Vietnam

“Vietnam is history you can taste—war and resilience, woven into pho broth, wrapped in rice paper, and served with the hum of motorbikes and endless grace.”

Vietnam

During our Asia tour in late 2024, Vietnam was high on our list of must-visit destinations. In the second half of November, the time had finally come. We flew from Siem Reap, Cambodia, to Ho Chi Minh City to start our Vietnamese adventure and discover Vietnam. We had set aside two and a half weeks, which of course is not nearly enough to see the entire country, but sometimes even during long-term travel, practicalities call.

 

During our time in Vietnam, we visited Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi, with stops in Hoi An and Hạ Long Bay along the way. Hoi An, located on the central coast, is one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations, famous for its lantern-lit streets and well-preserved Old Town. Hạ Long Bay, a spectacular seascape of limestone karsts, lies just a few hours from Hanoi and left us in awe.

 

For the time we had, our itinerary struck a good balance, but Vietnam has so much more to offer. On a future visit, we would love to explore the Mekong Delta, take on the Ha Giang Loop, or venture even further off the beaten track.

 

Vietnam more than exceeded our expectations. It is a fantastic destination, filled with warmth, flavour, and beauty. Curious to discover Vietnam? Read on for stories, tips, and highlights from our journey.

Discover Vietnam

Language

Vietnamese

Currency

Dong

Climate

Warm to Hot

Timezone

UTC +7

Discover Vietnam, a country where contrasts and harmony dance side by side. From ancient temples to buzzing street markets, from jungle-covered mountains to peaceful rice paddies, Vietnam surprises you at every turn. With nearly 100 million residents, and what feels like just as many scooters, Vietnam is alive with sound, colour, and flavour.

 

Start in the south, where Ho Chi Minh City greets you with energy and motion. The streets pulse with scooters, sizzling street food, and neon lights reflecting on colonial facades. Visit Ben Thanh Market for a true sensory experience, learn about the country’s history at the War Remnants Museum, and enjoy city views from a rooftop bar along the Saigon River. And do not miss the street food: from steaming bowls of pho to crispy banh mi, this city is a paradise for your taste buds.

 

Head north to Hoi An, and the pace softens. This UNESCO-protected town enchants with lantern-lit evenings, historic architecture, and tailor shops that can create your perfect outfit overnight. Stroll through the Old Town, admire the Japanese Bridge, or cycle through the nearby rice fields. At sunset, take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, light a lantern, and let it float into the night with a wish.

 

Further north lies one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes: Hạ Long Bay. Just a short distance from Hanoi, this bay is dotted with nearly 2,000 limestone islands rising from emerald waters. Cruise between the formations, kayak through hidden caves, and watch the sky change colours at dusk. Whether you stay on a traditional junk boat or venture into Bai Tu Long Bay, the magic of this place is undeniable.

 

End your journey in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and cultural heart. The city’s Old Quarter hums with narrow alleys, honking horns, and steaming food stalls. Discover tranquil spots like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature, and visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum for a powerful glimpse into the country’s past. To feel the real rhythm of Hanoi, pull up a plastic stool, order an egg coffee or a glass of bia hoi, and watch life unfold.

 

Vietnam is a destination of stories. Every corner holds a new flavour, a kind face, or a stunning view. Whether you are weaving through the organised chaos of HCMC, drifting among limestone islands, or walking beneath silk lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnam leaves a lasting impression.

 

Explore our blogs for recommendations, routes, travel tips, and local insights to help you discover Vietnam with curiosity and confidence.

We use cookies to ensure you have the best website experience, to improve functionality and performance, personalize ads, and analyze traffic.

By clicking 'Allow and Close,' you agree to our use of cookies.