The Best Destinations in Vietnam

Image of Halong Bay by Mister Wind-Up Bird via Flickr

I’ve been fortunate enough to experience globetrotting. I’ve been even more fortunate to fall in love with Asia. The continent offers the best of everything – from adventure and activity to history, culture, cheap holidays, great hotels and resorts, delectable restaurants and top class shopping.

With the help of Travel Republic, I decided to visit Vietnam’s top destinations. Not only was I pleasantly surprised by the sheer beauty of the country but I was able to converse with many a friendly local and get to understand their culture. Below is a round-up of just some of Vietnam’s top destinations.

Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City was once referred to romantically as the Pearl of the Orient by the French. Today, the city is still essentially French in character but, it is a modern Asian city complete with a café society and cosmopolitan bustle.

When in Saigon, head to Tay Ninh and the Cao Dai Great Temple – a cathedral which serves as the main attraction in the area.  The Mekong River Delta looks like the southern rice bowl of Vietnam owing to the area being covered with rice fields. The Delta offers visitors a vibrant display of rural life with lush vegetation, floating markets and island farms.

Another area worthy of a visit is Phan Thiet. This is a quaint fishing village along the south eastern coast and it is popular for its crystal clear waters and pristine powdery sand. The resorts are some of the best accommodations in Vietnam offering bungalow-style retreats and culinary delights.

Central Highlands

I really fancied the sound of this part of Vietnam when doing my research on Travel Republic, which offers cheap holidays abroad, so I simply had to include it in my itinerary.

DaLat, Le Petit Paris is the name given to the former French hill station. However, the Vietnamese call it the City of Eternal Spring owing to the fresher and cooler air in this mountainous region. DeLat can be found nestled in the central highlands and is magnificently beautiful and equally tranquil. Think flowing waterfalls, forested mountains and ethnic hill tribes. You can take a tour of coffee and rubber plantations in this area as well as exploring the hill tribe villages and chatting with the natives.

Pleiku and Kontum are the most remote and least populated areas in the country which makes for virgin forest, untouched waterfalls and amazing wildlife. You can take an elephant ride through the jungle and stay overnight in hill tribe communal accommodations.

Central Coastal Region

According to Travel Republic, this is the area to visit for history lovers as well as beach seekers. Hue is the ancient royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and their majestic tombs are a big attraction. There are several other significant historical and cultural sites such as the mausoleums.

Da Nang is a major seaport with spectacular beaches and a historical significance that dates back to 192AD. You will find relics from the period in the open-air Cham Museum. Other sightseeing opportunities include Marble Mountain and China Beach.

It is in Nha Trang where you will find the best selection of hotels and resorts near the beaches. The area is popular for diving and snorkelling and it has a lively atmosphere along with sidewalk cafes and the freshest seafood restaurants.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and the centre of political and cultural life in the country. It’s a city of lakes, wide boulevards and over 500 temples. The old architecture has been retained adding to Hanoi’s colonial charm. The one-pillared pagoda is a popular sight here as well as the Temple of Literature. You have to try a cyclo ride – a man-powered taxi – through the old quarter and along streets with names like Chicken, Silk and Coffin!

Mai Chau Valley and Hoa Binh lie across the Red River Valley and here the air is crisp and inviting. The Mai Chau Valley is dotted with tiny villages nestled beneath limestone cliffs and Muong farmers grow rice, tea and sugarcane. You can purchase handmade silk and woven items from the local villagers here as gorgeous keepsakes from your trip.

The area is incredibly scenic set amongst deep valleys and jaggered limestone peaks and the region is ideal for hiking and trekking adventures. Vietnam offers culture, adventure and history amongst a backdrop of romanticism and there is no doubt I will visit this tranquil and welcoming country many times over.