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.
Ha Long Bay, in northeastern Vietnam, is a breathtaking seascape where thousands of forested limestone islands rise dramatically from emerald waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, its name—“where the dragon descends into the sea”—recalls a legend of a mighty dragon carving valleys and crevasses as it charged toward the coast, leaving only the towering pinnacles visible once the waters rose. Today, the bay can be explored in style via opulent luxury superyachts, traditional Chinese-style junk boats, or even from above aboard scenic seaplane flights, offering unparalleled perspectives of the bay’s islands, hidden caves, and shimmering waters.
This coastal city in central Vietnam was a favourite with American soldiers during the Vietnam-US War, mainly for the R&R opportunities it offered by way of China Beach, located to the southwest. Da Nang is situated on a long thin peninsula and offers about 30km of shoreline - crystal clear lagoon waters on its one side and beach on the other. Naturally there are plenty of water activities on offer, including fishing, water-skiing, diving and yachting, while visitors interested in culture can pop into the Museum of Cham Sculpture, or stroll down the Han Riverfront to see how the city is developing. Day trips to Nui Son Tra (Monkey Mountain), the Ba Na Hills and the five Marble Mountains are must-dos.
Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, is a beguiling city of culture, history, and spiritual significance, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Nestled along the tranquil Perfume River, its charm stems from the many ancient temples, palaces, and shrines that reflect the legacy of the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam’s last imperial rulers. The 19th-century Hue Citadel, also known as the Imperial City, is a must-visit, requiring a full day to explore its vast palaces, courtyards, and ceremonial halls. Along the riverbanks, visitors will find countless pagodas and stupas, including the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda with its elegant octagonal tower. Beyond history, Hue offers relaxation and local experiences: soak in mineral hot springs, cruise the Perfume River, or embark on a culinary tour sampling the city’s renowned royal-inspired cuisine and vibrant street food scene.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s electrifying southern metropolis formerly known as Saigon, brims with a restless energy that’s impossible to resist. The city is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavours: the chaotic charm of Ben Thanh Market, where vendors peddle everything from exotic spices and street snacks to tailor-made suits; the leafy oasis of Nha Hang Ngon, serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a garden setting; and the lively cafes, rooftop bars, and art galleries that pulse through the districts, offering endless opportunities to soak in the city’s contemporary vibe. History and culture are never far away—admire the neo-Romanesque Notre-Dame Basilica, explore the carved statues at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, reflect at the War Remnants Museum, or visit the rare Taoist sanctuary of Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda. From bustling streets and hidden alleys to stylish nightlife and live music, Ho Chi Minh City is a constantly evolving urban playground where every corner offers a new adventure.
