As chaotic as it is captivating and as fast-paced as it is traditional, Vietnam is a country of contrasts. However, one thing is indisputable—there's no place on earth quite like it. Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital, with its atmospheric Hanoi Old Quarter, striking Do Temple, and West Lake, is best explored on foot, by motorbike, cyclo (three-wheeled taxi), or scooter. Hanoi is also a convenient jumping-off point for junk boat cruises on Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Red River Delta, home to remote tribal craft villages. Continuing down the east coast, the Forbidden Purple City in Hué is a glorious reminder of Vietnam's Imperial past; the Old Town of Hoi An—arguably Vietnam's prettiest city—is a hotspot for Vietnamese street food; and Nha Trang is known for its idyllic beaches. Hanoi's southern rival, Ho Chi Minh City, is Vietnam's largest and most modern city in which sightseeing tours reveal cultural treasures such as the Saigon Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Vietnam Cookery Center—great if a cookery course is on your travel menu. Plus, just a short drive away from Ho Chi Min City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a poignant reminder of the tragedies of the Vietnam War, and the winding canals, lush rice paddies, and traditional villages of the Mekong Delta stretch all the way to border of Cambodia, allowing you to continue your South East Asia adventure with ease.
Typhoons, monsoons, and drastic differences in regional climates mean that a trip to Vietnam takes more planning than most countries. The far north avoids humid summers and monsoons, while central and south are generally sunny during winter, when the beaches beckon. Keep in mind that much of the country vacations during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in January or February.
Two famous Vietnam attractions are Halong Bay, in the north near Hanoi, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, in the south near Ho Chi Minh City. The former is a UNESCO-protected landscape of forested cliffs near emerald waters; the latter is a network of underground tunnels used in the Vietnam War.
...MoreYour personal safety and health are likely not at risk in Vietnam. That said, petty theft is common in both towns and cities, as is bribery and corruption (always agree on a price beforehand). It’s encouraged that you leave your valuables at home or in a safe at your hotel, and always keep a close eye on your purse or bag when venturing into crowded areas.
...MoreHow you have fun in Vietnam depends on where you travel in the diverse, varied country. Experience modern life in spots like Ho Chi Minh City, go off-grid in a national park, explore old French resort towns like Da Lat, and tour the Central Highlands in search of great coffee.
...MoreWith comparatively cheap prices and loads to do and see, Vietnam is a great country for tourists. Food, lodging, and transport are all a fraction of the cost compared to many destinations, and getting from city to city is easy. With both mountains and coastline, the country is scenic, too.
...MoreVietnam doesn’t keep strict visitation numbers, but a few of the top places include Halong Bay, a UNESCO-protected landscape of emerald, cliff-lined waters; Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s metropolitan juggernaut in the south; the Mekong Delta, famous for its slower pace of life; and Hanoi, the country’s capital city.
...MoreThe Vietnamese have a rich, storied culture with roots linking back to Confucianism, Buddhism, and Catholicism. They also have many traditions, from honoring deceased family members with holidays to celebrating the Lunar New Year (aka Tết). Many weddings are traditional, with tea ceremonies and candle rituals making up the festivities.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 186 |
|---|---|
Number of Tours | 10,463 |
Number of Reviews | 184,154 |
Currency | VND |
EN
