Vietnam – (officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) is a Southeast Asian country on the East Sea. The country borders China to the north, The Mekong river delta to the south, and Laos and Cambodia to the West. If you are a thrill-seeker who gets hypnotized by mouth-watering cuisines, relaxing golden sand beaches, hospitable people, a captivating landscape such as the fascinating green rice fields and the lush mountains, Vietnam is the right place.
An ideal tourist destination should still embrace the culture and ancient traditions, harbor historical attractions, food and art, a friendly climate, natural beauty, and accord world-class hospitality. Well, Vietnam begs to get explored as it has so much to offer. Here are the Top 10 places you need to explore when you visit.
1. Ha Long Bay (The Bay of Descending Dragons)
Situated in northeast Vietnam, it’s the country’s top tourist attraction. Ha, Long Bay gets blessed with uniquely shaped thousands of islands inhabited by rainforests, turquoise waters, lakes, and some are hollow with massive caves. You will enjoy boat tours and kayaking when you decide to take on the islands. If you love adventures such as hiking, scuba diving, and rock climbing, get ready for an experience of a lifetime.
2. Sapa
To experience the village lifestyle during your Vietnam travel, you need to visit this quiet town in the northwest of Vietnam. You will get a chance to trek in the mountains of Hoang Lien Son and see the remote villages, mesmerizing waterfalls, and the rice fields.
3. Hoi An
A well-kept ancient town situated off the Coast of South Vietnam Sea in South Central Vietnam, which houses the architectural, textiles, and traditional culture. The city still houses old tea warehouses, Japanese merchant houses, and Chinese temples. You will also notice, tailor shops (they incorporate western and Vietnamese designs), bars, hotels and travel agents along the narrow winding lanes. You can go for cycling, biking, and boat riding and the beautiful beaches are also within reach for relaxing.
4. Bac Ha Market
This colorful market in northwest Vietnam is one of the best cultural markets in Southeast Asia. You can visit on Sunday to watch the locals from the surrounding villages who come by foot, water buffalos, boats, or motor scooters. You will get to see them in their colorful traditional dresses decorated with plaids and stripes. The locals usually come to get meat, chat, drink, smoke, get their hair done, while some explore various stalls.
The market is vast, and you will get a variety of items
When you travel to a new destination, you always want to buy some things which you can keep for memories. In this market, you will get to purchase items like;
- Fragrant spices
- Eye-catching fabrics
- A traditional basket
- Buffalos
If you love food, you have heard about the yummy Vietnamese cuisine. You will fall in love with it the moment you try your first meal. Won’t you love the feeling of dining the way the locals do?
Hint: Put on comfortable shoes (the market is vast), carry an umbrella (sometimes the weather can get unpredictable) and don’t forget to bring a good camera (you don’t want to miss out on anything)
5. Ho Chi Minh city
Also known as Saigon, this former Vietnam’s capital gets adorned with exquisite French colonial architecture, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral. The city is vibrant, busy, and always on the move. Some of the must-see attractions include the war museum, Cu Chi tunnels, and Ben Thanh market (for food stalls).
6. Hanoi
You can’t afford to leave without exploring Vietnam’s capital city. Hanoi, located along the Red River, houses an open-air-iconic museum, the Saint Joseph Cathedral, the Grand Opera House, and the Presidential palace which you can explore on foot. Don’t forget to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the late emperor’s body (but taking pictures inside is not allowed).
7. Hue
This city was the home of the Nguyen dynasty and the national capital from 1802 to 1945. Its major attraction is the Dai Noi Citadel, surrounded by thick stone walls and a moat. It also houses the Imperial City with the palaces, the Forbidden Purple City, (it gets believed that the emperor housed his concubines here), tombs, temples, and pagodas. Hue is a world heritage recognized by UNESCO due to its cultural heritage.
Vietnam has something for everyone. You will get amazed by the various activities you will encounter. If you are looking for an enchanting landscape, you will see it, looking forward to learning something about the culture, you will discover it, if you like hiking, mountain climbing, or love the beaches everything is under one roof. Get ready to spoil yourself.
