South East Asia, as a whole, is an emerging hotspot for travelers and Vietnam tops the list as having seen a rise in tourism. This is in part due to more visitors seeking experiential travel rather than just a place to lay on the beach all day long. Because Vietnam is so socially and historically rich, travelers are jet-setting to the country to really immerse themselves into the Vietnamese culture for personal enrichment.
From bustling metropolises to rural jungles and ancient temples dotting the countryside, Vietnam has a lot to offer every type of explorer. When it comes to eating and drinking, be prepared for hearty bowls of Pho, fresh-baked French croissants and pastries, and of course, Vietnamese coffee and beer. If heading overseas in the coming months, here are some tips on where to go, stay and what to experience while in Vietnam.
Best Cities to Visit
There are three places you should consider exploring during your first time Vietnam. Depending on what type of setting you’re seeking, these destinations offer their unique looks at the country. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), referred to by the French as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is full of surprises. The constantly buzzing locale is Vietnam’s largest city and is home to residents zipping by on motorbikes, streets lined with quirky coffee shops and outdoor markets, and peaceful pagodas resting among colonial homes. Here you’ll find many contrasting elements such as luxury hotels resting next to cheap guesthouses and high-end shops looming over local street vendors.
Over in Hanoi in 2010, the city celebrated its 1.000-year anniversary and while it continues to grow and evolve, it is known for holding tight to its traditions and identity. Visitors will find that both old and new Vietnam are represented in the city with early-morning risers practicing Tai Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake to youth riding by on skateboards to class. This eclectic destination is a city on the move. In the Old Quarter, travelers can venture through museums, centuries-old palaces and modest temples.
Halong Bay is recognized for its over 2.000 islands jutting out of the Gulf of Tonkin, creating a breathtaking sight. Translated “Where the dragon descends into the sea,” the islands were said to have been created by a great dragon with its tail gouging out valleys and crevasses. As it plunged into the sea, the area filled with water and left what are now the pinnacles of each isle. Looking at them, you can’t help but wonder if that’s true. The Unesco World Heritage Site is the number one tourist attraction in the northeast with most opting for overnight boat tours. On the islands there are various caves and floating villages to discover.
Da Nang isn’t always on travelers’ bucket lists when planning a trip to Vietnam, but that’s a real shame as there is a lot to see and do here. It is the third largest city in Vietnam and offers visitors a perfect mix of modernity and tradition. One of Da Nang’s greatest peculiarities is that it is located on the coast and is close to a long stretch of sand, which means that you can enjoy the city and experience the sea at the same time. Water sports are very popular here as are hiking in the mountains or visits to parks and museums. As if that wasn’t enough, in Da Nang you will also find historical attractions such as temples and ruins of the past.
What to do
Hanoi’s Old Quarter’s markets are prime for sampling street food and take a chance on some unexpected fare, you might surprise yourself with what you’ll enjoy. Within the city is also the Temple of Literature, a 1.000-year-old dedication to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university was established within its walls. The city is also the best place to catch a traditional music, theater, opera or puppetry show depicting Vietnamese myths and folklores.
In Ho Chi Minh the Emperor Jade Pagoda, War Remnants Museum, Phan Thiet beach are all must-see destinations. For a cocktails and some dancing, hit up Dong Koi Street. Plan to also see the Cu Chi Tunnels. During the war, tunnels were built by guerilla troops in an effort to combat better-supplied South Vietnamese and American forces. Having created tens of thousands of tunnels, soldiers began transporting supplies and laying booby traps for opposing troops. Soon enough, American and South Vietnamese soldiers learned to navigate the tunnels and detect traps, gaining the name, “tunnel rats.”
More than 20 caves are available to explore in Halong Bay, so pack your swimsuit and make a day of it. Since it’s a water destination, there are opportunities for kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and fishing. There are also two to three day sea kayaking excursions for those who enjoy a more active vacation. The steep cliffs are also popular among seasoned rock climbers with their labyrinth of stones jetting out over the ocean.
The Vietnam Golden Bridge, also known as Giant Hand Bridge or Cau Vang in Vietnamese, has gone viral around the world since it was first unveiled to the public in June 2018. It is the latest attraction at the Sun World Ba Na Hills amusement park in Da Nang. The imposing structure stands at 1414 meters above sea level and winds its way on a 150-meter path lined with plants and flowers. The deck has views of the lush greenery of the surrounding area, as well as the soaring mountains in the distance. Representing the hands of a mountain god, two large mossy stone structures can be seen “lifting” the bridge over the summit. A curved path leads visitors along the bridge, with a section of flowers and plants that can be admired along the way.
When to go
Because there are opposing monsoon seasons in the north and south, there is no one perfect time to go if looking to hop between locations. The south (Ho Chi Minh City) is tropical and typically always warm, with its driest period from March to May. Although drier, you’ll still feel the humidity and temperatures are in the ‘90s. Cooler than the rest of the country, the north (Halong Bay, Hanoi) boasts better weather in its winter months from November to the end of April. But if you’re jonesing for a hot vacation, May to October will ensure you have plenty of reasons to jump into the bay.
