Welcome to Vietnam
A spectacular landscape of mountains, rice terraces, pretty villages and vibrant cities, all framed by rough jungle and emerald seas.
Top experiences
- Explore the stunning streets of Hoi An
- Sail around Halong Bay
- Hike in the highlands of Tavan
- Get lost in the Old Quarter of Hanoi
- Learn more about Vietnamese cuisine at a cooking class
Where to visit in Vietnam
Northern
The north is cool and green with dense jungles and rice terraces. Hanoi is the sprawling capital which contrasts to the tiny villages hidden up in the hills, close to the Chinese boarder. In fact, whole region was once a part of China which has left its influence on the food.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the buzzing capital of Vietnam. The Old Quarter’s narrow streets are filled with scooters and traders selling fruit, souvenirs and delicious food. Pull up a tiny plastic chair, dive into a bowl of spicy noodles and soak it all in.
Click here for a complete Hanoi travel guide
Halong Bay, Northern Vietnam
Limestone islets and grottos are scattered across the emerald waters of Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful and most visited places in Vietnam.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is known as Halong Bay on land, and that’s exactly what it feels like. Rivers and rice fields replace the sea and fishing villages, but the landscape is equally dramatic. There are hundreds of limestone formations topped with greenery rising up from ground, lakes and rivers. Ninh Binh is also closer to Hanoi than Halong Bay so it’s easy to explore.
Tavan
Tucked at the top of the northern boarder with China, the northern highlands are a glorious green area, famed for rice terraces and distinct ethic cultures. Tavan is a small part of this region and less busy than the more well known Sapa.
Central
The historical centre of the country where ancient trading ports and emperors palaces sit amongst spectacular national parks and sandy beaches.
Hoi An
Hoi An’s Ancient Town will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time with its striking mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European architecture. Get lost in the narrow streets of shops covered in delicate lanterns and flowers. You’ll always find something that you didn’t notice the first time.
Read full guide to Hoi An here
Hue
Hue straddles the Perfume River with mountains behind and ocean ahead. Hoi An might be well known for its delicious food, but it’s Hue were the Vietnamese emperors dined on beautifully presented dishes from a menu that changed daily.
Southern
A varying landscape of coastal towns, cool highlands, busy cities and the vast Mekong Delta. Out to sea are tropical islands with sandy beaches and warm waters.
Ho Chi Minh
Formally known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the largest city in the south, with a mix of French colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers.
Dalat
Known by locals as the city of flowers, Dalat feels surprisingly European with French villas and strawberry plantations replacing Vietnamese architecture and rice paddies. The temperature feels very European too, with daily temperatures in the mid-teens to mid-twenties.
What to eat in Vietnam
Vietnamese food is as diverse as the country itself. What makes it so delicious are the layers of flavour and texture in every bite – spicy, salty, sour and sweet all come together in perfect balance.
Click here for the top 10 things you can’t miss eating!
Social customs
What to Wear
Dressing modestly with shorts to the knees and women’s top covering the shoulders will be respectful of local customs. Keeping covered will protect you from sunburn in the day and insect bites at night. When entering religious buildings it’s important to cover up. When entering a temple or someone’s home you should remove your shoes.
Haggling
As with many Southeast Asian nations, if there isn’t a marked price it’s appropriate to barter. At first you might feel uncomfortable but soon you’ll enjoy it. You should always look to pay in the local currency and have a maximum price you’re willing to pay in mind – it can be very easy to get carried away! You’re more likely to get a good price if you’re friendly and keep smiling. Rudeness and aggression are not good tactics for negotiation. In Vietnam keeping face is very important. Losing your temper with someone causes ‘loss of face’ and you’re going to get anywhere after that.
Discover Vietnam
Click on a post below or view all posts here
Little Amy Tours in Vietnam
I arrived in Hoi An tired and confused. I’d been on the overnight bus from Nha Trang where it had more or less rained non-stop and it didn’t look like I was in for much better luck here. But once I found my way into Ancient Town and dived into the delicious food this region is famous for, the weather didn’t matter.
Visited December 2016 – January 2017
Little Amy Tours 