Vietnam Travelers Recommend

Formerly known, and still referred to by many as Saigon, this is an exhilarating city in which you can’t help but get immersed in the local culture, by virtue of the street markets, pavement cafes and stands on wheels. Ho Chi Minh City is an interesting mixture of Chinese, Vietnamese, French and modern entrepreneurial influences, and this private tour reflects that. The tour starts with an exploration of the city’s turbulent past, taking in the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. The tour then takes in some French culture by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral. After a traditional Vietnamese lunch, you’ll swing by the Cholon Chinese district, where you can test your bargaining skills at the market. The Mekong River which winds its way from Tibet, China, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and finally makes its way into Vietnam. For this tour you’ll board a private longtail boat and journey through the delta, a hugely fertile region.

The northern Vietnamese city of Hanoi is a beguiling mix of modern and ancient, Asian traditions and colonial legacies. Elegant balconied buildings front tree-lined boulevards, while cyclists and mopeds weave through the city’s narrow backstreets. Join the fans and discover the many sights and tastes of exciting Hanoi. Follow the scent of pho (noodle soup) wafting from cafes as you head down alleyways thronged with passers-by, shoppers and street stalls. Fuel up with super-strong, super-sweet coffee then plunge into the city’s sights. The Old Quarter is especially appealing, near Hoan Kiem Lake, and it’s a good area to hunt for tailors and souvenirs. Why not get your bearings on a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, or for something different take a Ho Chi Minh-themed walking tour to Uncle Ho’s mausoleum. Vietnam’s classic postcard shots of calm blue sea dotted with tree-clad limestone islands were most probably taken in World Heritage-listed Halong Bay.

Vietnam's rich history and deep Asian roots can be best appreciated in the architecture of its religious and political buildings. Take a motor taxi to the gold and red Quan Cong Temple. Its elaborate statues and artwork pay homage to an old Chinese general. The Japanese Bridge may have been Monet's muse, but visitors to Hoi An will find as much inspiration indoors as the French impressionist found outdoors. Spend today getting your fill of arts, culture and history. Start at the Museum of Trade Ceramics in Hoi An's old quarter and explore the dynamic trade industry across Asia. Next, examine incredible and bizarre terra cotta works, including ceramic jars once used as coffins, at the Sa Huynh Culture Museum. The Cham Islands make for a scenic day trip from the bustle of Hoi An. Travel by speedboat and enjoy the natural beauty of this group of small islands, set in the clear blue waters off the central coast of Vietnam.

Rent a bicycle or hire a motor taxi and explore the Imperial Enclosure, one of Hue’s most historic sites. Enter through the Ngo Mon Gate, once reserved exclusively for royalty, and climb to its highest level, where you can enjoy an expansive view of the complete citadel. Visit the nation’s tallest flag pole, then head to the massive Dynastic Urns that honor Nguyen kings. From there, head to the Forbidden Purple City, which sits at the center of the Imperial Enclosure, for a look at the life of an ancient ruler. Structures were damaged during war, but visitors can walk the numerous paths through overgrown gardens and admire iconic architecture that still remains. Meditate in the grass or enjoy a picnic in some shade, then walk to nearby Hue Monuments Conservation Center and enjoy a late afternoon traditional dance performance before returning to central city for dinner.