Spotlight: Vietnam

Merchants navigating the Mekong Delta in boats packed with exotic dragon fruit … orange-sailed junks gliding through majestic limestone karsts dotting Halong Bay … Hoi An’s skilled tailors sewing custom-made silk clothing at record speed.

Vietnam is a vibrant destination full of stunning natural locales and rich culture. Immerse yourself in the French-influenced architecture in the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In contrast, you will find elaborate pagodas and mausoleums in Hue, and lush jungle and rice terraces in Sapa, home to the Hmong hill tribes.

The gastronomy found within Vietnam stems from cooking techniques learned during French colonial rule and applied to local ingredients. Sip on sweet rich Vietnamese coffee and try complex Pho, a traditional rice noodle soup that combines spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet in each bite.

Vietnam is one of the most dynamic countries to explore—is it on your list?