Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam runs the length of a coastline shaped like an elongated S, from the misty rice terraces and limestone karst bays of the north around Halong Bay down through central imperial cities to the Mekong Delta's floating markets in the south. Hanoi's Old Quarter buzzes with motorbikes and pavement noodle stalls, while Hoi An's lantern-lit riverside old town moves at a gentler pace. A bowl of pho or bun cha eaten on a plastic stool, elbow to elbow with locals, is as central to the experience as any historic site.
Main destinations
Food & drink to try
Phở
Rice noodles in clear beef broth simmered overnight with charred ginger and star anise.
Bánh mì
Airy baguette filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled carrot, coriander and chilli.
Bún chả
Grilled pork patties floating in sweet fish-sauce broth, with cold noodles alongside.