Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that moves fast, eats well, and leaves you wanting more. It stretches over a thousand miles from the Chinese border in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, and every region has its own personality, its own cuisine, and its own reason to visit. Hanoi in the north is ancient and atmospheric, with French colonial architecture, temple filled lakes, and a street food culture that might be the best in the world. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south is modern and energetic, with rooftop bars, bustling markets, and a forward looking optimism that is contagious.

In between, you will find Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts rising out of emerald water, the UNESCO old town of Hoi An glowing with silk lanterns at dusk, the imperial citadel of Hue, and some of the most dramatic cave systems on the planet. And all of it at prices that make it one of the best value destinations in the world.

Where to Go

Hanoi is the cultural heart of Vietnam. The Old Quarter is a maze of narrow streets named after the goods once sold there: Silk Street, Silver Street, Paper Street. Each morning, locals gather around tiny plastic stools on the sidewalk for bowls of pho, the aromatic beef noodle soup that is as much a ritual as a meal. Hoan Kiem Lake is the spiritual center of the city, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university founded in 1070, is a serene escape from the chaos outside its walls.

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognizable landscapes in Southeast Asia. Thousands of limestone karsts and islands rise from the water, creating a dreamlike seascape. The best way to experience it is on an overnight cruise, sleeping on board as the boat anchors in a quiet bay surrounded by towering cliffs.

Hoi An is a perfectly preserved trading port town on the central coast. The old town glows at night with hundreds of silk lanterns reflected in the river. It is also the tailoring capital of Vietnam, where you can have custom suits, dresses, and shoes made in 24 to 48 hours at a fraction of Western prices. The beach is a short bike ride from town.

Ho Chi Minh City in the south is the economic engine of the country. The War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels outside the city provide sobering context on the Vietnam War. The food scene here is just as impressive as Hanoi but with its own southern flavors, including broken rice, banh mi sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls.

Let Us Plan Your Vietnam Trip

Vietnam trips work best as a north to south or south to north journey, connecting the major stops by domestic flights with ground transportation for shorter distances. Two weeks gives you time to see the highlights without rushing. Ten days works if you focus on either the north or south half. We will build the itinerary, arrange the flights and transfers, and recommend the best hotels and experiences at every stop.