Vietnam Travel Destinations

Hanoi, the capital of ancient and present days, has a history of over 1,000 years and much of the relatively recent past is well preserved. The city is said to home over 600 temples and pagodas. And, as the capital of French Indochina, it has a large number of French style villas and other French imperial architecture such as the Grand Opera House and the Presidential Palace (formerly the Palace of The Governor-General of French Indochina). A coffee sip by the lakeside of the Hoan Kiem Lake is enjoyable. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the Gnoc Son Temple, the Tay Ho Pagoda and other sights in the city all make Hanoi a best place to check the pulse of the country. Some visitors choose Hanoi as the first stop in their Vietnam tours, what about you?

There are different versions of the legend of Halong Bay, but it doesn't matter which one is true once you're lost in its marvelous beauty. With its 1969 limestone island and 23 grottoes, this natural marvel has twice been proclaimed a national heritage site, thus remaining under the watchful eyes of UNESCO. It's absolutely breathtaking to witness of 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Different ways apply to explore Halong Bay, and an overnight cruise can be a precious piece of lifetime memory. Cat Ba Island, Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises) and Monkey Island attached can also spice up your Vietnam holiday.

Sa Pa is the best place for you to escape the big city frenzy, and take a glimpse into mysterious minority cultures and luscious landscape. Trekking through the surrounding mountainside has an opportunity to visit picturesque villages and most notably those of the H'mong and Red Dao people. Sa Pa sits regally inside the towering mountains on all sides, and people here never forget to smile to you. Maybe that’s the main reason why so many people choose mid-week to witness its truly idyllic beauty.

With rock formations jutting out from a sea of green, Tam Coc in Ninh Binh perfectly speaks for the region's beauty. Ninh Binh offers all that you can see in the Vietnam holiday postcards: mooing water buffalos, shining rice paddies, glittering pagodas, snoozing fruit vendors and more. Real experience of Vietnam life is dug out in every "Hello! How are you? " of local kids. Embroidery in Van Lan village is famous and of a great variety: napkins, tablecloths, pillowcases and even T-shirts. Ninh Binh is a nice stop for a sip of real Vietnam life in your Vietnam tours.

Don't know where to start, that is your first impression of Hue. From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the Imperial capital of Vietnam of the Nguyen Dynasty, and emperors lived in the Citadel for years. River Perfume bisects Hue, and the peace of this old town imbues its visitors. The Imperial Citadel, the Imperial enclosure and the To Mieu Temple Complex, the royal residence of Dien Tho Residence and Thruong San Residence, all of these are like a massive attack for your eyes. During the wartime, much of the town’s attraction was destroyed, but now efforts are being made to rebuild.

Da Nang is the largest city in central Vietnam and used to function as an air base for American troops during the war. It also boasts the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach, a white sandy beach which was a favorite R&R spot for US troops. Today, the beach is home to expensive resorts, surfing and entertainment facilities. The museum of Cham Sculpture, the Waterpark and some pagodas are worthy a visit. Danang is big. But it definitely does not enjoy the popularity as the ancient town Hoi An does, which is only 30-min away from Da Nang by Car.

Hoi An, lying in the middle of Vietnam, is an undisputed highlight to any Vietnam tours. In the Old Town, people decorate the streets with silk lanterns, traditional food, songs and dance to celebrate the full moon of every month. Such traditions are well preserved in Hoi An, making the Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the museums, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Old Houses, and the Quan Cong Temple, the charisma of Hoi An pervades. What Hoi An has, however, is far more than the long history and being an example of mixing cultures. It is also attracting people from all over the world with its beautiful beaches and waters.

Another UNESCO World Heritage site, My Son, lies not far from Hoi An. The kingdom of Champa flourished from the 2nd to the 15th century, and My Son preserves the most important and only remains of it. During the centuries, My Son has been the kingdom's intellectual and religious center, also served as a burial place for Cham monarchs. 10 main groups of the ruins are set by archaeologists, and it takes quite much time to explore the whole ruins, but it's absolutely worthwhile.

Nha Trang in the south-central coast of Vietnam attracts visitors with the beaches tracing an impressive long swoop along a bay dotted with lovely islands. But, Nha Trang has more. The Po Nagar Cham Towers, the Long Son Pagoda, and the Nha Trang Cathedral are keeping visitors occupied. A lot of things to do, too. From boat trips and scuba diving, to mudbaths and night clubs, Nha Trang makes your Vietnam holiday more fun.

At the opposite end of the country lies Vietnam's largest city, got its name of Ho Chi Minh City in 1975, but still known to many as Saigon. The city is noted for its wide boulevards and its French colonial architecture such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and hotels such as the Hotel Majestic. But Ho Chi Minh City is a rapidly changing city. As Vietnams' financial centre, it is in the process of building the infrastructure of a dynamic international city. The traditional culture of the city has become rather hidden, but the fun part is to find unexpected gems among the skyscraper-capped blocks.

Back to South again, what Mighty Mekong gives to people in its final trip is fertile and beautiful Mekong Delta. My Tho, Can Tho and Chau Doc are three big gems of Mekong Delta, offering you mixture of different ethnics, cultures and experiences. Floating markets are everywhere in Mekong Delta, and you can see how Vietnamese people live their daily life in the boats. Other highlights include exploring the quaint riverside towns, visiting the local orchards, flower markets and fish farms. Mekong Delta can be the perfect ending of your Vietnam holiday.