Con Dao Islands
This remote archipelago off the southern coast is Vietnam’s premier spot for viewing sea life. Turtles, rays, barracuda and tropical reef fish are possible at 21 dive sites. For those who prefer nature on land, the island’s national park boasts trails and secluded, undeveloped beaches.
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Ho Chi Minh City
Previously known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City changed its name after Vietnam unified following the Vietnam War... -
Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is a riot of blaring horns, stunning architecture and delicious street food... -
Sapa
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Hoi An
Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most attractive cities, due in part to the preservation of historic buildings in its Old Town (Hoi An avoided being bombed in the Vietnam War)... -
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a World Heritage Site and Vietnam’s most popular tourist destination... -
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s breadbasket, with 70% of the country’s fruit and 50% of its rice grown here... -
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is an idyllic island that offers beaches, diving and kayaking to those looking to escape the bustle of Vietnam’s cities... -
Hue
Charming Hue was once the capital of the Nguyen dynasty and is a great place to explore the history of Imperial Vietnam... -
Dalat
Dive into a bit of adventure with a guided canyoning experience at the Elephant and Pongour Waterfalls near to the city of Dalat in Vietnam’s central highlands... -
Phong Nha Caves
Home to the largest and third largest cave in the world, Phong Nha is a wonder of ancient karst and underground worlds... -
Fansipan Mountain
At 3,143m, Fansipan is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula...
Where to go in Vietnam
Our recommended places
Ho Chi Minh City
Previously known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City changed its name after Vietnam unified following the Vietnam War. This is the place to learn more about Vietnam’s recent past, with many museums, monument and sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels, where North Vietnamese soldiers hid during the War.
Beyond history, Ho Chi Minh City is now one of Vietnam’s most innovative cities and a centre of commerce. This is the place to see the Vietnam of the past and the future, with ancient temples mingling with 21st-century skyscrapers.
Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is a riot of blaring horns, stunning architecture and delicious street food. Head to the original streets of the Old Quarter, where market traders have been selling their wares for more than 1,000 years, before exploring the city’s historical heritage, influenced by Chinese and French occupations and the scars of the American War.
Make sure to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dedicated to the man who fought for a unified Vietnam, before lapping up the city’s coffee culture and street food stalls.
Hoi An
Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s most attractive cities, due in part to the preservation of historic buildings in its Old Town (Hoi An avoided being bombed in the Vietnam War). Look out for Chinese temples, Japanese merchant houses and evocative tea warehouses, or head to the enticing market on the Thu Bon river. Hoi An is also an excellent base for exploring the villages and countryside of central Vietnam.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a World Heritage Site and Vietnam’s most popular tourist destination. Take an overnight cruise around the Bay’s 2,000 beautiful islets, stopping to see the shimmering lights in Hang Sung Sot Cave, go diving in the clear water or simply enjoy the scenery.
For a slightly less crowded experience, head to Cat Ba Island to cycle around its peaceful countryside or travel on to the equally beautiful Lan Ha Bay.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s breadbasket, with 70% of the country’s fruit and 50% of its rice grown here. This maze of rivers, rice paddies and floating markets offers visitors the chance to see rural Vietnam and experience farm life, whether onboard a floating boat or through a homestay with local families. The many villages are also a good place to try some of Vietnam’s varied cuisine.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is an idyllic island that offers beaches, diving and kayaking to those looking to escape the bustle of Vietnam’s cities. Once a quiet backwater, Phu Quoc has rapidly embraced tourism. It’s worth looking beyond the resorts of Long Beach if you want a quieter, more tropical experience. Make sure to try some seafood on Phu Quoc — the island’s residents are traditional fishermen and its claim to fame is the production of Vietnam’s best fish sauce.
Hue
Charming Hue was once the capital of the Nguyen dynasty and is a great place to explore the history of Imperial Vietnam. Look out for its rambling architecture and fascinating museums, such as the tombs of the Ancient Emperors and the Tu Hieu Pagoda, or take a peaceful cruise along the Perfume River.
Dalat
Dive into a bit of adventure with a guided canyoning experience at the Elephant and Pongour Waterfalls near to the city of Dalat in Vietnam’s central highlands. The region’s fertile soils yield natural resources aplenty but wildlife still thrives here, including elephants, bears and gibbons.
Phong Nha Caves
Home to the largest and third largest cave in the world, Phong Nha is a wonder of ancient karst and underground worlds. Venture into the longest dry cave in Asia, take a boat on an underground river through Phong Nha Cave or swim into the unlit Dark Cave.
Fansipan Mountain
At 3,143m, Fansipan is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula. With ethereal panoramas of the Hoang Lien mountain range from the summit, the 1-3 day hike is a must for adventure seekers, while the cable car from Sapa provides a slightly gentler option.
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