On 6 March, Luxebook magazine published an article highlighting Vietnam’s robust tourism industry. The article portrayed Vietnam as a diverse and unforgettable destination, with dynamic cities, natural beauty, and exceptional cuisine.
The article acknowledged that while most tourists tend to visit popular spots like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, there are culturally rich experiences to be had in Vietnam’s highlands, rivers, rice terraces, and paddy fields.
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| A screenshot of the article on Luxebook. |
Here are seven destinations in Vietnam that Luxebook recommends:
Hanoi
Hanoi, the second largest city in Vietnam, offers a wealth of historic architecture to explore in the Old Quarter. The city is home to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Bach Ma Temple, Dong Xuan Market, Long Bien Bridge, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s numerous temples, galleries, and French colonial architecture.
Some recommended experiences in Hanoi include walking along the train street, visiting Phung Hung Mural Street with its vibrant murals depicting daily life in Vietnam, and exploring iconic landmarks like Long Bien Bridge and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Sampling Hanoi’s signature coffee, such as the classic Vietnamese drip brew with condensed milk and ice, or the unique ca phe trung (egg coffee), is a must. Hanoi also offers an array of delicious delicacies, including bun cha, banh cuon, and pho cuon. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing beer at the “beer crossroads” of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets at sunset.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, is a bustling economic center with towering skyscrapers and a lively atmosphere. The city also preserves its historical values with memorials and French-influenced architecture.
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| Ho Chi Minh City is among the most popular places to visit in Vietnam (Photo: Unsplash). |
One of the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City is its diverse and delicious food scene, ranging from street carts to gourmet restaurants. The city is home to several establishments that have been listed among the World’s 50 Best for 2023, including Bamboo Bar, Doozy, Kumquat Tree Speakeasy Bar, Ne Cocktail Bar, The Haflington, and Tung Dining.
Dong Khoi Street offers a variety of shops and galleries, while Ben Thanh Market is a great place for Southeast Asian street-market shopping. Additionally, visitors can explore the Mekong Delta, hilly central highlands, and beautiful beaches along the southern coast.
Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is a paradise for beach lovers, with its palm-fringed beaches and pristine forest backdrop. One of the recommended beaches to visit is Bai Sao (Starfish Beach), which is known for its stunning beauty and abundance of starfish.
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| June to October is the time when Bai Sao has more starfish than in other months (Photo: Mekong). |
Bai Sao is located about 28km from Duong Dong town and is known for its white sand and starfish. The best time to visit Bai Sao is from June to October, when there are more starfish visible.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a popular destination known for its stunning scenery, featuring more than 2,000 limestone islands and islets emerging from the turquoise waters. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers azure waters and white sand beaches.
Visitors to Ha Long Bay can explore Cat Ba Island, go hiking, and take cave tours. Sailing in the bay is also recommended for a memorable experience.
Sapa
Sapa, located 320km north of Hanoi, enchants visitors with its magnificent rice terraces and picturesque natural surroundings. The highest peak in Sapa is Fansipan, also known as the ‘Roof of Indochina’. The region is home to various ethnic minorities with unique cultural traditions.
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| Sapa boasts a wide range of ethnic dishes (Photo: Pexels). |
Sapa offers a variety of delicious ethnic dishes made from beef, pork, buffalo, and goat. The region is also known for its fresh salmon. The best time to visit Sapa is during the ripe rice season, which typically falls between September and October.
Hue
Hue, located about 130km north of Hoi An, is a destination rich in history and Vietnamese cuisine. This former capital of Vietnam is known for its architectural works, temples, and mausoleums from the Nguyen Dynasty.
Visitors to Hue can indulge in a variety of regional dishes, such as com hen, banh xeo, banh khoai, nem lui, banh ep, and bun bo. Dong Ba Market offers a wide range of products, including Hue specialties and crafts.
Danang
Danang, Vietnam’s third-largest city, is renowned for its beautiful beaches. My Khe beach is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, while Tien Sa beach in the north of Son Tra peninsula offers a more secluded experience.
The best time to visit Danang is from February to April. Food lovers should not miss a trip to Han Market to enjoy local delights such as mi quang, banh xeo, bun thit nuong, and nem cuon.
In addition to the seven recommended places, Luxebook also suggests visiting other tourist attractions in Vietnam, including Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Lan Ha Bay, the Temple of Literature, and the Mekong Delta.
The majestic beauty of sacred Yen Tu Mountain
Yen Tu Mountain is located in the northeast of Vietnam, in Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province, about 50km from Ha Long Bay and about 110km from Hanoi capital.
Developing tourism in the Mekong River Delta region
NDO – The Prime Minister has approved the overall planning and a master plan for developing tourism in the Mekong River Delta region until 2020 with a vision extending to 2030.
Con Dao island named Asia’s paradise sea: CNN
NDO/VNA – Boasting crystal turquoise sea and a placid atmosphere, Con Dao island in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau has been named by the US Cable News Network (CNN) as one of Asia’s paradise seas.
Vietnam Military History Museum receives Fatherland Protection Order
NDO – The Vietnam Military History Museum held a ceremony in Hanoi on July 15 to celebrate its 60th anniversary (1956-2016) and receive the Fatherland Protection Order, first class.
Ancient house in Ma May
NDO – Ma May, a rare quarter that still retains several old houses, has created one of the characteristics of Hanoi. Hanoi’s streets are becoming increasingly crowded and traditional features can sometimes be hidden behind modern life. But if one takes the time to relax and look around, the ancient features begin to reveal themselves.
