Over the last century, Vietnam has been stigmatised by war and suffering, however, little do people know – it’s an amazing and trendy vacation destination. It’s filled with beautiful landscapes, rainforests, mountains and beaches with astonishing rock formations. There, you can enjoy fishing or scuba diving, indulge in the finest cuisine and learn about a number of their ethnic minorities. Outdoor lovers can bask in the beauty of their countryside within a vast number of national parks, while the more urban tourists can explore the contemporary life of big cities. All in all, it’s one of the most underrated tourist destinations and it’s undoubtedly full of surprises. If you’re interested in the rich culture and history of this destination, here are some places to visit:
My Son
One of the most famous ancient sites, My Son was one of many Hindu temples the ancient kingdom of Champa built for religious ceremonies dedicated to Shiva. It’s located in the central coast of Vietnam and represents one of the richest archaeological sites.
Hang Son Doong
In the Quang Binh province, riddled with hundreds of natural caves, sits the world’s biggest cave – Hang Son Doong. It contains a cavern so tall that a skyscraper could fit inside it. Being surrounded by jungle, it also provides a shelter for wildlife and an amazing opportunity to experience monkeys and flying foxes.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is an agricultural region made fertile by the maze of streams and canals created by the Mekong river. It is so big that it feeds a third of the country with its farms and rich plantations. The thing that makes it exciting to visit is that it’s swamped by colorful floating markets and unusual villagers. You can use Can Tho town as base since it’s really close to the floating markets, but you can also access it through boat trips from Ca Mau, while also enjoying their nature reserve.
Nha Trang
If you enjoy sandy beaches, Nha Trang is the best choice. It’s a popular seaside resort city, so it’s packed with local families and foreign visitors during summer. There are amazing designated swimming areas and lounges, and it makes a great option for scuba diving. And, the best part is, if you get tired of sunbathing, you can always hop on over to their museum dedicated to the work of Alexandre Yersin, who discovered the cause of bubonic plague.
Hanoi
The heart of Vietnam’s capital Hanoi is the perfect place for travelers who enjoy the city life. There are abundant museums to visit for history fans, as there are attractive restaurants and street vendors. Many exiting Vietnam tours offer a rich amount of activities, so you can explore the city to its fullest.
Ho Chi Minh City
The buzzing and crazy commercial hub of the country is not only the capital of Vietnam, but even more so Ho Chi Minh city. Formerly known as Saigon, which served as the capital of South Vietnam, now it represents the largest city of the reunified country with much to offer to tourists: from shopping, dining and nightlife, to a fair amount of historic and cultural attractions.
Sapa
The flourishing rice field countryside surrounding Sapa, hugged by the notched peaks of the Hoang Lien mountains, is home to Vietnam’s most beautiful views. Here, the deep valleys are home to a number of ethnic minorities, while the hills are filled with rice fields. This is one of the best trekking destinations, allowing you to hike between tiny villages and also enjoy the scenery of the mountains.
Conclusion
Vietnam has a vast number of destinations to visit and its history and culture make it even more alluring. Attracting millions of visitors all year long, its colonial heritage also implies that many places where you’ll be staying feature an interesting blend of French and Asian influences. Also, their cuisine is regarded as the best in the world, so it’s imperative you try some when you get there. If you’ve never experienced the vibes of the exotic Southeast Asia, you should consider traveling to some of the places we’ve mentioned and see for yourself how much beauty it holds.