Step out of your luxury hotel and you’re plunged into another world. If cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City seem like nowhere else on earth, so does the landscape. From the spectacular and surreal islands of Halong Bay, to the towns on stilts of the Mekong Delta, you’ll want to explore every part of this fascinating country. With its unique mix of French and Asian cuisine, historic pagodas and temples aplenty, Vietnam is a feast for all the senses.
Capital city
Hanoi.
Currency
Dong (in 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 20000, 50000, 100000 and 200000 notes).
Cuisine
It’s extremely varied – different regions have their own specialities. An example of a classic dish is cha ca – white fish sautéed in butter with dill and spring onions, served with rice noodles and a sprinkling of peanuts.
Tipping etiquette
It’s not expected, but often appreciated.
Saying hello
“Chao anh” to men and “chao chi” to women.
Any time of year is good to visit Vietnam. The north in particular has four distinct seasons, while the central region of the country can experience monsoons during September to February. If you’d like to see the country join together for one mass party, try to come during Tet, the celebration of the New Year. Dates change every year, but Tet normally occurs between late January and early March.
You don’t need to buy bus tickets via travel agents in the cities as they may mark up prices – just head for the bus stations and start exploring the vast landscape.