If you’re looking for a culturally authentic and unique destination that offers islands, caves, highlands and cities in a fabulous dash of dazzling diversity, Vietnam is the country in Southeast Asia for you!

From the delicious food to the amazing historical sites, vibrant street life and epic scenery, it’s hard to beat Vietnam and, honestly, I think if I had to name a favourite country in this region, this would be it.

Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh in the south are both hectic whirlwind cities that quickly wrap you into their chaotic charm, while spots like Dalat, Phong Nha and Napa offer amazing outdoor activities that can’t be missed.

In between, the stunning towns of Hoi An, Hue and D’Nang are must-visits – the sort of places where you can plan to come for a few days and end up spending weeks!

Although that said, it’s worth noting that Vietnam requires many European and North American passport holders to apply for a visa before they arrive in the country, so making sure your stay fits the number of days allowed is key here! 

And if you’re looking to save time and maximise your stay in Vietnam, then entering the country at Ho Chi Minh and departing from Hanoi (or visa-versa) – as opposed to doubling back on yourself – is a great way to see as much as possible.

From hiring a scooter to taking the train, catching domestic flights and even hopping on an overnight bus, there’s thankfully a lot of ways to get around Vietnam, but don’t forget to plan these ahead and factor in some pretty large distances.

Outside of this, all you need to do is kick back and enjoy this serious wonderful destination.

Learn more about travelling here in these posts…