Vietnam offers a mix of buzzing cities, peaceful countryside, and dramatic coastlines, where timeless traditions sit alongside modern life.
Vietnam offers a mix of buzzing cities, peaceful countryside, and dramatic coastlines, where timeless traditions sit alongside modern life.
From Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Da Nang on the central coast and Hanoi in the north, you can explore heritage quarters, riverside promenades, and sweeping bays in one trip.
Use major hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi as launch pads for day trips to beaches, highlands, and bays, as well as onward journeys across Southeast Asia.
Wander leafy boulevards, visit historic landmarks, and discover vibrant neighbourhoods filled with cafes and galleries.
Lose yourself in narrow streets, French-influenced architecture, and lakeside promenades in Vietnam's atmospheric capital.
Unwind on soft sands with views of forested hills, and use Da Nang as your base for nearby coastal and cultural excursions.
Sail between limestone islands and calm waters, with options ranging from day trips to overnight cruises.
Take a short journey from Da Nang to explore charming riverside towns with lantern-lit streets and traditional houses.
Set off from Ho Chi Minh City to explore riverside communities, lush landscapes, and local craft villages.
Travel from coastal cities to cooler upland areas for waterfalls, pine forests, and scenic viewpoints.
Domestic flights link Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi in under a couple of hours, while an expanding highway network and rail line offer scenic overland journeys along the length of the country.
You will find a strong sense of community in city neighbourhoods and smaller towns, with street-side gatherings, local festivals, and family-run businesses reflecting the country's layered history.
Relax on sandy beaches near Da Nang and along the central coast, enjoy lakes and parks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, or retreat to hill stations and national parks for cooler air and nature trails.
Signature dishes such as noodle soups, fresh rice paper rolls, and grilled meats vary subtly from Hanoi to Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, with each region adding its own flavours and herbs.
In major cities you can eat at casual eateries, contemporary bistros, and cafes serving both Vietnamese favourites and international dishes, often clustered in busy downtown districts.
Look for rooftop venues in Ho Chi Minh City, riverside terraces in central Vietnam, and refined restaurants in Hanoi housed in heritage buildings for memorable evenings out.
Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi feature modern malls with international labels, cinemas, and lifestyle stores, often connected to central business districts or transport links.
Browse markets and boutiques in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City for textiles, lacquerware, and handmade accessories created by artisans from different regions.
After dark, selected streets and market areas in major cities light up with stalls, souvenirs, and late-opening shops, creating a lively atmosphere for an evening stroll.
Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi and Halong Bay, has a cool and dry season from November to March (shoulder season), with average temperatures around 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F). From April to June and September to October (peak season), much of the country is warm and generally dry, with typical temperatures between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F), popular for both city stays and coastal trips. From July to August and again from October to early November in central and northern areas (low season), you can expect higher humidity, more frequent rain, and occasional storms, with temperatures often 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), while southern cities like Ho Chi Minh City stay hot and humid year-round.