| 4 mins read
Though the scars of history are still visible, 21st century Vietnam is today a peaceful, vibrant and rapidly developing country. The traditional effortlessly juxtaposes with the new; hence whether you’re looking at its buzzing, modern side or the countryside, rice paddy version, both are alive and thriving. No surprisesthen, that Vietnam is rapidly emerging as one of Asia’s top tourist destinations.
Ready to join the throng of travellers eager to explore Vietnam's natural, historical and cultural riches? While planning your trip, your Vietnam travel guide will make you aware that be it the north, central or south regions of the country, each destination has its own personality and attraction. Here's a taster to each of these areas to help you map out an all rounded experience of this coastal Asian destination!
Exploring Vietnam’s Southern Delta
Starting in the south, visitors can spend a day or two boating around the Mekong Delta region, exploring floating markets and life amongst the river. Heading up Vietnam’s coastline comes the first major destination of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Vietnam’s iconic metropolis, this western-influenced city feels like you’re stuffed inside of an ant colony. Traffic swells the streets with autos, motorbikes, bicycles and pedestrians weaving around in some illegible pattern, leaving most visitors swooning. Get your bargain/shop on at Ben Thanh Market, visit the seedy Pham Ngu Lao area, tour the poignant War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace and eat all the best local foods. With 7 million inhabitants residing within Saigon, there are scores of great local travel guides who can help show you their hometown.
The Historic Center
Puddle jumping to the center of the country, Hue City and Hoi An are two historic destinations that must be experienced. Both providing unique glimpses into Vietnam’s past, Hue holds more of a somber tone while Hoi An is every traveler and photographer’s dream. In the Imperial Capital (Hue), you can walk through the recently destroyed Citadel (once home to Nguyen Royalty), ride along the Perfume River to the Tombs of the Emperors, and pay a visit to the beautiful Buddhist temples and stupas. In Hoi An the main attraction is the iconic Old Town, with ancient, mango-colored streets, tight picturesque alleys and a slow, riverside lifestyle.
The Capital Region
Moving north from Hoi An and Hue, the next major destination in Vietnam is Hanoi. The capital city of the country, this old world city stands in stark contrast to the free-flowing madness of Saigon. With a much more Vietnamese feel, you can wander through the maze of streets and alleys wrapping around Hoan Kiem Lake, head through the Old Quarter for some shopping and dining, or pull up a plastic stool to enjoy some street side Bia Hoi (fresh beer). Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where national hero Ho Chi Minh lies in state, tour the ancient Temple of Literature or head to West Lake for a more modern stroll through Vietnam’s capital. If you still have time on your side, there are two more iconic destinations that are accessible from Hanoi.
The Mountains or the Sea?
Whether you’re looking for cool temperatures, rice paddy-tiered mountain ranges and ethnic minorities or ocean cruises through historic limestone crags, both are available from the capital. Though the mountain town of Sapa is a longer ways out (an overnight train ride from Hanoi), the sites, photo and trekking opportunities are well worth the time for many. Temperatures are generally cool and during the right (or wrong) season here, visitors may even see some snow!
On the other hand, many tourists opt for the quicker route to Halong Bay. A half-day’s drive from the city, tour operators bring guests out into the iconic waters where giant limestone crags (supposedly remnants from ancient dragons in the area) jut out from the sea. Equally as picturesque as Sapa, Halong Bay is a gorgeous overnight cruise well worth the time and money.
Image Details and Licenses: https://flic.kr/p/ddfDC (markdrasutis, CC BY-NC 2.0, https://flic.kr/p/fffiUb (Anh Dinh, CC BY-NC 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/bC3Lwh (David McKelvey, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/4T6fKb (Sean Madden, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/duMCLC (Cristina Bejarano, CC BY 2.0)