Vietnam
Top Tips
Explore Hanoi
The seat of government and one of the loveliest cities in Asia. It
teems with lakes and monuments and a small army of cyclos peddle
you around it. Don’t miss the old town for its narrow streets
crammed with shops and cafés
Experience frantic Ho Chi Minh City
The locals still call it Saigon – which is bigger, faster and
glitzier than Hanoi. Glass skyscrapers dwarf handsome colonial
architecture, markets come and go on the street, trendy locals pack
the bars and 4,000,000 motorbikes cruise the boulevards
The Mekong Delta
Head south from HCMC and discover the Mekong Delta as it prepares
to pour into the South China Sea. Find friendly locals working
their paddy fields, floating markets and a seemingly infinite web
of tiny canals that brings water from river to field
Relax on the beaches
1600km of coastline will satisfy the most demanding sun worshipers
and beach freaks. Try undiscovered Phu Quoc island and grab a
kilometre of sand to yourself
Countryside
Head inland and discover the countryside. Hire a motorbike for the
day and follow your nose past paddy fields and water buffalo.
You’ll find temples to visit, rivers to swim in, hills to
climb
Snorkel
In calm waters, find islands reefs, check out the colourful
creatures of the sea. Diving is popular, too, so come and do a PADI
course
Retreat to Dalat
The cooling mountains of the Central Highlands. This is the
honeymoon capital of Vietnam. It’s small, French and
beautiful – and surrounded by dramatic scenery. Come for
forested mountains, ice-blue lakes and the odd waterfall
World Heritage sites
Three of the country’s World Heritage sites are fairly close
together: Hoi An, an old sleepy riverside town; My
Son Sanctuary, the capital of the Champa kingdom known for its
spectacular temples; and Huế, the old feudal capital
of Vietnam, which stands on the banks of the Perfume River
Ha Long Bay
Nowhere is the magic of nature more apparent than at Ha Long
Bay. Thousands of forested limestone islands (karsts) rise from
water in spectacular fashion: swim from beaches, cruise past
floating villages, climb up to mountain caves for breathtaking
views
Markets
Wherever you go, you’ll find markets crammed with canny
locals seeking out an irresistible bargain. Silks and cottons,
bronze statues, T-shirts by the million, even mobile phones!
Sapa
Head up to Sapa and the mountains of the north. Climb
Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam; bicycle through river
valleys and meet the hill tribes; check out the amazing rice
terraces that fall down the mountains; and don’t forget to
look up at a glittering night sky