Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that rewards slow travel. From the lantern-lit streets of Hội An to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay rising from morning mist, every region has a completely different personality. It's one of Southeast Asia's most diverse destinations packed into a slender, 1,600km-long country.

For Indian travellers, Vietnam is excellent value — quality hotels are a fraction of Western prices, the food scene is adventurous yet accessible, and the locals are famously warm. Most first-timers need at least 8 days; 12 days is ideal to do the north-to-south journey properly.