The Best Tourist Attractions in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it is quickly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Still relatively undeveloped as far as tourism goes, this stunning land has much to offer the tourist, and with that in mind, we present some of the best attractions that Vietnam has to offer.
Phu Quoc Island
The largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc, has much to offer the tourist; there are luxurious 5 star hotels in Phu Quoc island as well as budget hotels for backpackers. The island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand, and there are 21 smaller islands nearby, which can be visited by chartering a boat. All the popular watersports can be found on Phu Quoc; snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skis, paragliding and deep-sea fishing are all available. The island has a mass of 575 km² and a population close to a quarter of a million, with fishing and agriculture the major industries, while tourism is fast becoming the top earner.
Ha Long Bay
Located in the Northeastern part of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay has close to 2,000 small limestone islets, making it a place of natural beauty; Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a very popular holiday destination. There are four fishing villages in the bay, with approximately 1,800 inhabitants who live a natural life in this scenic region. There are 5-star hotels, beach resorts and some budget accommodation; construction projects are popping up everywhere, as local investors grasp the opportunity to generate real wealth.
Hanoi
No list of Vietnam’s top attractions would be complete without the capital city; the second most populated city in the country, there is much to see and do in Hanoi. The city is called ‘The Paris of the East’ because of the unmistakable French influence. The colonial architecture is nothing short of stunning, and the city has two areas that tourists visit, namely the French Quarter and the Old Quarter, with the latter being distinctly Vietnamese, with small streets and narrow alleys, while the French Quarter has tree-lined avenues and French-style villas. Spend a week in Hanoi and you can see all the amazing attractions that make this city famous.
Ho Chi Minh City
The home of the Cu Chi Tunnels, this city used to be known as Saigon; located in Southern Vietnam, the city has many museums that depict the Vietnam War and the French colonial days, which are very interesting for history buffs. You simply must visit the tunnels of Cu Chi, which the Vietcong used in the war; the tunnels connect most of the country, and there were hospitals, factories and living areas, which some military experts say played a large role in their victory against a superior US military. The botanical gardens are stunning and a must-see for all garden lovers; you could easily spend a week in this enchanting city and still not see it all.
Hoi An
An ancient city in central Vietnam, which was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, this coastal port was seen as a hub where many traders would visit, and this created a unique culture that is a blend of East, West and Asia. There are many festivals, and many regard Hoi An as the cultural centre of the nation. There is a large Chinese community that has lived there for many centuries, and they have their own cuisine and culture.
Nha Trang
A coastal city on the Southern Central coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang has quickly become one of the top tourist destinations in the country, largely due to the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches. There are luxury resorts, amusement parks, restaurants and bars that reflect the popularity of this beautiful location. More and more tourists are flocking to Nha Trang, and development is ongoing to cope with the rising number of international tourists. Mild all-year temperatures make for the perfect getaway, and if you would like to book a hotel, Google is your best friend and can bring up a list of 4 and 5-star resorts.
There are so many tourist attractions in Vietnam that we could not possibly list them all in this short article, so we chose the most popular.