Down by the rolling waves of the East Sea ( South China Sea called by some countries) is one of Southeast Asia's most alluring countries.
Vietnam's cosmopolitan cities are an homage to a culture that has been crafted over centuries.
At times it feels like a living breathing museum
the country's complex history can be traced throughout its ancient temples and crumbling
colonial mansions then there's the stunning diversity of the landscape which is teeming
with natural wonders that have been there from the beginning of time. A trip to this stunning country
will give you a taste for noodles at breakfast and markets at night from sunrise to sunset
Vietnam flips things on its head but perhaps that's what makes the country's places so special
In Hanoi you will discover a city as rich in century old architecture and cultural heritage
as it is in mouth-watering food both are primed to grab your attention from the moment
you set foot in the city but vietnam is also a country where the excitement of sailing beside
thousands of limestone islets topped with rainforests in Halong Bay
is as exhilarating as the energy that powers Ho Chi Minh city day and night. There are memorable
experiences everywhere you turn but each one is unique and stays with you for different reasons .
Make a rickshaw tour and weave your way through the seemingly endless hustle and bustle of Hanoi
Vietnam's vibrant capital for over 1 000 years. If you want to see how Hanoi wakes up then
grab a traditional vietnamese iced milk coffee at sunrise and lose yourself by wandering the streets
After experiencing a little of the city you can really begin your adventure stop for a
steaming hot bowl of food a broth-based noodle dish that's a breakfast staple if
you're in search of an authentic experience do as the locals would and eat on the street
After such a delicious start to the day you're ready for some must-have
experiences whatever you decide to do as long as you're out and about
it's hard to go wrong. You might want to visit the Temple of Literature from the 10th century
hunt for bargains at thin yen flea market or spend your day among the devoted by exploring the city's
pagodas. Before dusk make your way to Hoan Kiem Lake just in time for a picture-perfect golden hour. The
famous lake is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike there's an island in the center of the water
body where the nyoxan temple sits. It's ideal for filling up your instagram feed with images that
will give your family and friends some serious wanderlust. As the sun sets make your way to the
popular Hanoi night market to pick up souvenirs and some more delicious vietnamese street fare
Halong bay takes natural beauty to an entirely new level
You might feel as though you are drifting off into a different world seeing these soaring limestone
pinnacles for the first time is something you won't soon forget. From the emerald green waters
to islets topped with lush greenery, it's a selling experience like no other. This unspoilt UNESCO
World Heritage Site lies in the gulf of tonkin. Ha long is the vietnamese word for descending
dragon. A local legend in these parts has it that such a majestic beast and her offspring came to
the bay to protect the locals. The dragons would attack anything that might harm the Viet people
by spurting everything from fire and emeralds to jade at the impending threat. It said that
over time these jewels transformed into the towering formations throughout the bay.
To truly experience this enchanting destination, many visitors take a junk boat tour this way
it's possible to have a very close encounter with the islets and surrounding waters.
You can watch the sunset on Halong Bay's horizon fall asleep under the stars and stir only when
The warm rising sun wakes you this coastal haven offers many activities and plenty of
respite for travellers it's an excellent place for scuba diving rock climbing and hiking. The
biosphere reserve of Cat Ba National Park is a particular favorite among visitors to the country.
Whether you're paddling around the grottos and caverns which have been shaped over decades
heading to a private island for some volleyball and relaxation or living it up with the locals
at a homestay. Any amount of time spent here will be exceptional. It doesn't hurt that this
is the best way to revitalize yourself before heading off to the buzzing Ho Chi Minh City
formerly known as Saigon, no matter where you've been in the world
nothing will prepare you for Ho Chi Minh City. This famous southern city so full of life
is renowned for playing a central role in the Vietnam War. In the decades since the ravages
of conflict and following an economic boom its urban landscape has dramatically changed.
You'll discover both old and new gourmet cuisine alongside street food sprawling markets as well
as chic boutiques ornate temples and sparkling skyscrapers. The past has as much of a place in
Ho Chi Minh city as the future. Among the many things you can do here getting a caffeine fix
is a must. You'll find cafes everywhere serving irresistible coffee sweetened with condensed milk
This pit stop will prove particularly necessary if you plan on visiting some of the city's
well-known markets. You'll find antiques galore in Ben Thanh Market and foodie heaven in Bin Tay Market
which is where the locals go for breakfast after a morning of shopping and eating your
way through the best of Ho Chi Minh City head to District 1 to soak up some history at the Taoist
Jade Emperor pagoda or ogle at french colonial buildings like the 19th century Central Post
Office or the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was built entirely out of material imported from France
Aside from recognized landmarks there are significant cultural sites that call for
reflection as you bear witness to the ghosts of the past the nearby Cu Chi
Tunnel network encompassing hiding spots supply routes and hospitals will give you insight
into how the Vietcong soldiers lived and traveled during the war
Once you've had your fill of city life why not sail
down the Mekong Delta in an iconic Vietnamese basket boat
Tours exploring Mekong's network of rivers and islands often start in Ho
Chi Minh City floating upon this maze of streams and canals our homes and markets
and along the banks are pagodas villages and rice paddies
Visiting Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh City may be a great way to start discovering
Vietnam's ancient history buddhist temples vibrant street culture and indigenous crafts
but these three destinations are just the beginning
Vietnam has so much more to offer travellers that come to its shores