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.
Thousands of soaring forested islands rise out of emerald waters at Ha Long Bay, located in northeast Vietnam. Ha Long (declared a World Heritage Site in 1994) means ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’, with the legend telling of a massive dragon descending from the mountains, gouging out crevasses and valleys and as it charged towards the coast. Once it settled down, legend has it that the area filled up with water leaving only the pinnacles visible. The best way to view these wondrous islands and explore their caves is via a boat cruise, with options ranging from budget to luxury (think an opulent Chinese-style junk boat).
A former French Hill station, Sapa is fast becoming a trekker and tourist hotspot. Situated on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range of northwest Vietnam, the town overlooks terraced rice fields, often shrouded in heavy morning mist. Aside from the spectacular view, the town’s charm can be also be attributed to the local H’mong and Dzao hill tribe people, who trade clothing, trinkets and handicrafts in the town most days. Trekking expeditions can be arranged to nearby villages and, for the fit and energetic, Fansipan peak (Vietnam’s highest) can be climbed. Or head out onto the Tram Ton Pass for stunning scenery, stopping off en route at the Thac Bac waterfall, with its multiple cascades.
Situated in the Northwest Region of Vietnam, the city of Loa Cai rests on the banks of the Red River. It serves as the capital of the eponymous province and borders China’s Yunnan Province. It lies at the confluence of the Red and Naxi rivers. This market town is best known for its timber industry. It is a transport hub that provides a convenient stop along the Hai Phong railway route which journeys to China as well as serving as the jumping-off point for travellers travelling between Hanoi and Sapa. This bustling border town is an excellent base from which to explore the incredibly scenic surrounds including the renowned mountain village of Sapa, as well as learning about the historical traditions and cultural heritage of the local hill tribes and spotting an array of endemic bird species.
A small mountain village found in northern Vietnam, Ta Van is a scarcely populated and highly-recommended excursion from the popular town of Sapa, located just 11 kilometres away. A remote place, there are only two means of entering Ta Van: either by motorbike (which can be rented in Sapa) or else via a well-established hiking trail that leads through thick forests and terraced rice fields to beautifully positioned Ta Van. While in the village, enjoy the experience of Dao and Hmong customs and traditions, as well as long walking trails in the surroundings – which are best visited in late spring and summer (between May and September), when the rice fields are lush.
Bac Ha is found in northeast Vietnam, not far from the country’s border with China. Though often overlooked by visitors who tend not to venture beyond the near-lying hub of Sapa, Bac Ha is home to a highly-recommended Sunday Market and makes a great base for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the lush and comparatively cool countryside of the area. The Bac Ha Market has been operating for generations and is a colourful place where woven and embroidered goods dominate the stalls with other products such as souvenirs and food also being available. Serious shoppers will also want to check out the nearby Lung Phin, Coc Ly and Can Cau Markets. Active travellers can trek to the lovely Hoang Thu Pho Waterfall and culture lovers can explore the eccentric 1920s palace of Vua Meo.
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.
As previously described
As previously described
Hoi An, on Vietnam’s central coast, is enchanting. This once-bustling port town offers a colourful blend of French, Chinese and Japanese-influenced architecture, canals, bridges and temples, and the lack of noisy traffic (no cars are allowed on the main streets) means you can discover the town in relative peace and quiet. Its waterfront area is alive with boutique hotels, eateries, tailor shops, and art and craft shops. If you have time, try to fit in a visit to the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Hindu tower temple complex, get custom-made clothing created by a local tailor and pick up one of the many beautiful locally-made Vietnamese lanterns.
As previously described
The perfect complement to the more serene Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has a pulsating energy that is impossible to resist. Attractions include the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where vendors sell everything from food, sweets and spices to tobacco, souvenirs and clothing - including custom-made suits, and Nha Hang Ngon, where you can taste traditional street food served up from food stalls in a leafy garden. Other notable sites and experiences include the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Jade Emperor Pagoda for its statues and woodcarvings, the War Remnants Museum, and the Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda, said to be the only pure Taoist temple in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s coastal province of Ben Tre lies in the Mekong Delta, within the southern part of the country. Known for its charming waterfront, leisurely pace, and its interesting historical attractions, the town makes for an excellent holiday destination. Visit the colonial Ben Tre Museum in the capital to see artefacts and photos about Vietnam's revolutionary history, or wander through the beautiful Buddhist statues of the Vien Minh Pagoda. Cycle along the pretty riverside promenade, or take a boat tour around Turtle Islet. The island is famous for its delicious, sweet coconut candy, and visitors will be able to go 'candy tasting' (there are numerous flavours to try), and watch demonstrations. Make sure to sample the locally grown fresh fruit too. Animal lovers and twitchers will delight in the chance to visit the Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary, home to roughly 84 species of birds.
