Vietnam highlights

Known for its ancient temples, beautiful beaches, delicious food, mountain roads and rice terraces, Vietnam is home to some stunning sights and exciting experiences. Take a look below to discover our top ten highlights for Vietnam.

This hidden gem can be found on the central coast and, having remained off-limits to visitors until only very recently, is now one of the must-visits of Vietnam! Boasting a sophisticated underground cave network and beautiful historic trails, Phong Nha National Park is certainly one for your Vietnam bucket list. Alongside kayaking and learning about the park’s ecosystems, you can experience the lesser-visited Vinh Moc tunnels which were leftover from Vietcong guerilla fighters.

2. Esc-Ape to Cat Tien National Park

Located outside of Saigon, this national park was set up by the famous Monkey World and is not to be missed! Learn about the incredible conservation efforts happening here to support many monkey, gibbon, bear and wild cat species to help return them to the wild. We offer three varieties of trekking tours, so whatever you and your family/group’s needs are, we’ve got you covered.

Zip around the backstreets on a vintage Vespa and take in the vibrant local culture, taste delicious street food, and people watch to your heart’s content as you cruise along the bustling Saigon streets with a local guide. Our ‘scooting through Saigon’ trip places particular emphasis on sampling lots of tasty street food and taking you off the beaten track in Ho Chi Minh by night.

4. The countryside in Hoi An

Don’t let the exceptional beauty of the rural countryside escape you when you travel to the beach or to the ancient city of Hoi An. Rent a bicycle to get around, soak up the colourful landscape and watch out for the water buffalo in the paddies.

5. Ride the sleeper train on the Reunification Express!

Sit back, relax and gaze out the window at the changing rural and mountainous landscapes aboard the famous Reunification Express. Not only is this is a fantastic opportunity to witness the stunning Vietnam countryside, but you’ll also avoid the hassle of airports and you’ll be leaving a smaller carbon footprint to boot.

6. Help out local farmers in Hue

Why not live like a local and help out on a working farm? You can assist Vietnamese workers with their seasonal activity by contributing your hard work, which will be warmly appreciated, and in return made to feel well and truly at home. This is not to be missed if you want to see true rural Vietnamese life in action.

7. Cruise around Bai Tu Long Bay

The lesser-known, more serene sister of Ha Long Bay, the area is famous for its thousands of small islets, towering limestone peaks and emerald green waters. We recommend this as an equally picturesque alternative to Ha Long Bay which is, unfortunately, experiencing overcapacity with consequential effects on the environment.

8. Homestay experience in the Mekong Delta

Spend two nights in an idyllic setting with a heartwarming, family-run homestay. Avoid the busy tourist hotspots and make your trip more meaningful by settling in with the locals and getting stuck into some tasty homemade food.

9. Lazing by the lagoon

Enjoy two blissful nights in a lagoon retreat which focuses on wellness, mindfulness and yoga. Here you can try ‘clean eating’ which will nourish your soul and mind while relaxing in calm surroundings. Whether you prefer kayaking or finding a quiet spot to read a book, this trip will have you unwinding and recharging very quickly.

10. Dau Dang waterfall in Ba Be National Park

The scenery in this National Park is breathtaking regardless of how you choose to explore it – be it on foot, by hiking trails (which range in difficulty), or by kayak. We recommend you venture up to the waterfall by wooden boat, and soak up the natural beauty.

For even more Vietnam travel tips, head to our inspiration page below.