If Vietnam is a very popular destination for travelers in Asia, it
is not only because of its sublime landscapes and the hospitality of its
inhabitants, but also because of the treasures housed in its cities.
Astonishing, bustling, fascinating… It is difficult to establish a list of
the most attractive cities in Vietnam ; each has its own characteristics and
charm.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via Hoi An, Hue, or even Dalat ... It's up
to you to choose which of the favorite cities of travelers in Vietnam will
be YOUR favorite city!
Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital
Situated on the banks of the Red River in northern Vietnam, Hanoi has not
only been the political, cultural and religious capital of Vietnam for over
a thousand years, but it is also the country's second largest city by
population after Ho Chi Minh City, and one of the most fascinating.
Despite 1000 years of Chinese civilization, then almost a century of French
occupation, this "city beyond the river" has managed to preserve its
historical and cultural heritage, and remain authentically Vietnamese .
Travelers particularly appreciate the charm of its Old Quarter with its many
stalls and tasty street food, its museums, lakes, temples and pagodas, but
also the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding countryside with its rice
fields and traditional villages.
The Old Quarter, the true beating heart of the city
Hanoi is a city where it is good to get lost and wander aimlessly through
the maze of 36 alleys of its Old Quarter to appreciate the atmosphere and
capture the "Hanoi soul". On foot, by motorbike, by cyclo-rickshaw, or even
on board the picturesque little train that crosses the city using very
narrow streets, such as the aptly named " train street ", which lives to the
rhythm of the rails that border it.
Bridges and lakes of Hanoi
Like any city built on water, Hanoi is crossed by many bridges, including
the emblematic Long Bien Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, the majestic
Chuong Duong Bridge, built by the Vietnamese alone for their greatest
pride, and the Nhat Tan Bridge, of more recent construction, which stands
out from the previous ones by its original architecture with its five
cable-stayed spans illuminated at night and its modern highway.
In addition to the Red River that runs through it, Hanoi has many lakes
where it is good to relax and share Hanoian rituals, such as Hoan Kiem Lake
, also called the " Lake of the Restored Sword ". A true cradle of the
legends at the origin of the birth of the city nearly a thousand years ago,
it has become an essential meeting place for tourists as well as locals who,
early in the morning, come to practice Tai Chi .
Take advantage of your excursion to Hoan Kiem Lake to visit the Jade
Mountain Temple, a beautiful sanctuary built in the middle of the lake, and
attend a typical “water puppet” show.
Also full of legends, the West Lake (or Ho Tay ) is another beautiful
natural lake – the largest in the city – particularly appreciated by walkers
and lovers at sunset . You can also admire ancient remains, including the
very beautiful Tran Quoc pagoda, nestled in a green islet in the middle of
the lake and accessible by a pretty bridge, as well as the Quan Thanh temple
.
Hanoi's iconic monuments and historical sites
With its thousand-year-old history, Hanoi is a city with a particularly rich
cultural and architectural heritage . Among the must-sees, do not miss a
visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which stands proudly on Ba Dinh Square,
and the One Pillar Pagoda (or Môt Côt ) located nearby.
Then head to 9 Hoang Dieu Street in Hanoi's Old Quarter to visit the
Imperial City of Thang Long, an archaeological gem of great historical and
cultural value. Built on the remains of a 7th-century Chinese citadel, this
vast architectural complex was a seat of regional political power and an
important cultural and economic center until the capital was transferred to
Hue in 1810. Its central sector, the best-preserved part, is now a UNESCO
World Heritage Site .
Also take the time to visit the Temple of Literature, considered the first
university in Vietnam, as well as the famous Museum of Ethnography,
designed in collaboration with the Museum of Man in Paris, which presents
the traditions of the 54 ethnic groups making up Vietnam through a whole
series of traditional objects, clothes, musical instruments... In addition,
a visit to the National Museum of Vietnamese History and the Museum of
Military History of Vietnam will immerse you in the heart of the history of
the country and its wars.
Finally, don't leave Hanoi without having strolled through the largest and
oldest market in the city: the Dong Xuan market . Its honeycomb façade with
its five vaulted roofs is particularly remarkable.
Hoi An, the city of colorful paper lanterns
Hoi An is the “favorite” city of many travelers in Vietnam. Located in the
middle of the eastern coast, about 3 hours drive from Hue and about thirty
kilometers south of Da Nang, the “city of colorful paper lanterns” is THE
must-see destination on any tour in Central Vietnam .
It must be said that this ancient merchant port crossed by the Thu Bon River
has more than one asset to seduce its visitors: a charming pedestrian city
center classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, architectural treasures,
but also lively markets, tasty street food and pretty beaches on which to
relax. In short, a unique, warm and authentic city, which seduces culture
lovers as well as fans of seaside pleasures and lovers of Vietnamese
gastronomy .
Hoi An Old Town, a true open-air museum
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, the particularly
well-preserved Old Town of Hoi An is distinguished by its unique
architectural heritage, reflecting the different cultural influences of the
region, namely: Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European. Thus, communal
houses and Chinese temples rub shoulders with beautiful colonial residences
and richly decorated Vietnamese houses. In total, some 844 buildings have
been listed by UNESCO for their historical and architectural interest.
This little gem is best explored on foot or by bike. Among the must - sees
in the Old Town, don't miss the Japanese Pagoda Bridge (Chùa Cầu), a
covered bridge built at the end of the 16th century to connect the Chinese
and Japanese quarters; the old Tân Kỷ and Phung Hung trading houses, the
house of the Fujian Chinese congregation, the Museum of History and Culture
, the Tran family chapel, or the typical craft workshop located between the
opulent residences of Nguyễn Thái Học Street .
Strolling through the Old Town of Hoi An and getting drunk on the scent of
its spices is already a pleasure in itself; contemplating the reflection of
the houses with their colorful facades in the water of the river between two
passages of sampans is a spectacle in its own right.
In the early morning, watch the fishermen stock the stalls of the
picturesque fish market with the fruits of their nightly catch. At the end
of the day, enjoy a traditional art show or a nighttime stroll in the light
of the city's thousand colorful paper lanterns . A magical moment to share
as a couple or with family . You can even take advantage of the night market
to buy your own paper lantern and release it on the river while making a
wish, as is the custom.
Seaside pleasures and discovery of rural life around Hoi An
There are many cycling routes that connect Hoi An to the most beautiful
beaches (including An Bang and Cua Dai ) and to nearby villages, including
the ecological village of Tra Que and the pottery village of Thanh Ha,
where you can take part in rural and craft activities, or even enjoy a
local cooking class .
From Hoi An, you can also explore the islets surrounding the old town by
bike, such as the typical and not very touristy islet of Cam Kim or that of
Cẩm Thanh, famous for crab fishing.
Finally, Hoi An is also renowned for its many boutiques specializing in
custom-made clothing (nearly 400). So take advantage of your stay in this
Mecca of custom-made shopping to have personalized clothing or small leather
goods made for you at very affordable prices.
Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling city
Long known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is today the true economic capital
of Vietnam, and one of the most dynamic cities in the country, including
culturally.
Under French influence for almost 95 years, it inherited an important
historical and architectural heritage, and played a decisive role during
the Vietnam War .
Its tourist appeal today is due to the many cultural and architectural
treasures it contains, notably remarkable colonial buildings, but also to
its places of remembrance .
Attention culture and history lovers! Discover colonial Saigon starting with
the emblematic Ben Thanh covered market with its railway station-shaped
architecture topped with an imposing clock. Particularly well preserved
despite the years of war, it has become the symbol of Ho Chi Minh City ; a
perfect synthesis of Saigon under French Indochina and Ho Chi Minh City
today. Nearby is the Museum of Fine Arts, a charming little museum housed
in a pretty colonial-style villa dedicated to Vietnamese arts.
Then head to the city's 1st district to discover the many architectural
replicas of French buildings, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central
Post Office - the work of Gustave Eiffel - or the Opera House, built on the
model of the Paris Opera Garnier. The picturesque " rue des livres", with
its small bookstores and second-hand book stalls, is reminiscent of the
famous Parisian kiosks.
War Museums and Major Historical Sites in Ho Chi Minh City
Immerse yourself in the heart of Vietnamese history and discover places full
of emotion, such as the unmissable Reunification Palace, the Vietnam
History Museum, or the War Remnants Museum founded after the reunification
of the country in 1975.
Located about an hour's drive from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the
famous Cu Chi Tunnels are a good addition to your visit. They provide a
testament to the ingenuity and living conditions of the guerrillas during
the Vietnam War.
Ho Chi Minh City also has an important religious heritage, including many
temples and pagodas. Among the most emblematic, the Jade Emperor Pagoda,
one of the most spectacular in the city with its sumptuous ornaments and
magnificent sculptures; the Buu Long Pagoda, located about twenty
kilometers from the center, whose colossal Gotama Cetiya tower is the
highest in the country; the Phù Châu temple (or Miêu Nôi ), located on the
Vàm Thuât river, and the Buddhist temple of Phap Vien Minh Dang Quang, one
of the largest and most impressive in Ho Chi Minh City with its imposing
Buddha statue.
Other Chinese pagodas and temples are also to be discovered in the Cholon
district, the original district of the Chinese community in Saigon.
Beyond its history and the major cultural sites that bear witness to it, Ho
Chi Minh City is a dynamic and lively city very popular with shopping and
gastronomy lovers . Take advantage of your visit to the metropolis to taste
a Pho soup or a famous Bo Bun . The street food is excellent and very
affordable.
For a relaxing time with your family, head to Dam Sen Water Park, located
on Hoa Binh Road. It is one of the largest and most beautiful amusement
parks in Vietnam!
Hue, the royal city
Between the political capital Hanoi in the North and the economic capital Ho
Chi Minh City in the South, lies another significant city in Vietnamese
history: Hue, the former imperial capital from 1802 to 1945. Listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 for all its monuments, Hue is an
essential stop in Central Vietnam for all lovers of history, architecture
and gastronomy .
The romantic "sông Hương" (known as the "Perfume River" ), which separates
the old town to the north from the modern city to the south, is also ideal
for lovely cruises with the Ngu Binh mountain as a backdrop .
Hue's monuments, true witnesses of history
With all its monuments, Hue forms an exceptional example of an oriental
feudal capital .
It was in 1802 that the former capital of the Nguyễn, the lords of the
South in the 16th century, became the capital of the united Vietnam. The
Imperial City of Hue then became the imperial residence and the prestigious
seat of the court, whose refinement is reflected in architecture, music,
literature, and gastronomy. Hue was the true political, cultural and
religious center of the country at that time.
Set off to explore this vast architectural complex made up of the Royal
Citadel, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City, the royal
mausoleums and tombs, as well as numerous temples and pagodas.
Although many buildings were destroyed during the wars, the three walls of
the City are now fully open to visitors. Before entering the Royal Citadel,
be sure to visit the Flag Tower, also called the "King's Rider", which
faces the main entrance. Also take the time to stroll through the gardens of
the Forbidden City and admire the view of its pretty square pond.
Then travel along the banks of the Perfume River by boat, to discover the
seven mausoleums of the Nguyen kings . Among the most remarkable, the
mausoleum of King Minh Mang, one of the most powerful kings of the dynasty,
located in a truly enchanting setting about ten kilometers from Hue.
Take advantage of your cruise on the Perfume River to admire the majestic
Pagoda of the Celestial Lady (or Thiên Mụ ) which overlooks the river on its
right bank, about 3 kilometers from the Royal Citadel. Its 21-meter-high
octagonal tower with seven floors - each floor representing a human
apparition of Buddha - is particularly impressive. Less touristy, the Tu
Hieu pagoda, located on the left bank, is no less elegant with its
beautiful crescent-shaped lotus pond.
Another must-see in Hue is the superb metal bridge of Trang Tien which spans
the Perfume River in the heart of the city. Built by Gustave Eiffel in 1898,
damaged and then repaired many times, it is distinguished by its six steel
arches with a total length of 403 meters and 6 meters wide, and its colored
lighting which illuminates the city on the occasion of the Hue Festival .
How about exploring the Hue countryside by bike ? Take one of the many
routes through villages and rice fields and reach, for example, the charming
grapefruit village of Thuy Bieu located on the banks of the Perfume River,
or the pretty Japanese bridge of Thanh Toan with its elegant tiled roof. The
surroundings of Hue are home to many craft villages ; some specialize in the
production of incense, others of paper flowers or even authentic folk
prints, like the village of Sinh .
About fifteen kilometers from the city center is also the beautiful beach of
Hue (" Thuan An" ), where you can relax with your family .
Finally, take advantage of your stay in Hue to visit the picturesque Dong Ba
market and taste the delicious culinary specialties of Central Vietnam,
renowned for their richness and refinement, but also for their spicy flavor!
Cơm hến (a shellfish rice dish), bún bò Hué (a spicy soup made with rice
vermicelli and beef) and bánh bèo and bánh bột lọc cakes (made with tapioca
paste) are among the most popular specialties in Hue.
Dalat, the romantic
Nestled in the heart of the mountainous lands of the South, the charming
little town of Dalat was built by the French at the beginning of the 20th
century and is still nicknamed " Little Paris " because of the many vestiges
of French colonial heritage that it shelters. The romanticism and serenity
of the place make it a very popular destination for lovers, but also for all
travelers in search of tranquility and freshness. With its many waterfalls,
lakes, lush meadows and flowery valleys, Dalat is THE ideal destination to
escape as a couple or family !
A city in the heart of Nature
Dalat is above all a Nature destination, where it is good to take the green
in the open air and stroll in love while admiring the countless fields of
flowers . Renowned for its horticulture activity, the development of which
has largely benefited tourism, Dalat is indeed a paradise for flower lovers,
and there are multiple varieties: roses, orchids, mimosas, wild sunflowers
... The " valley of love " located about 6km north of the city is covered
with them!
Dalat is also very popular for its mild and temperate climate all year round
and the possibility of cooling off at its many lakes and waterfalls . Among
the visitors' favorite sites for taking a refreshing bath:
Xuan Huong Lake, also known as " Dalat Lake ", is located in the heart of
the city. Surrounded by large forests whose trees are reflected in the
mirror of the water, it is a peaceful and romantic place, suitable for
beautiful walks.
Lake of Sighs (or " Ho Than Tho "), another charming natural lake nestled in
the heart of a hill of fir trees about 6km northeast of Dalat.
the artificial lake of Tuyen Lam, overlooked by the beautiful Linh Phuoc
pagoda and accessible by cable car from Mount Robin . Nearby is the Truc Lâm
temple, offering a breathtaking view of the valley.
Elephant Falls (also called Lieng Falls ), located about 45 minutes from
Dalat. These majestic waterfalls, over 30 meters high and 15 meters wide,
are, along with Prenn Falls, the most spectacular in the province's
highlands.
Closer to Dalat, the Datanla Falls are a favorite playground for lovers of
white water sports, such as canyoning.
But beneath its air of a sleeping beauty, Dalat is nonetheless a lively city
that is full of curiosities and unusual places to visit, such as the "
labyrinth of hell " of the beautiful Linh Phuoc pagoda, the astonishing
Maze Bar, the famous Art House of Yersin street, the immense statue of
laughing blue Buddha, without forgetting the most fanciful of Dalat's
curiosities, known as the " Crazy House ". A place with original and
totally surrealist architecture, which houses a hotel with "crazy" rooms and
hosts various artistic projects. Not to be missed under any circumstances!
The city of Dalat being one of the most marked by French colonization, it
also houses buildings whose architecture recalls that of the French
buildings that inspired them, such as the Dalat train station, an exact
replica of that of Deauville, or the Saint-Nicolas Cathedral . A visit to
the Summer Palace of King Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, is also one
of the must-sees in Dalat, with a visit to the sumptuous Van Hanh pagoda and
its immense 24-meter-high golden Buddha statue !
Nha Trang, the seaside resort
Located on the coast of the South China Sea, just under 500 km from Ho Chi
Minh City, Nha Trang is one of the main seaside resorts in South Vietnam
and one of the most popular with families for its mild climate, the
liveliness of its bay and its long white sand beaches bathed by transparent
waters, ideal for relaxation and water activities.
Less frequented, the 19 or so virgin islets and islands located off the bay
are home to incredible biodiversity . The nature reserves of the islands of
Hòn Mun and Hòn Tằm in particular are home to magnificent coral reefs
populated by a multitude of fish, to the delight of diving enthusiasts .
The heavenly beaches of Nha Trang
If tourists flock from all over to Nha Trang Bay between May and September,
it is above all to enjoy its magnificent beaches in complete safety. In
addition to the central beach of Nha Trang, particularly appreciated by
families for its cleanliness and ease of access, the Nha Trang region is
home to other gems, such as the beaches of Ho Chong and Bai Dai (or " Long
beach "), a surfer's paradise ; the beautiful and luxurious Nhu Tien beach,
or the wild beaches of Doc Let and Jungle Beach, located to the north of
the bay, particularly popular with hikers .
The small islands off Nha Trang also have heavenly and quieter beaches, such
as Hòn Ông (" Whale Island "), a pristine island in Van Phong Bay, 80km
north of Nha Trang, which attracts divers, hikers and kayakers alike. It is
also a popular spot for cetacean watching, particularly whales and whale
sharks, which come to stay in the bay every year between April and July,
attracted by the krill and plankton.
We also appreciate the pretty beaches of Hòn Một, the smallest island in
the bay, located only 9km from the coast, although more frequented due to
their accessibility, but also the white sand beach of Hòn Tằm, located
about twenty minutes by boat from Nha Trang, and Bai Tru beach, located on
the island of Hòn Tre, the largest island in the bay and one of the most
popular due to its proximity to the coast and the large amusement park it
houses: Vinpearl land, an unmissable destination for families with children
.
Cultural sites of Nha Trang
Besides beautiful beaches, Nha Trang is home to a beautiful market ( Đầm
Market ), a majestic Gothic-style cathedral, as well as remarkable cultural
sites, such as Po Nagar Temple, located less than 10 minutes' walk from
Tran Phu Beach, and Long Son Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in the
region, located 3km from the city center, and famous for its impressive
white Buddha statue.
The Nha Trang Oceanographic Institute and its beautiful museum are also an
interesting visit to better understand the richness of the bay's ecosystems.
Danang, the eclectic
With over a million inhabitants and an area of approximately 1,250 km2,
Danang is the fourth largest city in the country and an important tourist
and economic hub in the Central-Eastern region . Although often overlooked
by traditional circuits, Danang is a modern and attractive port city, which
seduces as much by the richness of its cultural life as by its mountainous
hinterland and its nearby beaches.
Like most cities built on water, Danang has many bridges. Particularly
remarkable, the Dragon Bridge (or "Cau Rong") inaugurated in 2012 and which
has become the symbol of the city, spans the Han River over some 666 meters
and facilitates access to the airport and beaches. Every weekend and public
holiday at 9 p.m. a colorful sound and light show around fire and water
takes place there.
Danang's iconic cultural and historical sites
If the city abounds in cultural gems, there is one that is a must-see during
your visit to Danang: the Cham Sculpture Museum, created by Henri
Parmentier in 1915, and which presents the most beautiful collection of Cham
culture antiquities in the world.
A visit to the Da Nang Museum, opened in April 2011 in the Dien Hai Citadel
, is also interesting to learn more about the history and culture of the
region and its different ethnic groups.
Continue your discovery of Danang with a visit to the three Linh Ung Pagodas
, one of which is located on the famous " marble mountains ", the second on
the Ba Na hills, and the third and main one, on the Son Tra peninsula. The
latter offers a breathtaking view of the city and houses the tallest Buddha
statue in Vietnam.
Located 12 km south of Danang, the " Marble Mountains " or " Mountains of
the 5 Elements " are a complex of Buddhist sanctuaries and caves perched on
five marble and limestone hills overlooking the sea and seemingly emerging
from nowhere; each hill or "mountain" is named after an element: Kim
(metal); Moc (wood); Hoa (fire); Tho (earth) and Thuy (water), the only one
that can be visited, from where the view of the city and the ocean is
spectacular.
The famous Hai Van Pass, which connects Hue to Danang on the old Mandarin
Road, also offers magnificent views of the city and the sea beyond.
Danang's white sand beaches and mountainous landscapes
Just get away from the bustling center of Danang and enjoy relaxing moments
with friends or family on one of the beautiful white sand beaches along the
coast. Among the most popular in the region is the famous Non Nuoc Beach,
located 20 minutes' drive from Da Nang and just a few minutes' walk from the
" Marble Mountains ". Its beautiful, long stretch of white sand appeals to
both lovers of relaxation and water sports enthusiasts, such as surfing,
stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, etc.
Located slightly to the north, Pham Van Dong is another popular beach that
is popular with families with children for its many facilities, while the
pretty white sand beach of My Khe is more popular with couples. For a
romantic sunset, head to the famous “Red Beach ” (or “ Xuan Thieu ”),
located a few kilometers north of Danang, so named because of its
spectacular glowing sunset over the water.
Quieter than the previous ones due to their distance, the beautiful sandy
beaches of Tien Sa, on the Son Tra peninsula, and Nam O, located about ten
kilometers north of Da Nang, are also renowned for the delicious seafood
specialties served by the few restaurants on stilts installed at the edge of
the beach.
Finally, treat yourself to some family fun at Ba Na Mountain, the true
"green lung" of Danang, located about 25 minutes' drive southwest of the
city and 1,500 meters above sea level. Created by the French during the
colonial era, the Ba Na mountain resort has since been transformed into a
gigantic amusement park known as " Ba Na Hills ", including a reconstructed
medieval village "à la française".
The cable car that provides access to it - one of the longest in the world
(5km) - offers a sensational experience and panoramic views of the
surrounding wooded hills and waterfalls. The view is also spectacular from
the astonishing " Golden Bridge of Ba Na " (or "Câu Vàng"), a 150-meter-long
pedestrian bridge held by two giant hands (the supposed "hands of the
gods"). |
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Popular Destinations in Vietnam
