Explore the north of Vietnam

Deep in the north of Vietnam, Mai Chau is just the place to slow down and breathe deeply. Explore its lime-green hills and valleys on hiking or biking excursions, and stop to visit a local family where you could even spend the night. Get to know the community with a lesson in textile weaving, embroidery, bamboo basket weaving or kite making. Mai Chau is famous for its incredible caves, one of the most famous being Chieu Cave, which sits at the top of 1,200 steps - it's well worth the tired feet! Alternatively, tootle down river in a sampan boat or look for secretive leopard in Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Shrouded in legend and one of the new Natural Wonders of the World, Halong Bay is among the most spectacular destinations in Vietnam. You'll likely sail its aquamarine waters and meander between striking towers of limestone in a luxury junk boat, stopping for daily adventures along the way. Travelling in a smaller vessel, you could spend the day at a hidden beach, swimming and snorkelling whenever you like, or paddle across the water at your own pace in a kayak. If you fancy it, visit a floating fishing village or explore some of the bay's most beautiful caves, learning all about their history and lore - Sung Sot Cave is a definite favourite! You can also trek into the jungles of Cat Ba National Park to spot macaque monkeys, deer and beautiful birdlife, and take in panoramic views of Halong Bay. It is usually mist-free between March and April, making this an ideal time to visit.

Vietnam's long-standing capital, Hanoi is a blend of modern, big city energy and remarkable history. Experience the latter on a stroll amongst the Old Quarter's traditional homes and hundreds of pagodas, pay your respects at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum or visit the Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to famous philosopher, Confucius. One of Hanoi's most well-known features is the emerald-green Hoan Kiem Lake. Learn all about the legend that gave the lake its name, cross the scarlet Huc Bridge to the temple at its centre, or join the locals for a spot of morning Tai Chi or a water puppet show in the evening. Get under Hanoi's skin with a cooking class, wander through its markets, or stop for a drink at a cafe along the iconic Train Street.

With a pristine beach that runs almost uninterrupted along the coast, the main island of Phu Quoc has a lot to offer. Protected by a national park, its waters are home to islets and eye-catching reefs where you can spot sea turtles, dugongs and plenty more on snorkelling, diving and boating excursions. The island's interiors are lush and green, and the idea of a scenic hike in the presence of waterfalls and fluttering birdlife is more than inviting. Then again, you might prefer to explore its cool, winding rivers by kayak or take in views of the island with a ride on the world's longest cable car route. Get to know the people a little on cycles through remote villages, a pepper farm tour or stroll round Phu Quoc Night Market.