Vietnam is a place you could easily eat your way through. The strong French influence adds a fascinating twist to an Asian cuisine like that found in the infamous Banh Mi, made with a french baguette and pâté. The food with all the fresh and local ingredients is truly amazing wherever you go. A stroll through the bustling street markets to sample the local delicacies is one of my favorite things to do.
Vietnam is rich in history and culture which can be seen all over the country from the beautiful architecture in the colonial cities to the scars of the Vietnam War in the museums. There is also a plethora of natural wonders like the pristine beaches, green mountains with lush rice paddies, vibrant rivers, and serene bays.
Trying to see everything on your list in one trip seems overwhelming but the country is tiny and if you have a couple of weeks, you might be able to hit all the highlights. This itinerary encompasses all my favorite places so you can pick and choose what you’d like to see for your first trip. I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it and want to return!
- Hanoi – for the food & afternoon chocolate bar at the Sofitel
- Sa Pa – for the rice paddies
- Ha Long Bay – for the UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Hue – for more food, Bach Ma National Park & historic monuments (another UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Da Nang – for the beach
- Hoi An – for its Old Town, textiles & and yes more food
- Nha Trang – for the beach & nightlife
- Da Lat – for the mountains
- Mui Ne – for more beach
- Ho Chi Minh – for the street food, Vietnam War History & the Mekong River Delta
