The pure joy of getting sand on your toes, sun on your skin and saltwater in your hair is never far away when you’re in Vietnam. There are countless beaches to choose from – some well-known, others completely hidden. Vietnam’s islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc are famous for having the most inviting water and pristine shores. If you enjoy a bit of activity and nightlife mixed into your beach holidays, the coastal towns of Da Nang and Nha Trang offer just that. Need an escape from the world? Humble Quy Nhon is a well-kept secret. Even more remote? Set your sights on Cham Islands or Tam Ky in Central Vietnam. See the stories below for more beach-y inspiration.

Vietnam is an unforgettable country for family travel. A wide variety of incredible destinations and interesting activities ensure memories made here will last a lifetime. For a relaxing break, head to seaside destinations such as Da Nang and Phu Quoc, where you can spread out on the sand, eat in seafood markets, and ride boats at sunset. For a more stimulating time, the parks and streets of Hanoi offer youngsters a special view of local life in Vietnam. Strolling the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, boating in beautiful Ha Long Bay, and cycling the lush valleys of Mai Chau are just a few fantastic activities families can experience together. Worried about getting around? Affordable flights, private tours, and upscale resorts are accessible across the country, making it easy to plan hassle-free holidays.

Wellness is a way of life in Vietnam. If you’re seeking to reconnect, re-balance, and restore during your holidays, you’ve come to the right place. Take your pick of tranquil wellness resorts in Da Nang and Nha Trang, step into a few yoga or meditation classes in Hoi An, or do a full detox at a mountain retreat in Da Lat. Even in Vietnam’s most energetic cities, countless day spas offer professional massages and therapies at surprisingly reasonable rates. Healthy eating is pure pleasure in Vietnam. Here, ingredients are pulled fresh from the land and sea, and prepared in exquisite, nourishing meals. For a deeper journey into mindfulness, the ancient city of Hue beckons with Zen houses, peaceful pagodas, and uninterrupted serenity.

Adventure in Vietnam comes in many forms – from the breathtaking mountain passes of Ha Giang, to the wondrous caves of Phong Nha, to the windswept waves of Mui Ne. If you’re an adventure seeker, you find an astonishing variety of experiences to choose from here. In fact, you’d probably need several trips just to cover the basics. If it’s your first time in Vietnam, a few of the country’s most highly rated outdoor adventures include motorbiking over the Hai Van Pass, hiking Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and rock climbing in Ha Long Bay. Whether you enjoy scuba diving or spelunking, canyoning or cycling, Vietnam will tempt you with affordable adventures in some truly photo-worthy destinations. Don’t forget to check out our events calendar for a list of upcoming marathons.

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.