I've been to Vietnam 19 times, don't miss these must-visit spots
Dressed in elegant ao dai tunics, hundreds of Vietnamese high-school students posed for graduation photos while the sun slipped behind Hanoi's splendid Hoan Kiem Lake.
Laughing giddily and smiling broadly, their glee enhanced the atmosphere of what my brother, Conor, just described as an uncommonly upbeat city. 'There's some seriously good energy here,' he told me as we watched that jubilant spectacle unfold this January.
I had promised Conor he'd adore his first holiday in Vietnam, a country with which I've become besotted across 19 visits.
Hoan Kiem Lake is among Hanoi's must-visit attractions.
Not only do I consider it Asia's best travel destination, but it's shaped my life in many ways. Vietnam is where I first travelled solo, where I got engaged, where my wife became pregnant, where I decided to become a travel journalist, and where I did cherished, one-on-one journeys with my mum, my brother and my late father.
In the 18 years since I first landed here, Vietnam has changed enormously. I can't pretend to have a deep understanding of the pros and cons of its swift modernisation. But what's undeniable is the mood. Vietnam is on course to become Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy, overtaking Thailand, and recorded an extraordinary 40 per cent increase in tourist arrivals last year.
X
Learn More
SUBSCRIBER ONLY
It is a country on the rise. A land of booming opportunities. During recent trips I could feel this optimism as I wandered its tourist-soaked cities, chatting to taxi drivers, hotel staff, restaurant servers and students trying to sharpen their English skills.
Of course, positive vibes alone can't make a destination desirable. Fortunately for Vietnam, it also offers incredible value, elite hospitality, reassuring safety, varied landscapes, tremendous historic sites, and a world-class cuisine. Vietnam seduced me from the get-go. Somehow it's only become even more appealing.
Ha Long Bay was named one of the seven new natural wonders of the world.
Ha Long Bay: A natural marvel
WHY: Hundreds of jungled peaks rise out of the glassy, emerald-hued waters of the South China Sea, 130km east of Hanoi. These tall limestone karst islands decorate Ha Long Bay, which is a Unesco World Heritage site together with the adjoining Cat Ba Archipelago.
Both are havens for hundreds of unique forms of flora and fauna, although it is their dramatic scenery that lures most visitors. Each day, dozens of Ha Long Bay tour boats depart Hai Phong port. The best tours are on large, luxurious vessels that have on-board accommodation, and cruise the bay for two or three days. All of these boat tours commonly involve the chance to enjoy the spectacular sightseeing, a visit to a floating fishing village, passing by giant sea caves, and water sports such as swimming, kayaking and snorkelling.
HOW: Hai Phong cruise port is reached by minibus from Hanoi. Avoid the Ha Long Bay day trips advertised all over Hanoi – the minibus trip alone is five hours return, which makes for a very long day. Better to book an overnight cruise, like Intrepid's Ha Long Bay Junk Cruise, which costs $395 and includes bus transfers, meals, and a modern, private room.
DON'T MISS: Witnessing the sun rise or set over Ha Long's spiked islands will embed itself deep in your memory. Do this from the sundeck of the plush La Regina Legend cruise ship during Inspiring Vacations' 17-day Premium Vietnam and Cambodia tour.
The cable car overlooking fishing boats and An Thoi harbour on Phu Quoc Island.
Phu Quoc: A booming island destination
WHY: Because Vietnam's tourist trail focuses on its historic cities while the country's beaches are largely overlooked by foreigners, even though its coastline is 3260km long. Vietnam is trying to broaden its tourism industry by investing heavily in beach getaways like Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc.
The latter aims to join Bali and Phuket as Asia's top island destinations. Which is a realistic target given its affordable luxury resorts, impressive theme parks, and tropical splendour. Located in Vietnam's deep south, Phu Quoc is a 50km-long island with a jungled interior, and a coastline of serene beaches, like Khem, Ong Lang and Bai Sao.
Fringing these shores are many reefs where tourists can dive or snorkel among teeming marine life, a memorable activity included in Vietnam Hello World's seven-night Phu Quoc Island Beach Escape package. Meanwhile, a colossal family entertainment precinct flanks Bai Dai Beach. It consists of Disneyland-style theme park VinWonders, massive Phu Quoc Aquarium, Vinpearl Safari zoo, and Vinpearl Golf Course Phu Quoc.
HOW: Australia has no direct flights to Phu Quoc. But there are up to a dozen flights a day between Phu Quoc and nearby Ho Chi Minh City, which has regular direct connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane. Just $110 a night secures a room, with buffet breakfast, at five-star, beachfront hotels like Sonaga Beach Resort, The Shells Resort & Spa, or Thien Thanh Phu Quoc Resort.
DON'T MISS: Phu Quoc is surrounded by 21 handsome islands, some of which are uninhabited, and can be visited on boat tours booked via local tour agencies and large hotels.
A pho stall at a street food market in Ho Chi Minh City's Ben Thanh Market area.
Ho Chi Minh City: Food heaven
WHY: Ho Chi Minh City revolves around food. Even as it's become increasingly modern, its streets remain the domain of old-school vendors doing a brisk trade in classic Vietnamese dishes like banh xeo, goi cuon, banh mi and pho. Food lovers' havens to seek out include Vinh Khanh and Co Giang streets, and Tanh Dinh Market.
The latter, which is exceptional for banh xeo crêpes, is just north of several key attractions: the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Independence Palace. Prawn, pork and bean sprouts bulge inside these crispy crêpes, cooked from turmeric batter, and dipped in spicy nuoc cham fish sauce.
Banh mi, meanwhile, is all over the city. But some of its best vendors are on the streets directly west of Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City's giant indoor tourist market. At these basic spots, freshly grilled pork and paté banh mi start from just $2. Pho noodle soup is similarly easy to find, with a cluster of cheap, impressive venues along the southern edge of popular September 23 park. All these Vietnamese treats, and more, can be savoured during Intrepid Travel's 12-day Vietnam Real Food Adventure package.
HOW: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane all have regular direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, which makes a great base from which to explore southern Vietnam. The Aquari Hotel in the modern District 1 neighbourhood has spacious, 40sqm Premier Deluxe rooms from $130 a night, including breakfast.
DON'T MISS: Cholon is the busiest area of one of the world's busiest cities. Despite its frenetic energy, there's an undeniable charm to this, Vietnam's largest Chinatown, which revolves around its intriguingly chaotic Binh Tay market.
Exploring Hanoi's Old Quarter is a must for tourists.
Hanoi: Historic treasure trove
WHY: While Ho Chi Minh City represents Vietnam's modern future, Hanoi embodies its glorious past. Hanoi has Vietnam's best array of historic wonders, including the giant Temple of Literature, two Imperial citadels, and the charming maze of the Old Quarter.
Hanoi has been inhabited for more than 2300 years. Back then, it was commanded by the Au Lac Kingdom, which built a giant walled capital called Co Loa. Tourists can wander Co Loa's 60 remaining buildings, from temples to gates, pagodas and community halls. They also can explore Hanoi's Thang Long Citadel, built a thousand years ago to replace Co Loa Citadel. Ringed by three layers of fortifications, it has a grand collection of halls and towers and a small museum explaining Hanoi's royal history.
Similarly ancient is Hanoi's Temple of Literature, a vast complex of prayer halls, pagodas and gardens. The Old Quarter is a network of 36 streets lined by heritage buildings, populated by ancient artisans, and otherwise brimming with tourist hotels, bars, cafes and souvenir shops.
HOW: Hanoi has regular direct flights to Sydney and Melbourne. From Brisbane and Perth it can be reached via a flight connection in Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. Rooms at chic La Sinfonía del Rey Hotel & Spa, alongside Hoan Kiem Lake, start from $95 a night including a buffet breakfast for two people.
DON'T MISS: A side trip to Sapa. This majestic mountainside town, populated by colourful hill tribes, can be reached from Hanoi by overnight train or by sleeper bus.
The Ba Na Hills and its Golden Bridge is a popular attraction near Da Nang.
Da Nang: A family-friendly city
WHY: Da Nang has bloomed into Vietnam's best family travel destination. Children savour its theme parks, beaches and kid-friendly resorts, and parents its luxury spas, bargain shopping and elite golf courses. This city of 1.2 million people in Central Vietnam also suits families due to being safe, clean, efficient, modern, friendly, and its setting sandwiched between a sublime coastline and forested hills.
No other large Vietnamese city offers such a close connection to nature. Tourists can swim at their resort's private beach, then drive just 10 minutes into its lively downtown to get a massage, scour fascinating Con Market, gorge on fresh seafood at a rooftop restaurant, and sip local specialty coconut coffee at a cute café.
Or in just 35 minutes they can reach the verdant hills directly east of Da Nang. Up there, amid the forests of Ba Na Hills, are a trove of family-friendly attractions. Wine cellars, spectacular cable cars, a recreated French village, a world-class golf course, huge SunWorld theme park, sublime landscaped gardens, and the social-media-famous Golden Bridge.
HOW: Flying to Da Nang from Australia requires a connection via Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh City has direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, while Hanoi links up with Sydney and Melbourne. For accommodation, Flight Centre has five-star hotels in Danang from just $120 a night, including plush Four Points by Sheraton Da Nang, a 36-floor hotel with stunning views of adjacent My Khe Beach.
DON'T MISS: About 15 minutes south of central Da Nang is the magnificent Marble Mountain. Tourists can ascend this cluster of limestone peaks via stairs or elevator to enter historic temples and earn panoramic views of the city and its coastline.
The Hoi An ancient town at twilight.
Hoi An: A photogenic wonder
WHY: Few Asian cities match the colourful beauty of Hoi An, a tranquil, riverside city on Vietnam's central coast, anchored by its Unesco-listed Old Town. About 1000 historic, timber-frame buildings decorate that area, blending European, Chinese and Japanese architecture, and painted in a palette of pinks, golds, oranges, reds, greens and blues.
Hoi An boomed as a trading port, in the 18th and 19th centuries, but nowadays revolves around tourism. Most of its heritage buildings host hotels, cafes, bars, and souvenir shops. By day the Old Town is dazzling, as sunlight drenches its every colour, mural, statue, stonework and wood carving. After dark, it becomes even more memorable due to the rainbow-hued light emitted from thousands of colourful traditional paper lanterns strung above its streets.
HOW: Fly into Da Nang, the nearest airport to Hoi An, from a range of Vietnamese cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Then catch a 50-minute taxi ride south to Hoi An. Or visit this charming city during a cruise, such as Scenic's 18-day Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong, from $12,775 per person.
DON'T MISS: Lady Mai's Lantern Making Workshops teach tourists how to handcraft these delicate Vietnamese lamps. For a day trip, head to Bay Mau Coconut Forest, just 3km from town, and take a basket boat trip on the river.
Originally published as I've been to Vietnam 19 times, don't miss these must-visit spots
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Courier-Mail
4 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Nostalgic reason Aussies are heading to Japan
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. If you haven't been to Japan this year, chances are you know someone who has. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the first few months of 2025 saw 429,000 Australian arrivals in Japan - a 28.6% increase from the same period in 2024. And, there are plenty of reasons for this. Japan has delicious food, a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences, and a great exchange rate. But, it turns out there's one more nostalgic aspect drawing Aussies there - and honestly, it might convince me. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Image: TikTok / @maybemackenzie RELATED: Aussies sick of frustrating act targeting bushland 'They have the cheese toast!' Aussie TikTok creator @maybemackenzie shared his experience this week heading to a Sizzler in Japan. 'When I saw there was a Sizzler in Japan, I thought, I have to go in,' he said. 'And, they have the cheese toast!' An absolute Aussie icon - despite first opening in the US back in 1958 - Sizzler was open Down Under from 1985 until November 2020, when it was unfortunately a victim of the pandemic. 'I'm pretty sure every Australian has been to Sizzler, and I really miss it,' he said. A Sizzler restaurant in Brookside, QLD before its closure in 2017. Image: Josh Woning. 'I think I need to go to Japan now' Aussies in the comments were shocked to see a Sizzler in Japan. 'I'm beyond jealous, you win at life,' said one person. 'THE CHEESE TOAST,' another said. 'I miss Sizzler so much,' said a third (and don't we all). 'MY CHILDHOOD,' another commenter said. Others said they hoped they'd be able to incorporate it into their own Japan trips. 'Excuse me sir WHERE IS THIS - research purposes obvi,' one person said. 'I think I need to go to Japan now,' said another. 'That's it, I'm going to Japan for Sizzler,' another person said. They're everywhere! In (kinda) good news for Aussies, it's not just in Japan that you can find a Sizzler. Once upon a time, you could find Sizzlers in Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, and China - in addition to Australia. However, all of these have now closed. Now, there remain locations in Japan, Thailand, and across the United States. Originally published as Nostalgic reason Aussies are heading to Japan
Courier-Mail
12 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Review of oceanfront resort W Bali Seminyak
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Hidden in the heart of trendy Seminyak, W Bali occupies absolute ocean front with its own private beach sprinkled with volcanic sands. The location The resort is within easy strolling distance to some of the area's best shopping, dining and beach clubs, including the now-famous Potato Head, all while feeling a million miles from the chaos of the island's traffic and hubbub thanks to 11 hectares of perfectly manicured tropical gardens. W Bali occupies absolute ocean front with its own private beach sprinkled with volcanic sands Rooms I'm staying in one of the 65 'Marvelous' one-bedroom pool villas - a gorgeous, garden-rimmed, individual compound secluded from neighbouring suites by high rendered walls guaranteeing ultimate privacy. If romance is on the itinerary, this should be your choice, with a plush king bed and two-person, free-standing tub the feature of the enviously large bathroom. The commodious room also includes a swivel TV, desk area, lounging space and well-equipped mini bar with everything from full bottles of spirits and local granola bites to sunglasses and a coffee pod machine. I'm staying a one-bedroom pool villa The villa pool is my favourite for an early morning swim, almost large enough to do laps in or just great for cooling off after reading a book on the surrounding umbrella-covered sun loungers or cushion-topped day bed. There are also myriad other guest accommodation options from standard hotel rooms to flashy suites and villas with two or three bedrooms that combine W's slick contemporary style with calming Balinese influences. The villa pool is my favourite for an early morning swim Wellness Wellness is a key pillar of the W brand and here it means fitness options aplenty. As a workout junky, I'm more than satisfied with the small, but well-equipped, 24-hour, air-conditioned gym with cardio and weight machines, free weights and a Smith machine. While for those into classes, there are two free options each day led by personal trainers ranging from boxing sessions and HIIT training to yoga and pilates, plus elective paid sessions for the likes of aqua-aerobics. The gym's changing rooms each feature a steam room and warm and cool plunge pools that are open 24 hours, while outside is an icebath for hot-cold therapy. There's even an oxygen room where guests can breathe in the pure stuff to supposedly help with the likes of immune function, inflammation, cognition and sleep. Fitness options are aplenty at W Bali Seminyak Just off the gym is the slick and minimalist Away Spa, offering treatments including body scrubs, wraps, facials, pedicures and massages. My partner and I enter one of the couple's rooms for a traditional Balinese massage, with our therapists treating us to an hour of firmly pressured bliss that relieves our aching muscles. While Bali is known for its super cheap spas on every corner, this is for those craving a more luxurious experience complete with fluffy slippers, bathrobes and delicious tea and cookies to finish. Just off the gym is the slick and minimalist Away Spa Food and drinks Like a kid in a candy store, such is the joy of the breakfast buffet at W's Starfish Bloo. Perched on the edge of the ocean, the Asian-fusion seafood restaurant by night, delivers one of the best brekky smorgasbords anywhere in the world by day. Start with, say, salad starring leaves from the resort's very own garden, before moving onto waffles and pancakes made with sustainably sourced banana flour, or go head first into dim sum. There's also sushi, a made-to-order egg station, breads, fruit, cereal, cheeses, meats, and a plethora of traditional Indonesian hot dishes and desserts. In addition, there's roving food carts and a full menu of dietary-friendly meals with the coconut chia pudding a must. Starfish Bloo is an Asian-fusion seafood restaurant by night and delivers brekky delights in the morning A buffet breakfast is also available at the resort's upmarket grill restaurant, Fire, but this is perhaps best visited for dinner where guests can dine a la carte on everything from oysters two ways and octopus to a selection of premium steaks and whole roasted organic chicken. Or for something more casual, there's Woobar - a seaside lounge where you can enjoy a Sunday session-vibe every day of the week thanks to a DJ on the decks, easy eats like pizza, pasta, burgers and tacos, and a lengthy list of Balinese-inspired cocktails and classics. DJ sets, cocktails and nibbles at Woobar Something special Foodies looking for something a little extra will want to book the In-Villa Barbecue experience. This involves a private chef and server turning out a pool-side feast in your villa, complete with a perfectly set table and enough food for two days presented buffet-style. Expect the likes of grilled prawns, bugs, steak, chicken, fish, a multitude of salads, rice and noodle dishes, charcuterie and dessert, with the staff taking care of the set up and clean up, while you retreat inside with a food coma. The In-Villa BBQ includes a private chef and server turning out a pool-side feast in your villa The service They say a smile is contagious and that's certainly true at W Bali. This five-star resort delivers luxury touches with a laidback attitude thanks to staff who act as if they've won the employment lottery. With their love for their workplace palpable and their eagerness to please endless, a stay here will have guests grinning from the moment they arrive. Oceanfront views are on the cards What's hot The pool area at W Bali is travel magazine cover-worthy. Resembling tiered rice paddies, it's as relaxing to swim in as it is beautiful. What's not Staff had no record of our bookings for our spa treatment and dining. While an annoying hiccup each time, the staff was quick to fit us in. The hotel is magazine cover-worthy The verdict: 9/10 W Bali is the tranquil timeout overworked holiday makers need, delivering an abundance of amenities ensuring you never need nor want to leave. Standard rooms start at $600 per night, with villas from $900 per night. The writer was a guest of W Bali. Originally published as W Bali Seminyak is the oceanfront resort of my dreams
Courier-Mail
12 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Hotel Review: Jackalope, Merricks North, Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. When Jackalope opened on the Mornington Peninsula eight years ago, it broke the rules for a country hotel. With its monolithic dark design, monochromatic interiors, playful art and ambitious food and drinks offering, there was nothing rustic or traditional about this luxury destination stay amid the vines. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Location Merricks North is on the Mornington Peninsula, one of Australia's prime wine tourism regions. And you can be sipping your first cool-climate chardonnay or pinot noir about an hour after leaving Melbourne. It's day-tripping distance from the city – about 80km from the CBD via the M11 – but a weekend or longer is recommended to experience at least a few of the 50-plus wineries and cellar doors, along with beaches, sculpture gardens, golf courses, hikes and hot springs. We had ambitions of exploring but found enough to enjoy at the hotel – walking the vineyard, a free 'Essential Experience' tasting of winemaker Geraldine McFaul's fine Rare Hare wines, eating and simply resting – that we stayed put during a two-night stay. A 7m-high statue of this mythical jackrabbit with the antlers of an antelope draws guests into a courtyard entrance. Picture: Supplied. The arrival A contemporary, barn-like structure clad in black metal with black charred timber trim, Jackalope sits grandly on the crest of a hill, with rows of vines flanking its driveway on one side. The hotel is named for a creature from North American folklore that took the fancy of the hotel's Chinese founder Louis Li and a 7m-high statue of this mythical jackrabbit with the antlers of an antelope draws guests into a courtyard entrance. The work of Melbourne artist Emily Floyd, the giant aluminium construction coated in black automotive paint puts a classy spin on the Aussie 'Big Thing'. Reception and the hotel beyond is to the right of the Jackalope; the cellar door is to the right and straight ahead is casual restaurant Rare Hare. Contemporary art reflecting the theme of alchemy – think glass, light and marble components – is throughout the hotel's public spaces. The king-size bed is positioned to face the view, and the rooms are free from art so the vista is the star. Picture: Supplied. The room Jackalope's 44 rooms and suites, arranged along wide corridors on two levels, include two enviable 85sqm 'Lair' suites with terraces. Entry-level rooms face the car park and get sunrise views. We are in the next category up, a 38sqm Vineyard room with a freestanding Japanese black stone tub and sunset views. A balcony looks over the native garden and 30m infinity pool and heated spa pool below, across to rows of vines, their leaves burnished gold in the autumn sunshine. The tub and stylish double vanity are incorporated into the living space, with a double shower and toilet behind a frosted glass wall. Floors in the wet areas are heated – appreciated on a winter escape – and the cardamom-scented amenities are Tom Dixon Underground, from the UK. We are in the next category up, a 38sqm Vineyard room with a freestanding Japanese black stone tub and sunset views. Picture: Supplied. Otherwise, Jackalope looks local, with Melbourne-made custom Zuster furniture and included minibar supplies such Peninsula Nut Co lollies and nuts, Chappy's chips, prepackaged Melbourne Martini cocktails, Capi soft drinks and a couple of Tar Barrel beers brewed on the Mornington Peninsula in addition to St Ali coffee and Somage teas. The king-size bed is positioned to face the view, and the rooms are free from art so the vista is the star. The sleek cocktail bar Flaggerdoot. Picture: Supplied. Food and wine A matched tasting of fine wine and Gippsland's Prom Country Cheese rolls into a pre-dinner House Martini (Botanist gin, vermouth, orange and chilli oil) and Starward Old Fashioned made with the Melbourne distillery's Two-Fold Whisky at the sleek cocktail bar Flaggerdoot. A flaggerdoot is apparently a group of jackalopes, and Doot Doot Doot, the fine-diner next door, is named for the leader of the gang. Like the rest of the hotel, the restaurant's décor is dark and moody, highlighted by an expansive 'chandelier' made from 10,000 golden globes shaped like glassware from a laboratory, under which a $130-per-person seasonal menu comprises three courses and snacks inspired by Asian cuisine. My highlight is dessert: peanut butter wafer, banana, espresso crumb, dark chocolate. More casual is lunch at shared tables the next day at Rare Hare. The food keeps coming – salumi, woodfired eggplant, spatchcock on a coconut corn purée, and it's a bargain at $85 a head. Doot Doot Doot doubles as breakfast café for à la carte selections – an elevated version of avocado toast, spanner crab omelette and a full English breakfast – included in the tariff. Guests can order lotions and potions for DIY treatments and use an infra-red sauna next to the pool. Picture: Supplied. Extras A 'Daily Discoveries' program offers different options each day of the week. We join Saturday's kitchen garden tour, sipping hot herbal tea made from lemon balm and verbena and hearing how the kitchen staff use the native foods, edible flowers and herbs from the garden. Massages and facials are available in-room, and guests can also order lotions and potions for DIY treatments and use an infra-red sauna next to the pool. Our package included a 'turndown' gift – a black travel wallet – and a posh session of campfire cooking to make s'mores. The theory is that marshmallows are toasted on a stick over a flame, then neatly sandwiched between biscuits with a piece of chocolate. In reality, mine were a sweet, sticky, crumbly mess but tasty all the same. Doot Doot Doot's décor is dark and moody, highlighted by an expansive 'chandelier' made from 10,000 golden globes shaped like glassware from a laboratory, Picture: Supplied. What's hot If you fancy staying in and watching a movie, room service will deliver popcorn and vanilla ice-cream for free. What's not There is a degree of discomfort in only frosted glass separating the toilet from the main living space. Jackalope is a convenient and classy weekend getaway for food and wine-lovers. Picture: Supplied. Verdict - 9/10 Close to the city, Jackalope is a convenient and classy weekend getaway for food and wine-lovers or anyone who wants to be spoiled on a special occasion. What could on the surface be taken as a 'serious' experience is actually a lot of fun. The writer was a guest of Jackalope. The Winter Solstice package, available until September, is from $1376 for two nights and includes lunch at Rare Hare and other extras. Originally published as Hotel Review: Jackalope, Merricks North, Victoria
