Insider’s guide to... Vietnam

WHERE TO STAY: The Silk Queen Grand Hotel in Hanoi offers a warm welcome, the breakfast buffet, views and pool were all fab, and you can even attend a cooking class there for free.

BEST READ: Graeme Greene’s

The Quiet American is a gripping read anywhere, but is especially potent when read in its Vietnam setting.

BEST FOOD: Be daring and eat on the streets with the locals – it’s cheap and delicious!

BEST BAR: The View Rooftop Bar at the Duc Vuong Hotel. It’s not as famous as Ho Chi Minh City’s other bars, but it should be. BEST PHOTO OP: The skilled skippers of the coconut boats in Hoi An will astonish you. LOCAL ETIQUETTE: Around 95% of registered vehicles here are scooters or motorbikes, so crossing the road is a daring adventure. But once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite fun. Although that may be more a sense of relief at making it to the other side in one piece.