Vietnam
is the top destination in Asia tourist attraction. Popular tourist destinations
include Hanoi, Sapa, the former imperial capital of Hué, the World Heritage
Sites of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Hội An and Mỹ Sơn, coastal regions
such as Nha Trang, the caves of Hạ Long Bay and the Marble Mountains.
1, Hanoi
Hanoi
can charm you so effortlessly with its poetic and romantic feel, especially in
autumn. It must be the reason why there are so many beautiful songs and poems
written about the capital. This city is a must-go destination if you want to
discover Vietnam’s historic and cultural delights. Take time to enjoy the
unique blend of colonial and pre-colonial architecture, historical and cultural
museums, local shows, concerts and various temples and pagodas.
While
in Hanoi, try to explore as much exotic local cuisine as possible but be sure
not to miss the delicious and authentic Pho, which is every local’s staple
dish. Also don’t miss the unique and surprisingly pleasant tasting “egg coffee”
– one of the 10 best drinks in the world. After that feast of flavors, you are
ready to engross in the fascinating maze of streets in the Old Quarter – the
heart of Hanoi.
In
the heart of the capital city of Hanoi the One Pillar Pagoda was built in 1049
to resemble one seen in Emperor LyThai Tong’s dream, this dream like Buddhist
temple appears to float above a lotus pond. It is built of wood and stands on a
small single pillar, the temple is designed to look like a lotus blossom and
has ornate beautifully painted carvings. The One Pillar Pagoda we see today is
a reconstruction of the original which was destroyed in war.
2, Halong bay
Halong within
the still waters rise up out of the water 3000 island limestone formations in
all manner of shapes and sizes. The water is often covered in mist giving it an
eerie atmosphere. The Karst limestone formations can be seen by taking a cruise
in a traditional wooden junk, you can also canoe or swim here. There are some
beautiful caves in the small islands which are lit making the area even more
mysterious.
3, Sapa
Sapa
is one of the most breathtaking hill stations in Vietnam which reflects the
signature of French architecture and colorful hill tribal cultures. This is
home to stunning mountain landscapes, verdant rice terraces, unique stilt villages
and Indochina peak, the Fansipan. Travellers are invited to enjoy the best of
Sapa all the year round with different taste of seasons and exciting outdoors.
4, Hue
What
makes Hue one of the best places to visit in Vietnam probably is its special look
and feel. This ancient capital of Vietnam is the home of the emperor’s
residence. The glorious time of Nguyen Dynasty is still impressively reflected
today, in its culture, architecture and cuisine.
Hue
is well known for delicate royal cuisines and the gentlest ladies in the
country. Beautiful slim girls in traditional Ao dai riding bicycles along the
Perfume river is the signature image of this city. If you are fascinated by
historical and cultural discovery, the city is perfectly filled with palaces, royal
tombs, pagodas and temples to explore and admire. And don’t leave Hue before
you taste Bun bo Hue (beef noodle soup), Com la sen (rice with lotus seeds in
lotus leaf) and various yummy rice cakes. Hue is famous in the country as the
place that boasts the largest collection of various rice cakes. If you have
some extra time to spare, explore an off the beaten track place not too far
from Hue – Lang Co. It is a beautiful tranquil beach village.
Once
the hub of the Nguyen Dynasty the tranquil collection of temples, ceremonial
gates, streams, moats, pavilions, bridges, gardens and pagodas make this a
beautiful site with plenty to see. The Thai Hoa Palaces and the Truong Sanh
Residence are two of the most beautiful structures here as well as the ornate
Thien Mu Pagoda isolated over the river. The beautiful city displays the
essences of Vietnamese artistry.
The
tombs are not far from Hue and are spread out along the banks of the Perfume
River. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam and I personally
think the most beautiful of the tombs are Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Doc, Thieu
Tri and Dong Kanh. The tombs were built according to religious outlines
including symmetrically balanced geometrical angles and symbolic motifs. Each
tomb has its own character with surrounding gardens, small bridges and
walkways. In the Khai Dinh tomb you can see intricate ceramic and glass work
and it is perhaps the most beautiful of the tombs.
This
nature reserve is recognized by UNESCO and is the location of Son Dong, the
largest cave in the world as well as another 300 caves and grottos. Within Son
Dong is a 13 meter long underground river and beautiful stalactite and
stalagmite formations. Other significant and beautiful caves in the park
include Tien Son Cave, Thien Duong Cave and the Von cave system. The unusual
and beautiful rock formations are due to the area being in a 2000km square
limestone zone. Enjoy the tropical vegetation and evergreen forests with 500
year old trees.
6, Hoi An
Dating
back over 2000 years, little alluring Hoi An is a dreamland for those who wish
to have an ancient town experience. Walking around its atmospheric Old Town’s
winding lanes is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the blend of Cham,
Chinese and Vietnamese architecture and culture.
Filled
with charming shops, traditional wooden houses, flower garlands and lanterns,
this town boasts an elegant beauty and was voted one of the best cities in the
world. Many consider it to be Vietnam’s culinary capital for its famous Cao
Lau, various tasty street foods and plenty of cooking courses.
Lavish
forested hills, rice paddle fields and fishing villages are just a bit outside
the town waiting for you to discover. Also, golden sandy beaches in Cua Dai, An
Bang and China Beach are not to be missed while you are here in Hoi An
7, Nha Trang
This
favorite spot of “sun and fun” seekers is located on one of the most beautiful
bays in Asia. Adorned with lush islands, beautiful turquoise coastline and
colorful coral reefs, Nha Trang is a great fun place for various water sports
and outdoor activities.
Want
to enjoy Nha Trang the local way? Sail to the ocean, catch fish, grill and
enjoy them on board!
Here
is a challenge for foodies, find the most special dish: Bo La (stewed beef in 5
spices over a sun dried egg served with Vietnamese baguette). It’s an amazing
mix between French and local tastes. You can be very proud of yourself if you
can have this delicious dish, not only because of the taste, but also because
this rare dish is mostly unknown, even by the locals. A feast of fresh seafood
cooked in spectacular local recipes is another must while you are here.
A
bit further out from town, Cam Ranh Bay – one of the world’s finest deep-water
harbors, is a hidden gem that is worth the 40 kilometers drive. And if you want
to add a touch of romance to the trip, spend a night at Ninh Van Bay. It’s a
golden sand paradise for honeymooners set along the bay with beautiful green
hills.
8, Phu Quoc island
This
tropical paradise is a perfect destination if you long for some peace and
romance. Floating aimlessly in crystal clear lukewarm waters of the Gulf of
Thailand is just the best way to calm your mind and ease your body. Walking
barefoot on silk-soft white sands and emerald green waters or simply lying back
in a hammock with a good book, are other great ways to immerse yourself in this
beautiful and untouched marine environment.
PhuQuoc is as peaceful as it gets, and yet, this astonishing island is full of
entertainment that will delight your adventurous side. Beach sports and water
activities here are fantastic. Check out jet skiing, wind sailing, fishing,
scuba diving and snorkeling. For more daring souls, don’t miss the chance to
experience squid fishing. And when the night falls, the seafood night market is
a must-go. Steamed wild fish and many local specialties found here definitely
offer you a feast of heaven on earth.
Ladies,
while here, check out the famous pearl farm. Properly adorned with the local
accouterments, you will look so stunning after a wonderful trip to Phu Quoc.
The
beautiful beaches of Vietnam deserve a place on this list. A few years ago Nha
Trang was one of the most popular beaches in the country, but for a more
pristine and tourist free beach try Phu Quoc Island. Apart from the dense
inland forests the coast of Phu Quoc has long stretches of white sandy beaches
and translucent water. The beauty continues under the water in the surrounding
coral reefs. The 99 Peaks mountain range covered with unique plants, trees,
waterfalls and inhabited by seldom seen indigenous animals are the best place
to see the island from.
9, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh city
What
makes Saigon so irresistible is its essential vitality. As the biggest
commercial hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has a special vibe that pulsates
and refuses to rest. Thanks to its complex blend of different cultures,
historical traits and Western influences, the city offers a mix of
architecture, culture and street life that will at times fascinate and at other
times thrill. While in Saigon, make sure you explore the Vietnamese coffee
culture and experience the exciting nightlife, with plenty of street
restaurants where you can have fruit, ice-cream, barbeque and hotpot, all late
at night when the local Vietnamese finish their work and populate the lively
streets.
In
Ho Chi Minh City there are great opportunities to immerse yourself in the
kitchens of Vietnam, with a wide range of cuisines that come from all
over-the-country. Also, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the very affordable-luxuries
you can’t find at home, such as romantic dining on a boat, healing therapy
massage, a feast of fresh seafood, tailor-made suits and many other nice treats
at surprisingly good prices.
10,Mekong Dalta
MekongDelta – the “Rice bowl of Vietnam” is a land of enchanting floating markets,
lush green rice fields, bird sanctuaries, fascinating villages and endless
fruit gardens. A typical one-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City is not merely
enough for you to explore the most fertile region of the country. There is no
place else in Vietnam where you can enjoy such an abundance of fruit,
vegetables and river fish of all kinds. There is an endless list of treats to
sample the local taste, but do your best to try the fish hotpot, grilled snails
in black pepper sauce and the famous Ben Tre coconut.
If
you have a chance to stay with a local family then don’t be surprised (and
shouldn't refuse) when the host just gets everything they can find in the house
(or in the market) to treat you to a proper feast. Warm and sincere hospitality
is the core nature of Mekong people. Pamper yourself with cruising the delta at
dusk, dining with grilled fish and enjoying a refreshing beverage while
watching the sunset - it’s about as good as it gets.
The
fertile land around the delta has allowed plant life to run wild, apart from
the agricultural opportunities the delta offers untouched nature reserves.
Explore the river life of floating markets and small villages as well as the
islands close to the delta mouth. The beautiful landscape includes rice
paddies, small rivulets and water channels meandering through the countryside
towards the sea.
11, Street foods
A collection of the best and most delicious
recipes from the streets of Vietnam. Stepping onto the streets of Vietnam is
like entering a big, bustling kitchen - everywhere, something is being rolled,
boiled, steamed, or fried; pots of hot, fragrant pho sit over coal burners and
balls of peanut-studded sticky rice are steamed and wrapped in newspaper. The
food is fast, fresh, fragrant, and second to none in terms of its diversity and
availability. Vietnamese Street Food represents everything enticing there is to
eat on the streets of Vietnam. It contains more than sixty well-loved and
authentic recipes from Prawn and Rice Paper Rolls to Crab Wontons, from Classic
Noodle Soup with Chicken to Salt and Pepper Squid, and Crunchy Baguettes Filled
with Skewers of Lemongrass Beef. Alongside these recipes are the stories of
people who run some of the most legendary street stalls, providing a glimpse
into their lives and daily routines. The variety of dishes and cooking methods,
be it rolled, boiled, steamed, or fried, combined with gorgeous photographs of
every dishful will have you creating unpretentious, fresh, and flavorsome food
for any occasion.
12, Nigh market
When
coming to a certain region of Vietnam, you will surely want to visit the night
markets, the most prominent landmarks where culture and food exchange... of
those areas. Some night markets that can not be ignored in all parts of the
country such as: Night Market in Old Quarter in Hanoi, Hoi An Night Market in
Quang Nam, Nha Trang night market, Ben Thanh night market in Ho Chi Minh...
