Unlimited adventure
Larina Arrowsmith is amazed by what is on offer in Vietnam
Vietnam offers adventure at every turn – from beautiful bays and rolling landscapes, to vibrant cities and distinctly historical sites. A visit to this picturesque country will leave you breathless, energised and definitely thirsting for more.
With its pungent smell, cacophony of horns and relentless stream of traffic, Hanoi is certainly not for the fainthearted. But even though it’s disconcerting at first sight, try to embrace it 
wholeheartedly as the experience will provide amazing entries in your travel journal that will remain unrivalled!
Simply crossing the road is a feat in itself. But for an even more adventurous journey, opt for a motorcycle ride along the Red River bridge to the outskirts and then tackle the infamous ‘intersection of death’ on the way back. Celebrate your safe return with an egg coffee in one of the many cafes in Hanoi.
Take a food tour of a local market, and taste delicacies such as pomelo, bánh mì, bún chả and freshly skinned frogs. If you prefer to be closer to nature, catch the overnight train to Sa Pa and spend a couple of days in this charming mountain village. Go hiking with the tribesmen, browse in the local shops and treat yourself to a massage while you are there.
VIETNAM FACT FILE
- Capital – Hanoi
- Population – 97.3 million
- Official language – Vietnamese
- Currency – Vietnamese Dong
- National dish – pho
- Main mode of transport – motorcycles
- The Lunar New Year is the main event on the Vietnamese calendar
Hạ Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular sights. Spend a night aboard a cruise ship and kayak on the emerald waters as you explore ancient limestone caves. Then head back on board to mix your own cocktails and sip them while watching a perfect sunset.
With its quaint cobbled streets, brightly-coloured lanterns, decorative dragons and a river full of boats, Hội An creates the perfect backdrop for an authentic Southeast Asian experience. Make the most of your stay here. Purchase a lantern and float it on the river, have a suit custom-made or follow a cooking class.
A visit to Ho Chi Minh City is necessary – especially if you want to know more about the history of this fascinating country. Explore the War Remnants Museum and crawl through some of the famous Củ Chi tunnels before heading out.
