Vietnam is a country that has changed at an impressive pace over the last twenty years, becoming one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, and yet it continues to maintain an extremely strong relationship with its traditions, its historical memory and a way of life that in many areas still seems to follow the rhythms of nature.

Perhaps it is precisely this constant tension between change and continuity that makes it one of the most fascinating destinations of the moment. While many destinations in South-East Asia seem to chase an ever more standardised international model, authentic Vietnam continues to maintain a strong, recognisable and surprisingly contemporary personality. Visiting this destination today means observing at close quarters a young, energetic society in the midst of transformation, where young people crowd the designer cafés of Hanoi, entrepreneurs launch tech start-ups in Ho Chi Minh City and, at the same time, fishermen still sail the waters of Halong Bay following traditions handed down through the generations.

A young country looking to the future

The average age of the Vietnamese population is among the lowest in Asia. This apparently statistical fact says a great deal about contemporary Vietnam. You need only stroll the streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to realise how much the country is animated by a new generation that looks to the future with enthusiasm and confidence. Young Vietnamese are ever more connected: they travel, study abroad, use digital platforms with surprising ease and follow global trends without giving up their own cultural identity. It is one of the reasons why Vietnam today holds such a strong appeal even for the most curious European travellers: here you clearly feel the energy of a society on the move.

And yet modernisation has not erased the past. History is still present everywhere. In the colonial quarters of Hanoi, in the imperial palaces of Hue, in the reminders of the Vietnam War and even in everyday habits. The result is a fascinating balance between tradition and innovation that is rarely encountered with such intensity.

Vietnamese cuisine is one of Asia’s great surprises

If there is one aspect that has contributed to Vietnam’s growing popularity in recent years, it is undoubtedly its gastronomy. More and more international chefs, food influencers and travellers regard Vietnamese cuisine as one of the most interesting in the world. The reason is simple: it manages to be incredibly complex and surprisingly light at the same time. Chinese, French and local influences have merged over the centuries, giving rise to a culinary tradition of ultra-fresh aromatic herbs, fragrant broths, crunchy vegetables, delicate spices and simple ingredients enhanced with extraordinary intelligence.

An experience to be enjoyed on one of our escorted tours of Vietnam, the cooking class in Hanoi lets you understand far more than the simple preparation of a few recipes. It means entering the heart of everyday Vietnamese life. The markets become veritable living encyclopaedias where you discover unknown ingredients, family traditions and eating habits that tell the story of the country far better than any book.

Water is the true protagonist of Vietnam

There is one element that accompanies the traveller practically from the beginning to the end of the itinerary: water. You meet it among the striking rock formations of Halong Bay, one of the most iconic landscapes on the planet. You find it again in the waterways that cross Ninh Binh, often described as “Halong Bay on land”. You follow it along the course of the Red River and, above all, in the great system of the Mekong Delta, where life still unfolds to rhythms closely tied to the river. Boat trips among the islands of the Mekong, excursions by boat through the paddy fields and the cruise on Halong Bay help you understand how Vietnam has built its history precisely through its continuous relationship with water.

Hoi An: the town that conquered Instagram without losing its soul

In recent years few Asian towns have won as much popularity on social media as Hoi An. Its coloured lanterns, lamplit alleys, the famous Japanese Bridge and the yellow façades of its old houses have become the subject of millions of photographs. And yet Hoi An still manages to escape the trap of tourist spectacle.

For centuries it was one of the most important trading ports in South-East Asia. Chinese, Japanese, European and Vietnamese merchants left clear traces of their passage here, creating a town that still tells of the meeting of different cultures today. Strolling along the river at sunset, watching the lanterns reflected on the water and stopping at one of the small local restaurants means coming into contact with a dimension of travel that goes beyond the simple photograph to share online.

Ho Chi Minh City: the face of the new South-East Asia

Hanoi represents tradition and Hue imperial memory; Ho Chi Minh City embodies the future. The city is growing at an impressive pace. New skyscrapers constantly reshape the skyline, rooftop bars multiply, young professionals bring life to ever more modern and international districts. Not by chance do many observers consider it one of the most promising metropolises in all of Asia.

And yet here too a deeply Vietnamese soul survives. You need only move a few streets away from the grand boulevards to find traditional markets, temples, street vendors and scenes of daily life that seem unchanged by time. It is precisely this coexistence of modernity and authenticity that makes Ho Chi Minh City one of the most interesting cities to observe today.

Why discover Vietnam with Guiness Travel

From the cooking class in Hanoi, which opens a privileged window onto the extraordinary local gastronomic tradition, to sailing among the scenic formations of Halong Bay, and on to encounters with history in the imperial cities and the landmark sites of the Vietnam War, every experience forms part of a coherent, complete itinerary. Added value also comes from the constant presence of the tour leader and local guides, who help you interpret the country and grasp its most authentic nuances.

Travelling with Guiness Travel also means being able to count on meticulous organisation, selected hotels, comfortable transfers and a balanced programme that alternates culture, landscapes, gastronomy and free time. An approach that lets you experience Vietnam with peace of mind, without sacrificing the depth of the experience.

For those wishing to discover one of the most fascinating and dynamic countries in Asia, this tour is an opportunity to cross Vietnam from north to south with a privileged view, accompanied by professionals who for years have been selecting itineraries that unite emotion, knowledge and quality of travel.