Capital of vietnam country in beautiful places
For Saigon, soothing comes in the form of these sounds: the revving engines of motorcycles, the clamour from shabby eateries, and the low, dumbfounded murmurs of tourists who sipped local coffee for the first time. By plane, Vietnam is only two hours and eight minutes away from Manila. In case you missed it: Generations after the Vietnam War, the fight to uncover Agent Orange continues.
A parked motorcycle filled with coconuts for sale at the back. These small dining establishments have a queue of customers seated on tiny plastic stools and low tables outside. Initially intimidating due to its gut-punching strength, this flavour remains unmatched. Before my arrival, I had been warned about the airport situation in the city—a fair warning for the restless and agitated: patience is required.
Getting your luggage takes another 30 minutes or so. If your flight arrives at the same time as others, expect an additional minute wait at customs. The long lines and delays are all worth it when you think of what awaits outside. There are plenty of things to do in the city, including sightseeing and exploring local markets. For those who want to get to know the city and familiarise themselves with its surroundings more quickly, a hop-on, hop-off bus tour is incredibly helpful, as it allows you to visit key landmarks at your own pace.
It might not be the ideal place to top your list of places to explore in Ho Chi Minh, but the War Remnants Museum provides crucial context for your entire experience in Vietnam. Founded inshortly after the end of the American War, the War Remnants Museum is one of the oldest institutions in the city. Unsettling photographs, harrowing artefacts, and experimental weapons are stored throughout its halls, each serving as a stark reminder of the war's devastating impact.
What affected me the most were the upper floors, which illustrate the devastating effects of chemical warfare, particularly the use of Agent Orange. It was there that I found myself moved to tears. The United States military used Agent Orange—a potent herbicide and defoliant—as part of its strategy to eliminate the dense vegetation that provided cover for the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army.
The deadly threat, however, was in a contaminant called 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-para-dioxin, or TCDD, which would turn out to have long-lasting and profoundly harmful effects, including birth defects, cancer, liver damage, and neurological disorders. While the American government initially allocated over USD million in compensation to American veterans exposed to Agent Orange, getting restitution for Vietnamese citizens has proven to be much more challenging.
As of this writing, the United States has yet to issue an official apology or accept responsibility for Agent Orange. It is hailed as one of the oldest streets in the city. The street also features book exhibitions and themed displays of newspapers and photographs, creating a vibrant cultural space that connects books, publishers, and readers.
Tourists who want to take a piece of Saigon home can pick up postcards and keychains or even have their portraits painted by local artists on the sidewalk. See also: 9 Must-read books by Filipina authors. Traces of French architecture can still be seen around Ho Chi Minh decades after its colonisation. Among the most notable examples is the Saigon Central Post Office, where you can send heartful letters to your loved ones in other parts of the world.
I managed to write two letters during my visit. I was told they would likely reach their destinations within two to three weeks. However, I was also informed that some messages take longer to arrive, and in some cases, they never reach their intended recipients. My friends and I waddled through the noticeably crowded shops located on the left and right wing of the building.
While exploring, I overheard a guide mention that the post office is over a century old. Built between and during the French colonial period, the facility was designed by architect Marie-Alfred Foulhoux, though it is often mistakenly attributed to Gustave Eiffel.
Capital of vietnam country in beautiful places: › most-beautiful-places-in-vietnam.
Above, an arched dome spans the length of the building, supported by a series of pillars that add a sense of grandeur. Outside, the posthouse will captivate you with its yellow-painted walls, arched windows, and decorative reliefs. Merchants will also attempt to offer street food, flowers, and all sorts of affordable souvenirs. Tourists flock to the Saigon Opera House to either watch a play or take photographs of its stunning facade.
Initially built in and completed inthe opera house was the French colonial response to a growing demand for cultural entertainment in South Vietnam. Camping is also popular here, with fully prepared campsites available to rent. Make sure you check all your camping gear for an epic Vietnamese adventure. Ta Dung is also a national park, which is home to plenty of endemic plants and animals.
Naturally, it also attracts a huge population of birds. The best way to explore this unique place in Vietnam is by boat, as you can motor your way between the islands and coves. With a sky lit by lanterns and colonial French architecture creating some of the most beautiful streets in the world, Hoi An deservedly holds a place as one of the top ten places to visit in Vietnam.
Backpackers in Hoi An unanimously acknowledge that it tops the list of the best cities in Vietnam, for obvious reasons. The city is small, lining the coastline with an intricate network of waterways and rivers. Talk about a melting pot! Amidst all this variety, Hoi An has really comfortable accommodations that are as beautiful as the buildings around them.
The old town quarter is packed with exciting shops where you can get your own bespoke clothing, hand-made to fit. What was once a meeting place for Japanese and Chinese merchants is now packed with international travelers wanting to experience the lantern experience firsthand. And oh boy, is it an experience. Cycle under the lantern-lit streets, walk across the iconic covered bridge and release a lantern into the water for the full experience.
It really is an atmospheric wonderland that can sometimes feel like a movie set. Want to visit Hoi An but accommodation looking a little pricey? Check out where to stay in Da Nanga nearby city offering much more bang for your buck. One of my favorite places in Vietnam, and no doubt one of the most physically astounding, is the Mekong River in the Mekong Delta.
Join this 2-day tour around the Mekong Delta to soak up all the special vibes and dive into the local culture. Get ready for an awesome time! Here, traders, fishmongers, and farmers come to sell and purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish in a colorful exchange of produce. You can roll through peaceful local villages where residents live in harmony with their giant water buffalo counterparts.
Life here is guided by the ebb and flow of this natural river, which is unlike any landmark you could ever dream of visiting. Here, you can lay eyes on ancient trees, well-maintained botanical gardens, and endemic and endangered wildlife. Canoe around the Crocodile Lake, which, yes, is home to some resident crocs. Surrounded by jungle, this lake is a beautiful way to see the park from a different perspective.
If this terrifies you to the core I get it, trust meyou could walk or ride a bike along the lush trails, while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife. I also recommend trekking to the magical waterfalls dotted around Cat Tien town. You can also visit an ancient archeological site housing Hindu temples from the fourth and ninth centuries. Nothing better than a site that blends natural and cultural beauty!
Here at The Broke Backpackerwe love freedom! There really is no place like the My Son Ruins. These crumbling temples were actually used for religious ceremonies throughout history. Exploring the temples by foot is the best way to see everything, and you can make your way around in under three hours. They survived hundreds of years of capital of vietnam country in beautiful places weather and changing powers but were officially destroyed during the Vietnam War.
Luckily, a lot was left undamaged, and you can still admire the ancient structures and imagine what the temple complex might have looked like in its heyday. When it comes to the top ten places to visit in Vietnam, Ha Giang Province is no doubt the cool kid on the block. The province lies just northeast of Sa Pa, bordering China, and is a relatively unexplored and, therefore, untainted region.
Serpentine roads snake through the province, descending and ascending rice-terraced hills, canyons and valleys, and rugged peaks. Driving along these narrow roads in a car or motorcycle good vibes, but never considered safe is an easy way to soak up the natural wonder of the province. Check out our guide on motorbiking in Vietnam to ensure a safe ride.
It features exceptional views over the snaking rivers and terraced rice fields. This park offers an unparalleled caving experience. Technically, the waterfalls consist of dozens of separate spouts of water concentrated in one part of the Quay Son River, flowing from China. Without further ado, I share with you one of my favorite places on this list of beautiful places in Vietnam, the iconic Son Doong Cave.
Believed to be the largest cave in the world based on volumeit was only found in Ninh Binh is a landscape famous for its terraced rice field countryside, ancient mos-clad temples and pagodas, dense tropical jungle, and secret caves. It is an oasis for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates unique cultural heritage.
I recommend taking this guided Ninh Binh tour to explore Mua Cave, ride a boat through the Tam Coc caves, and much more. There really are few places that compare to the tropical splendor of Phu Quoc Island. For the clearest water in Vietnam, this pristine beach is a haven for watersports and underwater exploration — perfect for learning how to snorkel or scuba dive.
Highly recommended for romantic visits, spend your evenings gazing across the ocean at sunset and your days exploring the remote island jungle or enjoying the panoramic vistas from a cable car. Other than a beach fringed by palm trees and unique rock formations, the Red Sand Dunes are a huge attraction for off-road driving and quad biking.
When it comes to waterfalls, there really are few that compare to the beauty of Silver Waterfall in Lao Cai. Also referred to as Thac Bac, the waterfall plummets from a height of over meters through the dense and lush jungles of Sa Pa. Best known for its golden sand beaches and crystal clear water, the city is also home to the Ponagar Temple and Long Son Pagoda.
There are also a bunch of hot springs, golf courses, and amusement parks to explore here.
Capital of vietnam country in beautiful places: Hue: Imperial Grandeur. The
Although recently built, the exquisite temple really shows off the craftsmanship of the Vietnamese, with delicate carvings and intricately painted columns of dragons, flowers, and geometric patterns. Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is an enchanting destination with a rich history and vibrant culture.
Hanoi is steeped in history, with landmarks and monuments that reflect its past. For charming lakes and green spaces, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of the city. Hanoi is also famous for its street food culture. Make sure to explore the bustling street food markets like Dong Xuan Market or the Night Marketwhich are delightful experiences in themselves.
Activities: Take a food tour, party in the Old Quarter. Ninh Binh is a beautiful province known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This area boasts a magnificent karst landscape with limestone cliffs, caves, and rivers, making it perfect for boat tours and exploring the stunning surroundings. As well as Trang An, visitors also opt to stay in the Tam Coc scenic area.
Tam Coc offers a breathtaking experience with its limestone caves, rice paddies, and serene river cruises. You can take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong Riverpassing through caves and admiring the surrounding scenery. For history enthusiasts, a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu is a must. Experience the rich cultural heritage by exploring the ancient temples and learning about the fascinating history of Vietnam.
Activites: Boat rides, cycle through the rice paddies, try the local speciality; goat meat. It is a natural beauty of Vietnam. Picture yourself surrounded by thousands of limestone karsts and isles rising dramatically from the emerald waters, creating a captivating and ethereal landscape that feels like something out of a dream.
For those seeking adventure, Ha Long Bay offers a plethora of exciting activities. Such as kayaking through hidden lagoons and discovering secluded beaches and secret caves. Recommended duration: 2 days, 1 night on a Ha Long Bay cruise. Activites: Kayaking, relaxing, enjoying seafood treats.
Capital of vietnam country in beautiful places: With its beautiful colonial architecture,
The most famous, and undoubtedly one of the most upcoming tourist spots in Vietnam is the Ha Giang Loop. The route is often completed on a motorbike; by yourself, as part of a tour groupor with an experienced local rider. The Ha Giang Loop is a breathtakingly beautiful and off-the-beaten-path destination in northern Vietnam. The Ha Giang Loop is renowned for its stunning landscapes, with towering limestone mountains, deep valleys, and winding roads that offer panoramic views at every turn.
The landscape is dotted with terraced rice fields, colourful hill tribes villages, and dramatic rock formations, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. The region is home to various ethnic minority groups, such as the Hmong, Dao, and Tay. Interacting with these communities and learning about their traditions and way of life is an enriching experience.
You can visit local markets, try traditional foods, and even stay in homestays to immerse yourself in their culture. Recommended duration: 3 — 5 nights depending on how many stops you want to make. Activities: Motorbiking, boat ride on Nho Que River. Sapa is known for its breathtaking scenery, with terraced rice fields, lush mountains, and picturesque valleys.
The views are especially stunning during the rice harvesting season September to October when the fields turn golden yellow. Trekking is a popular activity in Sapa. You can explore surrounding villages and visit ethnic minority communities. On these trekking routes, you can learn about the ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people.
Sapa is also home to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam. For adventure thrill-seekers, you have the option to climb the 3,meter mountain. Alternatively, you can take a cable car ride to enjoy the scenery without physical exertion. Activities: trekking tours and enjoying local delicacies. Cat Ba is the largest of a complex of islands belonging to Hai Phong City.
The island is a perfect base for exploring the breathtaking Halong Bay. Take a boat tour or cruise, kayak through the limestone karsts, and visit the hidden caves and floating fishing villages. The island is also home to Cat Ba National Park. Other popular activities visitors enjoy on Cat Ba Island are relaxing on the beaches, rock climbing opportunities, cycling or motorbiking along scenic coastal roads and enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside.
Activities : Take a boat trip, hiking, rock climbing, relaxing. Cao Bang is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Ban Gioc Waterfallone of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. The region is also home to serene lakes, lush forests, and picturesque mountains, making it a paradise for nature lovers. If you are an adventure seeker, Cao Bang offers various outdoor activities.
You can trek through the rugged mountains, explore caves, go kayaking or rafting in the rivers, or even try rock climbing. Mai Chau is a beautiful rural district located in the Hoa Binh province of Vietnam. It is known for its stunning landscapes, surrounded by lush green rice paddies, towering limestone mountains, and peaceful valleys. The region is home to the White Thai ethnic minority group, who have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries.
You can immerse yourself in their unique culture, witness their traditional dances, music, and handicrafts, and even stay in a traditional stilt house overnight. It is the perfect location to experience a homestay with a local family. It allows you to get a deeper understanding of the local culture, customs, and daily life. Activities : Cycle Mai Chau Valley, sleep in a stilt house.