Do you dream of traveling through sparkling Ho Chi Minh City? Or maybe you want to visit the chaotic streets of Hanoi? Or is your goal to sunbathe on the beaches of Da Nang? Then welcome to Vietnam. For decades, the country has remained one of the most popular tourist destinations. Piligrimos has compiled a list of the top places to visit and see in Vietnam.
Hanoi
Begin your visit to Vietnam in its capital, Hanoi. In this city, you can immerse yourself in the local culture. The Museum of Ethnology, which contains information about the history and culture of the country's ethnic groups, will help you accomplish this task. In the historic Old Quarter, you will see scenes from centuries past in the narrow streets, and at Dong Xuan Market, you can buy a wide variety of goods, from household items to delicious street food—there is no shortage of entertainment here.
Babe National Park
Be sure to visit Babe National Park. There you can see unique mountain and forest landscapes. These areas are home to more than 1,200 different species of flora and fauna. You can also see pangolins and flying squirrels here. If you decide to visit the park, it is worth taking a boat trip on Lake Babe and visiting the local caves.
Trang An
Another gem of Vietnam, or rather its northern part, is Trang An. The reserve covers more than 2,000 hectares. Here you will find limestone mountains, natural caves, swamps, and rivers. These locations were used as filming locations for the movie Kong: Skull Island. Tourists are offered three boat tours.
Hue
Don't miss the ancient city of Hue. Here you can see pagodas and Art Deco mansions. Be sure to add the Thien Mu Pagoda to your itinerary.
Hoi An
You can see authentic Vietnam in Hoi An, an old trading port that is a kind of architectural landmark. It is also a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is consistently named one of the most attractive and romantic ancient cities in the world. It serves as a model of traditional urban areas and coastal trading ports in the East Asian region.
Hoi An has remained virtually unchanged. Here you will find winding streets lined with shops and Japanese trading houses. Be sure to take a nighttime stroll, as this is the only time of day when you can enjoy the hundreds of colorful silk lanterns. And of course, don't forget to see Hoi An from the smooth surface of the Hoai River and try the local cuisine.
May Son Sanctuary
There is another location in Quang Nam Province that is not to be missed. We are talking about the My Son Sanctuary, a Hindu sacred site of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Here you can see ancient temples that were built as far back as the 4th century.
Ho Chi Minh City
Tourists call Ho Chi Minh City the most European city in Asia. Various cultures and religions intersect here. In Ho Chi Minh City, you will find the Mariamman Hindu temple, the Gia Lam Pagoda dating back to 1744, and even Notre Dame Cathedral. The War Remnants Museum is noted as a separate location in the rankings.
By the way, you can try delicious street food at Ben Nghe Street Food Market. This bustling market, popular with locals and tourists alike, boasts more than 30 stalls selling everything from local dishes to other cuisines.
Mekong Delta
To the southwest, you will find the Mekong Delta. It is a very Instagrammable place. Foreigners come here to take beautiful photos. By the way, this is not the only location for such purposes — Piligrimos talked about others here. What is so special about the delta? There are floating markets here where locals trade. So, not only can you see local life, but you can also buy various fruits.
Cu Chi Tunnels
If you can't imagine traveling without learning about the history of the country you're visiting, then you shouldn't miss the Cu Chi tunnels. And even if history isn't your main focus, it's still worth a visit. After all, where else can you see tunnels built back in 1948?
Fukuoka
But if you are a fan of beach holidays, then Fukuok is the place for you. This island has incredible beaches and is one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Here you can enjoy delicious cocktails and admire the scenery. It also has crystal clear water and beautiful coastlines. Fans of active recreation can dive to the coral reefs or go kayaking along the coast. Keep in mind that the weather on the island is especially favorable at the end of the year.
