Sun-soaked country has 50p pints, 34C weather in May and gorgeous golden beaches
Vietnam, in Southeast Asia, boasts incredibly cheap beer and food, low cost hotels and incredible heritage sites, ancient cities, beautiful bays and scorching weather.

Looking for a holiday destination that has sun, sand and sea
in buckets as well as great value booze and food could find their ideal
hotspot in Vietnam.
The Southeast Asian country is a paradise with hot weather, reaching
whopping highs of 34C in April and May and mellowing out to 85 degrees
from June to August. There are dozens of interesting cities and beach
towns to explore – and excellent prices while you’re out there.
Choices for a city break include big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
City while smaller, historic city Hot An is also a relaxing place to
head to.
In
Hanoi, in the north of Vietnam, you can explore the narrow
streets of the Old Quarter, discover the maze-like markets and shop at
street food stalls to try local treats and Vietnamese coffee. Ancient
temples like Ngoc Son Temple are fascinating to explore and learn more
about Vietnamese culture.
In the center of Hanoi you can find Hoan Kiem Lake which is a peaceful
oasis in the busy city. You can also learn more about the nation’s
history at the Ho Chi Minh Complex which includes the Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, and the
One Pillar Pagoda.
The central coast of Vietnam is home to Hoi An – a historic city with a
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town and gorgeous preserved port
which dates back to the 15th Century. Explore the lantern-lit streets,
temples, pagodas and old shops. The town is also famous for its tailors
– and you can get a custom outfit made to measure within a few days.

Hoi An is situated along the Thu Bon River and so a great
option for the day is to take a boat ride and admire the views or
explore the countryside with its rice paddies and coconut groves. It's
also close to the nearby beaches of An Bang and Cua Dai where you can
sunbathe or try your hand at an array of watersports.
Finally, in the south of Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as
Saigon, which is the main cultural hub of the nation. The most iconic
attraction is the Independence Palace which served as the presidential
palace of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. You can admire the
opulent rooms and the command bunker beneath.

The city also has a buzzing nightlife from rooftop bars, clubs
and live music venues to bustling street markets like Ben Thanh Market.
There’s also an Opera House and the Museum of Fine Arts for cultural
buffs.
Brits who prefer to spend their holidays relaxing in the sunshine
should head to Halong Bay. The mesmerizing hotspot in north Vietnam is
filled with emerald green waters and towers of limestone that form
unusual islands. The bay’s natural beauty features a landscape of
towering cliffs, arches, and caves.
One of the best ways to see Halong Bay is to head on a cruise – you can
find ultra-cheap options to more luxury ships. You’ll be able to stare
out at the limestone islands, visit floating villages, kayak through
hidden lagoons and swim for hours. Fun activities to try in the area
include cooking classes, tai chi sessions, and squid fishing at night.

According to PintPrice, a beer in Ho Chi Minh city will set
you back just 75 cents, while in Hanoi you'll spend 50 cents and in Hoi
An as little as 20 cents. The overall average cost of a beer in Vietnam
is around $1 according to a recent study. So it's very cheap to enjoy
yourself while you're out there. Hiker's Bay claims you can even get a
three course meal for two for just $20.
Hotels aren't expensive either, over on booking.com we found that you
can stay in a dorm of a hostel from just £6 a night in Hanoi, in Ho Chi
Minh the cheapest room available was a tiny $6 a night while in Hoi An
you can get a private room from $9. Those who want a little more luxury
can enjoy a luxury hotel room for $30 a night. Cruises in Halong Bay
can cost $40 for a day cruise with kayaking or spend a little extra for
a luxury two day voyage for $125.
The Daily Star UK