Limestone karsts, rice paddy-tiered mountains, paradise beaches & fragrant cuisine
Conjure up images of Vietnam, and you'll think of rainforest and rice terrace greens, white sands, black-and-white wartime images, as well as the brilliant reds and golds of temples. Vietnam holidays offer a plethora of beautiful landscapes, experiences and activities for travellers to enjoy; from cruising around the towering karsts of Ha Long Bay to climbing the mountainous skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh City.Starting in the north, in Sapa, the views of emerald-tiered rice paddies set into undulating mountainscapes are sure to find a home in your Vietnam holiday photo collection, whilst trekking excursions and hill tribe visits provide opportunities to engage with the natural landscape and local communities.The modest northern capital of Hanoi is a whirlwind of notorious traffic, French colonial architecture, and rich Vietnamese culture. Catch a water puppet show at the local theatre, sample delicious street treats, then museum-hop from one point of interest to the other.Don't miss a trip out east to the renowned shimmering waters of Ha Long Bay. Take an overnight cruise around the craggy boulders, stopping off on remote islands and floating villages, then swim or kayak through the turquoise lagoons and delve deep into cool cave complexes.Moving south, the ancient canal city of Hoi An and the walled citadel of Hue teach lessons in Vietnamese history, whilst the beach destinations of Nha Trang and Da Nang both provide waterside relaxation, as well as fine dining and nightlife.Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a world away from Hanoi, with its electric skyscrapers and modern developments. Pay a respectful visit to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the Vietnam War, as well as significant wartime sites such as the Cu Chi tunnels and the Independence Palace.
When to go to Vietnam
Like much of Southeast Asia, Vietnam falls prey to summer monsoon rains. The best time to visit southern Vietnam is between December and March, as the rest of the year is incredibly hot. The north of Vietnam has cooler temperatures, and in the extreme north of Sapa, it can get very cold (down to five degrees Celsius) in December. Hanoi and Ha Long Bay are best enjoyed between November and March, whilst Sapa is most green in October after the rains.
WEATHER CHART:
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