Once known for its conflict with America and a country of rice paddies and conical hats, Vietnam today is an exhilarating country to visit. From the frenetic buzzing cities with intoxicating energy to the laid-back charm of beautiful beaches, surreal limestone islands rising out of the azure sea, lush highlands and life on rivers and tributaries following their rhythm, it is a very versatile destination.
Situated in Southeast Asia, the “S” shaped country shares borders with China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west. In the north, Hanoi, city of lakes, is the gateway to the spectacular mountains and bays with magnificent mountain trekking in Sapa to cruising in Halong Bay. Set to a frenetic pace, with street side food stalls, markets, coffee shops and honking motorbikes, it can lead to a sensory overload. Take time to imbibe it and feel the pulse. Ho Chi Minh City, in the South, with its buzzing streets, gleaming skyscrapers side by side with ancient pagodas and crumbling colonial houses, rooftop bars, chic cafés and nearby Mekong delta, its floating villages and the islands waits to be explored. In the centre are the cities of Hue, a treasure trove of culture and Hoi An, an ancient riverside town with green rice paddies. In the centre are also the coastal towns of Da Nang and Nha Trang with blissful sandy beaches, resorts and nightlife.
Food in Vietnam is fabulous – fresh and flavorful! Slurp some delicious pho, tuck in to Banh Mi and Goi Cuon and don’t forget to try the Vietnamese coffee.
The climate in Vietnam varies greatly from North to the South with distinct climate patterns. North Vietnam has cool weather from December to March, sunny skies from April to June until the monsoon. Central Vietnam has lots of sunshine through the year with November and December being wet months. Southern Vietnam is hot and dry most of the year with daily downpours from June to August. September to March is high season but for the beaches of Danang, Hoi An and Nha Trang, May to August is best and autumn is best for Halong Bay with clear skies.
