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DISCOVER DAK LAK PROVINCE

Thundering waterfalls, endless coffee plantations, remote ethnic villages — these are the first things you’ll hear about Dak Lak, if you hear anything at all. This under-the-radar province in Central Vietnam is in no hurry to reveal its treasures. Of course, that's half the appeal. Where else can you go glamping on a vast lake, get up close with elephants in the forest, and sit down to coffee with ethnic tribes? If you’re looking for a reason to visit, here are seven compelling things to do in Dak Lak.

INSPIRED IDEAS FOR RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLERS

Booking community tours, shopping at social enterprises, eating locally grown food — there are many ways your travels in Vietnam can make a difference. For travellers who enjoy giving back everywhere they go, Vietnam offers wonderful opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture while supporting worthy enterprises. Read on for some of our favourite sustainable brands and ideas to inspire your Vietnam itinerary.

Great Vietnam moments come in many forms. They can be the messy delight of trying fruit in a floating market, or the eye-opening first taste of phở. They can happen in the frenetic streets of a city, or a whisper-soft morning in the mountains. Your best Vietnam memories will probably also have something in common: a smile from a local, a delicious aroma, or a slash of tropical sunlight. From the hardy North to the sandy South, here are 20 quintessential Vietnam experiences to seek out on your trips.

7 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DO IN MAI CHAU

Rolling rice paddies as far as the eye can see. The sound of chickens clucking. Stilt houses surrounded by forest-covered mountains. Simple and fresh plates of food. These are the impressions Mai Châu will give you. Situated in easy reach from Hanoi, Mai Châu is a breath of fresh air, and a great option if you’re looking for a calm destination rich in nature and culture. Here are seven top things to do in Mai Châu.

7 GREAT WAYS TO SEE THE GULF OF TONKIN

In Vietnam’s spectacular Gulf of Tonkin, travel doesn’t just mean following the itinerary. These days, you have more options for exploring all three bays – Ha Long, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long – your own way. Riveting seascapes will always be the highlight, whether you’re coming for a romantic cruise, active adventure, or something completely different. Here are seven unique ways to experience Vietnam’s most beautiful bays.

WHERE TO GO TO SEE UNSEEN VIETNAM?

Sometimes in travel, it only takes a small push – one more hour on the road, one slightly out-of-the-way booking – to win an invaluable reward. For every heavily Instagrammed tourist attraction in Vietnam, there’s an alternative just as beautiful that remains undiscovered. With only a handful of adventurous tourists like you visiting these locations, you can look forward to enhanced contact with the community, and reduced harm to the environment. Your well-spent dollar also helps to lessen the inequality of tourism income between communities in hotspots and those far-flung places. Ready to explore? Here's list of eight outstanding, lesser-known places to help you find the best of Vietnam, beyond the beaten path.

5 REASONS YOU'LL LOVE CAI BE

Cái Bè is an idyllic slice of the Mekong Delta, just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Although the rest of Vietnam uses the saying “thoải mái đi” (take it easy), the people of Cái Bè live by it. A town of mostly fruit farmers and river fisherman, Cái Bè operates on a relaxed schedule: the morning is for commerce and hard work, the rest of the day is about taking it slow. Rise early to witness market life play out on the water, then kill time cycling through Tân Phong Islet, sipping cà phê sữa đá in a hammock, and floating down leafy canals. Here are some reasons you’ll love your time in Cái Bè.

We believe you don’t need a special excuse to take a vacation with your partner. But if you’re looking for one, Vietnam has you covered. Vietnam is a surprisingly enchanting destination for couples, blessed with rich culture, mouthwatering food, and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re reconnecting after a busy season, celebrating a romantic milestone, or going on a spur-of-the-moment adventure, Vietnam will give you moments to treasure for a long time to come. Here are our best trip ideas for couples in Vietnam.

A TOUR FOR COFFEE LOVERS IN DA LAT

A sensuous, full-cup fragrance announces the arrival of your first cup of K’Ho coffee. Take a sip. You’ll find the flavour is generous but balanced, rich with rounded notes of caramel and almond. It’s nothing like the bold and bitter robusta usually served across Vietnam, the strongest cups of which can turn you euphoric to despairing within an hour. This coffee rolls smoothly across the tongue, flicks on tiny switches in the brain, and fills the nose with pleasure.

DELIGHTFUL VIETNAMESE DRINKS

‘Giải khát’ signs are all over Vietnam, inviting people from all walks of life to ‘quench their thirst’. The country may be known as a foodie haven, but its beverages are just as delicious as its dishes. Stopping for a drink is an event in itself: time to take a break on the curb and chat. Wherever you go in Vietnam, a revitalising pick-me-up is not far away. Here are seven winning beverages for your list.

WHERE TO TRY VIETNAM'S BEST CRAFT BEER

A plastic stool and a big, cold glass of bia hơi is to many a quintessential part of life in urban Vietnam. A long-time favourite drink, this fresh, affordable beer is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. But Vietnam now is looking for something different. Young urbanites across the country are pulling up a stool at Vietnam’s new breweries and taprooms to sample original, locally inspired brews. From north to south, here’s the best of Vietnam’s craft beer scene. Hanoi: Best for bia fiends

THE STORY OF VIETNAMESE PHO

To the casual visitor, the province of Nam Dinh flies under the radar. Situated in the Red River Delta, Nam Dinh is known for agricultural areas and beautiful churches. Tran Hung Dao, the 13th-century national hero who helped defeat invading Mongol hordes, came from these parts. But Nam Dinh’s most significant contribution to Vietnam is the beef noodle soup, phở bò.

21 MUST TRY VIETNAMESE DISHES

In Vietnam, before eating we say “Chúc ngon miệng!”-- meaning 'enjoy your meal' (but of course you will.) While Vietnamese cuisine abroad still flies under the banners of phở and bánh mì, the full spectrum of Vietnamese food is a symphony of delightfully textured, bright and piquant flavours. The Vietnamese love their food and cooks make the most of each region's abundance produce and special ingredients to make their meals. Northern food is known for its simplicity; the dishes of central Vietnam are generous in spice and quantity; Southerners like to add sugar. Wherever you travel across the country, you're sure to eat well.

EATING VIETNAM WITH ANTHONY BOURDAIN

From bún bò huế to bún chả, chef, writer and travel tv host Anthony Bourdain loved eating in Vietnam. For the curious foodies who want to retrace the footsteps of this legendary gourmand, here are some of his favourite spots in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and what to order when you're there.

13 FANTASTIC FRUITS OF VIETNAM

Fruit is essential to everyday life in Vietnam. From street corners to bicycle vendors, signs for ‘hoa quả’ atop perfectly stacked pyramids of colourful fruits are everywhere. Snack happy, be adventurous and dive into the wonderful world of Vietnam’s fruits with this guide.

DREAMY DESSERTS TO TRY IN VIETNAM

Across the world, Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its subtle flavours and ultra-fresh ingredients. Vietnamese sweets are not only a refreshing treat on a balmy day, but an adventure in texture and flavour. From puddings to pastries, here are 15 sweet snacks you must taste on your travels in Vietnam.

A VEGETARIAN GUIDE TO VIETNAM

Vegetarians have a lot to look forward to in Vietnam. Vietnamese kitchens are known not only for balanced, flavourful, healthy cooking, but for their liberal use of fresh vegetables and herbs in every meal. Throughout the country, it’s easy to find vegetarian restaurants and meat-free versions of mouthwatering local dishes. Prepare for beautiful meals on your trip with this easy guide to vegetarian food in Vietnam.

10 DELICIOUS VIETNAMESE ROLLS

Fresh and full of texture, Vietnam’s spring rolls are known and loved worldwide. However, the country has a more passionate love affair with hand-rolled bites than you might expect. From the ultra-fresh to the deep fried, món cuốn dishes are culinary staples across the country. Get to know the many varieties and flavours of món cuốn a little better with this list of 10 beautiful bites to try in Vietnam.