Today, Vietnam is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, fast-moving economy, and delicious cuisine. However, to truly understand Vietnamese culture as a traveler, one must dedicate some time to exploring its history.

Travel and Leisure Magazine has consistently ranked Hoi An, Vietnam, among the world's best cities for travel, thanks to its stunning beauty and charm. Hoi An’s cobblestone streets, lantern-lit evenings, and the allure of its ancient architecture attracted 4.4 million tourists in 2024. The issue is that Hoi An, with a population of just 120,000, is facing the problem of overtourism due to the global increase in travel.

If you love culture and history, you will enjoy a visit to the Citadel in Hue, Vietnam. It is a breathtaking site that offers a glimpse into Vietnam's rich royal and colonial heritage, featuring impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.

Exploring the Can Tho Floating Market on the Mekong River provides an intimate glimpse into the floating trade and the heart of this Vietnamese tradition.

Vietnam, a country in rapid economic development, is a unique blend of modern life and tradition. It has recently expanded its focus to include tourism, trade, and global significance while retaining its rich historical heritage. 

For the past 30 years, Ms. Thach has been leading tours of the underground tunnels in Vinh Moc, near Hue, Vietnam. “In early 1992, I started taking visitors to the tunnels, and all you could see were the craters from the bombs from the American War,” she remembered as we drove out to see the underground village during a recent trip to Vietnam.

Tucked away in a mountain resort town in southern Vietnam, this unique guesthouse offers travelers a one-of-a-kind experience.  The Crazy House (also known as Hang Nga Guesthouse) is a maze of narrow bridges, little hidden nooks, wild staircases, fabulous murals, vibrant colors, and tree trunks and branches, all tucked into its natural surroundings.

One of the things I love to do before traveling to a new place is to read as much as possible about the location. I love books. Novels. History. Politics. Memoirs. They can all offer us a glimpse into a country's culture, landscapes, and history. Here are 5 books I recommend before visiting Vietnam.