Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries, where dramatic mountains, lush rice terraces, bustling cities and spectacular coastlines combine to create an extraordinary variety of landscapes. Rich in history, culture and tradition, Vietnam is renowned for its world-famous cuisine, vibrant street life and breathtaking natural beauty, with each region offering its own distinctive character.
Community Tips For Vietnam
Vietnam’s climate varies considerably between the north, central region and south, so check local weather conditions when planning your itinerary.
Motorbikes are an integral part of everyday life, particularly in major cities, so take extra care when crossing busy roads and navigating traffic.
Vietnam is renowned for its street food, so be sure to try local specialities such as pho, banh mi and regional dishes as you travel around the country.
Vietnam is longer than it appears on a map, and travelling between northern, central and southern destinations can take considerable time. Domestic flights are often the quickest option for longer journeys.
Explore Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi combines centuries of history with vibrant street life, traditional architecture and an outstanding food scene.
The Old Quarter is best explored on foot, with narrow streets, markets, cafés and historic buildings around every corner.
Hoan Kiem Lake sits at the heart of the city and is particularly lively in the early morning and evening.
Don’t miss the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the city’s many traditional markets and food stalls.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and its commercial heart, combining modern skyscrapers with historic French colonial architecture.
The War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace offer important insights into Vietnam’s twentieth-century history.
The city is famous for its energetic street life, with cafés, markets and restaurants operating late into the evening.
Traffic can be extremely busy, particularly with the enormous number of motorbikes, so allow extra time when travelling around the city.
Da Nang
Da Nang combines long sandy beaches with dramatic mountains and a rapidly developing modern city.
My Khe Beach is one of Vietnam’s most famous stretches of coastline and is easily accessible from the city centre.
The Marble Mountains offer spectacular caves, temples and views across the surrounding coastline.
Da Nang is ideally positioned for exploring central Vietnam, with Hoi An and the ancient capital of Hue both within easy reach.
Hoi An
Hoi An’s beautifully preserved Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its colourful architecture, lanterns and historic streets.
The compact centre is best explored on foot or by bicycle, particularly after sunset when the lanterns illuminate the streets.
The town’s distinctive cuisine reflects centuries of cultural influences and is one of the highlights of visiting central Vietnam.
Nearby beaches and countryside make Hoi An an excellent destination for combining cultural exploration with relaxation.
