This award honors the top destinations that received the highest reviews from visitors last year. Hoi An ancient town, a UNESCO heritage site, ranks 2nd and Ho Chi Minh City ranks 11th in the list of the 25 most popular destinations in the world. Hoi An is a must-visit destination located on the central coast of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam with a vibrant lifestyle.
Hanoi ranks 17th in the list of the 25 most attractive culinary destinations in the world. According to TripAdvisor, the capital is ideal for those who appreciate gentle, poetic, and time-tinged beauty. Hanoi offers many famous historical relics such as Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Temple of Literature, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, among others.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a provincial city covering an area of about 61.71 square kilometers. It is situated in the downstream area of the Thu Bon River, on the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province. Hoi An’s location offers both ecological and geographical diversity.
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| Hoi An is a provincial city covering an area of about 61.71 square kilometers. Photo: Hotels.com |
Hoi An is divided into two parts: the Old Quarter (or Hoi An Ancient Town) and the rest. The Old Quarter, located in Minh An Ward, consists of bustling streets such as Phan Chu Trinh, Tran Hung Dao, Tran Phu, Hai Ba Trung, Le Loi, and Nguyen Hue. The other part features peaceful villages, picturesque beaches, and eco-tourism areas.
Hoi An is an attractive destination suitable for tourism throughout the year, as confirmed by numerous tourist feedback.
Dry season (February to August): The most ideal time to visit Hoi An is from February to the end of April. The weather is cool and sunny with occasional light rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. From May to August, Hoi An experiences a hot and rainless summer, so visitors are advised to bring sunscreen and protective accessories.
Rainy season (September to January): Hoi An sees prolonged rainfalls during this period, which can inconvenience tourists. However, there are still many interesting things to do in Hoi An on rainy days. Visitors planning to visit Hoi An during this season should monitor the weather and plan their activities accordingly.
Hanoi
Hanoi has a milder climate compared to the typically tropical weather of southern Vietnam. While it is a popular vacation destination year-round, the best time to visit Hanoi is during the dry and cool months from November to February. The crisp weather during this time is perfect for exploring the city.
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| Hanoi has a milder climate compared to the typically tropical weather of southern Vietnam. Photo: Vietnam Visa |
There are plenty of accommodation options in Hanoi for vacationers. The Old Quarter, located close to many tourist sites, offers a fantastic selection of lodgings at various price points. The French Quarter is known for more refined hotels, while West Lake is ideal for visitors seeking a quieter stay.
Many tourists choose to stay in the Hanoi Old Quarter, but even if your hotel is elsewhere, it’s worth exploring this historic neighborhood. It serves as the center of the city’s history and culture, with temples, pagodas, French colonial buildings, street food stalls, winding alleys, and a lively atmosphere. Sightseeing opportunities such as St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Dong Xuan Market, and the nearby Temple of Literature should not be missed.
Ho Chi Minh City
Vibrant, innovative, and filled with lots of traffic, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is Vietnam’s economic heart and the main hub of the southern region. This freewheeling and cosmopolitan metropolis encompasses both the city’s past and future within its compact spaces.
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| Vibrant, innovative, and filled with lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s economic heart and the main hub of the southern region. Photo: Kayak |
The city offers a lively nightlife scene and has many attractions where visitors can learn more about the Vietnam War. It is recommended to spend two to three days in Ho Chi Minh City, or even longer if you plan to take a day trip to the Mekong Delta.
- Tet New Year (first day of the first lunar month): The city celebrates with parties and people return to their hometowns. There is a large flower exhibition on Ð Nguyen Hue.
- Saigon Cyclo Challenge (mid-March): Professional and amateur cyclists compete to raise funds for local charities supporting underprivileged children.
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.
Central region to host diverse activities to celebrate New Year 2019
NDO – Cities and provinces in Vietnam’s central region will host a wide range of activities in celebration of New Year 2019.
Vietnam’s Hoi An named the world’s best city of 2019
NDO – Vietnam’s ancient city of Hoi An in the central Quang Nam province was named the world’s best city of 2019 by the New York-based Travel + Leisure magazine.
Hoi An among 15 world’s best cities
NDO/VNA – The ancient town of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam was named among the 15 best cities of the world in a recent readers’ vote of the US travel magazine Travel & Leisure.
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.
