Experiences in Vietnam

Travel around Vietnam, and you’ll find that tastes and dishes vary from North to South. In the capital, locals may lunch on bún chả with slices of pork belly, while the Saigonese wolf down bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) rolled with greens and dipped in sweet-and-sour fish sauce. In the former Imperial City, meaty bún bò Huế is a breakfast favourite, while in Hội An, you can’t beat a bowl of toothsome cao lầu noodles for a quick snack. From simple home cooking to addictive street eats to modern Vietnamese dining, it would take a lifetime to eat your way through all this delicious diversity.

Nature in Vietnam

One thing is for sure, Vietnam is a country of diversity. If you love nature, you’ll have countless appealing destinations to choose from. Long-distance cycling and motorbike trips are ideal for soaking up views of gaping mountain passes and sun-drenched rice fields. Vietnam offers water babies excellent scuba-diving in Nha Trang, kite-surfing in Mui Ne, and sparkling beaches in Phu Quoc and Con Dao. Cruise and kayak through majestic Halong Bay, or test your legs in the epic cave systems of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. For a romantic stay, plan a riverside retreat in the Mekong Delta or head to the forests of Dalat. When it comes to enjoying nature in Vietnam, the list is truly exciting, and possibly endless.

Vietnamese Culture

Vietnam inherited its cultural wealth from thousands of years of history, sprinkled with a handful of outside influences. Through it all, the Vietnamese have a strong sense of pride in their traditions and way of life. The central cities of Hue and Hoi An are treasure troves for culture lovers, as is Hanoi, the country’s graceful capital. Outside the cities, many elements of Vietnamese culture trace back to cycles of wet rice cultivation, from harvest festivals to table manners. There are countless ways to immerse yourself in the fabric of Vietnamese life, including cooking classes, craft workshops, temple tours, musical performances, museums visits and more.

Cities in Vietnam

While Vietnam’s countryside casts a serene spell, its cities have an appeal all their own. Get a taste of urban Vietnamese culture by spending a few days in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Here you’ll have world-class dining alongside cheap-as-chips street food, ancient pagodas next to five-star hotels, and glittering shopping malls around the corner from bustling markets. Hanoi is a city of lakes, and its historical and cultural treasures will charm those with a penchant for the past. Ho Chi Minh City has an irresistible energy, and is home to uber-cool rooftop bars, trendy coworking spaces, and colonial-chic cafes. Don’t forget to hop on a scooter at least once in your visit to truly feel the pulse of urban Vietnam.