From north to south, Vietnam adventure vibes wax and wane, yet remain jaw-dropping locales for a memory card stuffed with HD photos. So, get hoppin’ — there’s plenty of sweetened coffee to drink and noodles to slurp.

Ho Chi Minh City. The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (also known by its former name, Saigon) is a worthy choice. While the motorbike-clogged streets may seem overwhelming at first, you will soon grow to love the nonstop buzz of the city (the fact that you can buy top notch banh mis and Vietnamese coffees on every corner doesn’t hurt either!). Adventure travel programs in Ho Chi Minh City offer the chance to embark on a more urban adventure, whether that is a sobering but eye-opening look at the Vietnam War (or the American War, as it’s called here) or getting inside views at hospitals and orphanages in the city. Becoming a pro at navigating the concrete jungle of Ho Chi Minh will be an adventure in itself!

Hanoi. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and stands in contrast to the more southern Ho Chi Minh City. In the Old Quarter, you’ll find French-inspired architecture and food and plenty of vendors displaying herbs, silk, and everything in between. Hanoi is a great jumping off point to reach Halong Bay, peppered with limestone rock towers and adventurous kayakers (it may make you feel as though you’ve traveled to Jurassic Park!). Hanoi, Vietnam tour companies offer the chance to island hop around the coast near the city, escaping from the hustle and bustle.

Da Nang. This beachside city is located smack dab between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and it is a perfect choice for anyone who is a lover of turquoise waters, dragon statue bridges, and decadent street food (so...everyone, right?). While in Da Nang, you could immerse yourself in the country with a program that combines sightseeing, volunteering, or adventure trekking through the nearby mountains. You could also have the unique opportunity to build on skills you may have learned at school, and get an in-depth look into the world of international media and photojournalism! Your adventure travel in Vietnam will help you no matter what your future endeavors are, and gaining specific knowledge in a field while abroad is an amazing perk.