After struggling due to many years of disturbing wars, Vietnam has sprung back to life and has managed to attract travellers with its promise of stunning landscapes, lush surroundings that are home to wildlife, charming architecture that reminisces old olden times as well as captivating cultural anecdotes that find expression in everyday life experiences. With tourism on all time high yet not reaching a stage where it takes away from authentic experiences, there can’t be a better time to visit Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is a collection of 1600 limestone islands that emerge out of the waters of Gulf of Tonkin as you take a cruise from the Halong City. The islands stand tall as a vision and have a captivating beauty, a fact that makes them one of the most visited places in Vietnam by tourists. Take a tour to explore the mysterious caves of Sung Sot or Hang Dao Go or venture into the waters on a boat or a cruise ship.
Ho Chi Minh CityA visit to the Ho Chi Minh City is, of course, on every tourist itinerary and for a good reason. The majorly cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City has Dong Khoi, and a hub of restaurants and cafes. Visit the HCMC Museum here as also the grand Notre Dame Cathedral. You must also pay a visit to the old district of Da Kao to get back in history to the time when the French ruled the city. The Jade Emperor Pagoda, the History Museum as well as The Reunification Palace are among other famous places to visit here.
HueThe capital of the ancient Nguyen Dynasty, a visit to Hue is essential for those who love history and quaint architecture. Worth a visit are the imperial citadel and tombs resting along the banks of the Perfume River as also Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace as well as the Dien Tho Residence. You can take a day cruise on the Perfume River to explore the various tombs and outlying sites.
My Son SanctuaryA ruined temple city, My Son Sanctuary is home to 20 temple structures from the Cham Era. Containing influences from Asian empires like Indians and Malay, the temples were the prominent centres of religious significance for Hindus in the 4th century. A museum on-site educates the visitors on history, architecture and significance of all temples.
Hoi AnAn old merchant town, Hoi An is a great place to explore for lovers of historic architecture. Preserving an era, the city has many quaint houses, streets and bridges that carry elements of the architecture from the 15th century including Tan Ky House, the Japanese Bridge, and the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation.
Besides, the Sapa Countryside known for its lush rice fields and deep valleys, Nha Trang popular for its well-kept beaches, Chu Chu tunnels highlighting Vietnam’s modern military history as well as Mekong Delta famous for its natural reserves are some of the other popular places of tourist interest in Vietnam.
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