Prehistoric Vietnam used to be home to some of the world’s oldest and earliest civilizations and societies, so they were the first people to practice agriculture in the world. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations because of its beautiful beaches, friendly people, its authentic coffee, floating markets, and of course, the tragic Vietnam War.
The best time to visit here is between December and February because of the pleasant weather and minimal rain. It is also a very cheap country to visit, although it is getting more expensive every year. A warning before we dive into the article, calling people over is considered to be rude in Vietnam! So let me list down a few places here that you can visit on a tour to Vietnam.
1. Halong Bay
Located in the northeast region of Vietnam, Halong Bay is known for its emerald green waters and limestone islands. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thousands of limestone islands surround Halong Bay. The best way to explore the waters and the islands is by cruising through boats. There are also exclusive views available at night that you might miss if you choose to go only for the day trip.
While cruising, there are a number of caves that can be entered on your journey. Some of these caves that you will probably be cruising under at least once on your journey are the Hang Sung Sot and the Hang Dao Go. The Bay is quite shallow with a depth of only 33 feet or 10 metres. It has been around for at least 500 million years. Usually, people visit here only to take in the breathtaking views of the gorgeous Halong Bay.
2. Hue
Hue is amongst the most historic towns in all of Vietnam. It is full of historically significant relics from back in the 19th century. The Imperial Enclosure is one of the sites to visit located on the banks of the Perfume river with walls as high as 2.5 kms tall. There is a Thai Palace located here as well called the Ngo Mon Gate. It has a spectacular interior and the detailing will take you back. One of the best ways to visit the Hue is to take a riverboat cruise on the Perfume River. A day trip to Hue would be the best option. Three days should be a good enough time for you to be able to visit here without missing out on anything.
3. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
There is no place better in Vietnam for caving than in the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. This is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was originally created to protect one of the world’s largest karst regions containing 300 caves and grottoes in total.
The most popular place to visit here is the Paradise Cave, which is 31 kms below the ground. The main centre of this National Park is the Phong Nha region with eating and accommodation options and an ATM. There is also a wet cave called the Tu Lan Cave where you can swim through the cave systems river.
4. Hindu Temple ruins at My Son
The culture of Indian Hinduism grew here between the 4th and 13th centuries. The Hindu temples and monuments created here during this time is what My Son is popular for. The temples are located in a well-preserved and protected region with clear boundaries around those.
Although it is at a risk from weather conditions like flooding and high humidity, clearing of the vegetation surrounding the area and the widening stream has helped keep the ruins intact for the most part. These structures are considered to be masterpieces of the brick construction of that period in terms of the technology of their construction and the intricately carved brick decorations.
5. Sapa
The deep valleys of Sapa Countryside are home to some of the ethnic minorities of Thailand. The five main ethnic groups here are the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho. It is believed that Sapa was first occupied by the Hmong, Dao, Tay, and Giay. Sapa is a small mountain town.
The top of the hills of Sapa Countryside has rice fields overlooking the Fansipan Mountain, which is the tallest peak of Thailand. This area is especially popular for trekking and hiking purposes. Sapa is located 350 kms northwest of the Chinese border. Life here is run by local small businesses without a lot of interaction with the outside world and the modern technologies.
6. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a resort city in the coastal region of the country. It is popular for its beaches, offshore islands, and water activities. There is also a popular amusement park known as the Vinpearl Amusement park if you have time to spare after roaming the top attractions. Ba Ho waterfalls are a must-visit here. It has three waterfalls that end in a lake. This is an amazing catch for you if you want to spend some time with yourself on a solo picnic trip.
Fishing is also possible here, which makes it an even better spot for a solo picnic trip. This is a 40-minute drive from the main Nha Trang region. You will be able to enjoy some natural hot springs too. You will also be able to witness salt fields, Buddhist temples, and Catholic churches.
7. Mui Nè
Mui Nè is a beach resort and a coastal fishing town. It used to be an isolated shoreline where travellers used to camp. These camps evolved into a string of beach resorts. Kitesurfing is on the must-do list here, which basically means using strong wind power to move ahead. Windsurfing and sailing are also among the popular things to do here. Just outside the town of Mui ne, there are natural Red Sand Dunes where you can practice sand sledding or even rent dune buggies. The first option is a lot more adventurous and recommended if that is what you enjoy.
