Must-do highlights of Vietnam

Pho, pronounced ‘fuh’, is Vietnam’s national dish and the city of Hanoi practically runs on this delicious beef noodle soup. Typically eaten by locals for breakfast or as a late-night snack, head to one of the noodle bars in the historic French Quarter to pick up a steaming-hot bowl of this tasty broth and get stuck in.

Duck behind the curtain of highrise buildings and bright lights to unearth the more traditional pathways of Ho Chi Minh City on a walking tour through Old Saigon’s back alleyways. Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere and wander through a maze of narrow streets lined with bustling markets, fragrant florist stalls and enticing cafes.

Kids will love the buzz of activity that rings through the air. On our family Vietnam adventure, you'll take to cyclos (cycle carriages with a seat at the front) to explore District 3 before exploring the maze of narrow streets on foot.

Embark on an exhilarating Vietnam 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.

Our Asia cycling trips see you take in an array of changing landscapes, share bonding moments with your group and challenge yourself however much (or little) you prefer, and many have e-bike options, too.

Banh Mi is one of the most popular Vietnamese street foods. It's essentially a variation of the French baguette – a ciabatta-style roll filled with meat and pickled vegetables, garnished with mayonnaise and spices, and best washed down with a strong coffee.

This on-the-go meal can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is a common sight in the backstreets of Hue. Tuck into this quintessential Vietnamese baguette on our Taste of Vietnam food tour, which stops off at Hue – and also includes a 10-course Royal Banquet!

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 was recently restored. Monkey and dog statues guard the entrances of this sacred overpass and temples for the weather gods are left to ward off earthquakes.

On our Simply Vietnam tour, you'll explore the historic city of Hoi An on a guided walking tour, which includes a visit to this centuries-old bridge.

For some of the best cycling in Vietnam, head to the Mekong Delta on our Cycle Saigon to Hanoi 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.

Sarah said of her experience: "On one of our first rides in the Mekong Delta, we stopped to watch as coconuts were harvested, buying them to crack open so we could drink the water before eating the delicious meat."

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.

Hue is an unmissable highlight of Vietnam, and you won't miss a thing during a guided city walk, with your expert tour leader filling you in with all the facts and interesting things to know. Here's one to whet your appetite: did you know that the palace was a copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing?

Ninh Binh is described as 'Halong Bay on land' with its lush rice paddies, serene river landscapes and looming limestone karsts. It's a tranquil glimpse into traditional Vietnamese rural life, and it's in this greener-than-green area you'll find Tam Coc. Drift along the Ngo Dong river by traditional sampan, passing dramatic limestone formations that rise steeply from flat rice fields.

These natural towers are millions of years old and are draped in lush greenery; some also feature caves, which you might pass through. It all adds to Tam Coc's mystical charm.