Vietnam
Vietnam is a true masterpiece of a country in Southeast Asia. From the lively urban centre of Ho Chi Minh City to the stunning beauty of internationally renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visiting Vietnam makes for a truly life-changing experience. The capital city, Hanoi, displays a curious mix of Chinese and French influences that come together in a large urban area with a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere. On the northeastern coast of the country is the ever-popular Ha Long Bay. Picture a sea of shimmering turquoise waters within which impressive rock formations stand tall, crowned by the greenest of vegetation and hiding secret grottos decorated with ancient stalactites. Further south is Hoi An, a coastal city of bright yellow houses, endless rice fields and white beaches. Its gorgeous and well-preserved Ancient Town shows off the region’s particular brand of foreign-influenced architecture. In southern Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, a city like no other in the country. With so much to see and do, it is hard to get bored here. From the Museum of Vietnamese History (Bao Tang Lich Su) to the Emperor Jade Pagoda, the Notre Dame Cathedral and ‘Cho Lon’, or Chinatown, Vietnam’s largest city truly is an exciting and diverse cultural hotspot.
Ha Long Bay
Discover the wonders of Ha Long Bay, one of the most attractive and awe-inspiring destinations to be found in Southeast Asia. Delve into the ethereal waters which bathe the monumental limestone karsts rising up dramatically and looming over the bay. Try out your kayaking skills, go hiking and explore the area at will while staying at Vietnam’s top World Heritage Site destination. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, this part of the world should be top of your list.
Hanoi
If Saigon is the frenetic, commercial heartbeat of Vietnam, then verdant and historic Hanoi is the sedate, intellectual soul of the country. Its leafy boulevards, serene lakes and sweeping white French colonial architecture set the scene as tourists and locals go about their business at a pleasingly civilised pace.
Ho Chi Minh City
Located on the Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and most exciting city in Vietnam. The population of around 9 million people makes it one of the densest urban areas in the world, and it’s still common for several families to share a living space together. Travellers will likely be amazed by the vibrant mix of old and new including war relics from the devastating Vietnam War and well-preserved colonial structures. The vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh makes it stand out from other cities in Vietnam.
Hoi An
Hoi An’s momentum as a sought-after destination shows no signs of slowing down: visitor numbers nearly tippled in 2018, followed by the title of ‘world’s best city’ being awarded to it by esteemed travel publications in 2019. Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Ancient Town is photogenic to a fault, with its collection of distinctive mustard-coloured colonial homes, intriguing food and quaint streets that remain traffic-free for much of the day drawing in cruise excursionists and backpackers alike.
Nha Trang
Long-beloved by tourists from across Asia and Russia, Nha Trang is among Vietnam’s most sought-after beach holiday destinations. Despite being well and truly on the trodden path, Nha Trang remains an attractive seaside resort, drawing in both backpackers and cruise excursionists with its cheap and delicious food, active nightlife, nature getaways, inexpensive wellness treatments and modern entertainment highlights like the Vinpearl Amusement Park.