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is one of the world’s greatest river regions and serves as a crucial transport and agricultural hub. Known as the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’, it has lush rice paddy fields and colourful fruit orchards, enchanting villages and bustling floating markets. is home to hundreds of species of animals and fish, not to mention its human inhabitants. The locals have adapted well to life on the water, travelling, fishing, trading and even sleeping on their sampans and boats.
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is the vibrant, cosmopolitan hub of Vietnam and the original ‘Pearl of the Orient’. In this thriving metropolis, old and new collide. Gleaming sky scrapers, expensive restaurants, bars and designer shops, stand in stark contrast to the ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks, ramshackle markets and wandering monks. Key sites such as the historic Reunification Palace, the Revolutionary Museum and the War Remnants Museum provide a fascinating insight into the Vietnam War and the historic fall of Saigon in 1975.
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A chain of 15 islands and islets, it is one of Vietnam’s star attractions with stunning deserted beaches, coral reefs, scenic bays and thick forests 80% of the islands’ land mass forms the National Park which protects sea turtle nesting grounds. Con Son island is the main hub and has so far avoided mass tourism making it a relatively untouched paradise with access to the surrounding islands and their idyllic beaches.
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Is a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Region. There are thousands of karst limestone and jungle covered peaks and isles, rise dramatically out of the emerald waters of the bay. Here you can explore remote offshore islands, kayak and swim in the warm waters and capture an incredible sunset over a panorama of peaks.
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Considered to be the beach capital of Vietnam, it is famed for its sweeping stretch of beautiful beach with offshore islands adding to the appeal. The turquoise waters offer fantastic diving opportunities while the imposing mountains that loom over the city make for a stunning setting. Century-old Cham towers still stand in the centre of town.
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Known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’, it is the gracious capital and cultural heart of Vietnam. Located on the northern Red River Delta, it is dotted with scenic lakes and leafy boulevards. Brightly coloured pagodas and crumbling 11th century buildings, stand alongside modern high rises and grand French colonial style villas. Age old customs are retained in the winding streets and alleys of the Old Quarter and he city’s French colonial legacy remains evident.
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Is a beautiful beach resort built around a charming fishing village. The famous red and white sand dunes are a perfect photo opportunity as the changing winds sculpt the vivid sands while for the more adventurous sand-sledding is possible.
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Is a former merchant trading post, famed for its beautifully preserved architecture, ancient cobbled streets and picturesque riverside location. Today, it is awash with art stalls and markets, fabulous restaurants and cooking schools, not to mention streets literally lined with tailor-shops, all catering for the town’s thriving tourist trade. Nevertheless it still manages to retain its traditional character and charm and with pedestrian streets devoid of the usual cacophony and chaos of traffic, its quiet and relaxed pace of life adds to its effortless appeal.
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Located 1,500m above sea level, it is a former French hill station, nestled in the rugged Tonkinese Alps and surrounded by lush valleys and verdant rice paddy fields. Here, farmers in conical hats plough the fields with water buffalo and local ethnic minority groups (such as H'mong and Dzao) maintain their age old traditions and way of life, including their own language and wearing intricately embroidered traditional clothing. Cooler than the city, it is ideal for hiking in pristine scenery and visiting the ethnic minority villages.
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Situated right in the middle of Vietnam, it is a stunning, imperial city brimming with a rich history and cultural heritage. Much like Beijing, it has its own Forbidden City, which is now in ruins because of the Vietnamese-American war and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Exploring the imperial citadel and tombs is an amazing experience and gives great insight into Vietnam’s turbulent past.
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