Check the weather city by city, starting with Hanoi.
Vietnam fascinates with its diversity: northern jungle, Sapa's terraced rice fields, the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, Hoi An's old town, Da Nang's beaches and the frenzy of Ho Chi Minh City. Extraordinary cuisine and legendary hospitality make it one of backpackers' favourite destinations.
A thousand-year-old capital with its enchanting Hoan Kiem Lake, the 36 streets of the old merchant quarter, temples and pagodas, and the not-to-be-missed egg coffee.
Highlights : Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple, Old Quarter of 36 streets, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Over 1,600 karst islands rising out of an emerald sea. Traditional junk boat cruises, kayaking through caves and magical sunsets.
Highlights : 2-day junk boat cruise, Hang Sung Sot Cave, Lan Ha Bay (less touristy).
A UNESCO-listed old trading town, its lanes lit up with colourful silk lanterns. Made-to-measure tailors, delicious local cuisine and beaches just 4 km away.
Highlights : Old town of lanterns, Covered Japanese Bridge, An Bang Beach, Lantern workshop.
Former Saigon, a bustling megacity with the Cu Chi tunnels, the war museum, exceptional street food and a buzzing nightlife.
Highlights : Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market.
Misty mountains along the Chinese border, spectacular terraced rice fields and villages of ethnic minorities (Hmong, Dao).
Highlights : Muong Hoa rice terraces, Cat Cat Village, Fansipan Summit, Bac Ha Market.
Nicknamed the Pearl Island, Phú Quốc is Vietnam's largest island and one of Southeast Asia's finest beach destinations. Palm-lined white sand beaches, turquoise waters and protected tropical forests cover 70% of the island. Sunsets over Long Beach are among the most beautiful in Vietnam. Don't miss Phú Quốc pepper and artisanal nuoc-mam sauce.
Highlights : Long Beach (Bãi Trường) — 20 km beach at sunset, Vinpearl Safari — wildlife park on the island, Phú Quốc National Park — preserved tropical forest, An Thoi Archipelago — snorkelling and deserted islands.
Vietnam is one of the cheapest destinations in the world for an excellent level of quality. Ideal for small budgets without sacrificing the experience.