VIETNAM
Virtuous Vietnam: Economically booming as tourism has become more accessible and trade with its neighboring country China (to its north) makes way for pastures green with the collapse of the communist regime and the rise of a socialist market. While the bitter taste of Vietnam’s recent history still lingers, the pleasantries of what the country has to offer ignites the curious minds and stirs fire into the hearts of visiting tourists. The countries narrow strip that borders Laos and Cambodia is a melting pot for intoxicating wildlife and beauty. Both to the north and South of this illuminating country it fantails out into the miraculous deltas of the Red river and the Mekong.
Vietnam is rapidly modernising but you will still find it holding onto the traditions and culture of the past. The past influence of the French and the Chinese is everywhere. In the north, the scenery is spectacular with mountains, limestone karsts and terraced ricefields everywhere.
Ha Long Bay
Trekking
Caves
Luxury Escape
Coastal
Mekong Delta
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WHERE : Vietnam
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5 Unique things to discover in Hoi An
Hoi An is often highly regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. The cities famous Old Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, likely due to its 800 historic buildings. Walking through the Old Town, you genuinely feel as though you have stepped back in time. Hoi An is also well-preserved, having never been bombed during the Vietnam War. A quick tour of Hoi An will introduce you to ancient temples, museums and remarkable local street food. Furthermore the city is also only a few hours away from pristine beaches and unchartered ruined cities worth discovering. Whether you plan on visiting for a day or a week, here are 5 unique things to discover when in Hoi An.
1. Check out the Tra Que Vegetable Village
2. Chill out on Cua Dai Beach
3. Have a Taste of Cao Lao Noodles
4. Get lost in Lantern Market
5. Take a Trip to the Cam Kim Island
The Mysteries of Travelling To Hanoi And Possibly Beyond
Visitors fall in love with Hanoi at first sight as it is one of the most attractive capital cities in Southeast Asia. The rich cultural heritage and modern civilisation create perfect harmony. Together the blend of East and the West is mixed with the French colonial design.
It takes an hour to get from the airport to the city, but visitors will hardly notice the time occupied by the views of the surrounding fields, mighty rivers and modern highways. Similarly the scenes are exceptional at twilight when the roads are full of bikers and the huge sun sets behind the cornfields in the horizon.
Its history on the right bank of the Red River is more than 1000 years long and features over 600 pagodas, temples and different buildings from the 19th century. It looks like all big cities in the world, but, on the other side, its charm is unique. Once in the city, visitors will find themselves surrounded by modern buildings with shops and taverns, villas, bikes, rickshaws and motorcycles. It is quite a challenge to explore the city without a map because it feels good to get lost in the maze of the narrow Hanoi’s streets. This is where this city really lives. If visitors skip guided tours, they can learn things that the city is not even willing to reveal.
1. The irresistible Old Quarter
2. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
3. Hoan Kiem Lake
4. Long Bien Bridge
5. Various Museums
6. The Tran Quoc Temple
7. The Imperial Citadel
8. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
There is always the option of travelling outside Hanoi
9. Hạ Long Bay
10. Ninh Binh
11. Ha Giang
12. Sa Pa
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5 Cool Things To Do in The Mekong Delta
Located in the South-western region of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is made up of nine tributaries that fragment from the Mekong River. Locals refer to it as Cuu Long which translates as Nine Dragons. This emerald flatland is shaped like a comma and represents 13% of the overall all of Vietnam. Interestingly, the Mekong Delta produces more than half of countries annual rice. This has lead to the Delta also being known as – “The Rice Bowl of Vietnam”. If you are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life and find a little harmony then check out this list of 5 things to do in the Mekong Delta.
1. Taste the Sumptuous ‘Banh Tet La Cam’ – Purple Sticky Rice Cake
2. Handle a Slithering Serpent at Dong Tam Snake Farm
3. Get blessed by Bats at The Bat Pagoda
4. Discover the Cai Rang Floating Market
5. Pick Your Own Fruit in The Mekong Delta Orchards
Places to see in Vietnam
- Golden Bridge
- Bac Son Valley
- Halong Bay
- Phu Quoc
- My Son
- Sa Pa Valley
- Hang Son Doong
- Hoi An
- Con Dao Islands
- Hanoi
- Sand Dunes of Mui Ne
- Da Lat
- Ha Giang
- Mekong Delta
- Imperial City of Hue
- Ba Be National Park
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ban Gioc Waterfall
- Nha Trang
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Ninh Binh
- Danang
- Kon Tum
- Bai Tu long bay
- Vung Tau
Hanoi
Hanoi is the political and administrative capital of the country, located in the heart of the Tonkin or Bac Bo, Hanoi with its colonial buildings, parks, tree‐lined boulevards and lakes, is a charming and romantic city. It has preserved its centuries‐old architecture and rich cultures. The climate is tropical, with wet and hot weather much of the year. However due to the city’s latitude, temperatures drop drastically in the wintertime and the wind chill and dampness means winter weather can feel cold. If possible, avoid the summer months of mid May to mid September, as the city turns into a sweltering sauna with little to no wind.
Sa Pa
Sa Pa is located at an altitude of 1,600m above sea level near the Chinese border in the north‐western Highlands, the former French hill station of Sa Pa is home to more than 30 ethnic minorities and the highest mountain of Vietnam, Mount Fansipan (3,143m). This area, with its spectacular mountain scenery and rice fields terraces, is a perfect spot to explore authentic hill tribe villages and for trekking opportunities.
Hoi An
Historically known as ‘Faifo’, Hoi An was a major maritime hub in Asia and the largest commercial port in Vietnam during the 17th and 18th centuries, located 30 km south of Danang. Today, Hoi An, rich in cultural heritage and unique in character, is considered as one of the most charming coastal towns of Vietnam. A mixture of Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese and French influences, it retains the feeling of the past centuries. Its magnificent collection of almost 850 ancient French colonial buildings, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and its pagoda and preserved streetscapes are just begging to be explored.
Halong Bay
Located 170 km east of Hanoi in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is recognized as one of the world most stunning natural treasures, with its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars, has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. With over 3,000 islets covering an area of 150 km² and its emerald water and numerous limestone caves, Halong Bay is truly a mystical site.
In Halong Bay, there are around 1969 limestone rising from the sea. On top of each island has a massive amount of trees. There are several large caves located within the island. The biggest cave in the Bay area is a wooden cave, formerly known as the Grotte des Island. The largest islands in the Bay area Gad bah Island and Tuan Chau Island. There are people living permanently in these islands. On these islands, there are many beaches and hotels serving the tourists. Some small island is the Habitat of several animal species, such as chickens, antelope, wild monkeys and species of lizards. These islands are named from the shape such as Koh Chang, Koh Kaichon, Koh Langka etc.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is the economic capital of Vietnam. It’s a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre and by far the most populous city of the country. The streets, where much of the city’s life takes place, are a myriad of shops, stalls, stands on‐wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on the sidewalks. The city churn, ferments, bubbles and fumes. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of the ancient culture.