About Vietnam
Vietnam is long, and most itineraries run north to south: Hanoi and Halong Bay, then Hoi An and Hue in the centre, then Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Internal flights make the distances workable.
Best time to visit
The country spans several climates. February to April and August to October work well nationwide. The north is cold in December and January; the centre floods between October and November.
Top attractions
- Halong Bay overnight cruise
- Hoi An old town and its lanterns
- Hanoi old quarter street food
- Cu Chi tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City
- Mekong Delta floating markets
- Hue imperial citadel
Travel tips
- Internal flights are inexpensive and save long overnight trains
- Halong Bay cruises vary enormously in quality, choose a small vessel
- Street food is safe where there is turnover, follow the queues
- Carry small denomination notes for markets and taxis
