Why visit Vietnam?
Vietnam offers a vivid mix of historic cities, dramatic coastlines, and lush highlands, where traditional life meets fast-growing modern hubs. From lantern-lit streets to limestone karsts, you experience a country that feels energetic yet deeply rooted in its past.
What to expect
In the south, Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with rooftop views and riverside life, while central Da Nang and nearby beaches provide relaxed coastal escapes and heritage towns. To the north, Hanoi blends lakes and tree-lined boulevards with easy access to iconic landscapes such as Ha Long Bay and northern mountains.
Plan your trip
You can combine several regions in one journey, linking major cities by short domestic flights or scenic drives. Vietnam also connects well with neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, making it a natural base for a wider regional adventure. With varied climates across its length, you can tailor your route to match the weather that suits you best.
Discover Vietnam
Discover Vietnam
Top experiences in Vietnam
Explore Ho Chi Minh City's historic core
Walk between French-era landmarks, leafy boulevards, and lively cafe streets to see how old Saigon and modern Ho Chi Minh City meet.
Cruise among the limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay
Sail between towering karsts and quiet coves, with the chance to kayak, visit caves, or simply watch the changing light over the water.
Stroll the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An
From Da Nang, visit Hoi An's riverside shophouses, tailors, and bridges, best enjoyed in the evening when colourful lanterns glow above the streets.
Relax on central Vietnam's beaches
Base yourself in Da Nang to enjoy long sandy beaches, nearby coastal resorts, and easy day trips into the countryside.
Discover Hanoi's old quarters and lakes
Wander through narrow shop-lined lanes, then pause by Hoan Kiem Lake or leafy avenues to see the capital's gentler side.
Ride a motorcycle or jeep over Hai Van Pass
Travel between Da Nang and Hue along one of Vietnam's most scenic coastal mountain roads, with sweeping views of sea and forest.
Visit the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City
Take a day or overnight trip to explore canals, islands, and riverside villages where life revolves around the water.
Experience Vietnam's way of life
Getting around
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometres, so domestic flights are the fastest way to move between regions such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi. Within cities, you can use ride-hailing apps, taxis, and cyclos, while intercity journeys are possible by train, coach, or private car.
Local life & culture
In the south you feel a fast-paced, entrepreneurial energy, while central regions move at a slightly slower coastal rhythm, and the north often feels more traditional. You will see a strong cafe culture, bustling street corners, and a blend of colonial, local, and modern architecture shaping daily life.
Where to unwind
Vietnam offers many ways to slow down, from beachside resorts around Da Nang and nearby bays to cooler highland retreats in central and northern hills. Around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, lakes, riverside promenades, and nearby countryside provide calm escapes from the city streets.
A taste of Vietnam
National dishes & specialties
Vietnam is known for fragrant noodle soups, grilled meats, and fresh herbs, with each region adding its own twist. Ho Chi Minh City is often associated with bold, southern flavours, central Vietnam is known for more complex, smaller dishes, and Hanoi is famed for delicate, balanced broths.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can eat well at all hours in Vietnam, from simple shopfront kitchens and snack stalls to contemporary cafes and bistros. Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi all offer vegetarian options, modern Vietnamese plates, and international flavours in relaxed, easy-to-reach neighbourhoods.
Signature & scenic dining
Riverside terraces in Hoi An, beachside venues near Da Nang, and rooftop restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer memorable settings. Cruises in Ha Long Bay and lakeside venues in the capital add another layer to your dining experience, combining local flavours with striking views.
Retail therapy in Vietnam
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, large air-conditioned malls bring together international brands, cinemas, and dining in one place. Newer lifestyle centres in Da Nang combine shopping with cafes and family-friendly entertainment, making them convenient stops between sightseeing.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi are good places to look for textiles, coffee, and everyday local items. Craft villages and heritage towns near Da Nang and Hanoi specialise in lanterns, ceramics, and tailored clothing that you can bring home.
Evening retail scene
After dark, many city streets stay lively with small shops, night markets, and late-opening convenience stores. In popular areas of Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi, you can combine evening shopping with snacks, music, and people-watching along busy promenades.
Best time to visit Vietnam
Northern cool and dry season (peak season)
From November to March, northern Vietnam around Hanoi is cooler and drier, with average temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F). This is a popular time for city sightseeing and trips to nearby bays and mountains.
Central and southern dry months (peak season)
Roughly from December to April, central areas around Da Nang and the southern region including Ho Chi Minh City are generally dry and warm, often around 25–32°C (77–90°F). Beach stays and city exploration are especially appealing during these months.
Rainy and hotter months (shoulder season)
From May to October, most of Vietnam experiences higher humidity and more frequent showers, with temperatures commonly between 27–34°C (81–93°F). Rain often comes in short bursts, so you can still explore with flexible plans and enjoy greener landscapes.