Vietnam

Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from north to south, and a well-planned trip shows you a different country at every stop. In the north, Hanoi’s Old Quarter hums around Hoan Kiem Lake and Halong Bay’s limestone islands rise from green water; in the centre, Da Nang’s beaches sit close to the Golden Bridge and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An; and in the south, Ho Chi Minh City leads to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.

Direct flights from India have made it far easier to reach, and Vietnam has quickly become a favourite with Indian couples, families and groups of friends. Indian restaurants now operate in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, and Vietnamese cooking has plenty of vegetarian dishes built on tofu, rice noodles and fresh herbs.

For a first visit we suggest seven to ten days, flying between the north, centre and south rather than covering long distances by road. An overnight cruise on Halong Bay is worth including if you can, and we shape each day with private or small-group touring to suit your pace.