The Socialist Republic of Vietnam has one of the earliest civilizations in the world and one of the first to practice agriculture. Although its particular geography made Vietnam seemingly impenetrable by foreign invasion, it did succumb to foreign rule once its borders were breached. It was under the rule of the Chinese for almost 1,100 years. And those centuries have left their mark in the history and culture of the Vietnamese. The French also contributed to the cultural diversity of this country.

Vietnam has weathered all the storms that swept the country in recent years and is now one of the new Asian dragons that have woken up from its long slumber. The country is vibrant, colorful and dynamic and its people are fiercely protective of their sovereignty and independence yet welcoming to foreigners who come to their country as guests.

Vietnam is known in the world as the 13th most populous country and also the 8th most populous Asian country. Vietnam has a land area that is 40% mountains and 42% tropical forest but we know that the country’s natural wonders bring more tourists because they are curious. Vietnam has great places to visit and cool activities to enjoy, with its verdant rice fields and gracious people, its beautiful coastline, traditional villages, arts and crafts and more.

Things to See in Hanoi

Hanoi, which means “the hinterland between the rivers”, is the capital of Vietnam and it has an estimate population of nearly 6.5 million. Hanoi became popular in 2010 because Frommer’s travel guide named Hanoi as one of the world’s top destinations for that year in recognition of its 1,000 years of existence as a city. Hanoi is the second largest city in Vietnam and is located on the right bank of the Red River, which is 1,760 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi is the birthplace of the traditional culture of Vietnam. This enchanting city has lots of landmarks like the Old Quarter, lakes, a 1,500-year old pagoda, old French homes and museums amid modern skyscrapers.

The Old Quarter is near the Hoan Kiem Lake and it still bears the original street layout and architecture of the Hanoi of old. Before, this area was known for households and merchants that specialized in different trades, such as jewelry and silk trading. Today the Old Quarter for still retained the industry of yesteryears although on a smaller scales. Shops by local artisans are still engaged in trading, with silk as one of the main items being sold. The streets of the Old Quarter are also lined with specialty restaurants, as well as bars and clubs. One of the big crowd drawers of this place is the night market from Friday until Sunday where travelers can buy various types of food, clothing and souvenir items.

Hanoi also earned the moniker City of Lakes due to the numerous lakes within the city. The most famous one is the Hoan Kiem Lake, also called the Sword Lake because of its link to the magic sword legend. The legend about the magic sword is a fascinating one. It stated that Lê Lợi, a local god in ancient Vietnam was the liberator of the country from the hands of the Ming Dynasty. It was said that he and his men were able to do so with the help of a magic sword, which was lent to him by the Dragon King or Long Vương. However, the sword was not given to him directly but was instead split into two parts and he had to search for them.

A fisherman from the Thanh Hóa province by the name of Lê Thận cast his net one night and caught a piece of metal. He threw it back and moved to another location and cast his net once again. And again he caught the same piece of metal. The third time the metal was caught in his net he decided to take a closer look at it and found out that it was the blade of a sword. He brought it home, placed it in a corner and completely forgot about it. He later joined the army of Lê Lợi and one night Lê Lợi visited the house of Thận. The house was dark yet the blade was emitting a bright glow. Lê Lợi asked for it and later found a gem-encrusted hilt at a banyan tree, which was also emitting a brilliant light. Fitting the two pieces together he realized that it was the magic sword. When he was able to liberate Vietnam and was sailing on the Hồ Lục Thủy or the Green Water Lake he met with Kim Qui, a giant, golden-shelled turtle that demanded that the sword be returned to its rightful owner. As a result, the lake was renamed Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, meaning the Lake of the Returned Sword.

Hanoi became a French colony, which is why there are places within the city that were constructed with a French colonial architecture style. Some examples are the Grand Opera House, the tree-lined boulevards, Presidential Palace, State Bank of Vietnam, Hotel Metropole and Saint Joseph Cathedral. The architecture is somewhat eclectic since it is mixed with traditional Vietnamese architecture.

You will be able to trace the history of a nation in museums. And Hanoi has several historical museums that will allow you to do just that. In the city you can take a look at the National Museum of Vietnamese History, Vietnam Museum of Revolution, Hanoi Hilton or Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnam Military History Museum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the latest addition – which is under construction since 2010 – the Hanoi Museum.

Hanoi is also a hub for the arts and the city has several collections of traditional, folk contemporary and modern museums, including the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Center and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Things to do in Hanoi

Even if you are not childless, it is still worthwhile to visit the One Pillar Pagoda after you have visited the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Emperor Ly Thai To built the small pagoda on a lotus pond in 1049. According to legend the Emperor dreamt of having a son, given by Quan An, the goddess of mercy, while the goddess was sitting on a lotus flower. The emperor married a peasant girl soon after his dream and finally had a son, and so the temple was built in honor of the goddess. A statue of the goddess and several sculptures of the lotus flower are within the small temple.

Another pagoda that should be included in your itinerary when touring Hanoi is the Ngoc Son Pagoda located that the end of the northern part of the Hoan Kiem Lake. Its other name is the Pagoda of the Jade Mountain. It sits on an islet that can be accessed by crossing beautiful red wooden arched bridge, which is called the Bridge of the Rising Sun.

Taoist and Confucian notables are honored in the pagoda, as well as Tran Hung Dao, Vietnam’s national hero. If you are in Hanoi during the fifth day of May when the city celebrates the Doan Ngo festival, try to visit this pagoda during that day to view the 1864 monuments, a tall tower representing an ink brush and a hollow rock with three frogs holding it to resemble an inkwell. At that time, the shadow cast by the tower looks like the brush is in the middle of the inkwell.

You shouldn’t miss the famous water puppet show at Thanh Long Water Puppet Theater or the Nha Hat Mua Roi Thang Long particularly if you have kids with you. Or watch an international opera or ballet show in the Hanoi Opera House.
For bargain hunters or those with limited shopping budgets, great buys can be had when you visit the night markets when you are in Hanoi.

Things to See in Huế

Huế is the capital city of the province of Thua Thien-Huế. The city is known for its monuments and architecture and has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Huế is located in central Vietnam along the banks of the Perfume River or Sông Hương. Its current population is about 950,000. Some of the popular tourist spots in this city are the Demilitarized Zone, The Rockpile, Khe Sanh Combat Base and Vinh Moc Tunnels. From these sites you will be able to trace Vietnam’s history during the first and second War of Indochina. This city was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty.

You can view the Huế Citadel, the walled city with four citadels were erected on Perfume River’s north side. It is a large area and you will likely spend the whole day just to explore the complex. The ancient architecture is located at the Tran Binh Dai while you can see the inner city at Dai Noi. The Forbidden Purple City where the royal residences are is at the Tu Cam Thanh citadel while the Hoang Thanh or the Imperial City is where the shrines and the royal palaces are located.

As you explore the banks of Perfume River you will come upon the tombs of several of Vietnam’s emperors. Several pagodas worth visiting are also within the city. The most notable one is the Thien Mu Pagoda that had been featured in several poems and songs.

Things to do in Huế

Huế is the best place to relax and unwind because it is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Vietnam. Not only that, Huế is also best known for its natural landscape, history and the arts. Here are some things to do while you are enjoying your vacation inHuế that you might also love.

For those who are tired of walking, the most famous activity in Huế is the Boat Cruise along Perfume River that will end at Thien Mu Pagoda, which is known to be the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. Along the way you will enjoy sumptuous dishes served on board at you gaze at the passing scenery. There is also live Huếfolk music for entertainment.

Another must-do while in Huế is the walking tour along Le Loi Street where you will see the remnants of French architectural buildings that will remind you of the country’s French colonization. French colonial architecture can be seen on the different buildings that include art galleries, universities, churches and nearby neighborhoods.

If you are tired of the city atmosphere, head down to the one of the beautiful beaches of Huế where you can swim and relax in on the silky white sand bordering blue ocean waters. Recommended beaches are the Thuan An and Lang Co. If you prefer a more therapeutic dip, head over to the hot springs of Thanh Tan in Phong An as well as in Phong Dien.

Things to See in Hội An

Hội An is a city of Vietnam that is located on the coast of the South China Sea. This city has an approximate population of 120,000 and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its well-preserved the example of a Southeast Asian trading port that existed from the 15th until the 19th centuries. Hội An has the largest harbor in Southeast Asia and has a moderate climate because it is surrounded by water. It displays a different atmosphere, deviating from the usual hustle and bustle character of city life. Hội An is more serene, where you will see Vietnam’s ancient culture. It’s a fusion of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese influences.

You can explore the city and take a look at the many pagodas, ancient houses and building, a Japanese settlement across a unique Japanese Bridge. It is unique because the bridge is a covered one. On one of its side is a Buddhist pagoda.

Things to do in Hội An

Walking tours are very popular activities to do in Hội An. This will enable you to closely inspect the many structures that are a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architectural styles.

You can also visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics. Ceramics were once the most important trade item in the city of Hội An. The museum showcases the history of the trade as well as the history of the region and the city itself. There is also a museum dedicated to the Sa Huỳnh culture. The Sa Huỳnh were the creators of the Champa Empire which was part of the early history of Hội An. They are a group of people presumably coming from Java that occupied Hội An around 200 BC. Another cool thing to do in this city is to visit a cooking school, which offers lessons in exquisite Vietnamese cooking.

For the adventurous, try not to miss the city’s underwater thrill and do some scuba diving in Cham Island.

And when you get hungry, sample the dish that can only be found in Hội An, the cao lầu. It is a dish made of greens, fat rice noodles and pork. It is rumored that its unique taste comes from the water used in cooking, which is said to come from an ancient well that still remains a secret. Another very filling dish that is worth a try is Hội An chicken rice.

Things to See in Đà Nẵng

Đà Nẵng is one of the major port cities located in Vietnam’s the south central coast. This city is home to nearly 900,000 people, and has eight independent administrative districts. Đà Nẵng is the commercial and industrial center of Central Vietnam. And one of the famous tourist spots here is the Mỹ Sơn ruins, which is a striking archeological site in Quang Nam Province.

Mỹ Sơn is located in a remote forested valley, which is the capital and religious center of the Champa Kingdom. Although the site was heavily damaged during the war, 20 structures still remain in the area, which was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1999. The statues, reliefs and sculptures that were recovered from here can now be viewed at the Museum of Cham Sculpture.

You may want to take a look at the Marble Mountain that juts out to the beach at the southern part of Đà Nẵng. There are caves in the mountain that used to be dwellings of the Chams. Pagodas were built among the caves during the Nguyen Dynasty and you can browse some of the sculpture and painting shops at the base of the mountain.

From the Marble Mountain you can have a scenic view of the Non Nuoc Beach. It’s a white sandy beach that is renowned for its spectacular beauty and for its history.

Things to Do in Đà Nẵng

Đà Nẵng is popular because of its miles of beaches and that’s why the city is a famous among beach lovers. May to August is the best time to come to Đà Nẵng if you want to enjoy its beaches, as the sea is calm during these months.

If you love the water and you have children with you, the safer option is to go to the Đà Nẵng Water Park. The water park has loopy tunnel slides as well asbig slides. It has kiddie pools with fountains and a wave pool.

If you are after a different kind of view and way to travel, take a 5-kilometer ride in the cable car that goes to the Ba Na Mountain. The Ba Na By Night Resort in on the mountain and this is where you can visit an authentic French wine cellar that has been dug into the mountain to ensure that perfect temperature for the wines is maintained.

Things to See in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, which was formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It is situated in the western bank of the Saigon River. Ho Chi Minh City was the previous capital of the French colony of Cochin-china but is now the nation’s economic and commercial capital. The metropolitan area, which includes Biên Hòa, Thủ Dầu Một and Dĩ An, account for a population reaching over the 9 million mark.

Go back in time by visiting some of the museums in the city. The notable ones are the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Ben Duoc Relic of Underground Tunnels, Museum of the Vietnamese History, Nha Rong Memorial House, Revolutionary Museum, War Remnants Museum and the Museum of the Southern Armed forces. The Ho Chi Minh City Museum was formerly called the Gia Long Palace and it became the last residence of Ngô Đình Diệm, the former President of the Republic of Vietnam. The Reunification Palace on the other hand was the residence of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

The popularity of the stage play Ms. Saigon spurred the establishments of several municipal theaters that you may want to visit to take on a show. You can check out Ben Thanh Theater, Hoa Binh Theater, Lan Anh Music Stage, Dam Sen Tourist and Cultural Park and the Suoi Tien Amusement and Cultural Park.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

For the truly adventurous traveler, it might be interesting for you to check out the Cu Chi Tunnels. The underground tunnels measure 200 kilometers and consist of shelters, several entrances and hideouts. It was the base where the Vietnamese planned the 1968 Tet Offensive. What is amazing about the tunnels was that the sprawling underground system of tunnels were dug in secret and the top soil covering the tunnel system is about four meters thick, strong enough to withstand damages that can be brought by light cannons and bombs as well as the weight of a 50-ton tank. There are guides who will show you several secret entrances to the tunnels from the streets above.

If you want to take a look at local flora and fauna, head over to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. For some recreation and entertainment, Ho Chi Minh City offers you the Cần Giờ’s Eco beach resort, the Đầm Sen Tourist and Cultural Park and the Suối Tiên Amusement and Culture Park, all in the heart of the city. You should also not miss a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, locally called the Phuoc Hai Tu or Chua Ngoc Hoang, a Taoist pagoda where you will find a collection of unusual figurines and view several turtles in the concrete courtyard pond. Ringing the bells suspended on the necks of the giant horses inside the pagodas is said to bring you good luck.

If you miss seeing a movie while traveling, Ho Chi Minh city has hundreds of theaters and cinemas where you can catch a play or watch a movie you’ve been waiting for. Of course, it is imperative that you try out local dishes while you are on vacation in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh city is also famous for its hair salons where you can enjoy a well-earned pampering session – shampoo, manicure and pedicure.

Lacquered paintings, silk fabrics and jewelry are some of the things that you can buy in Ho Chi Minh City.