Vietnam offers lively cities, historic towns, and dramatic coastlines, with a blend of old-world charm and modern energy. You can enjoy culture, scenery, and warm hospitality in one trip.
Discover Vietnam
Discover Vietnam
Why visit Vietnam?
What to expect
From the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi to the beaches of Da Nang, each region feels distinct. You will find French-influenced architecture, mountain landscapes, and long stretches of sandy shorelines.
Plan your trip
Vietnam works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that combine several regions. It is also a convenient gateway for exploring mainland Southeast Asia, with good links to neighbouring countries.
Top experiences in Vietnam
Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Walk past colonial-era landmarks, riverside promenades, and buzzing neighbourhoods, then pause in leafy cafes as the city hums around you.
Stroll Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Wander narrow streets lined with shophouses, lakeside paths, and traditional theatres that showcase the city’s long history.
Relax on Da Nang’s beaches
Unwind on long sandy beaches, framed by mountains and calm waters, with easy access to nearby heritage towns.
Cruise among limestone karsts
Join a day or overnight cruise in northern Vietnam to glide past towering limestone islands and quiet coves.
Discover imperial heritage in central Vietnam
Visit historic citadels, royal tombs, and riverside towns that tell the story of Vietnam’s dynastic past.
Cycle through the countryside
Take gentle bike rides past rice paddies, village lanes, and small waterways to see daily rural life up close.
Join a local coffee ritual
Sit at street-side stools or modern cafes to sample Vietnam’s rich coffee styles while watching city life flow by.
Sail the Mekong Delta
Travel by boat through canals and riverside communities where markets and farms sit close to the water’s edge.
Experience Vietnam’s way of life
Getting around
Vietnam’s major cities are linked by frequent domestic flights and intercity trains, which are useful for long distances. Within cities, taxis, ride-hailing services, and local buses help you move between districts and sights.
Local life & culture
City pavements double as social spaces, with residents gathering in parks, around lakes, and on low stools along the streets. You will notice strong ties to family, a respect for tradition, and a lively arts and café scene, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Where to unwind
You can escape the city rush in coastal resorts, mountain retreats, and national parks with forest trails and waterfalls. Urban lakes, riverfront promenades, and landscaped parks also offer calm green spaces for gentle walks and fresh air.
A taste of Vietnam
National dishes & specialties
Bowls of noodle soup, fresh herb-filled rolls, and rice dishes are central to Vietnamese dining, with each region putting its own spin on familiar favourites. Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City all have local specialties that reflect their climate and history.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find casual eateries, contemporary bistros, and cafés on almost every corner in major cities. From quick snacks to sit-down meals, dining streets and modern malls offer both Vietnamese flavours and international choices.
Signature & scenic dining
Riverside restaurants, rooftop venues, and beachside terraces let you pair local cuisine with city or sea views. In heritage towns and older districts, restored houses now host intimate dining rooms with atmospheric courtyards and balconies.
Retail therapy in Vietnam
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, modern malls bring together international brands, cinemas, and lifestyle stores under one roof. These centres are convenient places to shop in comfort, especially during hot or rainy weather.
Markets & local crafts
City markets and small boutiques offer textiles, handicrafts, and everyday goods, with notable clusters in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and heritage towns along the central coast. You can look for items such as woven accessories, home décor, and tailored clothing.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and some markets become livelier, with extra stalls and illuminated storefronts. You can combine browsing with a walk, stopping for drinks or snacks as the evening cools.
Best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam spans several climate zones, so weather varies by region, but you can think of it in three broad travel seasons. Peak season runs roughly from December to March, when many parts of the country are drier and more comfortable; temperatures range from about 15–22°C (59–72°F) in the north to 24–30°C (75–86°F) in the south. Shoulder season falls around April to May and October to November, with warmer days of about 25–32°C (77–90°F), some rain, and fewer crowds in many areas. Low season is typically from June to September, when central and northern regions can be hot and humid, around 28–34°C (82–93°F), and afternoon showers or storms are more common.