Looking at a map of Vietnam, you will realise that the best way to see the country is starting in one half and making your way to the other, either north to south or vice versa.

Besides mainland Vietnam, visitors can always extend their stay to the exotic island of Phu Quoc in the south.

Due to the length of the country, the climate and season differs between the north and the south.

The north will experience hot summers between May and October while in winter the mountainous region of Sapa in the northwest can be freezing.

In the south you will find the wet season falls between May and November and the dry season between December and April.

Starting from the north, the capital city Hanoi is bustling with cyclists and very chaotic.

The old quarters make Hanoi a pleasant stay and a water puppet show is a must.

Moving out of the capital, an overnight in a junk boat is recommended in Halong Bay, a Unesco World Heritage site.

Wake up to a spellbinding bay with thousands of islands and practise your tai chi on board.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island. Photo: Jazzmany/Shutterstock.comPhu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island. Photo: Jazzmany/Shutterstock.com

From the sea to the mountains, take an overnight train to the town of Sapa for landscaped beauty and waterfalls.

Make sure you stay in Sapa for the Sunday Bac Ha market if you want to see local villagers selling their colourful drapes and clothing along with local produce. It’s a picturesque experience not to be missed.

Leaving the north, the middle region of Vietnam includes Hue – the ancient capital city and now cultural hub – and Hoi An, where you will see cobblestone streets filled with lanterns.

Hoi An is the best place to buy tailor-made clothes.

The latest trend in South Vietnam is to go trekking and sleeping in one of three huge caves that were only discovered in recent years

Close to these cities is Danang and further south are the famous white sandy beaches of Nha Trang. This also offers slightly more indulgent accommodation, as it is lined with holiday resorts.

For inland adventure, Da Lat is the place to go for white water rafting, zip lining, canoeing, rock climbing and elephant riding.

The latest trend is to go trekking and sleeping in one of three huge caves that were only discovered in recent years and set the latest trend for camping in this region.

These caves are Hang En, Phong Nha and Son Dong (the largest).

Continue travelling through the south and you will reach the most chaotic city in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon.

One full day in this city will give you an insight to all the major highlights such as the Cao Dai temple, the Cu Chi Tunnels (used in the Vietnam War) and the Reunification Palace.

The Mekong Delta is another must-see to experience the largest floating market in the world.

Hitch a ride on a small, locally owned boat to travel through the canals and water coconut trees. Architecturally, the French have left their mark in Vietnam, as did the Chinese many years ago.

Vietnam also has a rich culinary tradition and if you have time, take up a cooking class in Hoi An. The rich, flavoursome food is amazing.

Overall, the Vietnamese are hospitable people who are ready to greet you warm-heartedly and tell you their tales.

It’s a wonderfully rewarding country to explore.

• Royaltravel.com.mt; call 2142 3994/5

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