Vietnam stretches down the eastern coast of Indochina, a paper-thin country with a rich history and beautiful landscape. There are vivid rice terraces in the north and pulsating cities in the south, interspersed with towns adorned with Japanese bridges, Buddhist pagodas, and landmarks paying homage to a communist past. Combine all this with serene beaches, floating villages and exquisite dining, and the possibilities are boundless. Our specialists have travelled extensively through the region, from its cities to its countryside, and are here to help you plan your perfect Vietnam holiday.

Pulsating cities 

Vietnam’s capital Hanoi is chaotic and buzzing, its Old Quarter filled with narrow streets and endless markets nestled alongside pretty lakes and bridges. Among the ancient architecture is a bustling restaurant scene, where you can find anything from authentic street food to quirky rooftop eateries. Historic temples such as Bach Ma and the lakeside Tran Quoc pagoda add to the charm. By contrast, Hoi An recalls a bygone area, its wonderfully-preserved Ancient Town heaving with lantern displays and little markets lining a network of canals. Further south still you'll find Ho Chi Minh, famous for its French colonial architecture, bustling food markets and countless museums, including the sobering War Remnants Museum. Keen to see all three cities? Our Highlights of Vietnam itinerary includes them all.

Notre Dame, Ho Chi Minh City

Glorious countryside 

Some of the world's most spectacular caves lie in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Reach them via motorbike – it’s well worth the journey – before kayaking and trekking through the ethereal grottoes. Further north, emblematic rice terraces dominate in Sapa, but Pu Luong is a more serene and emptier choice, all tumbling rice paddies, unspoilt landscapes and charming mountain villages. Stay here in a bamboo bungalow, complete with infinity pool – you’ll feel far removed from the bustle of the city. Alternatively, head south to Dak Lak, vaunting stunning lakes, pine forests and gushing waterfalls. You’ll also find endless coffee plantations here. And, our specialists are here to help plan your trip if you can’t decide which corner of Vietnam to explore.

Pu Luong

Idyllic beaches and waterways

Vietnam has beaches to rival the Seychelles, but at a far lower price tag. Just minutes from Hoi An city lies the stunning An Bang Beach, offering excellent watersports, paddle-boarding and surfing. If you’re after some white-sands relaxation, paradisical Phu Quoc Island offers world-class snorkelling among rainbow corals and technicolour fish. On a grander scale, Ha Long Bay is well known for its beauty, and its popularity is obvious in the number of tourists it attracts each year. But, if you'd rather avoid crowds, its quieter little sister – Lan Ha Bay – is a better bet, where rainforests and rice fields tumble into azure waters perfect for kayaking and swimming. A traditional junk cruise is perhaps the best way to appreciate its splendour. The Mekong Delta is perhaps most impressive of all. Board an overnight river cruise to discover one of the world’s great waterways, home to floating markets and peaceful tributaries leading to remote villages. You can even cruise from Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia, taking in riverside monasteries and ancient temples en route to magnificent Angkor Wat. With first-hand knowledge of the region, our experts can help you get there.

Mekong Delta