Vietnam offers dramatic landscapes, layered history, and lively cities, from lantern-lit streets to riverfront skylines. You can explore mountain villages, ancient towns, and coastal retreats on a single journey.
Discover Vietnam
Discover Vietnam
Why visit Vietnam?
What to expect
Expect the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the heritage charm of Hanoi, and the beachside calm of Da Nang. Inland, you will find rice terraces, limestone peaks, and river deltas waiting to be explored.
Plan your trip
Vietnam is easy to combine with nearby countries, with well-connected airports and domestic links. Use major gateways like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang to reach highland regions, bays, and coastal towns.
Top experiences in Vietnam
Explore Ho Chi Minh City boulevards
Walk past French-era architecture, bustling boulevards, and leafy squares, then discover local boutiques and contemporary galleries hidden down side streets.
Stroll Hanoi Old Quarter
Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses, lakeside promenades, and historic landmarks that reveal the capital's layered past.
Unwind on Da Nang's beaches
Relax on long sandy shores, enjoy sunrise walks along the waterfront, or use Da Nang as a base for exploring nearby coastal and heritage towns.
Cruise otherworldly bays
Join a day or overnight cruise through limestone islands and sheltered coves, with calm waters ideal for gentle sightseeing and photography.
Marvel at karst landscapes
Glide along quiet rivers flanked by rice fields and towering karst peaks, stopping at viewpoints and rural villages along the way.
Trace Vietnam's wartime history
Visit museums, preserved tunnels, and historic sites that share powerful stories of conflict, resilience, and recovery.
Cycle through rural villages
Rent a bicycle to ride along small lanes, passing rice paddies, local markets, and village temples at an unhurried pace.
Discover lantern-lit streets
Spend an evening in historic quarters where colourful lanterns line pedestrian streets, riverside walkways, and traditional houses.
Experience Vietnam's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, while comfortable coaches and trains connect regional hubs. In cities, you can use taxis, ride-hailing apps, and cyclos for short distances.
Local life & culture
You will see early-morning park routines, lively streets, and pavement-side gatherings that reflect a strong sense of community. Regional differences stand out, with the north, centre, and south each showing distinct architecture, crafts, and daily rhythms.
Where to unwind
Vietnam offers long sandy beaches, misty highlands, and scenic river valleys ideal for slow walks, spa retreats, and gentle boat trips. Many cities also have lakeside promenades and parks where you can escape the urban rush.
A taste of Vietnam
National dishes & specialties
You can try noodle soups, fresh herb-packed salads, and grilled dishes that change from region to region, with Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City each known for their own interpretations.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Vietnam's cities, you will find casual eateries, contemporary cafes, and relaxed restaurants serving both local flavours and international favourites, often within walking distance of major sights.
Signature & scenic dining
For a special meal, look for riverfront terraces, rooftop venues with skyline views, or coastal restaurants where you can dine with sea breezes and distant mountain backdrops.
Retail therapy in Vietnam
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, modern malls offer international brands, cinemas, supermarkets, and lifestyle stores, usually connected to central business or residential districts.
Markets & local crafts
You can browse markets and small boutiques in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and central Vietnam for textiles, lacquerware, ceramics, and handmade accessories created by local artisans.
Evening retail scene
After dark, certain streets and markets in major cities transform with illuminated stalls, extended opening hours, and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for browsing, people-watching, and picking up last-minute gifts.
Best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam's climate varies by region, but you can think in broad bands. From December to March (peak season), northern cities like Hanoi can feel cool at 15–20°C (59–68°F), while the south around Ho Chi Minh City remains warm at 28–32°C (82–90°F), drawing many visitors. April to August (shoulder season) sees warmer temperatures nationwide, often 25–33°C (77–91°F), with more humid days, clearer coastal conditions in central Vietnam, and occasional short showers. September to November (low season) can bring heavier rains and occasional storms, particularly along the central coast, with temperatures usually around 24–30°C (75–86°F); this quieter period can suit travellers who prefer fewer crowds and do not mind changeable weather.