About Vietnam
Vietnam unfurls north to south along 3,000 kilometers of coastline, offering travelers everything from the karst-studded waters of Ha Long Bay to the buzzing alleyways of Ho Chi Minh City. Its cuisine alone is worth the trip -- steaming bowls of pho ladled out at 5 AM, crispy banh mi stuffed with pate and pickled daikon, and drip coffee sweetened with condensed milk that fuels entire afternoons of exploration.
Things to Do
Cruise Ha Long Bay
Sail through thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, kayak into hidden grottoes, and sleep on a traditional junk boat under the stars.
Walk the Lantern-Lit Streets of Hoi An
Wander through this UNESCO-listed trading port at night when hundreds of silk lanterns cast a warm glow over the Thu Bon River.
Ride the Hai Van Pass
Take on one of Southeast Asia's most scenic coastal roads by motorbike, climbing through clouds above the turquoise coastline between Hue and Da Nang.
Slurp Pho in Hanoi's Old Quarter
Pull up a tiny plastic stool on a chaotic sidewalk and eat a steaming bowl of beef pho from a family that has perfected the recipe over generations.
Float Through the Mekong Delta
Navigate a maze of palm-lined tributaries, stopping at floating markets where vendors sell tropical fruit directly from their boats.
Local Tips
Crossing the street looks terrifying, but walk at a steady, predictable pace and motorbikes will flow around you -- never stop suddenly.
Grab Bia Hoi (fresh draft beer) for as little as 5,000 VND a glass at streetside stalls in Hanoi; it is brewed daily with no preservatives.
Use the Grab app (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing service) for fair-priced motorbike taxis and car rides in every major city.
Bargain respectfully at markets -- start at about half the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle.
Vietnam's north and south have very different climates; pack layers for the cool winters in Hanoi and light clothes for the year-round heat of Saigon.
Plan Your Trip
Browse 1 curated trip to Vietnam. Each includes a 7-day itinerary you can customize.
