Sail through emerald waters dotted with limestone karsts and islets. You can kayak into hidden lagoons, explore caves, and enjoy sunset dinners aboard traditional “junk boats.” For a quieter experience, consider Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay.
Vietnam’s capital offers a fascinating mix of old-world charm and buzzing street life. Walk through the Old Quarter, see the Temple of Literature, watch a water puppet show, try egg coffee, and visit Hoan Kiem Lake for local culture.
This UNESCO World Heritage town is famous for its preserved ancient architecture, colorful lantern-lit nights, Japanese Covered Bridge, tailor shops, riverside cafes, and local dishes like Cao Lau noodles and White Rose dumplings.
Once Vietnam’s royal capital, Hue is home to the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas. Take a boat ride on the Perfume River or explore historic palaces and gardens.
In northern Vietnam, trek through lush rice terraces and mountain villages near Sapa. Stay in homestays with ethnic minority communities like the H’mong or Dao for an authentic cultural experience.
For thrill-seekers, the Ha Giang Loop offers breathtaking mountain views, cliff-hugging roads, and visits to remote hill-tribe villages. It’s ideal for motorbike enthusiasts and offbeat travelers.
In central Vietnam, the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a paradise for cave explorers. Visit massive caves like Son Doong (the world’s largest), Paradise Cave, or Phong Nha Cave via river boat.
Da Nang offers beautiful beaches and nearby Marble Mountains. Nha Trang is known for its beach resorts, mud baths, snorkeling, and lively nightlife.
Phu Quoc Island has white sand beaches, coral reefs, and quiet fishing villages. Ideal for snorkeling, sunsets, and seafood feasts.
This energetic southern city combines skyscrapers with French colonial buildings. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Ben Thanh Market. Explore street food on motorbike tours and take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Explore the “rice bowl” of Vietnam via boats that take you through floating markets, fruit orchards, and riverside villages. Visit coconut candy factories and cycle through the countryside.
From pho and banh mi to bun cha and fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese street food is both delicious and affordable. Don’t miss out on iced Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá) and local beer (bia hơi).
Paragliding in Da Lat or Mui Ne
Zip-lining, canyoning, and white-water rafting in the Central Highlands
Snorkeling and diving off Cham Islands or Phu Quoc
Join cooking classes in Hoi An, Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh to learn how to make spring rolls, pho, or banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), usually combined with a local market tour.
Time your visit with cultural events like:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Jan/Feb)
Mid-Autumn Festival (full moon in September)
Hoi An Lantern Festival (monthly, on full moon nights)
North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay): March–May and September–November
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue): February–April
South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh, Phu Quoc, Mekong Delta): December–April
