The Land of Timeless Charm

Located in northern Vietnam along the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is the nation’s capital and second-largest city, with a population of over 8 million. Spanning approximately 3,300 km², it blends timeless charm with urban vibrancy.

Must-visit sites include the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Catch a traditional water puppet show or stroll through French-colonial boulevards.

Hanoi is also famous for its culinary delights like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee. The city's unique street food culture makes it a paradise for food lovers.

Noi Bai International Airport is about 30 km from the city center and offers convenient access to both domestic and international flights. With taxis, buses, and ride-hailing apps available, getting to downtown Hanoi is smooth and easy.

Situated in Thai Nguyen Province (formerly Bac Kan), Ba Be Lake lies within Ba Be National Park, a UNESCO-recognized wetland of ecological importance. Surrounded by limestone mountains, ancient forests, and Tay ethnic villages, the lake offers a peaceful retreat into nature.

Visitors can take a boat trip on the lake, visit Puong Cave, trek through the forest, or experience local hospitality with a homestay in Pac Ngoi village. It’s an excellent spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking serenity. Try local specialties like smoked pork, grilled lake fish, and sticky rice in bamboo.

Access is via road from Hanoi (about 6–7 hours). Overnight buses, private transfers, and guided eco-tours are available.

Tucked away in Yen Bai Province, about 300 km northwest of Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular mountain regions. Famous for its terraced rice fields that cascade down steep hillsides, the area is especially breathtaking during the harvest season from September to October when the fields turn golden.

Must-visit sites include La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh, where terraced landscapes stretch endlessly across valleys and mountainsides. Trekking routes lead through ethnic minority villages of the Hmong people, offering authentic cultural encounters alongside stunning views.

The region is also known for festivals, traditional markets, and homestays that let travelers experience highland life. Photographers and nature lovers alike find Mu Cang Chai an unforgettable destination.

Reaching Mu Cang Chai involves a scenic road trip from Hanoi via Nghia Lo, passing winding mountain passes, tea plantations, and rural landscapes. Private cars, buses, or motorbike journeys are common ways to access this hidden gem of the northwest.

Located off the coast of Hai Phong, Cat Ba is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago and a perfect base for exploring both Ha Long Bay and the quieter Lan Ha Bay. With its mix of dramatic limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush national park, Cat Ba offers a balance of adventure and relaxation.

Must-visit sites include Cat Ba National Park for trekking and wildlife. From Cat Ba, visitors can also join boat tours into the world-famous Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of towering limestone pillars and emerald waters. Lan Ha Bay for cruising and kayaking among karst islands, and Hospital Cave, a wartime hideout with fascinating history. The island’s beaches, such as Cat Co 1, 2, and 3, are ideal for swimming and sunset views.

Seafood is a highlight here, with mantis shrimp, crab, and geoduck clams served in seaside restaurants and floating fishing villages.

Cat Ba is accessible via ferry or speedboat from Hai Phong, or by a bus-and-boat journey from Hanoi in about 3–4 hours. From Cat Ba, cruises and day trips easily connect you to both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

Located about 90 km south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh covers roughly 1,300 km² and has a population of around 900,000. Famous for its dramatic limestone karsts rising from lush rice paddies and winding rivers, it’s often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” Must-see attractions include Trang An Scenic Landscape, Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

The area’s rich history pairs with local specialties like goat meat, burned rice cake, and river fish dishes.

Visitors fly into Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) and then travel about 2 hours by road to Ninh Binh city. Boats, bicycles, and motorbikes offer easy ways to explore this scenic gem.

Just 140 km southwest of Hanoi in Phu Tho Province (formerly Hoa Binh), Mai Chau is a peaceful valley nestled between green mountains and rice paddies. It’s home to the White Thai ethnic minority, whose traditional stilt houses and handicrafts provide insight into rural Vietnamese life.

Outdoor activities include cycling through villages, trekking to nearby caves, and attending evening dance performances with local communities. The tranquil atmosphere and warm hospitality make it a favorite for cultural travelers. Enjoy regional dishes like grilled pork wrapped in pomelo leaves, bamboo-tube rice (cơm lam), and buffalo meat with lemongrass.

Mai Chau is best accessed by road from Hanoi, taking approximately 3.5–4 hours. Private cars, motorbike tours, and group buses are commonly used.

Located on the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue covers about 70 km² and is home to roughly 350,000 residents.

Once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue’s royal heritage shines through its iconic Imperial Citadel, Tombs of Emperors, and Thien Mu Pagoda. The city’s historical sites offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past, while local cuisine features specialties like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh khoai (Hue pancakes).

Phu Bai International Airport is situated approximately 15 km south of the city center, with regular domestic flights connecting Hue to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Motorbikes, taxis, and cyclo rides provide convenient ways to explore this timeless city.

Situated along the Thu Bon River in Da Nang City (formerly Quang Nam Province), Hoi An spans roughly 60 km² and is home to about 120,000 people. This UNESCO World Heritage town enchants visitors with its beautifully preserved ancient architecture, riverside charm, and vibrant lantern-lit streets. Just off the coast, Cham Island offers pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tranquil nature—ideal for day trips and snorkeling adventures.

Hoi An is celebrated for its tailor-made express services, where skilled tailors create custom garments quickly to suit every traveler’s needs. The town also features lively traditional markets and cooking classes where you can master local recipes. Don’t miss tasting must-try dishes like mi quang, cao lau noodles, and banh bao vac (white rose dumplings).

The nearest airport is Da Nang International Airport, located approximately 30 km away, with frequent shuttle services and taxis providing seamless connections to Hoi An.

Nestled along Vietnam’s south-central coast, Quy Nhơn is a rising star for beach lovers and cultural explorers alike. With a coastline stretching over 40 km and framed by mountains, fishing villages, and golden sands, the city offers a quieter, more authentic seaside escape compared to its better-known neighbors.

Must-visit sites include Ky Co Beach, Eo Gió Cliffs, Tháp Đôi Cham Towers, Bánh Ít Towers, and the bustling Quy Nhơn fishing port. Island-hopping to Hòn Khô or Cù Lao Xanh is ideal for snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Quy Nhơn is also a seafood paradise, renowned for its fresh lobster, squid, and specialties like bánh xèo tôm nhảy (shrimp pancakes). Dining by the sea at a local quán is an essential part of the experience.

Phu Cat Airport, located about 30 km from the city, connects Quy Nhơn with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other domestic destinations. Taxis, shuttles, and ride-hailing services make the transfer to downtown convenient and hassle-free.

Located on Vietnam’s south-central coast, Nha Trang spans about 251 km² and has a population near 400,000.

This vibrant coastal city boasts long sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a top choice for scuba diving, snorkeling, and island hopping to nearby isles like Hon Mun and Hon Tam. Visitors also enjoy relaxing in natural mud baths and strolling the lively seaside promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. Local specialties include fresh seafood dishes like grilled lobster and steamed clams.

Cam Ranh International Airport lies approximately 35 km south of the city center, with taxis and shuttle buses providing convenient transfers.

Vietnam’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, sprawls across more than 2,000 km² and is home to nearly 9 million people.

This bustling city blends rich history with modern vibrancy, featuring landmarks like the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ben Thanh Market, and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels on its outskirts. Food enthusiasts delight in dishes such as banh mi, and com tam (broken rice), hu tieu (southern-style noodle soup), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls).

The city is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport, just 6 km from downtown, with ample taxis, buses, and ride-hailing options for convenient transportation.

Located on the Hau River in southern Vietnam, Can Tho covers around 140 km² and has a population of about 1.2 million. As the largest city in the Mekong Delta, it’s famous for vibrant floating markets like Cai Rang, where locals trade fresh produce from boats.

Can Tho offers peaceful riverside living, lush agricultural landscapes, and warm southern hospitality. Popular attractions include the Binh Thuy Ancient House, Ong Temple, and Ninh Kieu Wharf. Local specialties feature delicious river fish and tropical fruits.

The city is accessible by road, approximately 4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City, making it a key gateway to the delta.

Located in Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province, about 100 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Long Tan and Nui Dat hold deep historical significance from the Vietnam War. For many Australian and New Zealand visitors, this area is a place of reflection and remembrance.

Must-visit sites include the Long Tan Cross Memorial, dedicated to the soldiers of the Battle of Long Tan (1966), and the former Nui Dat base, once the headquarters of the Australian Task Force. Visitors may also explore nearby villages, rubber plantations, and local schools supported by veteran associations.

The atmosphere here is peaceful, with rubber trees standing silently over what was once a battlefield. Guided visits often combine history with cultural exchange, offering a chance to meet locals and better understand the area’s past and present.

Long Tan – Nui Dat can be reached by a 2–3 hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. Most travelers visit on a day trip with a guide who can share the stories, context, and cultural sensitivity needed for such a meaningful journey.

Vietnam’s largest island, Phu Quoc, lies in the Gulf of Thailand, covering approximately 574 km² with a population around 120,000.

The island features stunning white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and charming local fishing villages. It’s a top destination for both relaxation—offered by luxury resorts and spas—and adventure, including snorkeling, diving, and jungle trekking. Must-see spots include Sao Beach, Phu Quoc National Park, and the bustling Dinh Cau Night Market. Local specialties include fish sauce, peppercorns, and fresh seafood.

Phu Quoc International Airport is located near the main town of Duong Dong, just 10 minutes from the city center.