Vietnam is a country of diverse and dynamic cities, and a fascinating blend of old, new and natural beauty. Here’s the best way to experience everything it has to offer.

Vietnam holidays are nothing if not diverse – from the electric metropolises of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the subdued charm of Hoi An and the beautifully serene landscapes of Phu Quoc and Ha Long Bay.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller wondering what to do in Vietnam, this guide takes you from north to south, winding your way through historic towns and bustling cities. Spend 2-3 days in each location, a night in Ha Long Bay and a relaxing few days in idyllic Phu Quoc.

Hoi An

Hoi An is slower-paced yet utterly distinct – a mix of lantern-lit ancient streets and lush countryside.

Where to stay in Hoi An

Ancient Town is the obvious spot for first-timers. Conveniently positioned in the heart of the city, it gives you the chance to walk everywhere and experience the magical atmosphere by night – think lanterns, street food and lively bars. It may cost a little more to stay here, but the ability to explore on foot is a huge plus.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful stay, Cam Thanh and Cam Chau are slightly more subdued – two neighbourhoods situated just outside the centre and set among rice paddies.

The coastal enclave of An Bang is best for a beach-focused stay, plus there’s a good range of restaurants and cafes nearby.

What to eat in Hoi An

Banh mi is a Vietnamese culinary icon, and Hoi An is renowned for its own spin on the sandwich. You can pick up a freshly made roll in shops and street stalls across the city. White rose dumplings (delicate steamed parcels filled with prawn or pork) and cao lau (noodles with pork, fresh herbs and crispy crackling) are other Hoi An specialties worth adding to your eat list.

You could absolutely suss out local dishes yourself, but a guided food tour is a great way to try all of the city’s delicacies alongside a local expert.

What to see in Hoi An

Hoi An is famously associated with lanterns, and you’ll see them strung up in vibrant colours across Ancient Town.

This is also where you’ll find the famed tailors and seamstresses, who can craft everything from suits to dresses in a matter of days. Simply show them your inspiration or bring an existing garment you’d like copied, choose your fabric, get fitted and you’ll have a beautifully crafted sartorial keepsake of your Vietnam vacation.

For something a little more relaxed, head to An Bang Beach or venture to the countryside surrounding the city, best explored by bike.

How to get to Hoi An

There’s no airport or railway station in Hoi An. Instead, fly or get the train to Da Nang, then transfer by shuttle, taxi or private car – the journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital, a fascinating and chaotic mix of history and culture, vibrant street life and excellent food.

Where to stay in Hanoi

The Old Quarter is a prime spot for food, nightlife and easy proximity to the rest of the city. Just bear in mind that it’s incredibly busy, so expect noise and traffic almost 24/7.

Hoan Kiem is also popular – it’s just as central but slightly calmer and more polished, making it ideal for first-time visitors.

If you’re staying in Hanoi longer, consider West Lake. This corner of the city is leafy, laid-back, spacious and cosmopolitan.

What to eat in Hanoi

Bun cha (grilled pork with rice noodles) and Hanoi-style pho (the iconic and aromatic beef noodle soup) are two of the city’s signatures, as is egg coffee.

Don’t be put off by the name; the drink is a genuinely good blend of strong coffee, egg yolk, condensed milk and sugar, and truly the best way to fuel a day of exploring. Most cafes serve it hot and cold, alongside the more widely recognised Vietnamese coffee.

What to see in Hanoi

The Old Quarter is Hanoi at its most concentrated, filled with tiny shops and street-side eateries. You could easily spend several days just wandering.

Nearby is the ancient Temple of Literature, built in 1070. The complex is dedicated to Confucius and a masterpiece of traditional architecture. Another must-see if you’re a history buff is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, a collection of monuments and sites that explores the life and legacy of Ho Chi Minh.

Only here for a quick visit? A leisurely amble around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter gives you a taste of the city in just a few hours, with plenty of food stops along the way.

How to get to Hanoi

Getting to Hanoi is easy; Noi Bai International Airport is a major hub, with direct flights from across Asia and beyond. It does sit just outside the city, though, so you’ll need to allow ample time for a transfer – either with a private car or taxi.

Halong Bay

When you picture nature in Vietnam, you’re probably seeing the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay, which curves into the Gulf of Tonkin.

Where to stay in Halong Bay

An overnight cruise is more expensive than a day trip, but it’s the most immersive and convenient option. You’re typically on board for one or two nights, with meals, activities and excursions included. Pick a boat with a balcony so you can watch the sunrise over the bay each morning.

Alternatively, stay on the island of Cat Ba and book a day trip into the bay to see its famous limestone formations.

What to eat in Halong Bay

Most cruise packages include all meals, so the food quality can vary by operator. Regardless of who you go with, expect a succession of feasts with traditional flavours. Seafood is naturally a highlight of the area, so you’ll probably get a healthy serving of it.

If you’re staying on Cat Ba, you’ll have more choice, with everything from casual seafood restaurants to local street food.

What to see in Halong Bay

The scenery is the reason to visit, but there are plenty of ways to experience it.

You can relax on board your day or overnight cruise, or peel off on a kayak to get up close to the majestic limestone karsts that rise from the water. Some cruises offer cave tours, along with other activities throughout the day – think swimming, fishing, cooking classes and sunset cruises.

How to get to Halong Bay

Halong Bay may feel like a world away, but it’s easy to get here from Hanoi via shuttles and private transfers; many cruise operators handle transfers from hotels and the airport. Allow up to three hours for traffic.

Ho Chi Minh City

While Hanoi’s the capital, Ho Chi Minh is the commercial powerhouse: it’s bigger, faster and has a distinctive energy that’s altogether intoxicating.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Top picks include District 1 (the city centre), easiest for first-time visitors, and District 3 (just next door), which has a slightly more local vibe while still being in the centre of the action.

If cafes and cool restaurants are more your speed, book a few nights in Thao Dien – a cosmopolitan and leafy district with eateries, shops and bars.

What to eat in Ho Chi Minh City

The street food here is some of the country’s best. Must-try dishes include banh xeo (a crispy pancake stuffed with prawns and pork), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) and Vietnamese iced coffee.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, definitely try one of the city’s more unique specialties, many of which are easy to find locally. Bo la lot – a beef dish made with betel leaves – is a highlight.

What to see in Ho Chi Minh City

The War Remnants Museum in District 3 is a powerful stop for learning about Vietnam’s 20th-century war history, while Independence Palace lets you dive deep into the country’s political history.

Architecture aficionados should head to the Central Post Office in the Notre-Dame area, a sunshine-yellow colonial landmark dating to the 19th century. (Just note that if you’re planning to visit the cathedral, it’scurrently closed for restoration – so you can only access the grounds.)

And if you have a day to spare, a visit to the historic Cu Chi tunnels just outside the city is a great way to learn more about the country’s wartime history.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is serviced by Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Flying here from central Vietnam allows you to make the most of your time rather than spending a full day travelling overland.

Phu Quoc

This tropical island should be your final stop on your Vietnam adventure: a laid-back and beautiful destination made for relaxing days by the beach.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc

Long Beach and Duong Dong are popular, especially if you’re after a more convenient and lively stay. You’ll find a range of hotels, casual restaurants, bars and shops here.

The enclave of Ong Lang is decidedly quieter, but no less charming. Stay here if you want a more peaceful experience.

There’s also no shortage of gorgeously appointed resorts, many of which are worth considering for a special trip. Pick a seafront room to enjoy the sweeping oceanside scenery.

What to eat in Phu Quoc

The fresh seafood is the region’s main draw. Feast on crab, prawns and squid, often caught that day, plus Phu Quoc fish sauce and bun quay, a dish of seafood and noodles.

If seafood’s not your thing, there are plenty of other local flavours to try. The famous Phu Quoc pepper is a must – a regional specialty with a very distinct taste.

Staying in a luxury resort means you’ll have excellent dining options just a few footsteps from your room, but it’s also well worth venturing outside to check out the local restaurants and night markets. The seafood at the street-food vendors is often fresh, affordable and delicious.

What to see in Phu Quoc

The surrounding ocean makes Phu Quoc a fantastic spot for all kinds of water-based adventures. The beaches are as beautiful as they are tranquil, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and laid-back walks along the shoreline. You can also book a boat trip to explore the surrounding islands.

At night, check out the night markets, where local vendors sell locally made crafts and souvenirs.

Ultimately, though, Phu Quoc is all about rest and relaxation – so don’t feel bad if you spend a few days just lazily lounging by the pool or beach.

How to get to Phu Quoc

The easiest way to get here is by flying from Ho Chi Minh City – the journey takes just an hour. From the airport, you can transfer to your resort or hotel by taxi.