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Vietnam is a fascinating country full of character; UNESCO world heritage sites, culture, history, fusion cuisine, world class beaches and luxury boutique hotels are all on tap. There are few countries more exotic and rich in culture than Vietnam. A slim nation carpeted in greenery and studded with historic cities and a spectacular coastline, it stretches along the South China Sea and snuggles up to Laos and Cambodia to the west and China to the north. Vietnam is one of our favourite playgrounds in South East Asia. Look forward to faded colonial grandeur and stylish luxury retreats, green jungles and translucent bays, fragrant food and smiling locals, romantic boat trips along the legendary Mekong river, delightful beaches and world class scuba diving spots.

Vietnam’s colonial, communist and war-torn history coupled with glorious mountain scenery, tantalising cuisine, colourful hill-tribe villages and dazzling beaches make it a country like no other. In the early 1990s its borders opened to the outside world and since then few countries have seen such dramatic change. Distinct differences still remain between the north and south and travelling through the country offers you the chance to absorb the gracious cultural, culinary and scenic diversity. Start at the capital Hanoi for a taste of French colonial Vietnam; boulevards with traditional 19th century merchants’ villas in the beautiful old quarter and cafés serving fresh coffee with baguettes. After exploring the French colonial architecture and fusion cuisine of Hanoi, explore UNESCO Halong Bay with its dramatic limestone cliffs overnight in your private junk, or make like the royals and head up to the highlands of UNESCO recognized Sapa with its brilliant green rice paddies.

Central Vietnam’s coast is famed for its picturesque beaches and its historical small towns.  Wander along the UNESCO city of Hoi An’s quaint streets for authentic streetfood, tailor an outfit in amazing turnaround time and relax by the luxurious hotel pools dotting the river. Drive further inland to explore ancient palaces and temples along the Perfume River, where the UNESCO city of Hue was once the centre of political intrigue, intellectual excellence and spiritual guidance in Vietnam. For the ultimate in down time, look to Nha Trang, a quiet seaside city with pristine waters and long sandy beaches, in barefoot luxury at the very chic Six Senses or Aman resorts.

Ho Chi Minh City, locally known as Saigon, is Hanoi’s glitzy and cosmopolitan competitor; sitting in the south, this is Vietnam’s engine for growth and the chaotic heart of more modern day Vietnam. City of a million motorcycles, Ho Chi Minh City’s local charm remains intact in its timeless alleys, ancient pagodas, teeming markets and grinning street-side merchants hawking silk, spices, baskets and Vietnam’s beautiful crafted lacquer-ware.