Situated just an hour outside Hanoi, Ky Son rests in an idyllic rural setting. This picturesque hamlet is part of the historic Duong Lam Village, home to a collection of ancient traditional houses, some over 200 years old. Surrounded by farmlands and lush paddy fields, this is the perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely cycle or hop on a fascinating tea-harvesting tour. Visitors who venture to Ky Son can enjoy a truly authentic Vietnamese cultural experience, from the local food and scenic landscapes to the heritage buildings that line the streets. The undeniable highlight of this village is the Moon Garden Homestay, a unique establishment that preserves the architecture and culture of traditional Vietnamese villages, where visitors can enjoy traditional rural activities, including learning how to cook Vietnamese food.
Thousands of soaring forested islands rise out of emerald waters at Ha Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam. Ha Long (declared a World Heritage Site in 1994) means ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’, with the legend telling of a massive dragon descending from the mountains, gouging out crevasses and valleys and as it charged towards the coast. Once it settled down, legend has it that the area filled up with water leaving only the pinnacles visible. The best way to view these wondrous islands and explore their caves is via a boat cruise, with options ranging from budget to luxury (think an opulent Chinese-style junk boat).
Beguiling and beautiful, the former capital of Vietnam is still revered as a cultural and religious centre, and achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. The city owes its charm in part to its setting on the Perfume River, but more significantly, to its many ancient temples and palaces – all vestiges of the last remaining Vietnamese dynasty, the Nguyen dynasty. The 19th century Hue Citadel, otherwise known as The Imperial City, should be high on your ‘to-see' list (you will need a day to get through the entire complex); while scattered along the riverbank are myriad more shrines and stupa, including the Thien Mu Pagoda with its octagonal tower. Bathe in a number of mineral hot springs, take a boat trip along the river, or take a ‘food tour’ of the superb eateries in town.
Hoi An is a historic riverside town on Vietnam's central coast, around 30 kilometres south of Da Nang. Once a prosperous trading port, the town is home to a remarkably well-preserved Old Town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ochre-coloured buildings, ornate temples, wooden merchant houses and atmospheric lantern-lit streets. The town offers a distinctive blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine and traditions. Travellers can wander the narrow lanes, explore the bustling market, take a boat along the Thu Bon River or cycle through the surrounding countryside and rice paddies. Hoi An is also known for its tailors, making it popular for custom-made clothing, while nearby An Bang Beach offers an opportunity to combine cultural sightseeing with time on the coast.
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the country’s largest city and a vibrant destination known for its energy, history, culture and cuisine. Tourists are drawn to its lively streets, bustling markets and fascinating mix of historic landmarks and modern city life. At Ben Thanh Market, visitors can browse stalls selling everything from food, sweets and spices to souvenirs, clothing and custom-made suits. Nha Hang Ngon offers the chance to sample traditional Vietnamese street food in a relaxed, leafy garden setting. Other highlights include the striking Notre-Dame Basilica, the Jade Emperor Pagoda with its intricate statues and woodcarvings, and the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum. Visitors can also explore Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda, regarded as Vietnam’s only pure Taoist temple, adding another fascinating dimension to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
