Vietnam is a country steeped in history and vibrant culture, making it a popular destination for millions of travelers. With its fascinating mix of Asian and French influences, along with breathtaking landscapes, remarkable architecture, and peaceful villages, Vietnam has so much to offer—if you know where to explore. Here are the top 5 destinations in Vietnam that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (above image)
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a renowned destination for adventure enthusiasts, particularly those with a passion for caving. It’s considered one of the top caving spots in the world, and once you witness its incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations, you’ll see exactly why.
The highlight of the national park is the Paradise Cave, a magnificent cavern situated more than 31 kilometers beneath the surface. You can take a boat to reach the cave, swim, and explore its incredible features. It’s an experience unlike any other!
Ho Chi Minh City is the commercial hub of the country, and the place you MUST head to if you are a fan of big cities. This bustling city is full of wonderful restaurants, beautiful museums, and stunning architecture. Head down to Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, explore the Reunification Palace, and soak in the local history of the area.
Another place you should definitely visit is Dong Khoi, at the center of the city, where all the sights lie (including the HCMC museum, and the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral).
Headed to Vietnam to enjoy a pleasant vacation in the sun? Nha Trang is the best place for you to go! It’s the most popular beach spot for Vietnamese and international tourists, and once you visit, you will understand why. The sandy beaches are beautiful, and the waters are perfect for a swim.
In the unlikely situation that you get bored of sun bathing and swimming, you can head to the nearby Po Nagar Cham towers, a 7th century place of worship that boasts of a stunning location.
Hanoi is a city meant for those who thrive on energy and frenzy. It’s a chaotic city for sure, with millions of people bustling about throughout the day. If you want to explore Vietnamese life, there is no better place to do so than Hanoi. It has some of the finest museums in the country- including the Vietnam Fine Art Museum and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
If you’re interested in architecture, you should definitely visit the Temple of Literature, the beautiful Confucian temple. Hanoi is also home to unique water puppet shows as well.
Ba Be National Park
Ba Be National Park is yet another magical location in Vietnam. It is a tranquil and serene national park, surrounded by thick forests, jagged peaks, and peaceful rivers. Most travelers come to the Ba Be National Park to take long boat trips, or kayak across the peaceful waters.
The more adventurous tourists can also head to the nearby caves. If you’re visiting the Ba Be National Park, you should definitely book yourself into a home stay, to experience the Vietnamese way of living at its authentic best.
Every nook and cranny of Vietnam is full of culture, adventure and excitement. If you’re visiting Vietnam on a holiday, one or more of these destinations are SURE to feature in your itinerary. So what’s your favorite travel destination in Vietnam? Do let us know using the comments below.