1. Embrace past and future Vietnam in historic Hanoi
The lively capital of the former North Vietnam—and presently the country’s capital—Hanoi is where the historical and modern aspects of Vietnam converge. Remnants of the imperial past linger in a city that is rapidly ascending—vendors navigate the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter, selling delicacies from traditional yoke baskets, while towering structures are illuminated by advertising and neon lights.
Exploring the city on foot is both atmospheric and pleasurable—balance your days by visiting historical and imperial sites with evenings savoring some of Asia’s finest cuisine and engaging in spirited nightlife, perhaps enjoying refreshing bia hoi (local draught beer) to counteract the summer heat.
Planning tip: As the locals say, Hanoi is vibrant, and the best places to experience this energy include welcoming live music venues such as the atmospheric Binh Minh Jazz Club and the lively Hanoi Rock City.
2. Find your own island in the sun in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay
3. Get your fill of imperial cuisine in handsome Hue
Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty thrived in Hue until 1945, and the city’s remnants of imperial grandeur, although suffering damage, still evoke a strong connection to imperial China. Nevertheless, many visitors are drawn primarily by the culinary scene. It is believed that over half of Vietnam’s estimated 3000 distinct local dishes originated in Hue. Among the offerings are the vermicelli-noodle based bun bo Hue and crispy banh khoai pancakes garnished with shrimp and pork, along with exquisite banh ram it dumplings, which are soft and crunchy like canapés. The opulent imperial cuisine known as am thuc cung dinh—crafted by the chefs of the emperors—can still be savored at esteemed restaurants in Hue, such as Thin Gia Vien and Hoang Phu.
Planning tip: Don’t limit yourself to high-end royal banquets; for less than 100,000 dong, you can enjoy delectable Hue specialties at bustling, popular eateries like Madam Thu or at street food vendors.
4. Meet Vietnam’s imperial leaders in the Hue tombs
Hue makes another appearance on the list for its astonishing imperial tombs, which honor the remains of several Nguyen emperors and empresses, spanning from the founding emperor Gia Long to Khai Dinh, the last Nguyen emperor interred on Vietnamese soil (his son, Bao Dai, the final emperor of Vietnam, rests in the Cimetiére de Passy in Paris).
While the Citadel and Imperial Enclosure draw large crowds, serene moments for reflection can still be found by bypassing boat tours and opting to rent a motorcycle to visit the extravagant mausoleums situated along the Perfume River. Do not overlook the impressive Thien Mu Pagoda, which dominates the northern riverbank on the city’s outskirts.
Detour: With a motorcycle, you can also journey north from Hue to discover pristine sandy beaches on the barrier island stretching north and south from Thuan An.
5. Learn to make soups, stir-fries and salads on a cooking course
6. Unravel Vietnam’s complex religious history in My Son
While tourists flock to the grand assembly halls, pagodas and historical residences in Hoi An, the nearby My Son offers a quieter glimpse into Vietnam’s intricate and layered history—particularly if visited in the afternoon. Its major attraction lies in the atmospheric collection of UNESCO-listed Hindu temple ruins enveloped by jungle along the sacred loop of the Thu Bon River.
These decaying, red-brick shrines, constructed from the 4th to 14th centuries by the Hindu kingdom of Champa, share architectural similarities with the Khmer temples of Cambodia and Thailand. The descendants of this ancient kingdom—the Cham people—can still be found in pockets throughout central Vietnam. With only the sounds of birdsong to interrupt the tranquility, the site excels in both atmosphere and historical significance.
Detour: If you base your explorations in Hoi An, allocate a day for visiting the nearby Cham Islands, an impressive marine reserve where granite islands are still inhabited by Cham people, the majority of whom are now followers of Islam.
Transportation in Vietnam predominantly occurs on two wheels, and exploring the hill country of the northwest via motorcycle proves to be the most exhilarating method, notwithstanding the challenges posed by local driving conditions, wandering livestock, and steep winding roads. Rent a high-quality bike in Hanoi and place your vehicle on the train to Lao Cai, thus avoiding the nerve-wracking journey out of the capital.
Upon arrival at the heart of this picturesque highland region, you can venture out to remote villages, far removed from tourist crowds, to enjoy stunning vistas and nights spent in charming homestays operated by various tribal minority groups.
Planning tip: An international driving permit is necessary for legal riding in Vietnam and is available only to specific nationalities. While some travelers successfully rent a motorcycle without this permit, it is essential to understand that in the event of an incident, travel insurance coverage may not apply.
9. See the American War through Vietnamese eyes
Contemporary Vietnam is moving forward from its war-torn past; however, the battlefields from the American War remain as poignant reminders of the resilience demonstrated to reach the present. Sites marking significant American losses, including Hamburger Hill in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), are ingrained in public memory. Yet, the wartime tunnels in Cu Chi near HCMC and Vinh Moc near Hue provide insight into the Vietnamese experience, illustrating how ordinary citizens undertook extraordinary measures to resist unprecedented global power.
10. Visit villages in the “Asian Alps”
The former French hill station of Sapa is ensconced in mountains so impressive that colonial powers referred to them as the “Tonkinese Alps.” The adjacent villages of the H’Mong and Dao ethnic groups have become sought-after destinations for hikers, albeit with some commodification over time.
For a taste of the serene landscapes that originally attracted adventurers to these verdant hills, head instead to the drier, more tranquil Bac Ha, or explore the pathways and mountain roads around Ha Giang province, adjacent to the border with China and seemingly sculpted by divine hands. Stay in welcoming homestays and discover local markets, tranquil stilt-house villages, remnants from the French colonial era, and soaring limestone cliffs, all while avoiding the bustling tourist scenes.
Planning tip: Numerous locales contend for the title of Vietnam’s most stunning vista, yet the viewpoints overlooking the Dong Van Karst Plateau are formidable contenders. Designated as a UNESCO Geopark, the route from Yen Minh to Dong Van, traversing the Mai Pi Leng Pass to Meo Vac, is particularly breathtaking.
11. Find a perfect cup of coffee in the Central Highlands
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, nestled in north central Vietnam, reveals a hidden realm of wilderness and caverns, including the world’s largest, Hang Son Doong. The immense scale of this natural marvel is astounding—a 747 airplane could easily navigate the cave’s principal tunnel.
Segments of the limestone ceiling have collapsed, allowing natural light to permeate, creating a vibrant rainforest ecosystem within Hang Son Doong, housing flying foxes, rare langurs, and a small population of tigers. Since 2012, one tour operator—Oxalis Adventure—has been authorized to guide a limited number of visitors into Hang Son Doong via challenging four-day treks; while the cost is substantial, the breathtaking scenery justifies the expense.
13. Walk with the ghosts of French Indochina in Ho Chi Minh City
The former capital of South Vietnam, now known as Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), retains the rich history from its previous era, visible in the American War artifacts housed in the HCMC Museum and the War Remnants Museum. The city is also renowned for its graceful French colonial mansions and institutional buildings, many of which have been transformed into museums, restaurants, and boutique hotels.
To experience the charm of vintage Saigon, pause for a cup of ca phe sua (milk coffee) at the elegant Hotel Continental Saigon, indulge in contemporary French cuisine at La Villa, and take a stroll past the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the People’s Committee Building—originally HCMC’s Hôtel de Ville, rebranded after the Vietnamese expulsion of the colonial forces.
Planning tip: To fully savor the captivating and diverse array of HCMC street food, consider a gastronomic scooter tour with Saigon Street Eats.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City effortlessly through available excursions.
14. Bask on beautiful beaches
The spectacular beaches of Phu Quoc Island and Danang, originally developed as recreational havens for American soldiers, have transformed into lively resort destinations. To uncover unspoiled sands, contemporary travelers direct their focus to the kitesurfing locales near Mui Ne, the sandy expanses of the Con Dao archipelago, and the serene stretches of Hong Van Beach on Co To Island in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Planning tip: The ideal time for a beach excursion varies across the nation. In central Vietnam, sunny days are most prevalent from January to August, while December through April offers excellent beach conditions along the southern coast, and northern Vietnam enjoys dry weather from October through April.
15. Float on the Mekong Delta
Extending into the East Sea like a massive hand, the mighty Mekong Delta signifies the terminus of Southeast Asia’s longest river, a remarkable 4350km (2700 mile) flow originating in the Tibetan plateau before emptying south of Ho Chi Minh City. This waterlogged landscape serves as Vietnam’s agricultural heart, supporting a network of tranquil towns and stilted villages whose inhabitants rely on the river for their livelihood and commerce.
For a comfortable exploration, consider an overnight cruise along the primary channel near Can Tho or a cross-border journey to Siem Reap in Cambodia. For a less commercialized experience, indulge in a day trip to the backwaters near Ben Tre with Mango Cruises or arrange your own outings with local boat owners in Delta communities.
