Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometres from its Chinese border in the north to the flat river delta of the south, and the differences between the two ends of the country are considerable. The north is defined by dramatic karst scenery, cooler highlands, and the chaotic, coffee-fuelled energy of Hanoi, one of Asia’s most characterful capitals. The centre holds the imperial history of Hue, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, and a mountainous interior that most visitors pass through too quickly. The south revolves around the relentless momentum of Ho Chi Minh City and the extraordinary waterway network of the Mekong Delta.
The country’s coastline is one of its great assets, with over 3,000 kilometres stretching from the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the long white beaches of Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Con Dao. The food is another constant draw, varying significantly by region: Hanoi’s pho and bun cha, Hoi An’s white rose dumplings and cao lau, the fierce chilli heat of central Vietnamese cooking, and the sweeter, herb-laden dishes of the south. The hill tribes of Sapa and Ha Giang in the far north offer a compelling introduction to Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities, while the remote fishing villages of the central coast and the quiet back channels of the Mekong Delta are well worth the effort too.
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Highlights and hidden gems
Ha Long Bay: Cruise overnight through limestone karsts rising from calm green water, stopping to kayak sea caves and swim in sheltered lagoons.
Hoi An: Explore one of Southeast Asia's best preserved trading towns, where lantern-lit streets and excellent street food fill a compact and walkable old quarter.
Ho Chi Minh City: Dive into the energy of Vietnam's largest city, visiting war museums, markets, and the Cu Chi tunnels outside town.
Hue: Walk the crumbling imperial citadel, visit royal tombs along the Perfume River, and eat in Vietnam's most celebrated culinary city.
Ha Giang: Motorbike dramatic mountain loops through Hmong villages and terraced rice fields in Vietnam's most spectacular northern scenery.
Con Dao Islands: A remote archipelago of pristine beaches, coral reefs, and nesting sea turtles, with a colonial prison history that adds unexpected depth to a beautiful destination.
Phong Nha: Explore the world's largest cave system in central Vietnam, where vast caverns, underground rivers, and jungle trekking sit well off the tourist trail.
Ninh Binh: Cruise limestone karst scenery by rowboat through flooded rice paddies and ancient temples, quieter than Ha Long Bay and equally impressive.
Mui Ne: A coastal town where sand dunes, kitesurfing winds, and fresh seafood make for a compelling stop on the southern coast.
Ba Be National Park: Kayak remote lakes and forest waterways, staying with Tay minority communities in stilted homestays in the northern limestone hills.
