And yet, every day reveals a different side of Vietnam, from the karst topography of Marble Mountain south of Da Nang, to the architectural wonders of Hoi An—another UNESCO site—to the coastal comforts of Nha Trang and Ninh Van Bay. Our journey extends up into the central highlands where we’ll stay in the City of Eternal Spring, Da Lat. The vestiges of Vietnam’s French colonial past still loom large and in our final destination of Hanoi, we’ll get a full cultural infusion at every turn.

Naturally, for the dedicated foodie, Vietnam is the definition of fresh, flavourful and sometimes fiery. Many are familiar with pho, the fragrant beef soup that is considered Vietnam’s national dish, but the sheer variety of cuisine that awaits will astound, from fish and seafood, freshly made noodles and baguettes (that French colonial influence) right down to the slow drip of those unforgettable Vietnamese coffees. We’ll get the full sensory experience in the myriad of street markets along the way, while we even put our hand to learning some of the regional recipes at a cooking school one afternoon.

But again, this journey is about exploring by foot, taking in the bustle of Vietnam today while marveling at the rich historical legacy. It’s also about treating ourselves to the luxurious comforts of a number of exceptional resorts and hotels en route, including the Six Senses Hideaway in Ninh Van Bay, the Life Resort in Hoi An, and the French Colonial splendour of the Dalat Palace Hotel.