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.
Mai Chau, an enchanting rural district nestled in a serene valley of northern Vietnam, is celebrated for its stunning pastoral landscapes, traditional villages, and excellent hiking and cycling opportunities. The district’s central town serves as a gateway to the surrounding villages, renowned for their stilt houses with palm leaf roofs, bamboo-slat floors, and intricately patterned windows. For a truly immersive experience, visitors can stay overnight in one of these traditional homes, gaining insight into local customs, daily life, and the warm hospitality of the Thai and Muong ethnic communities.
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.
Hoi An, on Vietnam’s central coast, is a town steeped in history and timeless charm. Known as Faifo to foreign traders centuries ago, it was a bustling port from the 15th to 19th centuries, attracting merchants from China, Japan, Portugal, and the Netherlands. This rich trading heritage is evident in its eclectic architecture: Japanese merchant houses with curved rooflines, Chinese assembly halls adorned with intricate carvings, and French colonial buildings lining the ancient streets. The town’s canals once carried goods from the Thu Bon River to the sea, facilitating Hoi An’s prominence in regional and global trade. Today, with cars restricted from the main streets, visitors can wander peacefully through its lantern-lit alleys, riverside markets, and temples, while boutique hotels, tailor shops, art studios, and cafés bring the historic port to life. Nearby, the ruins of My Son Sanctuary offer a glimpse into the Cham Kingdom’s Hindu past, complementing Hoi An’s multi-layered history and cultural heritage.
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.
Situated on the south bank of the Hau River in the Mekong Delta or ‘nine dragon river delta’, Can Tho offers an interesting blend of rural peace and a gently developing urban infrastructure. Catch some of the buzz at the lively waterfront, or stroll through the narrow backstreets to discover exquisite sculptured gardens and Buddhist pagodas. The city is known for its many canals weaving through and out of the city. On your boat ride, visit the floating market for an authentic experience, including a taste of exotic local fruit.
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Since reopening to tourists in the early 1990s, Cambodia has captivated visitors from around the globe with its rich cultural heritage, warm and welcoming people, and extraordinary natural wonders. Phnom Penh, the nation’s vibrant capital, pulses with energy, offering world-class dining, lively markets, and a spirited nightlife. Yet the country’s true treasures lie beyond the city: the sleepy, French-influenced town of Kampot enchants with its riverside promenade, colonial villas, and charming cafés; the lush, jungle-clad Cardamom Mountains reveal spectacular waterfalls and pristine wilderness; and, of course, the majestic Angkor Wat complex stands as the world’s largest and most breathtaking religious monument. Cambodia seamlessly caters to every traveller, whether seeking exhilarating jungle adventures, serene golden-sand beaches, luxurious resorts, or a journey through its tantalising local cuisine. With its blend of history, nature, and culture, Cambodia remains a destination of endless discovery and wonder.
Best known as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, Siem Reap is a charming town blending French colonial and Chinese architectural influences with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Its crown jewel, the Angkor complex, spans an area larger than Paris and is a labyrinth of intricately carved temples adorned with dancing apsaras, lotus motifs, and five-headed naga (serpent deities). Abandoned for centuries and rediscovered in 1860 by French explorer Henri Mahout, it has since become Cambodia’s cultural and historical highlight. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap offers a vibrant arts and crafts scene, immersive cultural villages that showcase traditional rural life, and a bird sanctuary on the town’s outskirts, providing visitors with a rich mix of heritage, nature, and local culture.
