Da Lat – The City of Eternal Spring

Hidden away in the Central Highlands, Đà Lạt plays the cooler cousin to Vietnam’s seaside destinations. Famous for its countryside charm, Đà Lạt draws couples, wellness seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. This mountain resort town was once a summer getaway for the French, who left their mark in the European-inspired architecture and countless lakes. Đà Lạt’s main lake is the centre of the action, but amazing natural wonders await in the hills all around.

Nha Trang – Vietnam’s beautiful coastal city.

Perched on a pristine stretch of the southern coast, Nha Trang is a playground for sunseekers. Days here are spent dining on delicious seafood, snorkelling around stunning islands, and partying on the sand after dark. Nha Trang lays claim to some of the country’s finest luxury resorts and thrilling watersports. Despite the development boom, colourful fishing villages and serene riverside restaurants are just a stone’s throw away.

Hue – Vietnam’s beloved former capital city

Huế is a city chock-full of stories. The Kings of the Nguyễn Dynasty built their feudal capital along Huế’s fertile riverbanks and atop its forested hills, but their imperial legacy is just one of many reasons to visit. Huế’s refined cuisine is the stuff of legend, and its leafy streets are lined with mossy pagodas, art déco mansions, and eye-popping markets. Through the whole scene flows the Perfume River, setting a languid pace the rest of the city is happy to follow.

Hoi An – Vietnam’s well-preserved ancient town

Hội An is a place where the bold march of progress peters into a leisurely amble. In this one-time trading port, the Thu Bồn River meanders past crumbling shop houses and weathered pagodas, while sampans come and go from the old ferry quay. Outside the Old Town, two-lane roads slice through waving rice fields and emerge at a frothy coastline. Stay a couple of days, and Hội An’s easygoing beauty and lantern-lit nights may leave you hopelessly beguiled.

Sapa – The fanciful city in fog

Sapa town stands at the head of a deep valley of magnificent rice terraces that are still farmed today as they have been for centuries. Backdrops don’t get much more spectacular. Enticing ribbons of road lead the eye down to the valley floor, white-water rivers rush among rice fields, and lush green mountains stretch into the distance as far as the eye can see. The highest peak in the region, Mount Fansipan, crowns the ragged ridge line high above town.

Ha Long Bay – The Land of Legends

In Vietnamese, Ha Long means “descending dragon.” Dragons play a prominent role in Vietnamese culture, and the most popular legend has it that one such creature and her children descended from heaven to defend the Viet people from invaders, spraying fire and emeralds or jade. She and her children then stayed on Earth (National Geographic).

Danang, Vietnam – The most livable city in Vietnam

With broad beaches, fantastic street food, the fabled Hải Vân Pass, and a growing collection of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it’s no wonder the residents of Đà Nẵng sport some of the broadest smiles in the country. The warm sands of Mỹ Khê Beach sweep south from the mountainous Sơn Trà Peninsula. Đà Nẵng hosts some of Vietnam’s top luxury resorts, but much of the beach still belongs to the people who make it their playground, gym, and source of livelihood.

Hanoi, Vietnam – The city of 12 Flower Seasons

[Vietnam Travel] Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Wandering these tree-lined lanes past crumbling colonial facades will transport you back in time. However, today’s Hanoi is about much more than the past. The ancient city is being invigorated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and cool art galleries. When the sun goes down, you have your pick of watering holes, from sophisticated rooftop bars to buzzing bia hơi.