A Vietnam holiday combines history, culture, stunning scenery and tasty cuisine. Some people find it hard to decide whether to visit the north or south part of the country, as both regions have unique landscapes and cultures; which is why our Explore Vietnam tour is perfect as we get to see it all! We've outlined some of the top places and activities you should experience in this wonderfully diverse country, so let's explore Vietnam.
Top Places to Visit in North Vietnam
Cruise Through Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay offers a quieter alternative to neighbouring Ha Long Bay, with emerald waters and limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea.
Head out on the water, visit Thien Canh Son Cave and kayak between the limestone formations before spending the night aboard a traditional wooden junk boat. As evening arrives, take in the views from the sundeck and join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration or try squid fishing.
The next morning, start the day with Tai Chi on deck as the bay comes to life around you.
Visit Hanoi, Vietnam's Capital
Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, doesn't take long to make an impression. Expect busy markets, winding streets, historic architecture and what can sometimes feel like an endless stream of motorbikes.
There’s plenty of history to take in too, with landmarks including the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Museum of Ethnology and Temple of Literature.
One of the best ways to see the Old Quarter is by cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi that takes you right into the middle of the action. For something slower-paced, head to Hoàn Kiếm Lake for a walk and watch city life unfold around you.
See Rural Vietnam in Tam Coc
Leave the energy of Hanoi behind and head into the countryside around Tam Coc, where rice fields, waterways and limestone formations change the pace completely.
Take a sampan along the river, passing between towering limestone formations and through caves carved into the mountains. You may even see local rowers using their feet to propel the boats, a technique associated with this part of Vietnam.
Then swap boat for bike and cycle towards Bich Dong Pagoda, a series of three pagodas built into the mountainside. It’s a great way to combine some time on two wheels with one of the area's most interesting historic sites.
Top Places to Visit in Southern Vietnam
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s wartime history. Used by Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War, the wider tunnel network extended for more than 200 kilometres and included living areas, storage spaces and command centres.
Today, sections have been preserved for visitors, giving you a sense of the conditions underground and the ingenuity involved in constructing such an extensive network.
Take in the Energy of Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced, energetic and very different from the rural landscapes you'll encounter elsewhere in Vietnam.
Its French colonial history remains visible in landmarks such as the Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, while markets, cafés, restaurants and busy streets show you the modern city in full swing.
Cycle and Cruise Through the Mekong Delta
Known as the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’, the Mekong Delta is a landscape of rivers, canals, farmland and villages.
Spend time in Can Tho, take a boat trip along the waterways and get on your bike to see more of life around the Delta. You’ll also visit Cai Rang Floating Market, where boats have long been used to trade produce on the river.
Get a Taste of Vietnamese Food
You can learn a lot about Vietnam through its food, and there’s plenty to try as you travel around the country.
Fresh herbs, vegetables, noodles and aromatic broths feature heavily, with dishes changing as you travel between different regions. Try fresh spring rolls, pull up a stool at a local spot in Hanoi or get involved in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
Not sure where to eat? A busy local restaurant is usually a pretty good sign.
Ready for a Vietnam Adventure Holiday?
Want to see Vietnam beyond the usual sightseeing? Our Vietnam adventure holiday takes you through the country from north to south, with plenty of ways to get involved along the way.
Take a cyclo through Hanoi, cycle through the countryside, cruise among the limestone formations of Bai Tu Long Bay and get out on the waterways of the Mekong Delta. With a local expert guide and the practical details taken care of, you can concentrate on experiencing Vietnam as you go.
