Overview of Regions

Vietnam can be roughly divided into four travel regions. The shape of the country — long and narrow like a bamboo stick with two rice baskets at the ends — determines the travel routes:

Hanoi & the North

For whom: Culture lovers, nature enthusiasts, adventurers
The thousand-year-old capital Hanoi with its chaotically charming Old Quarter, the majestic Halong Bay (UNESCO), the rice terraces of Sapa, and the karst landscapes of Ninh Bình (the "dry Halong"). The north is rougher, cooler, and more authentic than the south.

Central Vietnam

For whom: History buffs, beach lovers, gourmets
The Imperial City of Huế (UNESCO), the lantern city of Hội An (UNESCO), the beaches of Đà Nẵng, and the spectacular Phong Nha Caves. Central Vietnam is the cultural heart of the country with perhaps the best cuisine.

Ho Chi Minh City & the South

For whom: City fans, foodies, Mekong adventurers
The bustling Saigon with its dynamic energy, the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta with floating markets and mangrove forests, and the dream beaches of Phú Quốc and Mũi Né. The south is hotter, louder, and more modern.

Highlands & Uplands

For whom: Trekking fans, cultural travelers, individualists
Đà Lạt with its cool climate and coffee plantations, the Central Highlands around Kon Tum and Buôn Ma Thuột with ethnic minorities, and the remote mountain villages in the far north. Off the beaten tourist paths, but all the more authentic.