Vietnam

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is an obvious starting point for any itinerary. Located in Northern Vietnam, it harmoniously blends French colonial charm with cutting-edge modernity and is undoubtedly one of Asia’s most striking cities. Take care navigating the bustling streets, teeming with hilariously-laden motorbikes and market traders! Our tip? Just keep walking and the melee seamlessly flows around you.

Journey east of Hanoi and you’ll discover Halong Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site features more than 2000 stunning islands rising from the azure waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. It is understandably high on the tourist agenda, so we recommend escaping Halong City itself and instead heading for Cat Ba Island and opting for a cruise in a traditional junk in quieter Lan Ha Bay.

Continuing down Vietnam’s curvaceous coastline to Central Vietnam, the ancient cities of Hue and Hoi An await. For history buffs, Hue – Vietnam’s former Royal Capital – evokes the sheer power of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire, including an epic complex of monuments, tombs and pagodas. Hoi An is warm and welcoming with a magical story-book feel, thanks to the millions of beautiful lanterns that dress its winding, cobbled streets. Hoi An is also blessed with beautiful beaches just a ten-minute drive away, perfect for a beach flop after a good slice of culture. Alternatively, base yourself in one of the fabulous hotels here and explore the area in sandy-toed leisure.

Southern Vietnam is home to the extensive Mekong Delta with its bustling floating markets and winding paths that are heaven for any level of cyclist to explore. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City comprises a high-energy and vibrant mixture of culture and commerce. Here designer hotels, boutiques, markets, street stalls and top restaurants cater for every possible need while old-fashioned alleys and incense-infused temples lie beneath sleek towering skyscrapers and chic malls. Once a city torn apart, the former Saigon is a beguiling mix of old and new Vietnam. For a final beach flourish, we recommend the beautiful tropical island of Phu Quoc. Just a short hop from Ho Chi Minh, it’s a white-fringed tropical paradise.