The principle of yin and yang

Due to Chinese control of Vietnam from 111BC to 938AD, local dishes showcase a strong focus on traditional Chinese medicine: philosophically balanced, it takes the best of the region and perfects it, creating a distinct and unforgettable flavour profile. Finding a balance of bitter, spicy, sour, sweet and salty flavours, Vietnamese food corresponds to the five elements of fire, metal, wood, earth and water through each fragrance, colour and taste. Take the use of the fermented fish sauce nuoc mam, the juice of the kalamansi citrus fruit, or sweet/spicy tamarind and chilli peppers: it’s a gastronomic treat for the five senses.

It’s also seen as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world, due to its fresh ingredients, negligible use of dairy and oil, and focus on vegetables, spices and herbs. The principle of Yin and Yang is central to the kitchen: after all, a balanced meal means a balanced body. Push your exploration beyond its normal limits by delving into the vibrant and fresh flavours of lemongrass, ginger and mint, while indulging in dishes unique to each part of this fertile and lush country.

On the bank of the Red River is Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Wide, tree-lined boulevards and luxury villas mix with ancient streets, making this a lively and vibrant city. There’s certainly plenty to enjoy in Hanoi with its traditional entertainment, fascinating history and, of course, its mouth-watering street food, whose vendors provide Hanoi’s almost 8 million stomachs with perfect treats day and night. Many of Vietnam’s most famous dishes are said to have their beginnings in Hanoi, including Phở, the country’s world-famous rice noodle soup.

There’s a place for tradition and a place for innovation, and it’s here that food bloggers like Van Cong Tu are an invaluable source of local knowledge. A street food tour with him will reveal the area’s best culinary spots. Try stir-fried noodles with beef at his favourite spot, or grab bún chả, a charcoal-roasted pork in a sweet/salty soup with rice noodles and lettuce – it’s a local favourite.

With a population of 8.6 million, it’s impossible to remain disconnected from the sights and smells of the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. This is Vietnam at its most high-energy, a heady, disorienting destination, where local vitality and pace of life carry you away to the very essence of what it means to be Vietnamese.

Exploring the back streets and eateries of what was once known as Saigon is a thrilling enough experience on foot, but here, Carrier goes the extra mile. Hop on the back of a Vespa with an expert guide leading the way through street food stalls, to restaurants run by Michelin-starred chefs, to the oncein- a-lifetime experience of Ben Thanh Market. Expect to be welcomed by stall owners selling everything you love – and things you’ve never even considered. Wind your way through the labyrinthine aisles to the wet market at the back of the complex to find a dizzying array of local produce and ingredients laid out for Saigon’s hungry throngs. As dusk falls, the surrounding restaurants open their doors, drifting the scents of their wok-fried noodles and barbecued fish until the early hours – much needed after an afternoon of giddy sightseeing.

How long do I need?

• 11-13 nights

When should I go?

• Spring (February to April) or autumn (August to October)

Where can I stay?

• Hanoi – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
• Hue – La Residence Hotel & Spa
• Hoi An – Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
• Ho Chi Minh City – Park Hyatt Saigon

What’s Carrier’s top tip?

• Experience Saigon’s famed coffee culture while enjoying a language lesson