10 Things to do on your Vietnam Travel
With an incredible blend of nature and
culture, Vietnam is an underrated gem of a country. Towering peaks, lush green
valleys, fields of plenty and greens of every shade—this when combined with the
nation’s intricate history is a treat for all travelers looking for an
immersive experience. Be it, hiking enthusiasts, bikers or nature lovers, there
are plenty of national parks and spectacular coastlines waiting to be explored.
Take a relaxing cruise in Halong Bay, treat your taste buds with Hanoi’s street
food, and take a step back in time at Ho Chi Minh city.
Halong Bay
The gigantic limestone peaks of Halong Bay
make for one of the world’s most beautiful sea views. No wonder this has been
deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These jagged islands of nature stand tall
in the Gulf of Tonkin, eroded into sharp peaks by wind and water over thousands
of years. Best experienced by cruise, it gives you some of the most
unforgettable views. To properly explore these unique landscapes, set aside at
least one overnight trip. Discover the hidden wonders of caves and enormous
caverns like Hang Sung Sot, and the surreal wonders of Hand Dao Go with its
stalagmites and stalactites. However you choose to spend your time here, these
limestone towers never cease to amaze.
Ho Chi Minh City
A visit to Vietnam is never complete without
exploring Ho Chi Minh City. This bustling collection of streets is the
commercial hub of the country. Crammed with people, bikes, and cars, this city
is filled with the most happening cafes and restaurants. This also provides the
best opportunity to shop till you drop. Head to the city center, Dong Khoi, to
explore the historical significance of the city and its artifacts at the HCMC
Museum. Don’t forget to visit the Grand Notre Dame Cathedral built in the late
19th century. Step into the old alleys of France at Da Kao, the French colonial
remnants of architecture. To get a taste of Buddhism and Taoist iconography,
don’t forget to check out the Jade Emperor Pagoda. The History Museum can
quench your thirst for discovery—take in the wide array of relics and antiques
on display from various archaeological sites
The city’s most popular attractions include
The Reunification Palace, which used to be the residence for South Vietnam’s
president. This is the spot where North Vietnam’s tanks halted on 30th April
1975, thus bringing the war to an end officially. You can find the old-time
furnishings of the palace in pristine condition, and it helps transport you
back in time. Just a few blocks away os the War Remnants Museum that brings to
light the horrors of the war and the bitter memories of the US - Vietnam
showdown.
Hue
Brimming with history, Hue is home to the 19th
century Nguyen kingdom’s artifacts. The royal site sits by the stunning banks of
Perfume River, and is a sprawling 2.5-kilometer enclosure. Capture the
intricate details of Thai Hoa Palace, the imposing structure of Ngo Mon Gate,
the luxurious Dien Tho Residence which housed the Queen Mothers, and the
colorful Halls of Mandarins with glorious murals above.
To discover more of this land’s rich history,
take a cruise along the Perfume River and visit the royal tombs like Tu Doc and
explore the pagodas nearby. Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most beautiful and
has a 21-meter high tower that gives it an imposing, powerful look.
My Son
Ruins of ancient 4th-century temples, lush
green jungles and mountains—no, you haven’t wandered into the sets of Tomb
Raider. My Son is home to the ruins of the Cham era temple city that was
thriving until the 10th century. With more than 20 temple structures displaying
the mastery of various Asian empires like India and Malay, this is sure to give
you plenty of other-wordly pictures and experiences. Witness the temple sites
that fell victim to the US forces during the Vietnam war and discover more
about the culture of My Son at the museum on site.
Hoi An
An amalgamation of Japanese and Chinese
architectural influences, Hoi An is a dreamy city packed with ancient
merchant-houses and streets that take you back to the 15th century. Hoi An used
to be the central port for Japanese and Chinese silk traders back in the day,
and the Tan Ky House of the 17th century helps you relive those times with its
well-preserved art and architecture.
One of the major attractions of Hoi An is the
elegant Japanese Bridge at the western-most end of Tran Phu Street. Nearby is
the town’s most popular temple—the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese
Congregation. As you wander these quaint streets, you will spot several pagodas
and museums, each telling you tales of this incredible country.
Hanoi
The capital city, Hanoi encapsules the chaos
and clamor of Vietnam. Not for the ones seeking a peaceful stroll about town,
Hanoi gives you a glimpse into the bustling, frenzied and quintessential buzz
of Southeast Asia. Whether you want to explore the old streets with the remains
of the time gone by, or explore it’s tradition and history through the museums,
a true traveller will enjoy Hanoi more than any other. With museums like the
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Vietnam Fine Art
Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, it’s the perfect chance to immerse
yourself in this country’s incredible story.
Nha Trang
Six kilometers of pristine coastline, Nha
Trang is perfect to unwind and relax in the company of nature. Famous among
tourists and locals alike, these shores are packed with people during the
summer months. Lounge on the pristine beach or take a dip into the crystal blue
waters—Nha Trang is perfect for both. If you’re in the mood for a walkabout
town, explore the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers—a 7th-century temple that is
still an active place of worship. Peek into the past at the museum dedicated to
the work of Alexandre Yersin, founder of the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute and
discover his contribution towards the cure of the bubonic plague.
Củ Chi Tunnels
An extensive network of tunnels stretching for
more than 250 kilometers and accessible via the Ben Dinh village or Ben Duoc
village, these tunnels are awe-inspiring remnants of the war. Not for the
claustrophobic travelers, these tunnels were used by VC troops to operate and
communicate in the area surrounding Ho Chi Minh in secrecy. These tunnels are
narrow and unlit, and will truly give you a taste of what the Vietnamese
soldiers fought like—there are points in the tunnel where you will have to
crawl on your hands and knees.
Ba Be National Park
Three intertwined lakes, surrounded by jagged
limestone peaks and lush green mountain slopes—experience the majestic scenery
of Ba Be National Park. A simple boat ride or kayak ride on the lake, exploring
caves of stalagmites and stalactites can be soul-stirring in itself. But for
the more adventurous, this park offers a variety of hiking and trekking trails
between ethnic minority villages. This is the best chance to truly experience
the rural Vietnamese lifestyle as an overnight stay here gives you the opportunity
to stay in traditional stilt-houses along the banks of the lake.
Mekong Delta
Located in the southern coast of Vietnam, the
majestic Mekong river meets the sea and creates a web of waterways across the
land. Sprawling with lush green fields of paddy, corn and mangroves, this is
where you can explore the local life and shop for fresh produce on the floating
markets. A traveler’s dream as this offers a unique experience and is a
combination of peace and chaos. Easily accessible from the town of Can Tho, the
floating markets of Phong Dien and Cai Rang are the most popular among
tourists. The U Minh Mangrove forests and Cau Mau Nature Reserve are easy to
explore by boat trips from Ca Mau.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Vietnam
and you can get in touch with the pickyourtrail’s travel agents and customized
itineraries and curate the Vietnam packages tailor-made to your wishes
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