Vietnam

Best time to go

Nov–Apr (dry in the south).

Currency

Dong (VND). Carry cash; huge numbers!

Taste this

Phở, bánh mì, spring rolls & egg coffee.

Stay safe

Very safe; watch bag-snatching from motorbikes.

Where to stay

Hanoi (Old Quarter), Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh (D1), Ha Long Bay.