Vietnam has long been known as a culinary powerhouse, where the best food is slurped out of bowls and enjoyed on low plastic stools. Fans of the cuisine flock to the urban jungles of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to run wild among the varied street vendors. But Vietnam’s diversity isn’t limited to its culinary portfolio - this country is more varied and complex than even its best Bún bò Huế. At its core, it is a tale of two cities: historic Hanoi and have-a-go Ho Chi Minh City. Despite their storied past, these former wartime rivals are moving forcefully into a bright future. As you navigate between the two, explore the mountainous rice terraces, white-sand beaches, jungles, hill-tribe villages, and sculpted limestone islands. Whatever you choose to get into, Vietnam is guaranteed to make you feel alive.

The Flavors of Vietnam

The story of Vietnam is a tale of two cities: historic Hanoi and have-a- go Ho Chi Minh City. The slender arc of land strung out between these former wartime rivals has been the setting of some of Asia’s greatest dramas, and some of its greatest tragedies, but it’s a mistake to view Vietnam solely through the prism of war. Rather than dwelling in the past, the Vietnamese are moving forcefully towards the future, riding on a wave of technological innovation. For travellers, the geography encourages a linear trajectory, flying into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, then meandering past paddy fields, white-sand beaches, jungles, hill- tribe villages and sculpted limestone islands. En route, you may get whiplash from the pace of change in Asia’s latest hi-tech hub.

The story of Vietnam is a tale of two cities

We’re just going to come out and say it: Vietnam has the best food. Prove us wrong with a visit to this culinary powerhouse where the best food is slurped out of bowls and enjoyed on low plastic stools. Foodies flock to the urban jungles of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to run wild among the varied street vendors. But Vietnam’s diversity isn’t limited to its culinary portfolio - this country is more varied and complex than even its best Bún bò Huế.

Customized travel to Vietnam. Dine in Hanoi pho bars, dip in Halong Bay's blue waters, or hike to Sa Pa mountain villages. Local travel. Responsible travel.