Vietnam is a land of breathtaking contrasts and sensory delights. It is a country that features everything from exotic culinary delights to breathtaking scenery. Seemingly endless, tranquil rice paddies stand in stark contrast to bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which embrace all the technology and conveniences that the modern world has to offer. The well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An play host to a slew of charming boutiques and tempting cafes while, further north, the local hill-tribe people of Sapa sell a wide variety of exquisite crafts and handmade trinkets. Beyond the urban areas, this diverse country is characterised by vast, verdant jungles and lush mountainous regions as well as an enticing coastline peppered with golden sand, palm-lined beaches.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital, is a city of contrasts where centuries-old traditions coexist with vibrant urban energy. Its wide boulevards, tree-lined lakes, and ancient pagodas are infused with the elegant legacy of French colonial architecture, creating a uniquely atmospheric backdrop. Visitors can witness synchronized t’ai chi at the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, meander through the bustling Old Quarter with its maze of narrow streets, lively traders, and weaving scooters, or enjoy the whimsical art of water puppetry at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Highlights also include the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the tranquil Perfume Pagoda temple complex, and the stately Hanoi Opera House in the French Quarter. Beyond its historic sites, Hanoi pulses with cafés, markets, and street-side eateries, offering an authentic taste of Vietnam’s culture, cuisine, and daily life—making it a city that charms at every turn.
The district of Mu Cang Chai is found in northern Vietnam. This highland region of Yen Bai province, considered by many to be one of the country’s must-visit areas, offers unique landscapes and fantastic cultural experiences, including homestay accommodation options. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Hoang Lien Son mountains, the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai can be explored via zig-zagging hiking or cycling trails, though motorbike tours of the region are also extremely popular. Visit traditional villages such as Mo De, Le Pan Tan, Sang Nhu and Mang Mu, where you can gain an insight into local H’mong culture, and be sure to climb to the top of Khau Pha Pass - where you can stay overnight in a guesthouse - for unforgettable views of the fields in the morning sun.
Perched in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range of northwest Vietnam, Sapa is a former French hill station now celebrated as a premier trekking and cultural destination. The town overlooks dramatic terraced rice fields often veiled in ethereal morning mist, creating a picture-perfect backdrop. Its charm is heightened by the presence of local H’mong and Dzao hill tribes, who trade vibrant textiles, handicrafts, and trinkets in the bustling town markets. Adventure awaits beyond the town: trekking routes lead to nearby villages where traditional ways of life continue, while the intrepid can scale Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak. Scenic drives along Tram Ton Pass reveal awe-inspiring vistas and culminate at the multi-tiered Thac Bac waterfall, offering both breathtaking views and immersive natural beauty.
Situated in the northwestern region of Vietnam, Lao Chai is a geographically diverse province known for its mountains, rivers, waterfalls and ethnic hill tribes. The province is bordered to the east by Hoang Lien Son mountain range, part of which is Hoang Lien national park, which includes Mount Fansipan, the nation’s highest peak. This impressive mountain, along with the dragon-jaw-shaped Ham Rong Mountain, offers excellent hiking opportunities, breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, and gardens filled with hundreds of exquisite orchids. Lao Chai’s most popular destination for visitors is the charming little mountain resort town of Sapa which rests on a steep mountain slope and features an lovely suspended bamboo bridge as well as a spectacularly beautiful waterfall.
Located in northern Vietnam, not far from China's border, the small city of Ha Giang is the gateway to a breathtaking province characterised by bucolic valleys and rural communities tucked away in mountain foothills on the banks of the Lô River. The city is home to some bustling markets where you can find deals on textiles and Chinese goods. A nature lover's paradise, this destination offers excellent trekking and camping opportunities, and it is highly recommended to rent a motorbike or organise a tour and visit all of the main tourist hotspots of the region. The city is the perfect starting point to the terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi, fantastic hiking in the Twin Mountains, trekking through ancient forests and swimming at the local waterfall.
Located in the northernmost reaches of Vietnam’s Ha Giang Province, Dong Van is a naturally scenic district known for its majestic towering karst mountains. This unspoiled mountainous wilderness is the perfect backdrop for exhilarating outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain climbing. The town of Dong Van makes an excellent base for exploring the nearby minority villages and the surrounding visitor attractions. These include, among others: the Hmong King Palace, a fascinating architectural landmark built in the early twentieth century; Lung Cu Flag Tower perched on the top of a mountain and showcasing tools, costumes and cultural products of the area’s many ethnic groups; and the bustling local Sunday market selling local products made by the Mong, Han, Dao, Giay and Tay people.
