Vietnam’s vibrant and atmospheric capital boasts a multitude of museums, charming pagodas and fantastic restaurants. It’s often considered as one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

The city is centred on Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals stroll arm in arm on warm evenings and gather at dawn for T’ai Chi sessions.

North of the lake lie the bustling markets and food stalls of the intricate Old Quarter, while to the south the treelined avenues and colonial architecture of the French Quarter provide a sophisticated contrast.

Close to the Chinese border, the peaks of the Tonkinese Alps rise above verdant valleys of steeply terraced rice fields and small villages. This remarkable region is home to several ethnic minority groups including Hmong and Dao, many of whom still live in wooden stilt houses and wear brightly coloured traditional dress. 

Sapa is the centre of tourism in this area, this former hill station has expanded into a substantial hub but is still preserves its unique charm and is a good base for discovering the region with several excellent trips possible from here. Trekking is very popular with options ranging from easy day walks to local villages to more challenging mountain hikes. If you’re looking for an active holiday, then Sapa is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for this.

Entrancing Halong Bay is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam and an overnight cruise is the perfect way to discover this magical environment. 

Recognised as a World Heritage Site, over 3,000 limestone karst islands extend out of the clear waters of Halong Bay and the neighbouring, but no less remarkable, Lan Ha Bay. Whether bathed in sunshine or enveloped in mist, this region possesses an otherworldly beauty unlike anywhere else.

Set adjacent to the wide Perfume River, Hue was the nation’s capital for 150 years until the early 20th Century and today is a delightful place to discover the country’s imperial and more recent history.

The city is well-known for its grand Nguyen dynasty tombs, the imposing Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, while to its north lies the former Demilitarised Zone and several notable battle sites from the ‘American War’.

Charming Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric town, with graceful architecture and an exquisite riverside setting.

Once Asia’s most important port, the Old Town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is alive with enticing restaurants, chic bars and specialist tailors set within ancient temples and shop houses. Around the town are attractive rice fields and peaceful back lanes, while a few miles to the east lie magnificent palm fringed beaches.

Located on the banks of the Saigon River and still frequently referred to as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s biggest metropolis and commercial capital.

Above the ostensibly chaotic commotion of motorbikes soar shimmering skyscrapers and luxurious hotels, while a host of superb restaurants and fashionable nightspots attract style-conscious locals. The spirit of the old city lives on in its colonial architecture, energetic markets and abundant street food stalls.

In Vietnam’s south, the mighty Mekong River separates into several branches that flow through the verdant delta region before pouring into the South China Sea. Experience the region on an overnight cruise, or even from the comfort of a charming riverside lodge.

Alongside the green paddy fields, fruit orchards and scenic waterways you’ll discover riverside villages bustling with traditional industries, relaxed cities and a few remaining floating markets, all presenting an insight into rural Vietnamese life.

With a long, narrow stretch of coast, the appeal of Vietnam's golden, palm-fringed beaches can prove irresistible and provides the ideal end to an exceptional adventure.

The elongated coastline and offshore islands offer a wide range of opportunities for a beach break, from lively destinations such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Mui Ne to the isolated coves of Nihn Van Bay or the relaxed islands of Con Dao or Phu Quoc.

With an outstanding selection of hotels available, ranging from lavish resorts to boutique rustic retreats, Vietnam really does have a beach for everyone!