Why Vietnam should be next on your travel wish list

Vietnam is a country where ancient traditions meet modern energy and every corner reveals something extraordinary. You will discover stunning scenery, an eclectic fusion of regional dishes, history in abundance and friendly, welcoming people who are proud to share their heritage. I’ve been twice and feel I’ve barely scratched the surface of this fascinating country. From cruising the glassy waters of Ha Long Bay to soaking up the infectious buzz of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, here’s why this Southeast Asian destination should be on the top of your must-visit list.

From the constant tooting of moped horns to the smell of sizzling food from the vendor’s carts wafting over across the air, Vietnam’s cities are a mix of organised chaos and pockets of serenity.

Tran Quoc pagoda, Hanoi

In Hanoi you can wander a maze of narrow streets in the French colonial Old Quarter, discovering waterside temples – including the peaceful Ngoc Son – alongside lively street markets and shops where you can buy anything from bubble tea to handcrafted leather. Don’t miss the chance to drink a creamy egg coffee, much like tiramisu in a cup, and experience a traditional water puppet show – a 1,000-year-old art form that brings Vietnamese folklore to life with wooden puppets dancing across water.

Head south and discover Hoi An, the jewel of central Vietnam – and possibly my favourite Vietnamese city. Unlike Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An’s UNESCO Heritage Site old town is traffic-free. As night falls, this ancient town transforms into something magical as hundreds of rainbow-coloured silk lanterns illuminate the streets, casting a warm glow over centuries-old buildings. Wander the narrow alleyways between Chinese shop houses and over Japanese bridges, or bring luck and good fortune by releasing a lantern on the Thu Bon River.

Hoi An

In the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) learn about Vietnam’s complex history through iconic landmarks like the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War ended, and the ornate Central Post Office, a stunning example of French colonial design. The city’s tree-lined boulevards could almost be mistaken for ones in Europe, until you turn a corner and discover noisy local markets and glass fronted skyscrapers standing side by side.

With landscapes that flit between French colonial shop fronts and palm-fringed coastlines, to river-fronted villages and sweeping rice fields, there’s something for every traveller.

Vietnam’s natural beauty is spectacular in its diversity. Ha Long Bay, the country’s most photographed location and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the distinctive topographer of more than 1,600 limestone karsts, jutting proudly from emerald-green waters. Sail through them on a traditional junk boat, see floating fishing villages and hidden beaches, or even kayak close to mystical caves. It’s full of pinch-me moments that’ll stay with you forever.

Ha Long Bay

Beyond Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta in the south offers a tropical contrast to the dramatic north. In Ben Tre province, you’ll discover sprawling fruit orchards, floating markets, and tranquil waterways lined with coconut palms. Here, life moves at a different pace – where boats are the primary transport and entire communities thrive on the water.

Central Vietnam showcases yet more variety. The outskirts around Hoi An include the sleepy riverside village of Triem Tay, where you’ll cross bamboo bridges, soak up waterside views, and glimpse authentic rural Vietnamese life. Rice paddies stretch endlessly, their brilliant green fields punctuated by conical-hatted farmers tending their crops.

Vietnamese food is characterised by fresh ingredients, punchy flavours and regional variety. Influenced predominantly by Chinese and French fare, specialities include steaming bowls of pho noodles (which you can eat at any time of the day), freshly filled banh mi (a baguette) and delicate white rose dumplings filled with pork and prawns.

In Ho Chi Minh City, tuck into a Vietnamese feast at an atmospheric local restaurant, where dishes including Cơm Tấm – broken rice topped with barbecue pork – showcase the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and umami that defines this cuisine.

Try salt coffee, a Hue invention where whipped salted cream sits atop strong Vietnamese coffee – it’s surprisingly addictive. Learn how to make tam huu (paperless spring rolls) with a local family. From rice paper snacks in rural villages to mastering chopsticks over bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), the food in Vietnam is all part of the journey.

From age-old traditions to outside influences that have shaped the food, arts and religion, at the core of Vietnamese culture is its people.

Visit a traditional handicraft market in the Mekong Delta, where artisans demonstrate skills passed down through generations – from intricate basket weaving to pottery making. In rural areas, you might help out on a local farm, learning about rice cultivation while sharing lunch with Vietnamese families who welcome you into their homes.

Vietnam’s recent history also shapes its cultural identity. The craft brewery scene in Ho Chi Minh City demonstrates the country’s modern evolution, where young Vietnamese entrepreneurs blend traditional techniques with contemporary tastes.

The country’s spiritual side is equally captivating. Buddhist temples and pagodas salt the landscape, from the 1,500-year-old Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi and the otherworldly vine-clad brick towers of My Son Sanctuary near Hoi An.

Vietnam’s tumultuous past is written into its landscape. The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a sobering yet fascinating insight into the Vietnam War.

This incredible network of underground passageways served as hideouts, supply routes, and hospitals for the Vietcong militia. Crawling through the cramped passages brings home the reality of guerrilla warfare and the resilience of those who fought here.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you much further back in time. This vast complex includes ancient stone gates, archaeological digs revealing relics from several dynasties.

At Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum you can pay your respects to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, who gained the country independence from France in 1945. The president’s embalmed body is on display all year except for September-November, when his remains are taken away to be maintained.

Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City

The French colonial influence is evident in grand opera houses, post offices, and villas throughout the country. The Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City marks a pivotal moment in history – the end of the Vietnam War, when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its gates in 1975. Walking its preserved rooms, from the war command centre to the rooftop helipad, feels like stepping back in time.

How can I experience this? With Saga’s knowledgeable tour managers, local guides and expertly crafted itineraries, you’ll get to the heart of Vietnamese life, and discover why this Southeast Asian destination is unforgettable.

Explore more of Saga's full range of Vietnam holidays

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