Vietnam travel guide

Vietnam is a country that delights the senses and defies expectations. From the emerald paddies of the Red River Delta to the bustling alleyways of Ho Chi Minh City, this S-shaped slice of Southeast Asia offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. It's a land where street food is elevated to an art form, where mountains and beaches sit side by side, and where every village seems to have a story to tell.

At the heart of it all lies Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and cultural soul. With its faded colonial buildings, buzzing motorbikes, and lakeside tranquillity, Hanoi is a city that rewards curiosity. Venture south and you'll find Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), a fast-paced metropolis that brims with energy, commerce, and a surprisingly good cup of coffee. Between these two poles lies a whole world of experiences: lantern-lit Hoi An, imperial Hue, coastal Nha Trang, and the cool highlands of Da Lat.

Nature lovers are in for a treat. Cruise the karst-studded waters of Ha Long Bay, hike through the terraced hills of Sapa, or explore the lush Mekong Delta by boat. Vietnam's landscape is as varied as its cuisine, which ranges from the herby freshness of northern pho to the sweet-spicy zing of southern dishes. And while each region has its own culinary personality, the common thread is a devotion to flavour, balance, and locally sourced ingredients.

Vietnam's past is complex and ever-present, from ancient temples and Confucian pagodas to reminders of more recent conflicts. Yet today's Vietnam is defined not by war, but by resilience, optimism, and a youthful population embracing the future. Visitors are often struck by the warmth of the people and the way tradition and modernity coexist with ease—where a digital start-up might be run from a house where incense still burns for ancestors.

Whether you're drawn by the history, the landscapes, or the chance to slurp noodles at a plastic table with the locals, Vietnam has a way of getting under your skin. It offers both the thrill of discovery and the comfort of good company. Just bring an appetite—for food, for stories, and for the unexpected—and Vietnam will do the rest.