🇻🇳 Vietnam: top 10 must-visit places
Dreaming 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. The country has not left the rankings of popular destinations for tourists for decades. Piligrimos has compiled the top places to visit and what to see in Vietnam.
Hanoi
Start your visit to Vietnam from 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 cope with this task. In the historic Old Quarter, you'll see scenes from centuries past in the narrow streets, and Dong Xuan Market offers everything from household items to delicious street food – there's no shortage of things to do here.
Babe National Park
Be sure to check out Babe National Park. There you can see unique mountain and forest landscapes. These territories are home to more than 1,200 different representatives of flora and fauna. You can also see pangolins and flying squirrels here. If you decide to visit the park, you should take a boat ride on Lake Babe and visit the local caves.
Trang An
Another pearl of Vietnam, or rather its northern part, is Trang An. The reserve stretches over more than 2000 hectares. Here you will find limestone mountains, natural caves, swamps and rivers. These locations once served as the location for the filming of the film “Kong: Skull Island.” Tourists are offered three walking routes and by boat.
Hue
You can't miss the ancient city of Hue. Here you can see pagodas and Art Deco mansions. Be sure to add Thien Mu Pagoda to your itinerary.
Hoi An
You can see authentic Vietnam in Hoi An – this is an old trading port, which is a kind of architectural landmark. It's also a fascinating 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 been preserved almost in its original form. Here you will find winding streets with shops and Japanese trading houses. And be sure to take a walk at night, only at this time of day you can enjoy hundreds of colorful silk lanterns. And of course, don’t forget to see Hoi An from the waters of the Hoai River and try the local cuisine.
My Son Sanctuary
There is another location in Quang Nam province that you shouldn’t miss. We are talking about the Mai Son Sanctuary – a Hindu sacred site of the ancient kingdom of Champa. Here you can see ancient temples that were built back in the 4th century.
Ho Chi Minh City
Tourists call Ho Chi Minh City the most European city in Asia. Different cultures and religions intersect here. In Ho Chi Minh City you will find the Mariamman Hindu Temple, the Giak Lam Pagoda from 1744, and even Notre Dame Cathedral. The Museum of War Victims is noted as a separate location in the ratings.
By the way, you can try delicious street food at the Ben Nghe street food market. Popular with locals and tourists, the bustling market boasts more than 30 stalls selling everything from local dishes to other cuisines.
Mekong Delta
In a southwest direction you will find the Mekong Delta. It's 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's special about the delta? There are floating markets where locals trade. So not only do you get to see local life, but you can also buy a variety of fruits.
Cu Chi Tunnels
If you can’t imagine traveling without studying the history of the country you’re vacationing in, then you shouldn’t miss the Cu Chi tunnels. And if history is in the background for you, it’s still worth a visit. After all, where else will you see tunnels built back in 1948?
Phu Quoc
But if you are a fan of beach holidays, then Phu Quoc is your destination. This is an island with incredible beaches and is included in the top “beautiful places in Vietnam”. Here you can enjoy delicious cocktails and admire the scenery. It also has clear water and beautiful coastlines. Fans of outdoor activities can dive into coral reefs or kayak along the coast. Please note that the weather on the island is especially favorable at the end of the year.