Have you ever heard about Vietnam? Or do you have a plan to come here one day? Every town and city in this Indochina country can bring different experiences, and they will keep surprising you. To prove how wonderful Vietnam is, here are some of the most famous destinations that every traveler should visit for a fully Asian experience in Vietnam.
The capital city is a great starting point for experiencing all the awesome things that Vietnam has to offer. In fact, Hanoi is more traditional and quiet than Ho Chi Minh City. Wandering down the streets throughout the day, you will get a feeling for what Hanoi is really about. Some of the highlights are the Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Ethnology Museum... Besides, street food offers a quintessential Hanoian experience. Hanoi is famous for its street-food which most of the tourists agree that it is the best in Vietnam.
The World Heritage Site is probably one of the top must-go attractions of Vietnam. There are a few places in the world that can provide such excitement and adventure like Halong Bay. Imagining a trip with kayaking through ancient sea caves, rock-climbing in limestone islands, sunbathing on hidden beaches, exploring fishing villages that drift on the ocean, watching the sun sink into the sea as you cruise on a romantic wooden canoe... These sound like fantastic stories from your favorite novels, but you can do all of those things in Halong Bay. While you could opt for a day trip, an overnight cruise in Halong Bay on one of the ships that offer a neat tour package.
It would be regretful to travel Northern Vietnam without a trip to Sapa. This stunningly beautiful place, with lush green valleys, is home to hill tribes such as Black H'Mong, Red Dao, Giay, etc. Sapa is always beautiful in all four seasons and the best destination for exploring by foot – where treks lead to some of the country's most beautiful sights. It is a great area for seeking an authentic rural experience, observing how ethnic minorities live and visiting local markets. Homestay can be a good way to support the local tribes and learn about their daily life.
Da Nang is an extremely ideal choice for any traveler intending to have a luxury trip to Vietnam. Danang maintains its excellent safety, without beggars, drug addicts and mostly no traffic congestions. Most notably, My Khe beach has been voted one of the 6 most beautiful beaches in the world by U.S. Forbes Magazine. Visitors are not only able to sunbathe on the white sand beaches, immerse in the crystal-clear sea, but also admire the other great masterpieces of Creator and human beings as well as enjoy its purity and peace.
The old town is one of the most tranquil destinations in Vietnam with the classic beauty which have been kept for decades including its narrow winding lanes, Chinese-style shops, Japanese teahouses, and elaborate temples, etc. As a small town and thanks to the lack of traffic, at any time, you can always feel so relaxed with your mind all free from stress. In addition, Hoian owns not only a very charming beauty but also the delicious cuisine. Visiting the town, you will have a chance to experience any kind of signature street-food such as Vietnamese baguette, noodle or sticky rice with chicken, rose dumpling, etc.
Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is Vietnam's most booming city, a place where life never stops. This is truly an amazing city that you can feel the burgeoning pulse of a new Asian metropolitan city, but still carries with it a lot of tradition. It is these two sides of the spectrum that make exploring Saigon so amazing. There are plenty of places in the city where you can sample delicious local street foods at little cost. If you are searching for a specific name, Ben Thanh Market surrounding area can be a good suggestion.
If you are a history lover, Cu Chi Tunnels can be the best choice with its extensive network running underneath from the outskirts of Saigon all the way to the Cambodian border where Viet Cong soldiers hid during the Vietnam War. Visitors can now crawl through some of the tunnels, learn the struggle of life for days on end. It is an impressive part of the country's history and is worth a visit when you travel to the south.
Traveling in Southern Vietnam you should definitely go for at least one-day trip to Mekong Delta which brings visitors an ordinary picturesque scenery filled with coconut palms, fruit gardens and paddy fields... Lush and beautiful, this wonderful world is the best to be explored by boat. Don't miss the chance to make your way to the colorful Cai Rang floating market.
So what are you waiting for? Make a plan to travel to Vietnam and experience this stunning and amazing country for an unforgettable exotic experience at least once in your lifetime!