Spectacular traditional dress and a lively atmosphere make the ethnic minority markets a must – especially those in Bac Ha and Can Cau.
#02 Temples and Pagodas
Vietnamese temples and pagodas reflect the country’s diverse range of religions: Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang is a good example.
#03 Tet
The most important festival in the Vietnamese calendar, Tet sees the New Year ushered in with colourful flower markets, spectacular fireworks and exuberant dragon dances.
#04 Cu Chi tunnels
Look out for the spiked booby traps that Vietnamese guides reveal for visitors to the Cu Chi tunnels.
#05 Bia Hoi
Bia hoi bars are fun, friendly, cheap and a great way to mingle with the locals. Order a bia hoi (lager-like draught) in any of the back lanes in the Old Quarter of hanoi Vietnam.
#06 The Citadel, Hué
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The former capital’s historic citadel, mausoleums and gardens are idiosyncratic enough to impress even the most jaded traveller.
#07 Water-puppets
Enjoy a performance of mua roi nuoc, an art form developed in the Red River Delta around Hanoi Vietnam.
#08 Express Silk Tailoring
Visit one of the many Hoi An tailors who can rustle up a made-to-measure silk dress or suit in just a few hours.
#09 Trekking around sa pa
Trek in the northern mountains around SaPa – a small market town perched on a plateau facing Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest peak.
#10 Lak Lake
Paddle the serene waters of Lak Lake in a dug-out canoe, ride on an elephant or take a guided trek into the surrounding forests before a sunset feast overlooking the water.
#11 Hoi An
With its rich cultural heritage, beautifully preserved merchants’ houses and slow pace of life, Hoi An is a captivating place to spend a few days.
#12 The Red River Delta
Slow the pace down with a trip to the countryside and experience a lifestyle little changed in centuries. For more information, see the section on Far North.
#13 The Mekong Delta
Putter through this fertile farming region, surrounded by classic Vietnamese scenery.
#14 Take a Cyclo Ride
The quintessential Vietnamese mode of transport gives you an up-close view of street life. For more information, see the section on local transport.
#15 A boat trip in Ha Long Bay
The thousands of limestone islands jutting out of these silent waters have been dubbed the eighth natural wonder of the world.
