Vietnam

At Mu Cang Chai, the rice terraces turn gold in September and October on mountains wrapped in mist. In Ha Long Bay, limestone karsts rise from emerald water and a wooden junk with red sails glides between them.

In Hanoi, the city reveals itself in the lanes of the Old Quarter, among motorbikes and food stalls. In Hoi An, yellow houses and silk lanterns light up the river at night, while Hue keeps its imperial heritage in gates and palaces. In the Mekong Delta, boats slip between canals, floating markets and riverside villages.

On the plate: pho soup, banh mi, fresh spring rolls and coffee with condensed milk, with flavours that change from north to south.