Vietnam

1. Hanoi: The Historic Capital

The elegant, sometimes chaotic, thousand-year-old capital of the north is a blend of French colonial architecture, ancient Asian culture, and modern energy.

· The Old Quarter: The pulsating heart of Hanoi. Explore its 36 streets, each historically dedicated to a specific craft (e.g., Silk Street, Bamboo Street). Get lost in the maze of shops, markets, and street food stalls.

· Hoan Kiem Lake: A peaceful oasis in the city center. Visit the Ngoc Son Temple on a small island and watch locals exercise at dawn.

· Cultural Sites: Visit the solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the beautiful Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university), and watch a traditional Water Puppet Show.

· Food: Hanoi is the birthplace of Phở and Bún Chả. Don’t leave without trying them at a local spot.

2. Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay (Northeast)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the jewel of North Vietnam.

· Overnight Cruise: The best way to experience the bay is on a 1 or 2-night cruise among thousands of limestone karsts and isles rising dramatically from the emerald water. Activities include kayaking, swimming, and exploring magnificent caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave).

· Lan Ha Bay: Adjacent to Halong Bay, it’s equally stunning but often less crowded. A great alternative.

· Cat Ba Island: The largest island in the bay, offering national park hiking and a town base for explorations.

3. The Central Region: History & Heritage

· Hue: The former imperial capital. Explore the vast Imperial City, a sprawling complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates, and take a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River.

· Hoi An: An absolute highlight. This beautifully preserved ancient port town is a UNESCO site, famous for its charming yellow architecture, silk lanterns, tailors, and riverside ambiance. Cycle through rice paddies, take a cooking class, and see the town glow when the lanterns light up at night.

· Da Nang: A vibrant coastal city with great beaches (My Khe), the famous “Golden Bridge” held up by giant stone hands, and a gateway to both Hoi An and Hue.

4. The Central Highlands & Ho Chi Minh Trail

For adventure seekers, this mountainous region offers trekking, ethnic minority culture, and coffee plantations. Dalat, with its cool climate, French villas, and quirky architecture, is a popular stop.

5. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The Dynamic South

A bustling, modern metropolis that moves at a frenetic pace. It’s the economic engine of Vietnam and a city of contrasts.

· War History: The Cu Chi Tunnels are an immense network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers. It’s a fascinating and sobering historical experience. In the city, the War Remnants Museum offers a powerful, poignant perspective on the Vietnam War.

· French Colonial Architecture: See the beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (currently under renovation) and the Central Post Office.

· Food Scene: A street food paradise. Dive into the markets like Ben Thanh and try southern specialties like Bánh Mì and Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with sweet condensed milk).

6. The Mekong Delta: The “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam

Where the mighty Mekong River empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. Life here revolves around the water.

· Boat Tours: Glide through narrow, shaded canals on a small sampan boat.

· Floating Markets: Visit vibrant markets like Cai Rang or Cai Be, where vendors sell goods directly from their boats. Go early in the morning for the best experience.

· Homestays: For an authentic experience, spend a night with a local family in their home along the river.