Get away! Vietnam

From exploring the world’s largest cave to tasting the best pho, Vietnam has a new adventure at every turn

Explore Ha Long Bay

1Yes, it’s a tourist hotspot, but there’s a reason why. It’s spectacular! The bay – whose name means ‘descending dragon’ – is made up of emerald waters and towering limestone karsts speckled with greenery.

Search for the best pho

2Pho is a Vietnamese staple – a quick, tasty meal made from clear stock, boiled beef, rice noodles and herbs or green onions. In Vietnam, you’ll find it just about everywhere – on street corners via food trucks, upscale restaurants and in every family home. Hanoi has gained a reputation as the pho capital of Vietnam.

See a water puppet show

3One of the most unique things to do in Vietnam, the shows consist of wooden and lacquered puppets on a watery stage, with narrators, singers and musicians sitting at the sides. Head to Ho Chi Minh City, specifically the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, where performances last 50 minutes.

Cycle around the sights

4Sitting halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Hue marked the divide between the North and the South during the Vietnam War. Cycle around Hue to make the most out of your day. Head three kilometres out of town to the Tiger Fighting Arena. It was Vietnam’s version of the Colosseum, where elephants and tigers would fight to honour the strength of the monarchy. Next, head to Tu Duc Tomb, before reaching Vong Canh Hill with its panoramic views of the Perfume River.

Float along the Mekong

5An overnight trip into the Mekong Delta presents the opportunity to get off the tourist trail. The Mekong is Asia’s seventh longest river and flows through six countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. You’ll see floating markets, stilted villages, uninhabited islands and more.

Explore the largest cave in the world

6Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, is believed to be between two and five million years old, and it’s so big it has its own ecosystem. While on the expensive side, you can now explore its entire length. An adventure from start to finish, you use ropes to climb into the entrance, then up the Great Wall of Vietnam, a 90m-high calcite cliff. You’ll be with trained guides at all times.