Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most captivating destinations — a long, slender country stretching 1,650km from the Chinese border to the Gulf of Thailand, packed with extraordinary diversity. Ha Long Bay's 3,000 limestone karst islands are among Asia's most jaw-dropping landscapes. Hoi An's lantern-lit Old Town is one of the world's most atmospheric destinations. Ho Chi Minh City pulses with chaotic energy while Hanoi retains French colonial elegance. The terraced rice fields of Sapa glow green and gold with the seasons. Vietnamese cuisine — pho, banh mi, bun cha, fresh spring rolls — is one of the world's healthiest and most delicious food traditions. Affordable, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating.

Vietnam's elongated shape means the weather varies dramatically by region. North Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa): October to April — clear skies, cool temperatures, ideal for sightseeing. Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Hue, Da Nang): February to August is best — the south monsoon brings heavy rains from September to January. South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): November to April — the dry season. Tet Festival (January/February) is Vietnam's most important holiday — spectacular but many businesses close. For a full-country trip, aim for February–April when the north is clear and before the central region's storms. Book accommodation during Tet months in advance.