The Wanderlust Guide to the best of Vietnam
Everything you need to know about this most magical – and tasty – destination
Vietnam boasts stunning landscapes – the karst outcrops of Halong Bay and the hilltribe-settled mountains around Sapa spring to mind – as well as beaches, charming colonial towns, the fascinating villages of the Mekong Delta and lush national parks.
Windsurf at Mui Ne, chill on tropical Phu Quoc Island, roam the historic streets of Hoi An, delve into the Viet Cong tunnels at Cu Chi and settle in for a water-puppet show in capital Hanoi – and those are just the headline acts.
As infrastructure improves and hitherto-remote areas open up to travellers, more of Vietnam’s treasures come to light – explore the hills around Ninh Binh, visit the Cham temples of Quy Non or meet the tribes of Ba Be National Park – so be prepared to look beyond this page and the Vietnam guidebooks, and discover your own gems.
Looking for inspiration?
Well, what kind of trip are you looking for?
Nick Boulos sings the praises of the islands of Vietnam – “sprinkled across the bay like roughly cut diamonds … each pure and perfect and wild, with exotic foliage clinging to vertical walls that soared skywards from the water.”
Claire Boobbyer recommends a trip through Dalat and Ban Don to explore the hill tribes of De Ktu. It’s an intriguing mix of elephant catchers and ‘weasel’ coffee, she says.
Mark Stratton lays out the case for Hoi An. It’s the best city in the world, he says: the most complete ancient centre in Vietnam, great shopping and cuisine, and golden sandy beaches close to hand. What’s not to love?
Halong Bay is justifiably one of Vietnam’s most popular sites. Maybe a little too popular. Luckily Robert Reid has out this handy guide together to ensure you get the most of this UNESCO-protected wonder without the crowds.
Katherine Tanko says that if you really want to get away from it all, head to the hills around Sapa. But maybe avoid the local Love Market. Unless, of course, you fancy the idea of marrying a Dao farmer.
Still can’t decide? Then don’t. Nick Ray has created a handy Vietnam Travel Blueprint to help you soak up everything the country has to offer.
More information
Finding paradise islands in Vietnam – Nick Boulos
A journey through Vietnam’s Central Highlands – Claire Boobbyer
Hoi An: The best city on earth – Mark Stratton
Travel Icon: Halong Bay – Robert Reid
High society in Sapa – Katherine Tanko
