A practical guide to travelling Vietnam with a group of friends over 60, with the common scams to sidestep, sensible health steps and real AUD costs. Written for Victorians who want a sociable trip without the stress.
Why Vietnam suits a friends group over 60
There is something easy about Vietnam when you travel as a small group of friends. You can split a private car, share a long table at dinner and look out for each other in the crush of a market. For four or six of us, the per-person costs drop nicely the moment you start sharing transport and rooms.
A group of friends in their sixties — say five or six, all between 63 and 71 — might want warmth, good food and a bit of comfort, without being marched about. Vietnam delivers all of that, provided you pace yourselves and plan the heat out of the middle of the day.
What does a Vietnam trip actually cost in AUD?
Flights from Melbourne to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City run from around A$900 return in shoulder season, more around school holidays and Tet. Book three to four months ahead for the better fares.
On the ground Vietnam remains genuinely affordable. A comfortable three or four-star hotel room runs roughly A$60 to A$110 a night for two, so split between a couple it is modest. A good local meal is often A$6 to A$15 a head, and a proper sit-down dinner with drinks rarely tops A$30. Budget around A$120 to A$180 per person per day for mid-range comfort including a private driver some days, and you will eat and travel well.
Which scams should over-60 travellers watch for?
None of these are dangerous, they are just nuisance overcharging, and a calm no handles most of them. The taxi meter scam is the common one: insist on Grab (the local rideshare app) or use clearly marked Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis. Agree the fare or watch the meter start.
Watch the cyclo and motorbike day-tour quote that doubles when you finish, and the shoe-shine man who quietly resoles a shoe you did not ask about. At markets, the first price is a starting point, not an insult to haggle down from. Carry small notes so nobody is short of change, and count change in good light. In Hanoi's Old Quarter, be wary of friendly strangers steering you to a particular shop or cafe.
How do you stay healthy and comfortable in the heat?
See your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go. Hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended, and they will review your routine vaccinations. Discuss whether you need anything for the rural north or the Mekong Delta.
The bigger day-to-day issues are heat and tummy upsets. Drink only bottled or filtered water, including for brushing teeth, and be sensible with ice and salads in smaller places. Plan a slow morning, then rest in the heat of the afternoon, and save sightseeing for late afternoon. Pack a good hat, electrolyte sachets and a basic medical kit. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers your age and any pre-existing conditions is non-negotiable.
Should you take a tour or travel independently?
For a friends group, a small-group tour takes the friction out of transfers, language and the haggling, which many people find restful. Operators like Intrepid run trips that suit active over-60s, with land-only prices from around A$2,200 for roughly twelve days. Solo travellers should always check the single supplement before booking.
You can also build your own trip and hire private drivers for the long legs, which works beautifully for a group splitting the cost. A hybrid works well: a guided few days around Halong Bay and Hue, then free time in Hoi An to please yourselves.
Where should a first-time group spend its time?
Hoi An is the gentlest base, with flat streets, tailors, riverside cafes and an easy pace. Hue and its imperial sites reward a half-day with a guide and a car. Halong Bay is worth an overnight cruise, and the better operators have proper railings and steady tenders for getting on and off.
In the south, Ho Chi Minh City is busy and loud, so give it two nights and a guide for the War Remnants Museum and the markets, then escape to the slower Mekong Delta. Allow at least two weeks if you can, so you are not packing and unpacking every second day.
Key takeaways
- Australians can enter Vietnam for up to 45 days on an e-visa as of mid-2026.
- Budget roughly A$120 to A$180 per person per day for mid-range comfort, less if sharing.
- Use Grab or marked Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis to avoid meter scams.
- See a travel clinic six to eight weeks out, and only drink bottled or filtered water.
- Travel slowly through the heat, resting mid-afternoon, and sightsee late.
- Solo travellers should check the single supplement on any group tour.
Where to look and book
Indicative prices only — always confirm with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Vietnam from Australia?
Yes. As of mid-2026 Australian passport holders can apply online for a Vietnam e-visa allowing stays of up to 45 days. Apply through the official government portal and avoid third-party sites that add fees.
Is Vietnam safe for older travellers?
Vietnam is generally safe for over-60 travellers. The main hazards are chaotic traffic, heat and minor overcharging rather than violent crime. Cross roads slowly and steadily, and check Smartraveller before you go.
When is the best time to visit?
Vietnam is long, so climate varies. Roughly February to April and October to November are comfortable across much of the country. The far north is cooler in winter, and the south is warm year-round.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is not deeply traditional but is appreciated. Rounding up at restaurants and giving guides and drivers a small daily tip is common practice on tours.
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