Vietnam

Vietnam is a truly compelling destination that offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. For history enthusiasts, Vietnam provides a powerful, immersive look into the Vietnam War, with preserved battlefields, underground tunnels, and poignant memorials that bring the past to life in a way no textbook ever could. But Vietnam is so much more than its wartime legacy, it's a vibrant cultural tapestry where ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets coexist harmoniously. Food lovers will find themselves in a culinary paradise, from steaming bowls of pho on street corners to fresh seafood and regional delicacies that reflect the country’s rich, diverse palate. Beyond the history and the food, Vietnam’s landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking, limestone cliffs rising from emerald bays, terraced rice fields, tranquil rivers, and charming old towns lit by lanterns. Whether you're seeking reflection, adventure, or indulgence, Vietnam offers a journey that speaks to the soul and delights the senses.

We recommend two weeks to travel from North to South Vietnam, taking in many of this beautiful country;s delights. Don’t have two weeks to spare? Not to worry, everything we do here at SGWT is bespoke, so we’ll plan a trip to suit you.

Take a look at some recommended highlights.

Hanoi

Hanoi is where ancient culture and modern resilience meet. As Vietnam’s capital, it’s rich in historical landmarks that speak to the country’s deep cultural roots and revolutionary spirit. Visitors can reflect at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a solemn site where the revered leader rests, and walk the serene grounds of his stilt house, preserved as he left it. The One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, is a symbol of Buddhist devotion and national identity.

The D67 Bunker and the Military Headquarters pull back the curtain on how Vietnam strategized during the war, offering a rare look into military planning rooms and underground bunkers. The “Hanoi Hilton” prison, infamous for housing American POWs, presents a sobering perspective from both Vietnamese and American viewpoints. From B-52 wreckage in a peaceful lake to bustling streets lined with French colonial architecture, Hanoi invites visitors to walk through the layers of Vietnam’s past and present.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is a surreal seascape dotted with over 1,600 limestone islands rising from emerald waters. Sailing aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, guests are transported into a tranquil world far removed from war, ideal for quiet reflection after visiting historic battlegrounds. Here, you can swim, kayak, or explore vast caves like Thien Cung or Sung Sot.

Dong Hoi & Phong Nha-Ke Bang – Gateway to Vietnam’s wartime trail network

This area, once a vital zone during the war, offers access to remarkable historical and natural sites. The Khe Gat Airstrip is an evocative relic from North Vietnam’s aerial defense operations. At the Eight Ladies Cave, visitors pay tribute to young volunteers who died protecting vital supply routes, a touching reminder of wartime sacrifice.

Demilitarized Zone – The frontline of a divided nation

Spanning the 17th parallel, this region was once the tense border between North and South Vietnam. Travelers can walk through the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground village where civilians lived for years under constant bombardment. The Hien Luong Bridge, painted half red and half blue, symbolizes a divided country and torn families. Sites like Khe Sanh Combat Base and Quang Tri Citadel reveal the immense scale of conflict and resilience. It’s a deeply moving region, offering historical clarity and human connection through well-preserved battlefields, stories, and memorials.

Hue – Imperial glory and war-torn courage

Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue presents the elegance of Vietnam’s royal heritage and the scars of war. The Imperial Citadel, modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City, was the scene of some of the most intense fighting during the Tet Offensive of 1968. Touring this vast complex, visitors see bullet-pocked walls, moats, and temples, while hearing stories of heroism and heartbreak. The Thien Mu Pagoda, perched along the Perfume River, is not only a spiritual icon but also a symbol of anti-war activism during the 1960s. Vong Canh Hill, with panoramic views of the countryside, offers both beauty and context to the region's past.

Hoi An – A peaceful break in a preserved port town

Hoi An is a charming contrast to the war’s harsh realities. Once a bustling trading port, this ancient town is a UNESCO gem with winding alleys, lantern-lit nights, and preserved architecture from Chinese, Japanese, and French influence. The Red Beach 2 and My Khe Beach (once a rest-and-recreation hub for US troops) add a layer of modern history to this otherwise tranquil town. A walking tour here is like stepping into a postcard, perfect for cultural immersion, shopping, and relaxation before continuing the historical journey.

My Lai

The My Lai Massacre Site is one of the most solemn stops on the tour. This memorial preserves the village where over 500 civilians were tragically killed by U.S. forces in 1968. Today, it stands as a place of remembrance, education, and healing, with a museum, preserved ruins, and detailed documentation. It’s a deeply sobering experience that prompts important conversations about war, morality, and humanity, essential for understanding the full emotional landscape of the conflict.

Cu Chi Tunnels – Ingenuity in the face of adversity

A short drive from Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an astounding testament to human resilience. This elaborate underground network allowed Viet Cong fighters to move, hide, and live undetected, complete with living quarters, trap systems, kitchens, and medical stations. Visitors can crawl through preserved tunnel segments, examine camouflaged entrances, and even sample the humble diet of the tunnel dwellers. This hands-on experience brings the resourcefulness and intensity of guerrilla warfare vividly to life.

Mekong Delta (Ap Bac & My Tho) – War, culture, and life on the water

The Mekong Delta is a lush region of river channels, fruit orchards, and cultural traditions, but it also witnessed the early stages of the Vietnam War. The Battle of Ap Bac in 1963 marked a turning point in public perception of the war's complexity and cost. Cruising through My Tho, once a hub for the U.S. Navy’s Brown Water operations, travelers explore the peaceful beauty of the delta. A visit to a coconut candy workshop, a family home, and a horse-cart ride through rural villages all offer a more intimate, personal glimpse into Vietnamese daily life.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Modern Vietnam, built on resilience

Formerly Saigon, this dynamic metropolis is a city of contrasts, modern skyscrapers beside French colonial villas, chic cafés near wartime bunkers. The Reunification Palace, where the war officially ended, remains frozen in time, with war rooms, maps, and vintage tanks at the gates. If time allows, a visit to the War Remnants Museum or the Secret Ammunition Bunker ties together the entire journey with powerful photographs, artifacts, and survivor testimonies.

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