Vietnam is home to incredible biodiversity, with national parks teeming with rare wildlife. Cat Tien National Park, one of the country’s largest protected areas, is home to elephants, gibbons, and endangered crocodiles. Cuc Phuong National Park shelters the critically endangered Delacour’s langur, while Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park hosts diverse cave-dwelling species. The best time for wildlife spotting is from November to April when the weather is dry, making trekking and jungle exploration easier. Vietnam also has excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially in the Mekong Delta’s wetlands and the Bach Ma National Park in central Vietnam.



Hoi An is famous for its monthly Lantern Festival, a magical event where thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the ancient town. Held on the 14th day of each lunar month, this festival transforms the town into a dreamlike setting as locals and visitors release paper lanterns onto the Thu Bon River. The festival is a celebration of Vietnamese traditions, featuring cultural performances, folk music, and delicious street food. Temples are filled with worshippers, and the streets come alive with the soft glow of lanterns. Whether taking a boat ride along the river or simply strolling through the old town, experiencing the Lantern Festival is an unforgettable highlight of any Vietnam trip.

Vietnam’s history is deeply intertwined with its wars, and visiting historical sites provides insight into the country’s resilience and struggle for independence. The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City presents a sobering account of the Vietnam War, showcasing photographs, artifacts, and personal stories. The Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used by the Viet Cong, offer a firsthand look at the guerrilla warfare tactics employed during the war. In central Vietnam, the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tour takes visitors to key battle sites, including Khe Sanh Combat Base and Vinh Moc Tunnels. These historical sites provide a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s past and its path to rebuilding as a thriving nation.

Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct traditions, languages, and customs. In the northern mountains, the H’mong and Dao people are known for their intricate embroidery and colorful textiles. In the Central Highlands, the Bana and Ede tribes maintain ancient gong music traditions, recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage. The Cham people, descendants of the ancient Champa civilization, practice a unique form of Hindu-influenced culture in southern Vietnam. Visiting these ethnic communities provides an opportunity to witness traditional crafts, participate in local festivals, and experience homestays in traditional stilt houses. The best places to explore ethnic culture include Sapa, Ha Giang, and the remote villages of Dak Lak province.

For travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in northern Vietnam. Located about 150 km from Hanoi, Pu Luong offers spectacular terraced rice fields, traditional stilt-house villages, and lush jungles. Unlike Sapa, which has become more touristy, Pu Luong remains relatively untouched, providing an authentic experience of rural Vietnam. Trekking through Pu Luong’s valleys brings travelers into close contact with ethnic minority communities like the Thai and Muong people, who maintain their traditional way of life. The highlight of a Pu Luong trek is the breathtaking views from Hieu Waterfall, where visitors can swim in crystal-clear waters. Staying in an eco-lodge or homestay allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the serene beauty and slow-paced lifestyle of this pristine region.