Around 135km from Hanoi, Mai Chau’s emerald rice paddies, stilt‑house villages, and misty mountains feel a world away from the city. Walking trails of varying lengths lead through fields, forest and traditional communities; you can even tackle multi‑day treks with a guide, staying in welcoming homestays along the way.

In the lush Mekong Delta, a tangle of rivers, canals, rice fields and islands is dotted with floating markets and ornate Khmer pagodas. Exploring by bicycle lets you weave between villages and workshops, while leisurely sampan cruises under arching water‑coconut palms reveal daily life along the waterways. Many trips start from Ho Chi Minh City or lively Can Tho.

Vietnam’s street food is one of the best ways to taste the country. In cities like Hanoi, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City, tiny stools line the pavements and sizzling woks perfume the air with garlic, chilli, and lemongrass. You can graze your way through banh mi sandwiches, fresh spring rolls, grilled skewers, and rice noodle dishes, all cooked to order in front of you. Morning markets are equally tempting, with piles of herbs, tropical fruit, and live seafood. Join a guided street‑food tour for the tastiest, and most hassle‑free, introduction.

Banh mi is Vietnam’s delicious take on the sandwich, layering crisp‑crusted French‑style baguettes with grilled meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, herbs, and chilli. You will see banh mi carts on busy street corners and near markets, perfect for a quick, flavour‑packed lunch, with fillings varying across regions. Pair your sandwich with a Vietnamese coffee: strong, dark brew slowly dripping through a metal filter onto sweet condensed milk. In cities, stylish cafés now sit alongside traditional corner shops, so you can try everything from classic iced ca phe sua da to modern espresso drinks in cool surroundings.

Vietnam’s big cities are wonderfully welcoming for vegetarians and plant‑curious travellers. Thanks to strong Buddhist traditions, you will find many “com chay” (vegetarian rice) eateries serving tofu, mushrooms, vegetables and mock meats in richly flavoured sauces. Fresh herbs, salads and pickles play a big role, so dishes feel vibrant rather than heavy. Even regular restaurants often have excellent meat‑free options: vegetable curries, stir‑fried morning glory with garlic, crispy spring rolls and aromatic noodle bowls. In bigger cities, modern vegetarian and vegan cafés also offer smoothie bowls, creative salads, and Western‑inspired dishes alongside Vietnamese favourites.

La Siesta Premium Hang Be is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, ideal if you want comfort, character, and a great location. You can step straight out into atmospheric streets, then retreat to elegant rooms with tasteful Vietnamese touches, comfy beds, and modern bathrooms. The standout is the rooftop bar and restaurant, where you can enjoy cocktails and views over Hoan Kiem Lake and the city’s rooftops. Warm, attentive service, a good breakfast, and a welcoming spa make it a brilliant Hanoi base.

At Palm Garden Resort Hoi An, you stay right on Cua Dai Beach, just a five minute shuttle ride from Hoi An’s charming Ancient Town. You can wander through lush tropical gardens, relax by the large beachfront pool, or stroll straight onto the sand for sunrise and sunset walks. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and decorated in a warm Vietnamese style, many with balconies or terraces. There are several restaurants and bars, a peaceful spa, and plenty of space to unwind, making it a lovely choice for a relaxing beach‑plus‑culture stay.

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