Author: Gloria Mabery
There’s no doubt about the fact that Vietnam is a stunning country to visit. It has a rather rich history, and it has evolved quite a bit in recent years, which makes it an extremely popular tourist location.
The thing with Vietnam is that it has a lot to offer, and this makes it difficult to go through all the locations that are worth your time. It can be explored by taking a private cruise along the Mighty Mekong river that will help one immerse in the rich culture and traditions of Vietnam. On the other hand, those that love backpacking will enjoy diversities along the way from traditional places, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and even buzzing and modern cities in the heart of Vietnam. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what cities you should visit if you’re heading out to Vietnam!
Halong Bay
Halong Bay, or Ha Long Bay, is a place that many will say is a true paradise on Earth. It has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, and with so many people visiting it every year, it really needs no introduction. It’s one of those places that are definitely worth a visit.
The bay itself is full of crystal clear water, which is a sight to behold. The limestone karsts that surround you on all sides only add to the relaxing atmosphere, and you’ve got a variety of caves that you can explore. If you’re limited in terms of time, our suggestion would be to head to the Thien Cung cave, which is also known as the Heaven cave. It does take a bit of effort, but the place is really heaven on earth. You have various color stalactites that drop from the ceilings, making it a stunning place overall.
But even if you don’t have the time (or the ability) to go visit the caves, just going through Halong Bay is an experience everyone should go for if in Vietnam, trust us. Or don’t – go and see for yourself.
Dalat
If ever you’ve read about Vietnam, you’ll know that Dalat is known as the City of Eternal Spring. Of course, the city itself might not be the biggest, but it’s not just the city – it’s the beautiful landscapes that surround it. You can start your tour in the city, but make sure you go out as well.
Here’s a suggestion if you have the time – the Truc Lam Pagoda is a Japanese Zen-Buddhist temple that’s a stunning sight. It has been influenced by the Vietnamese culture quite a bit, something that’s obvious from the moment you lay your eyes on it.
And for those of you who prefer nature, you can head to the Datanla Waterfall. Legend says that in the old times, fairies used to come here to take a bath. The waterfall itself has a roller coaster that will take you along for a ride and show you everything that’s worth seeing.
And of course, we must mention that Dalat has another nickname – the City of Thousand Flowers. It got this thanks to the variety of flower gardens scattered throughout (and around) the city that you can visit. Here’s a pro tip – the one on the southern end of the Xuan Huong Lake is a real beauty.
Ho Chi Minh
You might’ve come across the name Saigon, which is what the locals call it, but in any case, this is one of Vietnam’s historically most significant cities. It’s the biggest city in Vietnam and was renamed after the fall of Saigon, getting its new name after the Indochinese Communist Party’s founder.
Take a stroll through Ho Chi Minh, and you’ll find that the city has some incredible remains that remind you of all the city’s been through. A prime example of this is the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. This historical remnant stands tall ever since the French Colonial Period. It was made between the years of 1863 and 1880 and is one of those must-visit places.
If you’re keen on seeing one of the most useful things that Ho Chi Minh has, you should consider the network of tunnels that spreads throughout the city. These are known as the Cu Chi tunnels, and they were made during the war of Vietnam. Not only were they used as hiding spots during the war, but soldiers used them for both delivery of supplies and communication routes.
And we understand if all of this leads you to think that Ho Chi Minh is all about history, but that’s not the case. The city is bustling with various shopping centers that you can visit, and don’t get us started on the restaurants. They give you a glimpse of what the local cuisine is all about, and here’s a spoiler – it’s going to give your taste buds an unparalleled experience. Of course, we should also mention the nightlife in the city, as the parties tend to be pretty good.
Cover photo author: © Ammie Ngo from Unsplash
