The Best of Vietnam

Vietnam is an amazingly diverse country and one that offers much to travellers. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure that these destinations are on your list.

The Cities:

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

HCMC, formerly known as Saigon, is the epicentre of activity in Vietnam. A frenetic city of perpetual motorbike, and increasingly car, traffic, HCMC is the city that never sleeps. Many will want to visit the beautiful City Hall and have their photo taken with Uncle Ho out the front, see where the Reunification Palace gates were stormed at the end of the Vietnam (American) War, or try to find a bargain at Ben Thanh Market, however some of the greatest pleasures to in HCMC are to be found in eating and drinking. One of the few locations in Vietnam with truly international cuisine, HCMC is definitely a place to indulge your gluttony. There are also rooftop bars atop a number of the major hotels which provide a wonderful respite from the chaos below and a great beginning to a big night out.

Hanoi

As the expatriates will tell you, you're either a HCMC or a Hanoi person. Although I am undoubtedly the former, there are still a number of pleasures to be found in the north. The area around the lake is truly lovely and the slightly more leisurely pace makes getting around less complicated. Hanoi is also the best place to view a water puppet show and a great jumping-off point for the UNESCO Heritage Site of Halong Bay and the truly delightful mountain town of Sapa.

The Mountains

Sapa

A ten-hour overnight train will take you from Hanoi to the gorgeous town of Sapa. Here it is possible to hire a local guide who will take you on treks through the beautifully-terraced hills and allow you to interact with the amazing minority peoples who inhabit the area. The H'Mong and Dzao people are incredibly welcoming (even more so if you purchase a blanket or bracelet) and seem genuinely thrilled to have travellers in their midst.

Dalat

Ask a southern Vietnamese person their favourite place in Vietnam and they will invariably answer, 'Dalat'. Many a HCMC resident will regularly venture to Dalat to take in the fresh air and take a nice hike in the mountains.

The Beaches

Phu Quoc Island

The increasingly-popular island is a wonderful place to relax and offers some of the most pristine beaches and stunning scenery to be found in Vietnam- plus it's only a one-hour flight from HCMC.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a favourite with locals and backpackers alike. Although the beach is not the cleanest in Vietnam, Nha Trang does contain a number of fun bars, the longest cable car in Vietnam and the trashiest resort and amusement park, Vinpearl Land.

The Best of the Rest

Hoi An

No trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to Hoi An. With its charming, pedestrian-only old town, lovely Cua Dai beach and My Son Cham ruins down the road, Hoi An is a must. With tailors at every step it is also the best place in Vietnam to get clothes made.

The Mekong

The Mekong Delta is the lifeline of the south and features some incredible scenery and floating markets. Many people choose to take the bus to the outskirts and then travel by boat, but if you have the time, inclination and ability, travelling by motorbike is undoubtedly the best way to experience life in the Mekong.