From the remarkable beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the numerous sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer. It is a country that features everything from exotic culinary delights to breathtaking scenery. Seemingly endless, tranquil rice paddies stand in stark contrast to bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which embrace all the technology and conveniences that the modern world has to offer. The well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An play host to a slew of charming boutiques and tempting cafes while, further north, the local hill-tribe people of Sapa sell a wide variety of exquisite crafts and handmade trinkets. Beyond the urban areas, this diverse country is characterised by vast, verdant jungles and lush mountainous regions as well as an enticing coastline peppered with golden sand, palm-lined beaches.
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.
Situated about halfway between Vinh and Hue, the town of Dong Hoi (not to be confused with the neighbouring town of Dong Ha) primarily serves as a base for travellers exploring the remarkable Phong Nha Cave system. The town boasts various spectacular beaches, some relaxing hot springs and a bustling market on the banks of the lovely Nhat Le River. Most of Dong Hoi’s development clusters around the river’s west bank, where you will find remnants of a Nguyen dynasty citadel. North of the citadel lies the ruins of a church and its bell tower, which were badly damaged during the war. Dong Hoi sees very few tourists and makes an excellent off-the-beaten-track destination where you are likely to be welcomed by the town’s fabulously friendly locals who seem to thoroughly enjoy the novelty of foreign visitors.
One of southern Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations, Mui Ne is an upmarket coastal village resting on the banks of the long, sweeping Mui Bay. This spectacularly scenic bay boasts some exquisite sandy beaches lined with luxurious beachfront resorts, and a number of excellent restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Travellers seeking an authentic Vietnamese experience can head to a nearby traditional fishing village offering picturesque views of the coastline with swaying palm trees and colourful fishing boats. Mui Ne is a kitesurfer’s paradise attracting wind sport worshippers from around the world with its consistent cross onshore winds. Other popular activities include surfing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking and jet skiing.
