Vietnam reopens to international tourists, and many travellers are assessing what to expect when planning trips to Vietnam and nearby countries. After borders began opening in 2022, tour operators reported groups arriving again, and visitors can now choose from a range of packages from city breaks and river tours to overnight cruises and temple visits.
Background: what reopening to international visitors means
When Vietnam reopened to inbound travel in 2022, governments in the region implemented a mix of relaxed and continuing health checks. Rather than a single unified policy across Southeast Asia, each country maintained its own entry requirements that evolved over time; travellers who arrived in the early reopening phase often encountered conditions such as pre-departure test requirements, visa or e-visa entry and proof of vaccination.
For travellers planning trips now, it is important to understand that many of the measures seen during the initial reopening period remain relevant as optional precautions or as contingency requirements depending on origin country and local health guidance. Visitors report that major international gateways, like flights into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, resumed normal commercial service after restrictions eased.
- Common paperwork: passport, e-visa (where applicable), proof of vaccination and pre-departure negative test certificates.
- On-arrival formalities varied by country and often included testing apps or arrival tests in designated airports.
Key highlights: main tour options after reopening
After borders reopened, popular holiday formats reappeared quickly. Short city stays in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; Mekong Delta circuits focusing on river life, floating markets and rural landscapes; overnight cruises around Halong Bay; and cultural tours in Siem Reap and Angkor in Cambodia are among the most-booked options.
Each option suits different travel preferences. Coastal and cruise offerings concentrate on scenic waterways and marine activities, while river delta and inland itineraries emphasise local agriculture, markets and traditional lifestyles. Cultural packages centre on temples, markets and heritage towns where small-group touring is common.
- Vietnam holiday packages — city and coastal mixes, good for first-time visitors.
- Mekong Delta tours — focus on river communities, floating markets and orchards.
- Halong Bay cruises — overnight and day-cruise choices with water-based activities.
- Cambodia tours — temple complexes and colonial-era towns with smaller visitor numbers than pre-pandemic peaks.
Practical tips for planning and travelling
Practical preparation makes travel smoother in the post-reopening era. Many countries that reopened in 2022 retained procedural requirements that travellers should check before booking: valid passport, any required e-visa, pre-departure negative tests (antigen or RT-PCR with specific time windows), and proof of vaccination where requested. For some destinations, travel insurance with coverage for medical expenses and COVID-related treatment was either advised or requested.
On arrival, a number of nations asked visitors to use health-monitoring apps, complete arrival paperwork and, in some cases, take an arrival test with a short waiting period for results. Families travelling with very young children often encountered special exemptions for infants under two, but travellers should confirm rules for each country and carrier well before departure.
- Confirm visa and e-visa requirements for your nationality at least several weeks before travel.
- Check accepted test types and timeframes (e.g., antigen within 24 hours or RT-PCR within 72 hours) for the specific destination and airline.
- Keep digital and printed copies of vaccination certificates, flight details and hotel bookings.
Cultural context and what to expect on the ground
Post-reopening tourism has often been characterised by smaller tour groups and a slower pace in many towns and attractions compared with the busiest pre-pandemic years. Markets, temple complexes and city streets regained visitors gradually, which many travellers find allows for a more relaxed experience of cultural sites and local dining.
Local communities depend on tourism income, and visitors typically find a warm welcome from vendors, guides and hospitality staff returning to work. While major landmarks are accessible, respectful conduct at religious sites and awareness of local customs remain important: modest dress at temples, polite behaviour in markets and sensitivity around photography are standard expectations.
- Expect fewer crowds at some attractions compared with pre-2020 levels, especially early in the recovery.
- Support local businesses by choosing family-run homestays, guided market visits and community-led experiences.
Who should consider these trips and which format suits different travellers
These post-reopening itineraries appeal to a wide range of travellers. City-and-coast packages work well for first-time visitors who want a sampler of history, food and beaches. River and delta tours are suited to travellers interested in everyday rural life and slow travel. Overnight cruises around limestone karsts are popular with people who enjoy a blend of light adventure and comfortable lodgings aboard small ships.
Cambodia’s temple circuits and nearby towns often attract visitors focused on archaeology, history and photography; because visitor flows rebuilt gradually, these trips can be good for travellers seeking a quieter experience than the busiest pre-pandemic seasons.
- Families: choose shorter transfers and family-friendly cruise cabins or private vehicles.
- Couples: consider private or small-group Mekong or Halong itineraries for a relaxed pace.
- Independent travellers: day tours and short packages allow flexibility while relying on local guides for logistics.
Comparisons and alternatives
If you are deciding between a coastal cruise, a river delta tour or a cultural temple circuit, consider what you want most from the trip: scenery and leisure, everyday cultural immersion, or archaeological sites and museums. Each option delivers different experiences and logistical demands.
For instance, Halong Bay itineraries usually involve sea travel and water activities; Mekong Delta programmes centre on boat-to-shore life and market visits; Cambodia temple tours require some walking between ruins and visits to archaeological sites. Your physical fitness, travel style and tolerance for transfers should guide the choice.
| Type | Typical highlights | Entry / practical notes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam city & coastal packages | Historic city tours, beaches, street food | Standard visas/e-visas, domestic flights or trains | First-time visitors, food lovers |
| Mekong Delta tours | Floating markets, orchards, riverside villages | Boat transfers; light walking; savvy for seasonal water levels | Slow-travel enthusiasts, cultural observers |
| Halong Bay cruises | Limestone karsts, kayaking, caves | Overnight cruise bookings; sea conditions affect schedules | Nature lovers, light-adventure travellers |
| Cambodia temple circuits | Angkor complexes, colonial towns, local crafts | Temple entry passes; walking between ruins; seasonal heat | History buffs, photographers |
For activity-focused cruises in Halong Bay, operators now offer a wider array of small-group excursions and guided water sports; see details on local offerings for rock climbing, kayaking and cave exploration in dedicated activity guides like adventure activities.
If you plan to include shopping or tailored clothing in your itinerary, factor in time for fittings and local services in towns known for tailors; practical tips and expectations for custom orders are available in regional guides such as those covering Hoi An and its tailoring scene — helpful when planning time in central Vietnam (order custom clothing).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a COVID test before travelling?
It depends on the destination and the period you plan to travel. During the initial reopening phase in 2022 many countries required antigen tests within 24 hours or RT-PCR within 72 hours before arrival; travellers should confirm the current rules for their destination and airline well before departure.
Are visas still required for entry?
Visa rules vary by nationality and destination. Several countries provide e-visa systems, while others require traditional visas or visa-on-arrival in limited cases. Check the official government guidance for the country you plan to visit well in advance.
What happens on arrival at airports?
Arrival procedures can include immigration checks, validation of travel documents, health declarations and occasional on-arrival testing. Some destinations previously asked travellers to use a local health app to record test results or symptoms; confirm whether such steps are still in force for your itinerary.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Insurers and some countries recommend or require travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency repatriation. Even when not mandated, insurance that includes health coverage for COVID-related care provides additional protection for travellers.
When is the best time to visit Halong Bay or the Mekong?
Each region has seasonal variations. For more specific seasonal guidance about Halong Bay, consult regional weather and activity guides that describe spring and other seasonal conditions to match activities such as kayaking or cave visits.