Endowed with captivating natural landscapes, a remarkable coastline, unique national parks, and lush green mountains, coupled with vibrant cities, rich heritage, distinct culture, hospitable locals, and exceptional gastronomy, Vietnam meets expectations across the spectrum and deserves a spot on your itinerary for Southeast Asia.
Vietnam showcases a dramatic dynamism, blending the contemporary elements of Hanoi with the picturesque allure of Halong Bay’s azure waters juxtaposed with surreal limestone islands. Consider also the enduring French colonial legacy in Ho Chi Minh City, marked by grand museums and a vibrant coffee culture, alongside the charming history of Hoi An and the colorful traditions of Sapa’s Hill Tribes.
This comprehensive travel guide provides essential insights on destinations and activities within Vietnam, ensuring that you experience the highlights of this emerging travel gem.
Hanoi
Characterized by Lonely Planet as “the grand old Dame of Asia with a captivating combination of Parisian sophistication and an Asian rhythm,” 1000-year-old Hanoi stands as a testament to colonial charm, featuring wide boulevards, revered pagodas, intricate alleyways, and quaint lemon-hued houses. Stroll through the Old Quarter, visit local art galleries, relax at cafés with views of the Cathedral, or indulge in a unique buffet experience within a restored Buddhist temple.
WHAT TO DO IN HANOI:
1. Explore Hanoi’s highlights by cyclo: Experience a tour through the tree-lined avenues and past charming lakes aboard a traditional cyclo. This offers an excellent perspective on Hanoi’s culture and architecture while immersing you in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Quarter.
2. Attend a water puppet performance: The waterlogged rice fields of Vietnam have presented the famous water puppet show for nearly a millennium. Witness the talented puppeteers of Thang Long Theatre skillfully animate ancient legends against the enchanting backdrop of water. Alternatively, consider a private show at a master’s residence.
3. Participate in a street food tour: A delicious fusion of diverse influences, street food is a vital aspect of daily life in Hanoi. Accompanied by a culinary expert, indulge in favorites such as Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, and Cha Ca, as well as the quintessential Pho.
4. Engage in Tai Chi with a Master: Conducted by a Tai Chi instructor with over a decade of experience, this is an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate in pristine natural surroundings.
5. Visit Duyan Thai, Ninh So & Nhi Khe: Embark on a journey to the scenic Duyan Thai village, home to generations of lacquer artisans. Picturesque Ninh So is renowned for its bamboo craftsmanship, while the winding paths of Nhi Khe host skilled artisans crafting intricate ornaments and musical instruments.
Hoi An
Revered as a location with more lanterns than inhabitants, Hoi An in Vietnam is a charming ancient port town offering a whimsical atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and relaxed ambiance. Explore the Chinese Assembly houses, wooden shop-houses, and dine at riverside cafes while observing the world unfold around you.
WHAT TO DO IN HOI AN:
1. Enjoy a sunset cruise: Witness fishermen in Hoi An commence their evening rituals as you take a serene boat ride during sunset. For the adventurous, experience paddling in a traditional round basket.
2. Cycle through the town: Pedal alongside the Thu Bon river, where vibrant fishing boats and delightful houses line the shores. The route takes you past numerous gardens, farmlands, and through a tranquil Ecological Village, culminating at the palm-fringed Cua Dai beach.
3. Explore Hoi An’s main attractions: Visit public buildings, historical pagodas, ancestral homes, and merchant houses, observing the interplay of Chinese and Japanese architectural influences throughout this UNESCO World Heritage site. Numerous colorful markets and bustling street food stalls await your exploration.
4. Tour the My Son Temples: Experience the ancient remnants of My Son, which narrate the tales of the powerful Cham dynasty. Situated just an hour and a half from Hoi An, this UNESCO World Heritage site is enveloped in a lush valley, framed by picturesque hills.
5. Take a day excursion to Hue: As the imperial capital, Hue seamlessly integrates traditional and modern elements. Surrounded by the serene Perfume River, Hue reflects traces of ancient splendor and serves as a significant hub for literature, art, and culture.
Ho Chi Minh City
Previously known as Saigon, this vibrant city encapsulates many perspectives. As the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City thrives along the Saigon River’s banks, teeming with energy and activity at all hours. Modern skyscrapers coexist with elegant colonial architecture. From grand museums to bustling streets, gourmet dining to local street cafes, upscale retail outlets to humble market stalls, and ancient alleys to historic pagodas, Saigon pulsates with life.
WHAT TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY:
1. Experience street food on a Vespa: Navigate through Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary hotspots while riding a vintage Vespa. Guided by a local expert, relish a variety of authentic street food experiences.
2. Uncover the secrets of Saigon: Beyond the facade of modernity lies a wealth of untold stories concerning the culture and life in Saigon. Explore secret tunnels, meander through historic streets, meet local artisans, and discover hidden dining spots not typically highlighted in travel guides.
3. Enjoy a Bonsai cruise: Board a traditional dragon boat and navigate along the Saigon River in Vietnam. Savor your favorite beverage while cruising past the city, accompanied by live music, as you indulge in a delightful buffet.
4. Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels: Located just two hours from the city, these renowned tunnels, associated with the Viet Cong, reveal an intricate network that narrates a fascinating history.
5. Attend a performance at the opera: An architectural masterpiece designed by a prominent French architect, the Saigon Opera House presents a captivating experience for history and culture aficionados. This event combines music, dance, acrobatics, and cirque elements against an exquisite backdrop that illustrates urban and traditional life in Vietnam.
Halong Bay
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this natural marvel, featuring over 3,000 limestone islands adorned with lush vegetation emerging from the Gulf of Tonkin waters, ranks among Asia’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. Embark on a cruise aboard a Vietnamese junk to explore these islets while enjoying stunning vistas and local cuisine.
WHAT TO DO IN HALONG BAY:
1. Overnight cruises in Halong Bay: Navigate through the stunning bay aboard a junk boat, anchoring at secluded beaches for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxation. Explore fishing villages while kayaking or rowing in bamboo boats when not indulging in sunbathing or on-board massages.
2. Day cruises in Halong Bay: Discover the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site during a scenic day cruise, where over 3,000 islets create stunning limestone formations. Enjoy a delectable lunch while cruising aboard the junk.
3. Charter a seaplane ride in Halong Bay: Experience a unique perspective of the spectacular limestone karsts with a scenic flight departing from Hanoi airport, soaring over the bay and small fishing villages before landing at Tuan Chau Island Marina.
Sapa
Nestled along the borders of China and Laos, the verdant and mountainous area of Sapa offers a tranquil escape, once favored as a French hill station. Featuring cascading rice terraces set against immense mountains, Sapa is perfect for hikers. The vibrant cultures of the indigenous H’mong people add distinct color and uniqueness.
WHAT TO DO IN SAPA:
1. Ride a bike through the hills: Pedal through stunning valleys and quaint villages inhabited by the Hmong and Dzay tribes. Enjoy a brief trek and rejuvenate with a refreshing swim at a local waterfall.
2. Visit Love Waterfall and Heaven’s Gate: Situated in the lush forests of Hoang Lien National Park, Love Waterfall offers panoramic vistas. Just minutes away lies Heaven’s Gate, where the highest peak in Indochina, Fansipan, can be observed.
3. Shop at the Hill Tribe Market: Engage with the colorful and friendly Hill Tribe vendors who gather weekly to exchange goods ranging from livestock to textiles. Nearby, the peaceful Chay River presents opportunities for tranquil boat rides.
4. Trek to Lao Cai: Hike through Vietnam’s largest rice terraces in Muong Hoa Valley. Beyond the rolling landscapes and farmland, the friendly Black Hmong and Giay communities reside in Lao Cai and Ta Van.
5. Ascend Fansipan via cable car: Experience a cable car journey to the “Roof of Indochina.” Here, spectacular views extend as far as China and Laos, with panoramic scenery of Northern Vietnam’s hills and valleys. Nearby, discover a small pagoda frequented by locals for prayers.
Mui Ne
Located between Hanoi and Saigon, Mui Ne is renowned for its stunning beaches, exceptional kite surfing and dune-surfing, as well as thrilling sand-sledding on the captivating White and Red Sand Dunes. Experience the vibrant colors of the sand as the sun sets.
This tranquil resort town is undeniably a paradise for photographers. Unwind with refreshing beverages, partake in kite and windsurfing, bask in the sun, and savor delectable meals at one of the many fine dining establishments. Additionally, an award-winning golf course awaits those interested in the sport.
Mekong Delta
Recognized as the unquestionable “rice bowl” of Vietnam, exploring the Mekong Delta’s vast network of waterways, orchards, rice fields, and floating markets reveals a captivating water world.
WHAT TO DO IN MEKONG DELTA:
1. My Tho City: Enjoy a leisurely cruise from My Tho to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Along the way, partake in various activities such as biking, village tours, and experiencing the floating markets and ancient sites.
2. Cai Be/Can Tho: Opt for an overnight cruise from Cai Be to Can Tho or vice versa. Throughout your journey, visit idyllic canals, floating markets, traditional villages, rice paddies, and local shipyards.
A QUICK MARKET GUIDE TO VIETNAM
In Vietnam, food is the heart of culture, where vibrant markets and culinary traditions flourish. Experiencing the lively markets is an essential part of any visit to Vietnam. Noteworthy markets include Ben Thanh, the iconic market of Ho Chi Minh; the colorful Hill Tribe markets of Sapa; Dong Xuan market in Hanoi; and the vibrant fish and silk market along Hoi An’s riverside.
MUST-EATS IN VIETNAM:
Pho: The go-to national dish – a flavorful broth accompanied by fresh rice noodles, meat (chicken or beef), and herbs.
Bun cha: A lunchtime favorite – small patties and slices of marinated pork belly, grilled to perfection, served with a robust fish sauce broth, herbs, and rice noodles.
This travel guide has been contributed by Mouli Bardhan from Enchanting Travels.
Mouli Bardhan is an enthusiastic reader, dedicated traveler, and passionate foodie. As the Marketing & Guest Relations Coordinator at Enchanting Travels, Mouli enjoys documenting unique experiences and connecting with fellow travelers discussing their beloved adventures, often while enjoying a warm cup of tea.
