The Hanoitimes - Travel + Leisure’s editor spends some tourism dollars in the incredibly vibrant and culturally rich part of the world when mentioning a future trip to Vietnam.
It would seem a paradox but Vung Tau gains a lot from being the biggest crude oil extraction centre of Vietnam. As a result it has a more able infrastructure compared with many cities in the country and it's easy to get around and see the many sights. For the historic Con Dao Island, one should not miss the opportunity to visit the infamous prisons and their ‘tiger cages’ before heading off to see the island's beautiful National Park and other locations.
Da Lat is a young city compared to other cities in the south of Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Nha Trang as it was founded only in the late 1890s. Once serving as the capital of the Federation of Indochina, Dalat’s permanent image nevertheless is as a holiday resort in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, the reason for which it was originally established. Da Lat features many interesting landmarks. Its lakes and waterfalls have long stood out as some of its top attractions while Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace and the Buddhist pagodas are equally popular. Visitors can spot a good number of well-preserved French villas and chalets in the French Quarter located not far from the city centre. It’s relatively simple to get to Xuan Huong Lake and from there you can continue to visit many other sites in town by foot as they are quite close by. The minority villages located nearby Dalat are a must for those wanting to see the ‘real’ Vietnam as the villagers are pretty much keeping their traditional ways of life extant.
Hoi An attractions comprise centuries-old Buddhist pagodas and temples, colonial shophouses, and quaint museums that are set within the popular areas of Riverside and Ancient Town. Once a prominent Vietnamese trading port between the 15th and 19th century, the ancient town and riverside of Hoi An City were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its well-preserved mix of Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, and French architecture. Offering sightseeing opportunities you won’t find in other city in Vietnam, the best part of Hoi An is that its attractions are easily accessible on foot or cyclo thanks to its pedestrian-friendly streets. If you’re looking to explore beyond Hoi An Ancient Town, there are plenty of local villages and pristine beaches that are less than an hour away. This section is a detailed list of what to see in Hoi An, as well as our top picks that you should never miss out during your vacation.
When it comes to which city to visit in Vietnam, Hanoi and Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City) are often popular choices among first-time travellers. At first glance, both cities offer plenty of sightseeing and shopping opportunities, dining and nightlife options, as well as hotels catering to just about any budget and preference. Hanoi is located in northern Vietnam and is home to pristine temples and expansive lakes, while Ho Chi Minh City, at the southern end, attracts travellers looking to learn more about Vietnam’s rather bleak recent history. Still undecided on which city best suits your taste and budget? Have a look at our quick comparison below – categorised according to dining, accommodation, nightlife, and more – to make the right holiday choice.
Temples are among Vietnam’s most popular attractions, where travellers can marvel at intricate carvings and well-preserved architecture as well as experience the local culture during their holiday. A predominantly Buddhist country, there are thousands of pagodas and shrines dedicated to the revered icon. Vietnam is also the birth place of Cao Daism, which combines teachings and practices of several beliefs, including Hinduism, Judaism, Confucianism, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Islam. This selection of Vietnam’s must-visit temples lists sites in the modern cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi as well as remote locales such as Hue, Ninh Binh Province and Mui Ne. Unlike most tourist spots in Vietnam, you don’t need to pay a fee to enter most of these temples, but donations are warmly welcomed. Visitors are required to dress appropriately and remove their shoes before entering prayer halls.
