Vietnam
Limestone bays in the north, lantern-lit Hoi An in the middle, Mekong country in the south.
Introducing Vietnam
Vietnam runs 1,650 kilometres top to bottom and shifts climate, cuisine and architecture every 300. The North is colonial-French Hanoi and karst limestone bays. The Centre is the imperial city of Hue, the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An, and beaches as good as anywhere in Asia. The South is Saigon rooftops and the Mekong Delta. Pho for breakfast, bun bo at lunch, ca phe sua da at four in the afternoon.
See hotelsYour Travel Notes
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cards work in luxury hotels and city restaurants; carry small cash for street food, taxis, markets and rural areas.
Cuisine
Pho in the north (a clear broth), bun bo Hue in the centre (spicier), com tam in the south (broken rice with grilled pork). The rule everywhere: eat where the queues are local.
Transport
Domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City cost less than European train tickets and save full days. For Hoi An to Hue, the Hai Van pass by private car is one of the best drives in Asia.
Tipping etiquette
Not expected but appreciated. 10% in restaurants if service is not included. Hotel housekeeping VND 50,000 per day, drivers VND 200,000 to 300,000 per day for full service.
When to go
March and April or October and November for the whole country in one trip. The north is cold December to February but spectacular in autumn. The central coast avoids the September to November typhoon window if you plan ahead.