Destination Spotlight: Vietnam
Travel dramatic landscapes and explore hidden corners.
If you don't have a trip to Vietnam on your list of must-travel destinations, it's time to get it there. This Indochina country is full of diverse landscapes, ancient culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and plenty of adventurous spots to paddle, trek, hike, and ride.
Here's a quick look at how to make the most of a trip to Vietnam.
When to Visit
Vietnam is beautiful year-round, but if you are looking for that prime travel time, book your trip from December through February. Winter months in Vietnam not only have the mildest temperatures, but they have less rain and humidity.
April through October is monsoon season, and while you'll certainly get better deals on accommodations, you'll be battling wet (and sometimes flooding) landscapes, along with more mosquitos. It's not an impossible time to visit, just a bit more adventurous and unpredictable.
What to Experience
Vietnam has a little bit of something for everyone, including over 3,300 kilometers of coastline, landscapes of beautifully stepped rice terraces, rugged mountains, and the biggest cave in the world. You probably won't be able to see it all on a single trip to this diverse country, but be sure not to miss these experiences:
- Live up the tropical life in Nha Trang, a coastal resort town that has great diving, islands for exploring, and white-sand beaches. You can take a boat tour for an all-inclusive experience, or rent a stand up paddleboard to cruise at a more relaxed pace.
- For an experience unlike any other, make your way to the Mekong Delta. This complicated and interconnected series of waterways is home to all types of floating contraptions, from fishing boats to houses to entire markets. When you're done living the life aquatic, there are plenty of jungle backroads to explore and temples to see.
- Escape the heat with a trip to the hill-tribe villages around Sapa in northern Vietnam. Trek over ancient rice terraces, climb to mountaintops and choose to do homestays or book into upscale eco-lodges. Sapa is still a bit off the tourist track, so don't miss the chance to see it soon.
Guided Adventures
Hop on one of these guided tours to experience the beauty of Vietnam with local experts:
Cover photo by Kyle Frost
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
