Discover
Vietnam
Breathtaking karst landscapes, rich colonial history, and incredibly vibrant cuisine.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking seascape featuring thousands of towering limestone karsts and isles rising majestically from emerald green waters. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it covers over 1,500 square kilometers and is dotted with fascinating caves and grottoes. The bay's surreal beauty has inspired countless legends and remains one of Asia's most iconic natural landscapes. Visitors are transported into a dreamlike world where traditional junk boats glide silently past ancient geological formations.
Best Time
October to December for pleasant, dry weather, or March to May for clear skies.
Insider Tip
Opt for a smaller, boutique...
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its distinctive architecture reflects a captivating blend of indigenous and foreign influences, showcasing wooden Chinese shophouses, French colonial buildings, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. At night, the historic streets transform into a magical wonderland illuminated by thousands of colorful silk lanterns. The town is also renowned for its world-class tailoring, vibrant culinary scene, and timeless romantic atmosphere.
Best Time
February to May when the weather is mild and dry.
Insider Tip
Visit during the monthly Full...
Phong Nha-Ke Bang
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a massive UNESCO-listed wilderness that harbors the oldest karst mountains in Asia and a spectacular underground cave system. It is home to Son Doong, the largest cave passage in the world, which is so massive it has its own localized weather system and jungle. The park's rugged landscape is blanketed in dense tropical forests teeming with diverse wildlife and hidden rivers. It represents the ultimate frontier for spelunkers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts seeking untouched environments.
Best Time
February to August; avoid the rainy season from September to January when caves may flood.
Insider Tip
Book cave expeditions well in...
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast, intricate network of underground passageways located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. Originally dug by hand, this incredible labyrinth served as the Viet Cong's base of operations during the Vietnam War, complete with living quarters, hospitals, supply routes, and command centers. The tunnels provide a profound and sobering insight into the resilience, ingenuity, and sheer determination of the Vietnamese soldiers. Today, a preserved section of the tunnels allows visitors to experience the claustrophobic reality of subterranean wartime life.
Best Time
December to April during the dry season to avoid muddy conditions.
Insider Tip
Opt for a luxury speedboat...
Sapa Terraces
The Sapa region is renowned for its plunging valleys and dramatic mountains, intricately sculpted with some of the most spectacular cascading rice terraces in the world. Carved into the steep hillsides over centuries by ethnic minority groups like the Hmong and Dao, these terraces change color with the seasons—from shimmering mirrors in spring to vibrant emerald in summer, and golden yellow in autumn. The misty climate and dramatic topography create a mystical atmosphere that has captivated artists and photographers. It is a stunning showcase of the harmonious relationship between human agriculture and sublime nature.
Best Time
September to October for golden rice harvests, or March to May for warm weather and clear skies.
Insider Tip
Stay in a boutique eco-lodge...
Hue Imperial City
The Hue Imperial City, located along the serene Perfume River, is a massive 19th-century citadel that once served as the political and cultural epicenter of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enclosed by thick stone walls and a moat, this sprawling complex contains exquisite palaces, ornate pavilions, ancient temples, and beautiful royal gardens. Despite enduring significant damage during the Vietnam War, extensive restorations have revived much of its former imperial glory. The site is a profound architectural marvel that reflects the opulence, poetry, and tragedy of Vietnam's last royal family.
Best Time
February to April when the weather is cool and dry, perfect for exploring the expansive outdoor complex.
Insider Tip
Hire a knowledgeable private historian...
Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest and most idyllic island, ringed by pristine white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Over half of the island is protected as a national park, featuring dense tropical jungles, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. In recent years, Phu Quoc has transformed into a premier luxury destination, boasting world-class resorts, sophisticated beach clubs, and an impressive cable car system. It is also famous for producing Vietnam's finest fish sauce and exquisite cultivated pearls.
Best Time
November to April during the dry season for perfect beach weather and calm seas.
Insider Tip
Take the world's longest over-sea...
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a vast, fertile maze of rivers, swamps, and islands, often referred to as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam. This vibrant aquatic world is characterized by bustling floating markets, lush fruit orchards, emerald rice paddies, and traditional villages built on stilts. Life here is inextricably linked to the water, offering a fascinating glimpse into a resilient and unique agricultural lifestyle. The delta's intricate network of canals provides a serene and mesmerizing environment for exploration by boat.
Best Time
October to March when the water levels are ideal and the weather is less humid.
Insider Tip
Skip the crowded day trips...
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries by the kings of Champa. Set in a lush, jungle-clad valley surrounded by towering mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site was once the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom. The incredibly intricate red brick structures, adorned with exquisite sandstone carvings of Hindu deities, stand as a testament to a magnificent lost civilization. Despite the ravages of time and war, the site retains a profound spiritual and mysterious aura.
Best Time
February to April. Arrive at sunrise to avoid the heat and the larger tourist crowds.
Insider Tip
Hire a private guide to...
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning 'Lake of the Returned Sword', is the historic and spiritual heart of Hanoi. Surrounded by shaded promenades, ancient trees, and French colonial architecture, it provides a tranquil oasis amidst the frenetic energy of the capital. In the center of the emerald waters sits the iconic Turtle Tower, while the vibrant red Huc Bridge connects the shore to the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island. The lake is deeply intertwined with local folklore and serves as the primary gathering place for Hanoians from dawn till dusk.
Best Time
September to November for beautiful autumn weather and golden light.
Insider Tip
Visit on the weekend when...
Da Nang (Golden Bridge)
The Golden Bridge, perched 1,400 meters above sea level in the Ba Na Hills near Da Nang, is a breathtaking architectural marvel that has taken the world by storm. The 150-meter-long pedestrian walkway is seemingly held aloft by two colossal, weathered stone hands emerging from the lush hillside. Designed to evoke the hands of a god pulling a strip of gold from the earth, the bridge offers sweeping panoramic views of the Truong Son mountains and the East Sea. It is a brilliant fusion of innovative modern design and dramatic natural scenery.
Best Time
March to August for the clearest views; arrive early in the morning to avoid the mist and crowds.
Insider Tip
Stay at a resort in...
Ninh Binh (Trang An)
Often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land,' the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh is a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage site. It features a spectacular landscape of sheer limestone karst peaks rising dramatically from serene, emerald-green river valleys and golden rice paddies. The region is crisscrossed by a network of tranquil waterways that flow through mysterious subterranean caves and past ancient hillside temples. This awe-inspiring topography has served as the cinematic backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters like 'Kong: Skull Island'.
Best Time
May to July to see the rice paddies turn a brilliant golden yellow.
Insider Tip
Take the Trang An boat...
Mui Ne Sand Dunes
The Mui Ne Sand Dunes present a striking desert-like anomaly amidst Vietnam's lush tropical landscapes. Comprising both the expansive White Dunes and the smaller, intensely colored Red Dunes, this surreal environment looks like a slice of the Sahara dropped onto the Vietnamese coast. The dunes constantly shift and change shape under the coastal winds, creating mesmerising patterns and dramatic shadows. Located near a picturesque fishing village, the contrast between the arid dunes and the nearby deep blue ocean is visually spectacular.
Best Time
December to April when the weather is sunny, dry, and windy.
Insider Tip
Book a sunrise vintage Jeep...
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc Waterfall is an awe-inspiring natural spectacle and the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, majestically straddling the border between Vietnam and China. Fed by the Quay Son River, the cascade drops an impressive 30 meters across multiple limestone terraces, creating a thunderous roar and a perpetual misty rainbow. Surrounded by majestic karst peaks, dense bamboo groves, and golden rice fields, the setting is incredibly idyllic and pristine. It remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, offering a genuinely raw and magnificent wilderness experience.
Best Time
September to October when the water is crystal clear and the surrounding rice paddies are golden.
Insider Tip
Combine the visit with a...
Dalat
Dalat, often called the 'City of Eternal Spring,' is a picturesque mountain resort town originally developed by the French in the early 1900s as a cool-weather retreat. The town is famous for its elegant French colonial villas, serene pine forests, rolling flower fields, and romantic misty lakes. The temperate climate allows for the cultivation of strawberries, coffee, and vibrant flowers, giving the region a distinct, almost European ambiance. Dalat's quirky architecture, charming cafes, and lush valleys make it a beloved destination for honeymooners and romantics.
Best Time
November to March when the weather is crisp, dry, and perfect for outdoor activities.
Insider Tip
Visit the meticulously restored French...
Fansipan
Standing majestically at 3,143 meters, Fansipan is revered as the 'Roof of Indochina,' being the highest peak in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Historically accessible only via a grueling multi-day trek through dense jungle, the summit is now attainable via an incredible, record-breaking cable car system. The journey to the top unveils dramatic, sweeping views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, plunging valleys, and swirling sea of clouds. The summit itself features magnificent Buddhist temples and statues that emerge beautifully from the alpine mist.
Best Time
October to November or March to April for the clearest skies and best chance to see the 'sea of clouds'.
Insider Tip
Take the early morning cable...
Con Dao Islands
The Con Dao Islands are an isolated archipelago of 16 mountainous islands known for their incredibly pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rugged, untouched natural beauty. Once a notorious penal colony during the French colonial era and the Vietnam War, the main island has dramatically transformed into a serene national park. The islands are globally recognized for their vital marine conservation efforts, particularly as a premier nesting ground for endangered green sea turtles. With strict environmental protections in place, Con Dao retains an exclusive, untouched paradise feel.
Best Time
March to September when the ocean is calmest; turtle hatching season peaks from June to September.
Insider Tip
Book a stay at an...
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is the bustling, vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City and one of its most iconic surviving architectural structures from the French colonial period. This massive indoor marketplace is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells, housing thousands of vendors selling everything from fresh exotic produce and fragrant spices to intricate handicrafts and bespoke textiles. In the evening, the perimeter of the market transforms into a lively night street food bazaar. It is an essential microcosm of Vietnamese commerce and culinary culture.
Best Time
Early morning (around 7 AM) to see the fresh food stalls at their most vibrant, or after 7 PM for the lively night market.
Insider Tip
Bargaining is expected; always counter-offer...
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is the largest island in the spectacular Ha Long Bay archipelago and stands out for its rugged, jungle-clad topography. Over half of the island is designated as a national park, providing a vital habitat for the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur and featuring a dramatic landscape of limestone peaks, hidden waterfalls, and dense mangrove forests. Unlike the purely aquatic experience of Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba offers a superb mix of deep jungle trekking, rock climbing, and pristine sandy coves. It serves as an excellent, more adventurous base for exploring the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay.
Best Time
October to November for perfect hiking weather and clear skies for cruising.
Insider Tip
Charter a private luxury yacht...
Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake is Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lake, nestled high in the remote limestone mountains of Ba Be National Park. Encompassed by ancient, dense evergreen forests and towering karst peaks, the lake's tranquil, mirror-like waters span over 8 kilometers. The surrounding national park is a biodiversity hotspot, riddled with massive limestone caves, cascading waterfalls, and traditional Tay ethnic minority villages built on stilts along the water's edge. It remains a deeply tranquil, off-the-beaten-path destination that feels completely isolated from the modern world.
Best Time
August to October when the lake is full, the water is clear, and the weather is cool.
Insider Tip
Take a boat through the...
Travel Tips for Vietnam
- 1.
Cross the street slowly and steadily
- 2.
Try pho for breakfast
- 3.
Haggle at local markets