Vietnam holidays

Visit the traditional Dong Xuan Market, speed down waterpark slides, bargain in Old Quarter shops or eat seafood at Michelin-starred restaurants in Vietnam’s capital city.

Perched on the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis of colonial buildings, bustling markets and fascinating historical relics.

Picturesque, tranquil and steeped in history, Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s top destinations. Admire colourful houses from its lantern-lit waterfront or lose yourself in its maze-like Old Town.

Eating street food is one of the most iconic things to do in Vietnam. In bustling Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you’ll find hawkers cooking up dishes like ‘bahn mi’ (Vietnamese sandwiches), ‘cao lau’ (thick noodles with pork) and ‘com tam’ (broken rice). Take a street food tour to find sought-after spots, or simply seek out stalls packed with locals.

Vietnam has a diverse religious history spanning thousands of years. Stroll past terracotta-coloured shrines at My Son, a UNESCO-listed Hindu temple complex built between the 4th and 13th centuries. Marvel at the ornate facade of Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh, dedicated to one of the world’s youngest faiths. Or discover a whale-worshiping religion at Van Thuy Tu Temple, home to an enormous whale skeleton.

Whether you’re biking through the mountain passes of Ha Giang or sipping local coffee in Dalat, Vietnam’s highlands blend nature, culture and adventure. Don’t miss the former French hill station of Sapa, known for its gorgeous rice terraces. For an underrated yet beautiful mountain escape, head to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with its hilltop villages and rice paddies surrounded by misty peaks.

This country brims with beautiful beaches. An Bang is famous for its soft sands and calm waters dotted with traditional Vietnamese basket boats. Further south, Phu Quoc and Con Dao are two lush, tropical islands with some of the best beaches in Vietnam. For a tranquil escape near Ho Chi Minh City, head to Mui Ne, a palm-fringed shoreline flanked by striking red dunes.

One of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders is Ha Long Bay, with its towering limestone formations. Book an overnight cruise to enjoy this popular spot without the day trip crowds. Explore a labyrinth of underground caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. Or enjoy off-the-beaten-track adventures in the evergreen forests, waterfalls and lakes of Ba Be National Park.

Don’t leave without trying a steaming bowl of ‘pho’, a rich, fragrant noodle soup that originated in northern Vietnam during French colonial times. Other Vietnamese staples include ‘banh xeo’ (crispy, savoury crepes), ‘bun cha’ (meatballs) and ‘goi cuon’ (spring rolls made with rice paper). Beyond street food, innovative restaurants in Vietnam’s biggest cities, like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang, are putting modern twists on traditional fare.

You’ll find some of the best museums in Vietnam in Hanoi. The Vietnam National Museum of History is housed in a French-Chinese-inspired building and offers insight into the country’s legacy. At the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, hear the chilling stories of inmates during the Vietnam War. And in Ho Chi Minh City, don’t miss the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels — underground networks used by Vietnamese soldiers.

Most of Vietnam is tropical and has two seasons. The dry season is from November to April, while the rainy season runs from May to October. If you’re planning to visit different regions, the best time to go to Vietnam is in spring, as it generally brings mild, pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall.

A cheap holiday to Vietnam is simple. You can find a budget meal for around 50,000 Vietnamese dong (₫), a local beer for about ₫25,000 and a coffee for around ₫45,000. Travelling around the country is also relatively affordable. A short taxi ride should only cost about ₫80,000.