Vietnam Travel Guide
Vietnam is a country with strong regional character and a fast-changing modern identity, but it’s best experienced by focusing on individual cities rather than treating it as a single destination. While shared history and culture connect the country, Vietnam is best experienced city by city, where food culture, daily life, and pace differ noticeably from north to south.
Travelers get the most value by choosing specific cities and understanding how each one works on its own terms — particularly when it comes to dining habits, neighborhood layout, and where to stay.
Food & Travel Across Vietnam
Vietnamese food culture is deeply regional and closely tied to climate, geography, and local ingredients. What you eat in Hanoi is not exactly the same as what you’ll find in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. Flavor profiles, ingredients, and meal customs shift as you move through the country.
In general:
Northern regions emphasize balance and subtle flavors
Southern regions favor sweeter, bolder tastes and fresh herbs
Central regions are known for spice and distinct local dishes
Street food plays a central role in everyday dining
This variation is why city-specific food guides provide far more value than broad national summaries.
Travel logistics in Vietnam vary by city and region. Large urban centers are busy and energetic, while coastal cities are more relaxed. Choosing the right base affects access to food areas, transportation, and daily comfort.
Cities in Vietnam
Below you’ll find our city-level guides for Vietnam. Each city includes:
A City Guide (what to know and how the city works)
A What to Eat guide (local food, dishes, and markets)
A Where to Stay guide (best areas and accommodation types)
Hanoi
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and cultural heart, with food traditions rooted in the north. Neighborhood choice affects walkability, dining access, and proximity to historic areas.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, offering a fast-paced food scene with influences from across the country. Where you stay plays a major role in managing traffic, dining access, and daily movement.
Da Nang
Da Nang sits along the central coast, blending beach access with strong regional food traditions. Choosing the right area helps balance dining, relaxation, and access to nearby destinations.
Planning Your Trip to Vietnam
Vietnam rewards travelers who focus on a small number of cities and allow time to experience each destination fully. By planning at the city level, you’ll eat better, stay in more suitable neighborhoods, and navigate regional differences more smoothly.
Use the city guides above to plan your trip based on how you want to travel, eat, and stay, rather than relying on broad, country-level overviews.