What to see and do
Hanoi
Hanoi offers a concentrated introduction to Vietnam’s history and culture. French colonial architecture sits alongside pagodas. Major landmarks include the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Water puppet shows remain a popular traditional performance. Food is central to the experience, from street stalls serving pho and bun cha to modern coffee houses selling egg coffee. Pavements double as kitchens, cafés and meeting points. Much of the city’s appeal lies in everyday observation: markets, cafés and the rhythm of life around the lakes.
Sapa
Sapa sits in the northern mountains near the Chinese border, surrounded by terraced rice fields and steep valleys. Daily life is shaped by Hmong, Dao and other ethnic groups, with traditional dress and farming still part of the landscape. Most visits revolve around village walks and time spent in the surrounding countryside.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is made up of thousands of steep limestone islands rising directly from the water. The best way to experience it is by boat, moving slowly between islands, caves and quiet coves. Nearby Cat Ba Island offers a more local land-based alternative, with beaches, walking routes and access to Cat Ba National Park.
Huế
Huế is Vietnam’s former imperial capital, shaped by its legacy as the seat of the Nguyen emperors and the Perfume River that runs through the centre. The Imperial Citadel is the city’s main landmark, with ornate palaces, gates and courtyards. Beyond the Imperial Citadel, pagodas and royal tombs extend along the riverbanks. Huế is known for its distinctive cuisine, developed in part from royal court cooking. Dishes are refined, often smaller in scale, and more complex in flavour, from bún bò Huế to delicate rice cakes.
Con Dao
Con Dao is a small island group off Vietnam’s southern coast, known for its beaches, clear water and national park. Forested hills and coral reefs sit alongside well-preserved prison buildings from the French colonial and war periods. Swim, snorkel and walk along uncrowded beaches or take boat trips to nearby islands. The islands’ protected status helps keep the atmosphere calm, making it an easy place to unwind while learning about Vietnam’s history.
