Vietnam is one of those travel destinations that’s a bit of an if you know, you know. As in, if you let it, Vietnam will change your life. This long, narrow nation that winds along the sea calls to mind why we travel in the first place. The cuisine, for starters, is easy to fall for. While many Southeast Asian countries are known for flavors so spicy you need to keep a glass of milk within arm’s reach, Vietnam is all about the balance, with heaps of fresh herbs and plenty of fish sauce to accompany. (Here are 45 must-eat Vietnamese dishes to brush up on ahead of time.)

As for the landscapes, prepare to be accosted by beauty. Limestone karsts jutting upward from emerald green water, ancient rivers that snake through dense mangrove forests, misty mountains traced with rice terraces… the list goes on. And the culture. Over the millennia, Vietnam has been imprinted by conflict and occupation, but always emerging with an identity fiercely its own. Traveling here offers the privilege of contextualizing all of this through architecture, art, and craft. The country’s artisan communities, in particular, enrich all touches of everyday life, from basket weaving to hand-painted lanterns.

And though it can be tempting to hide yourself away in a secluded bay or mountain village the whole visit, don’t stop there. Beyond its otherworldly beaches and countrysides, you’ll find Vietnam’s beating pulse in cities like Hanoi, where successfully crossing through an intersection of racing motorbikes can feel akin to Moses parting the red sea. The energy can’t be beat.

As for logistics, Phi Cao from Tonkin Travel suggests 10 to 14 days for a well-rounded visit to Vietnam. “We usually recommend Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam for cultural heritage and natural beauty. Huế, Hội An, Da Nang in central Vietnam for history, charm, and beaches. Then Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam for dynamic energy and local life.” Ahead, 23 experiences that touch down in all of these destinations and beyond.

Watch the World Go By From a Tiny Stool