Escape Magazine Winter 2023

VIETNAM? VA-VA-VOOM. Vietnam is a country of contrasts, where energetic cities and lantern-lit towns mingle with sleepy beaches and limestone islands. Although the North and South have been one unified country since 1975, they still have their differences. So, to get the most out of your trip, we’d recommend ticking off the five Hs – take a look.

HA LONG BAY

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HOI AN

HANOI

Picturesque Hoi An is the poster child of Vietnam. Once a major port, Hoi An boasts a range of architecture, including Chinese temples, traditional Japanese merchant houses, an 18th-century bridge, and canary-coloured houses. There are lots of great snorkelling spots within easy reach, too. But Hoi An’s real charm emerges after dark, when hundreds of multi coloured lanterns give the town a magical, romantic feel.

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HANOI

HA LONG BAY

HUE

Vietnam’s lively capital is a medley of scooters, street food stalls, and bright lights. And yet, across the city, you’ll find little pockets of calm. Visit the Temple of Literature, where you can stroll around tranquil courtyards, altars and ponds. Hoan Kiem Lake should also be on your list. Walk over the bright red bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple, which is perched on an island in the middle of the lake.

Vietnam has eight UNESCO Sites, but Ha Long Bay is the most famous. Covering 600 square miles, this vast bay has nearly 2,000 islands. You can go on a daytrip from Hanoi but, if you’d like more time, we’d recommend an overnight cruise. Sail between the islands, kayak through hidden caverns, and swim in the turquoise waters. You’ll also spy tiny floating villages, surrounded by fishing boats.

Halfway down Vietnam’s lengthy coastline, Hue – which is pronounced “whey” – was the country’s capital between 1802 and 1945, and is home to a collection of impressive landmarks. The ornate Thien Mu Pagoda is a wonder to behold, while the grand interior of the Tomb of Khai Dinh is a must-see. But the UNESCO-recognised Imperial City is sure to be the highlight, where age-old walls encircle a cluster of temples and palaces.

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HO CHI MINH CITY

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Few cities in Southeast Asia are as interesting as Ho Chi Minh. Formerly known as Saigon, this time-stamped city has echoes of the past on every corner. Immerse yourself in the poignant exhibits at the War Remnants Museum. Crawl through the famous Củ Chi Tunnels – an underground network dug by Viet Cong guerrilla soldiers during the VietnamWar. And admire the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, which was built by French colonists in 1880.

HUE

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HOI AN

WANT TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP? Speak to our Travel Specialists about hopping over into neighbouring Cambodia, Laos or Thailand. Call 0208 023 5529

OUR PICK OF THE BUNCH

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HO CHI MINH CITY

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Terraced rice field in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam