Vietnam Nightlife
VietnamVietnam's nightlife could be considered quiet with far fewer mega-clubs than nearby cities like Bangkok and Hong Kong. However, a night out in Vietnam's cities — with plenty of beer, street food, and rice wine — will feel like a truly local experience.
Younger people crowd into karaoke bars and slick hotspots in Ho Chi Minh City, and the local craft beer scene is growing healthily. Nightlife is quieter in northern cities, like Hanoi, but you can still find lively nighttime eateries. Food is very important to any evening out and meals can last for hours! Major cities also have plenty of Western-style bars too.
Another evening activity not to be missed is joining in on shots of locally made rice wine, or 'happy water', in a homestay. Local families in Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, and Sapa will be happy to oblige.
Vietnam Highlights
A curated look at the best Vietnam has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side. Located along the banks of the Red River, it is one of Southeast Asia’s oldest capitals, with a history that stretches back over a thousand years. Founded in 1010 under the Ly Dynasty, Hanoi was originally named Thang Long, meaning “Ascending Dragon.” Over centuries, it has witnessed periods of Chinese domination, Vietnamese independence, French colonial rule, and modern development, each leaving a distinct mark on the city’s identity. Today, Hanoi stands as a cultural and political heart of Vietnam, where history is not just preserved in museums but lives on in its streets, architecture, and daily life.
Explore DestinationHo Chi Minh City
There’s no better place to get a feel for urban Vietnam than the energetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City. This is Vietnam's largest city and one of the country's most free-spirited destinations. Still referred to as ‘Saigon’ by locals, it is known for hordes of motorbikes, mouthwatering food, and hip coffee shops.
Explore DestinationHoi An
If ever Vietnam had its own storybook town, it would be Hoi An. It’s a rare traveler who fails to be taken in by Hoi An’s rich history and enchanted by its shimmering lanterns.
Explore DestinationHa Long Bay
The name Ha Long means “descending dragon” – a fitting title for a bay steeped in mystical legends and boasting scenery to match. There are countless tales of how and why the name came about. One of the most well-known tells of a dragon that came down from the sky, spitting thousands of pearls from its fiery mouth, which became the islets and karsts that now dot the bay.
Explore DestinationPhu Quoc Island
Located in the glittering expanse of the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s very own island paradise. Neighbouring the similarly paradisiacal islands of Cambodia, Phu Quoc features long stretches of idyllic sand; dense untouched jungle, and a growing collection of mega resorts. But with over 221.6 square miles (574 sq km) of land, there is still a slice of island for everyone.
Explore DestinationCan Tho
Can Tho is the main hub of commerce and tourism in the busy and beautiful Mekong Delta. Known as the ‘rice basket of Vietnam’ due to its fertile soil and thriving agricultural industry, Can Tho is a quintessential Mekong destination. Travel through tight canals in a sampan boat, visit floating markets, and dine on fresh Mekong produce.
Explore DestinationDa Nang
Da Nang is an essential port city in central Vietnam, on the coast between Hoi An and Hue. Visitors who stay here get to experience the nightlife, interesting local art, and beautiful hikes up the nearby Marble Mountains.
Explore DestinationNha Trang
Hotels crowd the shores of Nha Trang’s popular beach. This is a highly developed area, and visitors will have plenty of amusement parks and shopping centers to choose from. Nha Trang also has a lot of bars that quickly fill with travelers and backpackers after the sun sets. Accommodations in the area cater to the backpacker and resort crowds.
Explore DestinationFeatured Vietnam Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Vietnam itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Deep into Vietnam & Cambodia
Our favourite country so far, 2nd time going. The food is amazing, the history and culture are vibrant and fabulous to participate in, and the people are so warm, friendly, kind and welcoming. It’s inexpensive but top quality and everywhere you go, you are welcomed. They work hard to help you and are open to learning English and happy to work with you via translate apps etc to accommodate anything from ordering food, to paying for items, to directions to places. Every menu had photos and moat things have English descriptions too. English is widely spoken too. There’s so much to see and do in the country that there’s something for everyone no matter what you’re interested in.
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Immersion
Tali explored the cultural tapestry of Vietnam and Cambodia on a 17‑day adventure. Travelers trekked from Hanoi’s bustling streets to Ninh Binh’s karst cliffs, glided through Halong Bay, explored Hoi An’s lantern river, and toured Angkor’s temples. Friendly local hosts and knowledgeable guides brought history to life, leaving Tali with a deep appreciation for the region’s vibrant traditions and timeless landscapes.
Vietnam's Saigon and Mekong to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Cambodia
This itinerary was designed by our experts to showcase the range of experiences we can cater to in Vietnam and Cambodia trip. All services are 100% customizable to fit your travel dates, budget, and preferences. Do you need to find different hotels, alternative lodging or other activities? Our experts in Southeast Asia can assist you with your requests. Send us an email to book your personal trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.
Saigon and Mekong Cruise in Vietnam plus Siem Reap Cambodia
This itinerary will help you plan a trip to Vietnam or Cambodia. All services can be customized to meet your travel preferences, dates and budget. Are you looking for alternative lodging, activities or hotels? You can count on the expertise of our local experts in Southeast Asia to meet your needs. For a personalized trip to Vietnam or Cambodia, get in touch with us today.
Cruise the Mekong River from Siem Reap Cambodia to Saigon Vietnam
This itinerary is the starting point for a great trip to Vietnam & Cambodia. All services can be customized to suit your travel needs, dates, and budget. You may be looking for hotels or other options, such as alternative lodging. Our local experts will help you in Southeast Asia. Get in touch to plan your trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Insider-led Vietnam Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Vietnam Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
