Vietnam

From ancient dynasties to colonial influences, Vietnam’s complex history, rich culture and fascinating landscapes offer infinite yacht charter itineraries. The central Vietnamese city of Da Nang is a good spot to drop anchor and explore French colonial architecture and centuries-old pagodas, but its Golden Bridge is the area’s most Instagramable attraction. Found high in the Ba Na hills, the 150-metre-long curving gold structure sits in the safe grip of two giant moss-embellished hands and really is a sight to behold. Step way further back in time with a visit to Mỹ Sơn where a cluster of Hindu temple ruins are believed to be the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina. While many of the temples fell victim to the destruction of the Vietnam War era, the spectacular sight rises from the thick surrounding jungle in true Indiana Jones style.

Characterised by fresh, healthy ingredients, Vietnamese cuisine has unique appeal. A bowl of classic pho or a bahn mi sandwich may be your first thought but the variety of regional dishes is mind-blowing. Up north in Halong Bay, fresh seafood is a must-try from cha muc squid cakes to the infamous horseshoe crab that your private chef will be more than happy to prepare. Da Nang is also a foodie hotspot and there’s nothing quite like a street food supper of mi quang – turmeric-tinted noodle broth topped with river shrimp, quail egg, sliced banana flowers and fresh herbs. One of the world’s biggest coffee exporters, don’t leave without sampling Vietnam’s iconic iced coffee or visiting the Buon Ma Thuot plantations in the Central Highlands.

Switch to adventure mode with a paddle or boat trip through the world’s largest cave and subterranean river in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng national park. Hewn from the limestone rock of a Vietnamese mountain, the cave, which is decorated with unusual rock formations and was even used as a staging post during the Vietnam War. Also in the north is another natural gem: the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, which straddle the country’s border with China.