With its wide boulevards, ancient pagodas and tree-lined lakes, Vietnam’s capital is also the country’s most atmospheric and beguiling city. There is an energy and charm here arising from the genteel mix of French colonialism and Asian grace and tradition. Enjoy a showcase of synchronised t’ai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake; stroll around the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets with traders and hoards of scooters weaving in and out, and don’t miss the chance to see a water puppetry show at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Other places to visit include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Perfume Pagoda temple complex and the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter.
Lying 100 km south of Hanoi in the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is the capital city of Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province. With its easy transportation links to destinations both north and south, this laidback town makes an ideal base for exploring the remarkably scenic surrounding countryside. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring lush green paddy fields, some quintessentially Vietnamese limestone scenery, and a number of impressive caves. Other popular nearby sights include the nation’s biggest pagoda and the extraordinary views from the top of Hang Mua Peak.
Beguiling and beautiful, the former capital of Vietnam is still revered as a cultural and religious centre, and achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. The city owes its charm in part to its setting on the Perfume River, but more significantly, to its many ancient temples and palaces – all vestiges of the last remaining Vietnamese dynasty, the Nguyen dynasty. The 19th century Hue Citadel, otherwise known as The Imperial City, should be high on your ‘to-see' list (you will need a day to get through the entire complex); while scattered along the riverbank are myriad more shrines and stupa, including the Thien Mu Pagoda with its octagonal tower. Bathe in a number of mineral hot springs, take a boat trip along the river, or take a ‘food tour’ of the superb eateries in town.
Hoi An is a historic riverside town on Vietnam's central coast, around 30 kilometres south of Da Nang. Once a prosperous trading port, the town is home to a remarkably well-preserved Old Town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ochre-coloured buildings, ornate temples, wooden merchant houses and atmospheric lantern-lit streets. The town offers a distinctive blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine and traditions. Travellers can wander the narrow lanes, explore the bustling market, take a boat along the Thu Bon River or cycle through the surrounding countryside and rice paddies. Hoi An is also known for its tailors, making it popular for custom-made clothing, while nearby An Bang Beach offers an opportunity to combine cultural sightseeing with time on the coast.
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the country’s largest city and a vibrant destination known for its energy, history, culture and cuisine. Tourists are drawn to its lively streets, bustling markets and fascinating mix of historic landmarks and modern city life. At Ben Thanh Market, visitors can browse stalls selling everything from food, sweets and spices to souvenirs, clothing and custom-made suits. Nha Hang Ngon offers the chance to sample traditional Vietnamese street food in a relaxed, leafy garden setting. Other highlights include the striking Notre-Dame Basilica, the Jade Emperor Pagoda with its intricate statues and woodcarvings, and the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum. Visitors can also explore Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda, regarded as Vietnam’s only pure Taoist temple, adding another fascinating dimension to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
