historical tours, beach - break tours, eco - tours, adventure tours, and lavish excursions. Explore the beauty of Vietnam and what you can expect from this beautiful country.
Vietnam - A Promising Destination for International Tourists from South Africa
Vietnam’s tourism is thriving its way throughout the world and becoming a striking new experience for South African tourists to spend their holiday. At the World Travel Awards in 2018, Vietnam has excellently achieved many honor titles in many criteria in tourism’s leading airlines as well as hotel’s facilities services. Apart from that, owing to being a rich culture country, Vietnam is having a visionary potential in operating cultural and historical tours, beach - break tours, eco - tours, adventure tours, and lavish excursions. Explore the beauty of Vietnam and what you can expect from this beautiful country.

The Best Time to Visit Vietnam for South African Tourists
Vietnam is one of the countries that own distinctive features of tropical climate and mainly affects by the monsoons. However, the weather is different from regions of North, Central & South making Vietnam an all - year - round destination.
- The North Region: Sapa, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Mai Chau, Pu Luong
The weather of the Northern Vietnam is split into 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
| Seasons | Time | Characteristics |
| Spring | March - April | Cool weather with average temperatures run from 17 -22°C. This is also the blooming season and colorful festivals |
| Summer | May - Aug | Hot weather with high huminity; the temperature can go up to 39°C in July & Aug. This is also the rainy and typhoon season in the North. |
| Autumn | Mid Sept - Nov | Pleasant climate which is suitable for many outdoor activities. You can also witness the glorious harvest season from Sept to Oct in Sapa, Mai Chau or Ninh Binh. |
| Winter | Dec - Feb | Cold weather with low huminity and precipitation. The temperature can drop below 0°C in the mountainous areas. Heavy mist can appear for days in the period of Dec - Jan which can reduce visibility in Sapa or Halong Bay. |
» Our Recommendation: The best time to visit the northen Vietnam is from March to April and Sept to Nov when the climate is pleasant and the nature is beautiful.

- The Central Region: Quang Binh, Hue, Hoian, Danang
Hot and dry are the features of the central’s climate. The dry season lasts for months from January to the end of August, sometimes even September. During the hottest time, from June to August, the temperature can rise up to 40 degrees. One good thing that we can benefit from this dry weather is that the ocean is almost all year round warm to swim and dive in.
The rain season is not the ideal season the visit the central region for some people. The rainfall starts to increase during October and November and when it reaches its peak, typhoons might form and run through the land.
» Our Recommendation: The best time to visit the central region is from January to September. The rest of the year might suffer from typhoons but much cooler than normal.

- The South Region: Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta
It is hard to escape from the heat because the south is hot all year round. Though the land is spared by typhoons, it is often hot and dry or hot and rainy which might hugely affect the mood when you go on a vacation.
The rainy season starts in May and ends in November. During this time of the year, heavy rainfalls occur in the mid - afternoon, the flood comes from time to time. June, July, and August are the months with the heaviest rainfall.
The dry season lasts from the end of November until April. The average temperature ranges between 25 to 35 degrees all year round.
» Our Recommendation: The best time to visit the south of Vietnam is from December to April when the heat is still bearable owing to the sea breezes along the coast.

How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam from South Africa
To visit Vietnam in the most comfortable way, taking the plane is our best - suggested. There are still unfortunately only transit flights from South Africa to Vietnam and from Vietnam back. Vietnam’s airline system has taken big steps over a few years and been well-equipped with modern facilities. Counting to the year 2019, Vietnam officially has five grand International Airports and they all welcome a huge amount of domestic as well as foreign visitors annually.
Vietnam International Airports are situated in Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City - Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Da Nang - Da Nang International Airport, Hue - Phu Bai International Airport, Nha Trang - Cam Ranh International Airport, and Hai Phong - Cat Bi International Airport.
» Flights from South Africa to Vietnam
Tourist from South Africa can take the following flight routes, which last for about 16 hours or more, to reach Vietnam:
- Flights from Cape Town to Hanoi are operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines,... with ticket prices ranging from ZAR 11,500 to 13,500.
- Flights from Johannesburg to Hanoi are operated by Emirates, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines,... with ticket prices ranging from ZAR 6,000 to 9,300.
- Flights from Cape Town to Ho Chi Minh City are operated by Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways,... with ticket prices ranging from ZAR 7,000 to 10,500.
- Flights from Johannesburg to Ho Chi Minh City are operated by Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Vietnam Airlines,... with ticket prices ranging from ZAR 6,000 to 8,500
» Vietnam Visa for South African Tourists
According to the Immigration Department in Vietnam, travelers and citizens from South Africa need to register a tourist visa to enter Vietnam.
The most convenient and time-saving way for travelers to issue a travel visa in Vietnam is applying on the official website of the Immigration Department and filling in your own information in your home country.
The application process is absolutely simple. Visitors only need to fill in the form, pay for the fees and wait for the confirmation email. After a few working days, you will receive an approval letter via email, print it out and show it at Vietnam Immigrations checkpoints at the international airports. Travelers should remember to bring and hand-over all the required documents at the checkpoints to get the visa stamped.
Vietnam also offers visa on arrival but you need to prepare an approval letter before showing up at the immigration at the airport in Vietnam. Or you will have a FREE visa letter and many other amazing services if you book the tour with Vietnamtravels.co.za
To acquire a Vietnam visa in the fastest and easiest way, check out these useful guides.
» Top Destinations to Visit in Vietnam for South African Travellers
- The Metropolises
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City regularly are Vietnam's first checkpoints for foreign visitors. These two cities are the home of significant buildings as well as the economic, political, cultural and historical centers of Vietnam. Exploring Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city will surely be a fresh start to have an insight view of Vietnamese customs, behaviors, lifestyles and most importantly, people from a vacation on an S - shape land.
*Click the photos for tour details
- The Culture Hub
Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An are considered the cities with ancient charm and well-preserved unique architectural structures. Some of the remarkable national events are held in these cities, which attract not only domestic visitors but also international guests. Travelers from South Africa might as well have a chance to lazily lying on the shore on the coastal line with white sand beaches and sapphire water in Hoi An or Danang. Food is exceptionally delicious with fresh seafood fetching directly from the boat of the fishermen.
- The Scenic Landscape
We can never forget to mention the outstanding landscapes in Vietnam, the treasure gifted by mother nature. Halong Bay, Sapa, Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh, and many more places should be all in your bucket list when visiting Vietnam. Each possesses a one - of - a - kind enchantress that is waiting for your arrival from South Africa.
» Discover Vietnam with Our Vietnam Holiday Packages from South Africa
Vietnam Travels offers a wide range of holiday options as well as arrange a customized vacation per request for travelers from South Africa. When booking a tour with us, we can ensure you:
✓ Tour services that meet your demand
✓ Time and money - saving with a full package tour
✓ Safe travel with local guides
✓ 24/7 support by professional travel consultants
✓ Best picked locations to visit
♥ WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP NOW WITH VIETNAMTRAVELS.CO.ZA ♥
Suggested Read
- Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guides for South African Tourists
- How Safe is Vietnam? - South African Tourist Guides
- How to Get a Visa to Vietnam - Your Easy & Fast Guides
- How to Not Be Scammed in Vietnam - South African Tourist Guides
- Vietnam Tipping Guides - How Much, Where & Who to Tip
- Vietnam Grand Prix F1 Racing 2020 - Everything You Need to Know
- Vietnam Golden Bridge & A Full Guide to Ba Na Hills


