Vietnam is a city of many magical sights, cultures and legends, so there’s no surprise that many come back from their travels with renewed inspiration for life. This article explores the most astonishing locations in Vietnam and the best ways to see them.
The Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is made up of the sprawling geographical region through which the Mekong River travels to meet the South China Sea. This area offers unique experiences to travellers and unbelievable landscapes. Take a boat tour with a local guide to lead you down the intricate waterways as you immerse yourself in the languid and relaxed lives of those that populate this area. Peer into the mysterious mangrove forests and enjoy the luscious green lands. This region is incredibly fertile and thus known as Vietnam’s rice bowl. Travellers come here to see the unique floating markets and take stunning photographs of the multi-coloured boats.
Ha Long Bay
This is often voted the number one attraction in the whole of Vietnam, headlining almost every traveller’s bucket list. However, this spot has earned its big reputation and it never disappoints. Ha Long Bay became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and has been welcoming tourists ever since. Arguably one of the most inspiring sights in Vietnam, take a boat tour that enables you to wake up to a peaceful bay, witnessing the orange sunrise above the emerald waters. Whatever time of day you visit, the many tiny islands of limestone rock make for a stunning photograph. Boat trips are a popular choice as they allow you to navigate the winding waters, exploring secret beaches and caves. Expect clear skies in the summer seasons and a little mystical fog in the cooler seasons.
Sa Pa
Sa Pa is a dream destination for travellers looking for dramatic landscapes and authentic culture to explore. The market town offers bustling everyday Vietnamese life – it’s great to see the country, its people and its traditions up close and personal. However, the main sight that travellers often rave about is the north of Sa Pa. This is where you can see the rolling green hills and lush terraces. Find the right viewpoint and you’ll be able to see Mount Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest peak.
Hoi An
This ancient port town has retained its charm and traditions, despite it becoming a hot tourist location in recent years. There’s a reason that so many tourists are drawn here – it’s one of the most picturesque displays of Vietnamese culture on the tourist path. Travellers can expect to see traditionally-built merchant houses, incredible bridges and intricately decorated temples. The best time of day to see Hoi An is at night, as the town is lit up with colourful lanterns that hang from shop fronts and narrow streets.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh is a great place to get a taste of bustling Vietnamese city life outside of Hanoi. This spectacular city is a popular choice among tourists for its stunning architecture and colonial ties. Enjoy the unique mix of cosmopolitan skyscrapers along with quaint French colonial buildings. Many seasoned travellers recommend that the perfect way to absorb the busy city lifestyle is to get a table and a coffee at a Parisian-style café on the pavement and let the world fly by.
So there you have it: the most inspiring locations in Vietnam. All you need to do now is to book your trip and pack all the essentials you need. Vietnam awaits!