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.
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.
Set in the northeastern region of Vietnam, Ha Giang is a province which is considered by many to feature some of Indochina’s most breathtaking natural scenery. The province is characterised by forested limestone and granite mountains which form an ideal environment for outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, and camping. The best-known rocky area in the province is the Dong Van Rock Plateau, a site recognised by UNESCO as one of the world’s 77 geological parks. This spectacularl area is home to Lung Cu, a tiny little hamlet that features the renowned Lung Cu Flag Tower on Dragon Mountain. Other attractions in the Ha Giang area include a number of colourful local markets, the exquisite rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi, and the Hmong King Palace, a unique architectural landmark built in the early twentieth century.
