Must-do highlights of Vietnam

Pay respect to soldiers lost in the Vietnam War with a visit to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Experience the tiny, cramped conditions in which the Viet Cong troops lived in this real-life history lesson. Uncover a secret weapons bunker in the city’s backstreets and crawl through decommissioned underground Cu Chi Tunnels.

Wake up to panoramas of towering karst islands and jade-green waters on an overnight junk boat cruise in Halong Bay. Glide along tranquil waters and kayak around the craggy islets of limestone cliffs jutting out of the water. Drop anchor near to a golden sand beach and dive into the glistening warm sea for a swim before enjoying a delicious lunch of fresh seafood onboard your boat.

Embark on an exhilarating bike ride up and down the Hon Giao Pass on a Vietnam cycling tour. Pedal through the hills of Langbiang Plateau and dig deep as you ascend through lush pine forests and towering mountain scenery. Enjoy magnificent views at the top and enjoy a thrilling, non-stop, 30km descent, through the valleys to a well-deserved lunch stop in Khanh Vinh.

Vietnamese street food is a popular highlight of Vietnam, in particular, Banh Mi. Banh Mi is a variation of the French baguette - a ciabatta-style roll filled with meat and pickled vegetables, garnished with mayonnaise and spices, and washed down with a strong coffee. This have-on-the-go meal can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is a common sight in the backstreets of Hue.

The beautiful Japanese Bridge of Hoi An is symbolic of the town’s UNESCO Heritage. First built in the late 16th century by the town’s Japanese inhabitants, this ornately carved bridge has been well preserved in its original design. Monkey and dog statues guard the entrances of this sacred overpass and temples for the weather gods are left to ward off earthquakes.

For some of the best cycling in Vietnam, head to the Mekong Delta on our Cycle Vietnam and Cambodia trip. Renowned for its lively floating markets, lush mangrove forests and dwarfing pagodas, this hidden network of quiet trails is a joy to explore by bike. Pedal under a canopy of lush green palm trees, traverse rickety wooden bridges and greet friendly locals as you journey along the tropical waterways on this unique an exotic cycle ride.

A visit to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the country’s magnificent sacred temples. Discover ancient meditation practices passed down the generations in Hue’s temples on the banks of the Perfume River and immerse yourself in the spiritual calmness of Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most significant places of worship in the city.