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THE ESSENTIAL VUNG TAU GUIDE

The pretty seaside town of Vung Tau is the Vietnamese equivalent of fish n’ chips and a few days by the sea. In short, it's where locals go to relax, soak up the sea breeze, and indulge in seafood feasts. Vung Tau may not have Con Dao's paradisiacal white-sand beaches, but just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, it's perfect for a quick getaway. Here is the perfect guide to your Vung Tau holiday.

MUST-DO IN DA NANG: AN INSIDER LIST

Whatever you expect from Da Nang, you’re in for a surprise. Framed by mountains and embraced by the Han River and the East Sea, Da Nang is a rising star in the region. There’s a lot to take in. The sandy sweep of My Khe beach — lined with new hotels, seafood halls and fishing boats — leads the eye to where the statue of Linh Ung stands serenely overlooking the waves. The old city centre with its overflowing markets and hushed pagodas still functions, just a few streets away from hipster cafes and design boutiques. Just when you think it’s all breathless forward motion, a moment of local life peels back the paint to reveal Da Nang’s easy, laidback culture. Here’s how to nail your first visit.

7 INCREDIBLE ISLANDS IN VIETNAM

Offshore, off-site, and off the grid—you can always count on Vietnam for a tropical getaway. Scattered over the East Sea and down the length of the country, Vietnam’s islands boast pristine sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and exhilarating adventures. Dip your toes in the turquoise waters of Lý Sơn Island, or join schools of colourful fish among the vibrant coral reefs of Phú Quốc—read on for the most amazing islands in Vietnam and how to enjoy the best of each.

A PERFECT WEEKEND IN NHA TRANG

From the minute you cruise in, roll up or touch down in Nha Trang, the holiday vibes begin. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in for a luxe getaway, family adventure, or a few days of partying, swimming and shopping near the sand: Nha Trang’s endless sunshine smiles on it all. Outside the tourist hotspots, you’ll find waterfalls, pagodas, and countryside lanes, plus plenty of gorgeous beaches screaming, ‘Dive in!’ Here’s our insider guide to your perfect weekend in Nha Trang.

BEACHY, BEAUTIFUL PHU QUOC

Phu Quoc is a triangle-shaped island in the south of Vietnam, home to striking white-sand beaches and delightfully fresh seafood. Vietnamese know Phu Quoc mainly for its high-quality fish sauce and aromatic black peppers. The fishing village vibe is still found in many pockets of the island, where brightly painted boats bob in the water against a backdrop of tall coconut palms. In recent years though, Phu Quoc has caught the attention of sun-seeking travellers who can’t get enough of its warm waters and coastal scenery. Here are some of the best reasons to visit.

YOUR BEACH BREAK GUIDE TO CON DAO ISLAND

Out of the 15 islands forming the Côn Đảo archipelago, only Côn Sơn is inhabited, multiplying the potential for sunbathers and snorkellers to enjoy secluded beaches and see colourful coral reefs and fish. Even hikers can enjoy this beach destination by exploring the vast national park that covers most of the island. Far enough from the mainland to feel remote, but close enough to reach with a short plane ride, the Côn Đảo archipelago has all the makings of an idyllic holiday. Here are seven ways to spend your time on the island.

Vietnamese coffee is the rocket fuel that keeps the country buzzing. You’ll find cafes on every street in every city, from trendy cafes molded by the creative class, to retro institutions that have evolved over decades, to pavement cafes draped around and across the sidewalks. In each one you’ll be enveloped by nattering locals nursing their favourite brew. Traditional Vietnamese coffee is made from Robusta beans, which have a strong, bitter taste. For decades, resourceful café owners have dreamt up new ways to temper the potent Robusta bean and enhance the country’s favourite drink. As a result, there’s now a kaleidoscope of innovative coffee variations on the menu. Here are five fantastic coffees to look out for while travelling through Vietnam.

8 WAYS TO APPRECIATE DALAT

Da Lat. The name conjures visions of luxuriant forests, mirror-like lakes, and cottony clouds. A century after French colonialists founded this resort centre in the Lam Dong highlands, Da Lat’s natural beauty and temperate weather remain as soothing as ever. Wondering what’s the best way to see the best of Da Lat? Read on for eight insider ideas to put on your itinerary.

GREG NORMAN'S TOUR OF THE OLD QUARTER

Golfing legend and Vietnam Tourism Ambassador Greg Norman recently paid a visit to Hanoi, where he spent an afternoon touring the capital’s Old Quarter via cyclo. Accompanied by Linh Nguyen of Mr. Linh’s Adventures, Greg Norman got a glimpse of local life in the 36 ancient guild streets, often considered the historical heart of the city.

10 COOL COLLECTABLES TO BUY IN VIETNAM

In Vietnam, shopping is all about the boutiques that appeal to you, the artisans with a interesting point of view, and the cool finds that leave you with a story to tell. Vietnam is rich in crafts, from weaving to woodblock painting. Its colourful history and mixed cultural influences provide a wealth of inspiration for contemporary brands. Here are 10 interesting collectibles to bring home from your Vietnam trip, as well as a list of favourite places to shop around the country.

7 IDEAS FOR THE TRUMP-KIM HANOI ITNEIRARY

There’s a hint of anticipation in Hanoi’s spring air these days, as the city gets set to welcome President Donald Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un on February 27 and 28. And while the diplomatic discussions are expected to take centerstage, Vietnam’s captivating capital may just steal the show.

9 STUNNING ROOFTOP BARS

When it comes to rooftop bars, Vietnam is up there with the best in Asia. The ever-changing urban skylines of Da Nang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are best seen from the perspective of a few stories up. Elevated above the chaos, cool drink in hand, you can feast your eyes on enticing panoramic views, and watch the streets transform from day to night. Get to know nine of Vietnam’s most outstanding rooftop bars in the list below.

AN INSIDE GUIDE TO HANOI'S BAR SCENE

Hanoi is a sleepy capital, but its sprightly bar scene has the spirit to keep you up all night. Savour a fine wine by the lakes, duck into a cool speakeasy, or investigate the city’s craft beers — Hanoi’s bar scene has something for everyone. And if your stomach starts to rumble, enticing street food is never far away. Here are some of the best bars that the city has to offer.

Hanoi’s architecture mirrors the city’s – and the country’s – checkered history. Chinese influence, French inspiration, subsidy phase austerity and modern practicalities have resulted in a compelling jumble of mismatched dwellings. One compelling way to absorb the capital’s architecture is through its lovingly converted cafes. Here are five you simply can’t miss.

3 WALKING TOURS OF HANOI

Like many great cities, Hanoi is best seen on foot. Narrow alleys, tree-lined boulevards and pretty lakes are just the beginning of the capital’s charms. Set your own pace and get lost in the city’s hidden treasures — old and new — with any of these three do-it-yourself walking tours.

BEST NIGHTLIFE IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife scene is in high spirits. After dark, this energetic metropolis keeps the party going in hidden lounges and atop breezy rooftop bars. These ten hotspots will give you a taste of the best nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City.

HOW TO SEE HO CHI MINH LIKE A LOCAL

It’s easy to get caught up in the streets of Saigon. The colonial buildings and heaving markets of the downtown districts hold countless discoveries for curious travellers. Want to get under the surface? Here are a few ideas that will show you a different side of Ho Chi Minh City.

11 COOL CAFES TO TRY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

A perfect way to replenish your energy, a cup of Vietnamese coffee will keep you going for an entire day. Whether it’s served hot or iced, straight or with milk, Vietnamese coffee hits all the right notes and is an essential beverage of daily life. A cult following has blossomed around Vietnamese-style coffee and the local brew is starting to gain traction overseas. Distraught on how to even begin to tackle the wealth of ultra-hip cafes in Ho Chi Minh City? Here is your ultimate guide to coffee around the city.