A country of immense tranquility, beauty and warmth

Vietnam is a truly intoxicating country. From the chaotic allure of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, to the dazzling watery landscape of the Mekong Delta, and the old imperial capital of Hue - there is much to see. Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is a beautiful place of lakes and tranquil parks. For culture and history, it’s hard to beat Hue with its abundance of pagodas, palaces and temples. Ho Chi Minh City is still called Saigon by many and though it is the business centre of the country, is an interesting place to visit, especially given its history. Away from the hubbub, the Mekong Delta with its rice paddies, huge river and slow-pace is a stunning rural retreat. If it’s beaches you’re after the island of Phu Quoc just off the delta, is idyllic with its white sandy stretches and charming fishing villages.

Why Go?
A visit to Vietnam is a heavenly assault on the senses. Even in the cities you can be surrounded by the buzz of motorbikes one minute and in total peace in a park the next. Friendly people, wonderful scenery and delicious food ensure Vietnam is a fabulous destination.

When to Go?
Vietnam’s weather varies dramatically from region to region. From May to September the south monsoon sets in, and from October to April the north has monsoon. From April to October the weather is hot and humid across the country, except for some mountainous parts. The best months to travel around Vietnam are probably April, May and October. From July to November the northern and central parts of the country are susceptible to typhoons.

How to get there
There are no direct flights from the UK to the capital’s Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) or any of the other airports in Vietnam. However, there are plenty of indirect flights going via Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong, and via Paris. Other international airports in Vietnam include Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport, Hue’s Phu Bai Airport and Hai Phong Cat Bi Airport.

Must see
In Hanoi go to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake in the early morning and see the elders doing Tai Chi. Take the Reunification Express train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a long, slow journey but worth is for the wonderful views of Vietnam. Visit the tunnels of Củ Chi in Ho Chi Minh. This is a vast network of tunnels that were used during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong’s operational base during the 1968 Tet Offensive. They are a fascinating slice of modern history. Sail along Halong Bay – it’s busy but breathtaking.