The land is known for being one of the largest exporters of rice globally, Vietnam houses a population of 94.6 million people. It’s the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula. It’s the 15th most populous country in the world.
The country has seen enough bloodshed during the Vietnamese war but now is known for its overwhelming beauty and architecture. Vietnam is a place where you get to see architecture derived from different cultures.
To encourage Vietnam tourism we made the list of best places to visit in Vietnam.
Best Vietnam Places To See
Here is the list of best places to see in Vietnam during your visit.
1. My Son
Yes, you read it right. My Son was a Cham era temple city which is at present a very important archaeological site. Dating back to the 4th century, it was an important Hindu religious center that came into decline during the 13th century. Around 20 temples like structures are still present here. The construction is done in total brick and sandstone. This place is worth visiting as it showcases glorious Vietnamese history and the devastations of war.
2. Hoi An
Located off the coast of the South China Sea, Hoi An is the most atmospheric city of the country and dates back to 2000 years. The city served as a major meeting point for the Chinese and Japanese merchants. The major attraction is the Japanese bridge at the western end of Tran Phu Street. You can navigate the place by walking down the beautiful narrow lanes. You can spot the ancient architecture and traditional wooden houses on the way. Along with it, there are numerous pagodas and museums all around the place for you to see.
3. Hanoi
The capital city of the country. This is the best place to see real Vietnam. Old Quarter is the place fully packed with bars, restaurants and is also the commercial center of the city. If you need a break from the honking cars and vrooming motorcycles, head straight to Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s one of the major attractions of Hanoi city. Make sure to visit the Ngon temple situated in the center of the lake. You can reach there by crossing the bridge. The best time to visit the place is during the night as you get spectacular views. Another amazing activity is watching the water puppet show. In a small theater, puppets are moved underwater in a show that showcases Vietnamese culture and traditions.
4. Củ Chi Tunnels
It’s an amazing remain of the Vietnamese war which has now developed into a modern-day attraction for visitors worldwide. These tunnels were stretched for about a length of 250 kilometers during the war. And literally, you have to get down on your knees and arms to make through the tunnel. The tunnel can be accessed at either Ben Dinh village or Ben Duoc Village.
5. Sapa
Rice lovers’ paradise. Bordered by rough peaks of the Hoang Lien Mountains, Sapa is a rice field countryside. It’s panoramic of Vietnam’s rural life. The place is known for trekking. The place is the home to the country’s ethnic communities like the Hmong, Giay and Red Dzao. The place is a major tourist attraction and it was an old French hill station. Many tours are organized to explore the mountains. You get to see beautiful waterfalls and taste nice delicacies and explore various customs.
6. Mekong Delta
Ever fancied shopping while on water? Mekong Delta is the place where this fantasy comes true. You get to see floating markets. The place has geographical importance as it has rice cultivation on both sides of the bank. The place is full of local life. The only thing that you should be advised is to wear light clothes and apply sunscreen well to your body. There are two main markets. First is the Cai Rang market and the other one is Cai Be market. You should also visit Tram Chim National Park situated in Dong Thap province. It nicknamed as the ‘Kingdom of Birds’ in Vietnam. Spanning over 7500 hectares, the park is the home of 200 birds including some rare birds.
7. Nha Thrang
One of the best seasides in Vietnam, this beach is one of the major attractions for both locals and visitors alike. You can trek to the amazing Ba Ho and Fairy Spring Waterfalls. Po Nagar Cham Towers are also worth visiting. They are a group of four buildings used as a place of worship by the Cham, Chinese, Vietnam, and Buddhist communities. Originally there were 8 of them but now only 4 are present.
8. War Remnants Museum
The museum showcases various items that were used in different wars of world history. From weapons to armored cars to choppers, this museum has it all. Starting from the outside, you can see the furious looking cars and tanks that were once used in a war. The inside of the museum contains photographs and other artworks. Documentaries are also shown. Along with this, the weapons are also shown inside.
9. The Perfume River
A must visit. You can literally smell the beauty of the river. Due to rich flora and fauna, the river smells like nothing else. A perfect place for couples. Enjoying the beauty whilst smelling it on a boat is much more than romantic. You can also enjoy various local bands that perform there in the evenings.
10. Halong Bay
It is an enclosure of about 2000 islands and a rich history along with amazing scenic beauty. Along with the islands, it also houses 59 caves and numerous amounts of beaches. It is a paradise for photographers and selfie-holics. It was titled as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. It’s one of those unique places which can’t be found anywhere else.
11. Da Nang
One of the largest cities of Vietnam, Da Nang is one of those places which are nigh perfect. With a coastline running along a highway makes it a perfect vacation spot. The main attraction is in the center of the Da Nang. It’s the large Dragon Bridge. Stretching over a length of 666 meters, the bridge is shaped in the form of a dragon. Dragons represent good luck in Vietnam. An amazing show of the dragon emitting fire and water from its mouth occurs every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm.
12. Hue
Situated near the famous Perfume River, Hue is that part of Vietnam that has a long history and used to be the main royal capitals of the country. Hue has many things to offer. You can visit tombs of ancient emperors, explore citadels, see pagodas, visit the royal theatre and much more. At the royal theatre, you can watch traditional Vietnamese performances performed in masks. Usually, one performance lasts for about 45 minutes. You can also visit Huyen Tan Princess Temple which still consists of documents related to former kings during the Tan Dynasty.
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Vietnam is a perfect example of the saying, “Good things come in small packages”. It’s a small country but with the things that it offers are quite remarkable. The best time to visit Vietnam is from February to April and from August to October. So follow this list of best places in Vietnam Also, pack your shorts in the bag as it gets hot in the country.
