Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam is a wonderland of unforgettable adventures, where modern life meets tradition at every turn. Glass skyscrapers reach towards the sky in its bustling cities, reflecting the country's impressive economic growth, while just a few steps away, ancient temples and pagodas embody centuries of history. The countryside is worth exploring, too, as it's awash with rolling rice fields, picturesque villages and rich, age-old customs that tie Vietnam to its heritage. Whether gliding through the emerald waters of Halong Bay or savouring a steaming bowl of pho at a roadside stall, visitors can expect authenticity and excitement galore in this part of Southeast Asia.

Best time to visit Vietnam

There's no clear-cut best time to visit Vietnam, though spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) offer temperate weather and are the driest times of year. Travellers may want to avoid Monsoon season, which is roughly from May to September in the southwest and October to April in the Northeast. Nevertheless, most people travel over the December to January period. Travellers should remember that the regions have such varied weather patterns that it ultimately depends on where they intend to visit.

What to see in Vietnam

-See the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

-Explore the Cu Chi tunnels of the Viet Cong.

-Search for the mythical dragon of Halong Bay.

-Tour Hanoi's renowned Old Quarter.

What to do in Vietnam

-Ride a boat along the Perfume River and visit the Royal Tombs.

-Indulge in the big city nightlife of Pham Ngu Lao.

-Explore Sa Pa and Bac Ha near Hanoi.

-Enjoy the culinary delights of Hue.

Getting to Vietnam

Getting to Vietnam is easy as there are dozens of flights throughout the month. There are many cheap direct flights from the UK and indirect flights cost even less. Those flying from the US will also find some direct flights to Vietnam, but many indirect flights from major airports in the US are cheaper. Nearly all flights to Vietnam arrive at either at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at Ho Chi Minh City or at Noi Bai International Airport near Hanoi.

Read

Rising Dragon by Bill Hayton, Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong and Life in Hanoi by Pam Scott.

Listen

Pham Duy, Khan Ly and Le Thu.

Watch

Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass (2015), The Quiet American (1958), Living in Fear (2005), Pearls of the Far East (2011) and Owl and the Sparrow (2007).

Drink

Dua Tuoi (fresh coconut drink), Nuoc Sam (herbal tea), Ca Phe Sua Da (coffee with condensed milk) and Ruou Nep Cam (Sticky rice wine).

Eat

Pho (one of many fantastic Vietnamese soups), Banh Xeo ('sizzling pancake') and Bun Tom Nuong Xa (shrimp and vegetables).

What to buy

Vietnamese silk and Ao Dai (national dress), snake wine, local handicrafts and arts, jewellery and cheap electronics.

What to pack

Sandals are a must. Travellers should also bring padlocks for their bags and should carry valuables with them or lock them up. Moisture-wicking clothing is best and modest clothing is essential for visiting pogodas and temples. Basic medical supplies are always useful.

What's on in Vietnam

The O Loan Lagoon festival at the Black Dragon Lagoon is famous for its colourful setting and lively competitions, including boat racing, dancing, wrestling and much more. The Tet Festival is another major event and ushers in the Chinese New Year in magnificent style.

Did you know?

-The Vietnamese use traditional gongs instead of school bells in schools.

-One third of the world's cashew nuts come from Vietnam.

-The Vietnamese keep potbelly pigs as pets.

-Although a developing nation, Vietnam has a literacy rate of 94 percent.

A final word

Vietnam offers the perfect blend of energetic city life and rural tranquillity. It's one of the most inexpensive holiday destinations, and its tourist culture provides a kaleidoscopic view of this compelling nation.