Vietnam

Vietnam runs for more than 1,600 km down the eastern edge of mainland Southeast Asia, and its north-to-south journey is one of the great trips in Asia. It is good value, the food is exceptional, Indian travellers can apply for an e-visa online, and the country packs limestone seascapes, ancient towns, beaches and buzzing cities into a single week.

Our six-night package travels the length of the country. It starts in Hanoi, with its lakes, colonial boulevards and the chaotic charm of the Old Quarter, then heads to Ninh Binh, where rowing boats drift through caves and rice fields between limestone karsts at Trang An. You spend a day or overnight cruising Ha Long Bay among nearly 2,000 islands, then fly south to Da Nang for the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills and the lantern-lit old town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trip ends in Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by most locals, with the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market.

The north and south have different climates, so the best time depends on your priorities, but October to April works well for the full journey. Vietnamese cooking is light, fresh and herb-driven, and vegetarian food is available in every city, often from Buddhist chay restaurants. It is a trip for couples, friends and families who enjoy variety and a brisk pace. Domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City keep the journey efficient, so you spend your time exploring rather than sitting on long road transfers. Prices for food, shopping and massages are low, which leaves room for a few extra experiences along the way.