Vietnam attraktioner

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground passageways that run to more than 120 miles (200 kilometers) in total length in this area alone. Work by the Viet Cong commenced in 1948 as a means of shelter from the French air attacks during the Indochina conflict. The network provided vital access and strategic control over the large rural area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City; over the following two decades the tunnels became a complex underground city including hospitals, defenses and living quarters. This meant despite all the bombings in the area many of the local people could still continue to live underground. In its prime and at its most impressive the Cu Chi Tunnels stretched from the southern Vietnamese capital all the way to the Cambodian border to the west, and in places was dug to 3 stories deep. Much of the original tunnel system was destroyed in bombing raids during the 1970s but existing parts have been restored and opened.

Limestone karats rise majestically from emerald waters to form thousands of islets. Tranquil waters are perfect for cruising at leisure through breathtaking scenery - coral reefs, mangrove forests, sandy cove beaches and magical grottoes make this a truly must-see destination. There are activities on the larger islands - kayaking, bicycling etc. There is superb locally caught seafood, but many will be mesmerized just by the calming waters and the changing light across the bay that makes this such an unforgettable experience.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a sophisticated city of more than seven million people, making it the largest city in Vietnam. Larger cruise ships will dock at Phu My, a port on the South China Sea, about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Smaller and mid-size ships that are able to navigate the Saigon River dock much closer to the city. Many ships will provide shuttles from either port into the centre of the city. Kick off your day with a visit to Reunification Hall, once the presidential palace of South Vietnam. Take a tour of this somewhat eerie building that has been left mostly untouched since the 1960s. From there, move on to the War Remnants Museum, whose moving and sometimes disturbing exhibits share the story of the Vietnam War from a distinctly Communist perspective.Next, head to the Ben Thanh Market, a bustling market that dates back to 1914. Scan the stalls for paintings, porcelain and jewelry before grabbing a late lunch.

Ninh Binh, a city located in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam, is a famous base for exploring the nearby limestone karst scenery, particularly at Tam Coc 4 miles (6 kilometers) away. At Tam Coc, or “three caves” in English, limestone formations tower above verdant rice paddies in what is considered one of Vietnam’s most spectacular places. The area is best experienced by sampan on the river meandering through the landscape. Also close by to Ninh Binh are the Trang An Grottoes, a series of caves similar to those at Tam Coc an easy bike ride outside of town. Bich Dong Pagoda, located just west of Tam Coc, dates back to the 15th century with temples built directly into the limestone caves. Phat Diem Cathedral, located a bit farther afield, was built during the late 19th century using typical Vietnamese temple architecture. History lovers should make time for a visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam 9 miles (15 kilometers) outside of Ninh Binh town.

Let the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City lift you up and carry you through this network of colorful bustling activity. Cho Ben Thanh, or Ben Thanh Market, comes alive every evening with a thrum of tireless energy that never ceases to enthrall. This is the most celebrated and regularly visited of the markets. It is also the most central, located in one of the liveliest parts of the city where the streets and alleyways surrounding the market place fill with food stalls. At Ben Thanh Market you can expect to find almost everything that the locals might need in their day to day lives: from fresh meats and vegetables to clothes, domestic items, pots, woven baskets and bamboo ladders. This is a feast for the senses.Take in the sounds: the excited chatter of shoppers and the pitch of vendors’ voices rising into the steaming night. Breathe in the sweet spiced air - chili, tamarind, ginger - and witness the bright array of colors from exotic fruits to beautiful silks.

There are many Cao Dai temples around southern Vietnam but none that compare to this. This stunning example is the most impressive in all senses. Built over a 20-year period and completed in 1956, it is the original...and the best. Like the Cao Dai religion itself, the building's architecture marries eastern and western influences. The temple is part-cathedral, part-pagoda, part-mosque, and part-fairytale. Unusual pastel colors are embellished with gold and polished glass, and outside the building is guarded by ornate brightly-colored dragons that are as much fantasy as fearsome. The interior is equally if not more striking than outside. Swirling Rococo design is complemented by various statues of gods - Jesus Christ, Brahman, Buddha - standing side by side; a vision of peaceful harmony in a once war-torn area.

The 2,700-mile-long Mighty Mekong is the 12th-longest river in the world and the main artery of Southeast Asia. Its flowing waters are the beating pulse for a region that includes the fertile delta in Ho Chi Minh City, the scenic hills of Laos, the thick forests in Thailand and Cambodia and even the Yunnan province of China and the Tibetan Plateau. The Mekong River serves as a hub for life in Southeast Asia, and it’s home to some of the region’s most unique biodiversity. Farmers grow exotic fruits along the lush shores; fishermen cast handmade nets in search of the day’s catch; and bustling communities come to life each morning along the banks of this massive river. A trip along the Mekong River provides travelers with a quiet break from the electricity of city streets, while still granting easy—and scenic—access to some of Southeast Asia’s most-popular cities, including Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

Southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, where the Mekong Delta meets the South China Sea, Can Gio Mangrove Reserve is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. Said to be the “green lungs” of the city, the area is an important natural wetland that attracts numerous bird species like migratory spot-billed pelicans and painted storks, and acts a nursery for many types of fish and marine life like crabs and shrimp. Boat trips to the reserve include wildlife spotting adventures in Giant Bat Lagoon, a paddling excursion to Rung Sac Guerilla Base, and a stop at Vam Sat Eco Park, where you can visit a crocodile reserve, spot monkeys playing in the trees, and take a hike through the mangroves to spot birds and other wildlife.

The Gothic twin bell towers of this classic cathedral stretch high into the skyline, marking this as a destination for those looking to escape the buzz of Ho Chi Minh and find some quiet contemplation. Saigon Notre-Dame’s striking red façade and towering stone archways were constructed with materials imported from France in the 1800s. But its unique architecture is not the only draw to this iconic city landmark. In 2005, visitors reported seeing tears flow from the eyes of a statue of the Virgin Mary here, making it a destination for Catholics on religious pilgrimage.

The Old Quarter is the cultural heart of Hanoi where the pulse of life has constantly beat for nearly 2,000 years. Daily routine starts early and builds to a friendly bustle. Streets have distinct character and are named after the crafts once made there - silver, ladder, silk, paper. St. Joseph's cathedral rings for mass regularly throughout the day, follow the bells to check its Neo-Gothic style. Huyen Thien Pagoda is another of the many temples peppered around this part of town. The Old City Gate is one of four original entrances to the heart of the Royal City to survive over a thousand years. Take time to sample the spirit, atmosphere and shopping on offer here - nothing says Hanoi like its Old Quarter.

History lovers flock to this 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Hindu, Arab and Chinese influences are reflected in breathtaking architecture, eclectic food and rich culture. Naturalists will appreciate the quiet beaches just a short bike ride from the city center, while wanderers will love the pedestrian-only streets of Ancient Town lined with quaint shops and bustling vendors. Urban skyscrapers and big-city development have yet to touch this former shipping port, which means travelers can enjoy a taste of what Hoi An once was and what Vietnam used to be.

Few major cities count the post office among their top tourist attractions, but the classic interior of Saigon Central Post Office continues to be a favorite destination among travelers visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. Completed in 1891, the design of this architectural landmark mimics an old world European railway station with mile-high ceilings, a larger-than-life portrait of Ho Chi Minh and a centrally located clock face. These rich details are what manage to draw even the travelers who arrive with plans to purchase stamps or mail postcards, to pause and soak up the brilliant interior, which includes hand-painted maps of the old city.

The Reunification Palace is an important site of political and cultural significance, built by the French in 1868 to mark the newly established colony of Indochina. In 1945, it briefly became the headquarters for the Japanese after their defeat of the French. In 1962, two Vietnamese rebel pilots bombed the palace - the president survived but the palace did not. He commissioned a new one to be built. It was renamed Independence Palace and the design became a Modernist icon. In 1975 the palace was the symbolic site of the triumphant liberation of Saigon. Vietnam was then reunified; since then the building has been known as Reunification Palace. Today it is a working government building as well as having areas open to the public. Tour the private quarters, the president's former office and the War Command Room. You get a real sense of what happened here and its importance in Vietnamese history.

Deep in the rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, you can visit the bustling floating river market at Cai Be. The riverfront village is a major hub for the farmers, wholesalers and buyers who congregate here into a raft of produce-laden longtail boats, and the agricultural products bought and sold at this market are distributed throughout the country. Many vendors specialize in just a handful of fruits of vegetables, which they advertise with samples tied atop wooden poles. You can visit the market as part of a boat tour from nearby Vinh Long. Along the riverbank near the market, you can see a picturesque Catholic cathedral, and it’s worth exploring the village and strolling paths along the area’s numerous side canals.

Opened in 1975, just a few months after the liberation, the War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Laid out in 8 themed rooms are different aspects of the war from imprisonment, to chemical warfare and military might. In the grounds there are military equipment, weaponry and aircraft on display including fighter planes, helicopters and tanks. Some of the exhibits are shockingly gruesome, explicit photos and prisoner cages detail a war-torn history. This is the story of the Vietnam War told from the other side which mixes the atrocities of war with the reality of military hardware.

The Mekong Delta covers an area of approximately 15,000 square miles (40,000 square kilometers) to the west of Ho Chi Minh City.The Mekong Delta is where the mighty Mekong river completes its 2,700 mile (4,300 km) journey from the Tibetan plateau and empties its riches into the South China Sea.This is an area of lush, tropical and fertile lands. It is often referred to as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam due its huge production of rice crop. Vegetables, exotic fruits (coconuts, mangoes, rambutan) and fishing also feature prominently here. Life in the delta revolves around the river, and as such this is the only real way to view and understand it. See its many waterways, communities and cottage industries that are so vital to the way of living here including the thriving local floating markets. The area is rich in lush green vegetation and the pace of life is relaxing, the setting natural and serene. This makes for a great break away from the hustle of the city.

East meets west at this stunning example of French Colonial architecture in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The gleaming white municipal theater, which is home the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra, was built in 1897. Its well-lit façade casts a brilliant glow on nearby city streets. Visitors can file into the 1,800 seat theater to catch regular dress rehearsals, or buy a ticket for one of the weekly cultural shows the theater is known for. On weekends, free public performances take place on the opera house steps and the nearby park offers travelers a perfect spot to stop and enjoy the music.

Don't leave Hanoi without seeing a Thang Long Water Puppet Theater show. These musical stories portrayed are of historical legends and folk tales. These ever-popular performances are given by a troupe of talented actors and accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese pit orchestra. Great entertainment for all ages. Charming, curious, and enchanting - you'll be pleased you experienced it.

The rugged and scenic Cat Ba Island is the largest island in Halong Bay. About half of it is a dedicated National Park, home to both marine life and mammals, including the endangered Cat Ba langur (also known as the golden-headed langur), civet cats and Oriental giant squirrels. In 2004, the park was recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere reserve of the world. (Many tour operators offer trekking and canoeing options through the park.) The eastern side of the island is home to several beaches worthy of exploration, fishing villages and a small town (population 8,000) that tends to get crowded on weekends and public holidays. Here, you’ll find a promenade, and a strip of hotels, bars and restaurants.

The Temple of Literature (or Quoc Tu Giam) was originally built as a Confucian Temple in 1070 AD. Six years later on the same grounds was founded Vietnam's first university to educate the administrative and military warrior Mandarin classes. Over the years buildings have been added and renovated but much of the architecture dates back to the Lý (1010 - 1225) and Trần dynasties (1225 - 1400). The university operated for more than 700 years but today you can experience the tranquility without its warrior students, with its beautiful gardens and pavilions in a series of courtyards.

Constructed in 1804, this massive fortress designed for the Gia Long Emperor, is surrounded by a zigzag moat and defensive barrier that’s 21 meters thick. But visitors to this citadel-in-a-citadel-in-a-citadel won’t need to swim across rivers or scale towering walls to get a look inside. The Imperial Enclosure is accessible by crossing one of the 10 pedestrian bridges into the once royal land. Pass through Ngo Mon (Noon) Gate, once reserved for those in power, then wander through Flag Tower (Cot Co) and stare up at the nation’s tallest flagpole before weaving through the Nine Dynastic Urns representing different Nguyen kings.

Tourists flock both day and night to this small bridge at the center of Hoi An, known as the Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), because of its picturesque beauty. As a result, attempting to cross the 12-meter structure will likely be faced with a labyrinth of kissing couples posing for photographs and backpackers loitering in its cool shade. Still detailed Japanese carvings, as well as monkey and dog statues—a nod to the years its construction began and finished—are worth the congestion and guaranteed headache of a trip to this Hoi An landmark.

At the heart of Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese district, the central Binh Tay Market is a popular spot among visitors and tour groups thanks to the backdrop of picturesque French-Chinese architecture. The modern market was built in 1928 after the original burned down. A Chinese businessman Quach Dam funded the reconstruction, and you can find a memorial to him at the center of the market. The ornate statue of Quach Dam that was the market’s original centerpiece now resides at the Fine Art Museum. Binh Tay is Ho Chi Minh City’s largest market, comprising four city blocks. During a visit here, you can peruse a mind-boggling array of wares, everything from pottery and flowers to cheap souvenirs, noodle stalls and vendors selling bulk rice and wholesale produce.

Three stories of wholesale and traditional goods, local food and hand-tailored clothes, as well as cosmetics and crafts, make the massive Dong Xuan Market a true experience of southeast Asia. Both locals and tourists hustle through the jam-packed stalls of Dong Xuan during daylight hours, bartering for better deals on just about anything imaginable. But it’s after dark that the market truly comes alive, as travelers gather to sample traditional foods while watching cultural performances that include music, dance and plenty of energy, too.