Vietnam is a country full of stunning cultural landmarks and remarkable architecture. It is also a land of breathtaking natural beauty.
The UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay is an obvious must-see. The limestone islands and caves of the Bay are breathtaking.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam and is often included on lists of natural wonders. It’s an ideal place to explore on a cruise or by joining a tour.
The stunning landscape of this marine World Heritage site is the result of a long process of geological evolution that has shaped the sea and land around it. The oldest rocks are cherty-carbonate sediments laid down in a shallow sea and deposited in two major depositions during the Carboniferous and Permian periods.
These limestones have undergone many remarkable geological processes and are a key feature of the karst topography of Ha Long Bay. They have been deeply eroded by the sea, which has etched them into fantastic beauty.
Ninh Binh
While Ninh Binh is a popular tourist destination for its sweeping rice fields, it’s also home to a number of other unique attractions. These include ancient temples, bird watching, national parks and more.
If you’re looking for a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Ninh Binh is perfect for you. You can find many cozy homestays surrounded by sweeping rice paddies in the area, with some even offering gorgeous views of the mountains and river.
You can also enjoy boat rides along the river or bike through the countryside. Cycling in Ninh Binh is one of the best ways to see the region’s untouched natural landscape and peaceful villages.
Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, is another must-see attraction in this province. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is rich in history.
Dalat
Dalat is famous for its cool climate, elegant French colonial villas, and scenic natural landscapes. The city also offers a variety of adventurous activities, including white water rafting, mountain biking, and canyoning.
- If you’re into food, you’ll be happy to hear that there are many great restaurants in Dalat. You’ll find comforting dishes like mi quang (thick yellow noodles with pig’s trotter), as well as more exotic options that will give you a taste of Viet Nam’s culinary culture.
- One of the more interesting places to dine in Dalat is Cafe Ngoai O, which sits on a hill above Prenn Pass and has gorgeous views over pine forests and mountains. You can get a strong coffee here (20,000VND/$1) and watch the sun dip behind the trees as you sip it.
- Dalat Flower Park is another popular attraction to visit during your time in the town. This garden features over 300 kinds of flowers and is surrounded by the beautiful Xuan Huong Lake.
Hoi Chi Minh
Hoi Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam and is home to many of the country's best attractions. Some of these attractions are tourist attractions, while others are hidden gems that you can't find anywhere else.
The History Museum - This museum is home to a great collection of Vietnamese art that spans thousands of years. It includes artwork that dates back to the bronze age of Vietnamese culture and even contains artifacts from Angkor Wat temples.
Thien Hau Pagoda - One of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh is this beautiful Buddhist temple. The temple has sculpture reliefs carved on the roof that are covered in soot and are a stunning example of ancient architecture.
Bot chien - This is a popular street food in Saigon, it's little nuggets of crispy sticky rice flour that are fried, seasoned and topped with egg. It's a delicious dish that's definitely worth trying!
