Vibrant Vietnam

Vietnam: effervescent and energetic, heart-achingly beautiful, brim-full of culture, a-sizzle with mouthwatering food. Unsurprisingly, this Asian gem tops the wishlist of many travellers. Key to the appeal is its diversity – Vietnam stretches from the cool, hilltribe-dotted northern highlands to the tropical Mekong Delta, with innumerable beaches and historic hotspots in between.

A good place to start your journey is amid the stalls and malls of Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, HCMC is the economic centre of southern Vietnam: stroll past the French Colonial Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral before finishing up at Ben Thanh Market – a hodgepodge of local handicrafts, souvenirs and áo dài (traditional Vietnamese costume). It’s a sensory feast too: Saigon street food at its best. Bask in the heady aromas of pho, banh xeo and Vietnamese coffee, to name a few.

Vietnam’s 1,000-year-old capital is where every dynasty has left its imprint

To experience a rewarding – if sobering – dose of history, our experts at Hayes and Jarvis recommend the Cu Chi Tunnels, a submerged cave network, 40km north-west of HCMC, used by Viet Cong guerillas during the Vietnam War. Visitors can crawl through the safer parts of the tunnel system, gaining a rewarding insight into the tenacity of these warriors.

Heading northwards, you reach picture perfect Hoi An. Once a fishing village, it’s now a vibrant hub, infused with Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese influences; don’t miss the 16thcentury Japanese Bridge. Also, venture a little out from the centre to visit a local silk village to glimpse the traditional handicraft that provides a lifeline for the town’s riverside communities.

A little further up the coast lies Hue: the former imperial capital is rich in heritage, including the formidable walled Citadel, ancient mausoleums, rows of French-colonial houses and temples aplenty – including the 400-yearold Thien Mu Pagoda. The best way to explore all these historic spots is like a local – by bicycle.

Further north still lies Hanoi. Vietnam’s 1,000-year-old capital is where every dynasty has left its imprint, where the streets are liveliest and where the pho (beef noodle soup) is most delicious. While here, take in the Temple of Literature, once home to Vietnam’s oldest university. Equally venerable is the One Pillar Pagoda, a wooden Buddhist temple that teeters on a single stone pillar. From Hanoi, Halong Bay is a short jump away. This UNESCO-listed inlet is popular with visitors for its limestone karsts, stalactite and stalagmite-adorned caves, and calm, kayak-friendly waters.

Vietnam is dense and diverse with essential experiences. You could dedicate a whole week just to tasting different types of pho, cycling alongside the Mekong or relaxing by a beautiful beach. Plan a tailormade Hayes and Jarvis trip to create your own ideal adventure here – a journey that is as unique as the destination.

Insider secret

“Tasting the local cuisine is one of the best holiday experiences. When choosing where to eat, don’t be put off by tired decor – this usually signifies a long-standing restaurant that offers authentic dishes. Your tour guide can suggest places to eat along the way” Tejal Raol, Travel Designer

Practical information

WHEN TO GO: January to May is the best period for warm temperatures and lower chances of rain. It’s best to avoid travelling between August and October, during the northern monsoon.
VISAS: Required by UK nationals – these can be obtained in advance from the Vietnamese Embassy (vietnamembassy.org.uk; £54). To secure a visa on arrival, you will need to organise a visa authorisation letter in advance.
FLIGHT TIME: Around 14.5 hours from London to Ho Chi Minh City.
TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT+7
MONEY: Vietnamese dong (VND), currently around 35,000VND to the UK£.