The newly released third edition of Enchanting Vietnam is a visually stunning and engaging introduction to the country’s rich history, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes.

David Bowden’s Enchanting Vietnam is the kind of travel book that does exactly what its title promises. Now in its third edition, this visually rich and informative guide introduces readers to the diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage of Vietnam, a country that boasts a unique blend of tradition, modernity, and accessibility.

Whether you’re planning a first-time visit or looking to revisit with fresh eyes, Bowden’s engaging and informed storytelling and plenty of appealing imagery make this book a delightful pre-travel indulgence. Even if you’re more of an armchair tourist, Enchanting Vietnam – with the wonderful balance of engaging prose and captivating photos that’s emblematic of the entire best-selling Enchanting book series – does an outstanding job of transporting you to this fascinating destination.

Vietnam is a country of contrasts, and Bowden captures this beautifully. From the energetic streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to intricately terraced rice paddies and the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, the book offers an inspired look at both the urban and rural charms of this Southeast Asian nation, which has seen its already renowned travel appeal grow by leaps and bounds in the last decade or so.

Historical sites like Hoi An and Hué are presented as must-visit locations for culture seekers, while nature lovers are guided through lush national parks, limestone caves, and monsoon forests teeming with wildlife.

Apart from the sightseeing overview, one of the book’s real strengths is its attention to the country’s culinary scene. Vietnamese food is world-renowned, and Bowden does it justice by highlighting the role of street food in everyday life. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of pho or fresh spring rolls dipped in nuoc cham, the country’s cuisine is woven into the narrative as a fundamental, not-to-be-missed part of the travel experience.

On a somewhat more intangible level, Enchanting Vietnam is a celebration of the country’s engaging blend of the traditional and the contemporary. Indeed, Bowden’s ability to capture Vietnam’s dynamic energy and natural beauty into a compact 80 pages, complemented by around 180 photographs, ensures that readers get an immersive (and dare we say ‘enchanting’) experience even before setting foot in the country.

This edition is fully updated, making it an ideal starting point for anyone considering a trip. With its informed, first-person insights and no shortage of vivid photography, Enchanting Vietnam goes beyond being a typical guidebook… it’s an invitation to explore, taste, and experience the best of Vietnam. And it just might inspire you to book that trip sooner rather than later.

Published by UK-based John Beaufoy Publishing, Enchanting Vietnam is available at most major bookstores in Malaysia.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Bowden is a freelance journalist based in Malaysia and a regular contributor to this site, specializing in travel, food and beverage, and the environment. Though Australian, he’s been living in Asia longer than he can remember, and returns to his home country only as a tourist. When not travelling the world, he enjoys spending time with his equally adventurous wife Maria and daughter Zoe.

Apart from countless travel articles, he is also the author of Enchanting Australia, Enchanting Bali & Lombok, Enchanting Borneo, Enchanting Indonesia, Enchanting Langkawi, Enchanting Malaysia, Enchanting Penang and Enchanting Singapore, also in this series.