Top Ten indispensable destinations in Vietnam

As one of the most bewitching destinations in the world, Vietnam is famous for its rich and unique natural, historical and cultural heritage, from north to south. From the mountain to the sea, through the bays, rivers and pagodas or tunnels, everywhere that you can find your inspiration. Here are top 10 destinations in Vietnam you cannot miss.

1. Ha Long Bay  
Located at the west of Tonkin Gulf, Ha Long bay encompasses the sea as well as the islands of Ha Long City, Cam Pha City, a part of Van Don Island and Quang Ninh province. The bay, along the coastline of 120 km, covers 1,553 km2 or stands 1,969 island and islets mostly limestone. Only the core of the bay, with a surface area of 335km2, contains in itself only 775 rocks of any shape. 

Ha Long Bay 

Spoiled by Mother Nature, Ha Long – the "descent of the dragon" in Vietnamese, is appreciated by its emerald carpet where are deployed by thousands of multiform rocks and superb caves. Whether at dawn or dusk, it is a magical cosmos that, grandiose as it is, provides the visitor with a sense of tranquility and abandonment, when he floats on the calm waters of the bay, by browsing this spectacular geological museum. One of the most favorites destination of visitors to Vietnam, Ha Long Bay owes its triumphal position to a great abundance of resources that constitute a unique landscape, geological - geomorphological and bio-organic heritage. 

Halong bay is popular with travelers as it is among the top 29 most beautiful bays in the world, and in the top 10 most impressive coastline on the planet according to the Huffington Post, Ha Long Bay has been recognized by New Open World as one of seven new wonders of the world in 2011. 

   >> To read  Top 3 Must-See Experiences at Ha Long Bay

2. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu pagoda or so called Linh Mu is the historical and religious emblem of the ancient imperial city of Hue. This ancient pagoda is nestled on the hill Ha Khe, on the left bank of the Perfume River. 

Thien Mu Pagoda - A spiritual landmark 

Built in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang Lord, it is adorned with a scenic landscape, which brought back the title of the most beautiful pagoda of his time. Having gone through many vicissitudes, beloved by the kings of the Nguyen dynasty, it was the object of successive restorations and expansions. Hue's spiritual landmark, this elegant building, in perfect harmony with the peaceful surrounding nature, is nowadays renowned as attracting many national and western visitors. 

3. Hoan Kiem Lake
Located in the heart of the city, Hoan Kiem lake is known as the legendary soul of Hanoi, remaining a haven of peace of unmatched beauty over the centuries. This place was also known by other names Luc Thuy and the name "Hoan Kiem" (Returned Sword) dates back to the 15th century with the legend of the return of the sacred sword by King Le Thai To to the genie of the giant Tortoise.

Hoan Kiem Lake - The green pearl of Hanoi 

The history of the lake cannot come without Thap Rua (Turtle Tower), The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, Thap But Towers, Dai Nghien, Riverside and Hoa Phong Tower which creates the best harmonization of cultural, spiritual and aesthetical value. Being a historical witness for the movement from the past to present, a high place of the national festivities, this lake has become a place of rendezvous where inhabitants can enjoy the charming tranquility. Above all, this is a must stop for travelers passing through Hanoi. 
 
4. Hoi An - The ancient city of the middle area 
Hoi An is located in the Center, about 25km from Da Nang city in the Southeast and 50 km from Tam Ky city in the Northeast. Named "Faifoo" by the Europeans, it was the most prosperous commercial port in Southeast Asia, a transfer spot for Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and Italian traders in the 16th and 17th century.

A colorful night at Hoi An 

Inspired by the nostalgia of a pure soul, Hoi An charms with the extreme serenity of its mossy roofs but also with its sparkling lanterns that light up the peaceful river Thu Bon in the evening. On the culinary side, you can not visit Hoi An without tasting its typical refined dishes like Cau lau, my Quang, or the cake "Hoa hong trang". World heritage recognized in 1999 by UNESCO, the old city of Hoi An, 'a rare beauty is undoubtedly a model of secular city unequaled in Vietnam and even in the world.

5. Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc Island or so called "Pearl Island" spanning nearly 590 km² is the largest island in Vietnam, a paradise destination still safe from crowds of tourists. 

Phu Quoc Island 

Known as passport to the sun, Phu Quoc not only seduce you with its desert beaches, crystal ocean, lush primitive forests, but also with its exceptional seafood or sumptuous cultured pearls. Renowned for its pleasant climate and rich ecosystem, this island will delight all visitors. Discovering its endless resources in its national park or in its coral reef treasure, after hours of pleasant swimming, you will enjoy the fullest spirit of a beach break. If you're still in the mood to marry the soul of this sleeping beauty, Phu Quoc's Bai Sao Beach was voted in 2015 by CN Traveler as one of the 10 most wild and tranquil beaches in the world.    

6. The rice terraces of Sa Pa
Named as "Mystery in the Mist", Sa Pa is a mountainous region in northwestern Vietnam, famous for its sublime rice terraces, at a loss, highlighting a masterpiece of natural décor and artificial. 

Sapa terrace 

In addition to the magnificence of its grandiose landscape, Sa Pa will nurture your curiosity with its colorful weekly markets and especially the Love market where abound the traditions and varied cultures of the ethnic groups. The splendid rice terraces of Sa Pa, were listed in 2009 in the charts published by Travel and Leisure, among 7 most beautiful and spectacular rice terraces of Asia and the world. Lonely Planet magazine has appreciated Sapa by inscribing it into its list of 10 top destinations for walking. In the same vein, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture and Education has classified Sa Pa rice terraces in the national natural heritage.

7. Mui Ne resort 
22 km from Phan Thiet city, Binh Thuan province in the South of the country, Mui Ne whose name evokes sea and sand, has all the assets of a holiday paradise: tropical climate, no storms, beautiful beaches and huge sandy strip. 

A walk under the sun 

With all kinds of sports and seaside recreation or relaxing walk in the fishing villages along the coconut trees everything here is worth seeing. The sandbar was ranked 2nd  among the top ten destinations in the world for sandboarding (according to wonderslust.com). In its surroundings interesting sites rich in cultural and historical value are not lacking as the river Suoi Tien (source of the Fairies), the tower Nuoc (Water) the remains of the Temples of Champa, the Ong pagodas and the Lady Thien Hau. 

8. The Mekong Delta
Also known as South Delta or Southwest Region, the Mekong Delta extends over a total area of nearly 41 thousand km2. With a long coastline and a very dense network of rivers, arroyos, islands and islands, this fertile region is ideal for enjoying the virtues of ecotourism and tropical adventures.

Scrolling along the Mekong river 

Discovering the lush orchards, wandering in a boat on one of the nine arms of the Mekong River while overlooking the sea, and entering a corner of the soul of the people by attending a vibrant session of "đờn ca tài tử "(amateur songs), especially taste delicious local specialties. Do not leave this overflowing with life land without having traveled through its multicolored floating markets where boats loaded with fruits and merchandise of all kinds are swarming. This beautiful breakaway is punctuated pleasantly by the meeting with the particularly smiling and welcoming populations. A real treat not to miss by heading to South Vietnam. 

9. The city of Nha Trang
450 km from Ho Chi Minh City, the city of Nha Trang enjoys an ideal geographical location to deserve its nickname of "tropical paradise", this destination is very popular with people looking for relaxation and sea lovers The resort has one of the most beautiful bays in the world with long sandy beaches and sparkling turquoise waters.

Nha Trang with stunning beaches 

By its intoxicating nature, the sea of Nha Trang makes you discover a miraculous seabed, considered the most abundant and diversified of the country. This is a dream spot for nautical activities, for amateurs and professionals. Being considered as "capital of holidays", Nha Trang has everything to attract travelers. A cultural, artistic and sports melting pot is held there every two years during its International Maritime Festival.

10. Cu Chi Tunnel 
It is in the Cu Chi district, 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City to the northeast, that we discover the Cu Chi tunnels, an underground defense system that is the symbol of the manual and spiritual concoction of the Vietnamese fighters. during the war against American troops. This system composed of two large parties, Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh, are divided into two different municipalities.

Cu Chi Tunnel 

Unique for its spider net structure 200km long, these tunnels are distinguished by its 3 floors of which the first and the second is a height of 3 meters, while the deepest is over 12 meters high. These floors, all very small, concentrate the whole space of shelter, life, meeting, storage facilities, field hospitals, command organs and also traps. Beyond a military complex, this place is a glorious witness of the tenacity of Vietnamese fighters and people. Preserved by the state as national historic heritages, the breathtaking tunnels of Cu Chi stand out as an unmistakable historical stop in Saigon. 

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