The north of Vietnam is full of dramatic landscapes. Spend a night on a cruise in Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay among thousands of limestone islands, take a boat through the rice fields and caves of Ninh Binh, and trek through the mountain villages and rice terraces of Sapa. For real adventure, ride the Ha Giang Loop, one of the most beautiful road trips in Asia.

Central Vietnam is rich in history and charm. Hoi An is a lovely old town where the streets glow with colorful lanterns at night and tailors can make you custom clothes in a day. Nearby, Da Nang offers long beaches and the famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands, while Hue was once the imperial capital of Vietnam.

In the south, Ho Chi Minh City is loud, busy and full of life. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, explore the floating markets of the Mekong Delta and then relax on the white beaches of Phu Quoc island.

Vietnam is also one of the cheapest countries in Asia for travelers, and the food is incredible. Try a hot bowl of pho, a crispy banh mi, fresh spring rolls and a strong Vietnamese iced coffee, and you will want to come back again and again.