Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Discover and enjoy various wild nature destinations like Limestone Mountains, green terraced rice fields, and white sandy beaches. Vietnam inarguably is one of the best options when you are planning a honeymoon, this piece of paradise has so much for the newlyweds; it also makes a great place for family holiday, giving each member ample to enjoy.

There is no clear-cut best time to visit Vietnam. However, spring (February to April) and autumn (August to October) offer temperate weather and are the driest times of year. Travellers may want to avoid Monsoon season: roughly May to September in the southwest and October to April in the Northeast. Nonetheless, most people travel over the December to January period. Travellers should remember that the regions have such varied weather patterns that it ultimately depends on where they intend to visit.

Vietnam has quite an interesting cuisine, thanks to the mixture of Thai, Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. The basic concepts are similar to the general south Asian cuisines, but with twists of their own. Because of the French influence, roasted meat, pates, and baguettes are common as well. Sticky rice is an essential ingredient in savory as well as sweet dishes, as it is common in South Asian countries.

Pho is a very famous meal here, which is basically noodles and soup with chicken or beef, garnished with basil, beans, and lime. It is a very popular gourmet as well as street food. Summer rolls or Goi Cuon, made of shrimp or pork and rolled in rice paper are must-haves. Skewered meats are popular as usual, found abundantly in any eatery around Vietnam.

Shopping is not the foremost thing to do in Vietnam; however, it is certainly one to keep in mind. Mekong Delta has a floating market which is worth checking out. The flower markets too are great to simply explore and take photographs, if not for buying anything.

Top Markets in Vietnam

Most of the open-air shopping areas in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City sell apparels, watches, jewellery and similar small trinkets and accessories at cheap rates. The night markets once again are an essential part of Vietnamese shopping. There are sky-high buildings and shopping malls; there are places for gourmet dining and impulsive shopping.

Vietnamese is the official language; English is increasingly favoured as a second language. French, Chinese, Khmer and various highlander languages are also spoken. Between 85 percent and 90 percent of Vietnam’s residents are ethnically Vietnamese.

1. HALONG BAY

Characterised by towering karst limestone pillars and small islets of various shapes and sizes amidst crystal blue waters, Halong Bay’s ethereal beauty is a sight to behold. Located in northern Vietnam, it is the most popular tourist spot this side of the country. Halong Bay, where ‘Halong’ translates to ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’, had a part of it designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. Halong City is the main entry point to the bay.

The most common way of exploring the region is via a cruise or day-trip boats, where tourists laze around in the boats while cruising among the limestone pillars and a number of islets. Many cruises and day-trips also include an island drop off and cave explorations. There are some floating villages as well which allow visitors to come and interact with the locals, try their food and buy knick-knacks.

Places to visit in Halong Bay: Titops Island, Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Soi Sim Island

2. HO CHI MINH CITY

Popularly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam is the largest city and the financial and cultural capital of the country. Ho Chi Minh City is a fast-paced city deeply rooted in its cultural roots whilst quickly having adapted to the demands of urbanisation. Here you will find ornate temples and olden shrines of various faiths standing side by side alongside towering skyscrapers and shopping malls. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the country, services Ho Chi Minh City.

There are several historical attractions such as the Cu Chi and Ben Dinh Tunnels which are remnants of its war-torn past. Other places of interest include the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House and Central Post Office which were built during the rule of the French and brilliantly showcase classical French architecture.

Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Mekong Delta, Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, Thiên Hau Temple, Chinatown, Thiên Hau Temple, Chinatown, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

3. HOI AN

One of the oldest cities in Asia, Hoi An is a town in central Vietnam which was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Located south of Danang, Hoi An translates to ‘a peaceful meeting place’. It is culturally and historically one of Vietnam’s most important towns and also one of the richest. It is important to note that Hoi An does not have an airport or train station and can only be reached by road.

Places to visit in Hoi An: An Bang Beach, Hoi An Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village, Japanese Covered Bridge, Quan Kong Temple, Cua Dai Beach, Phung Hung House, Fukian Assembly Hall

4. HANOI

Perched on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and one of the world’s most ancient cities. Boasting well-preserved colonial buildings, golden pagodas, unique museums, mouth-watering cuisine, entertainment destinations, and traditional bazaars, Hanoi is a melting pot of French, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures.

Hanoi has an impactful history. The most incredible places of historical and cultural interest in Hanoi are the UNESCO-listed Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Vietnam’s administrative centre for 800 years, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where his body is preserved, Perfume Pagoda and Hoa Lo Prison Relic. Packed with courtyards and Parisian-style buildings, Old Quarter and French Quarter are affluent, enigmatic areas. Bach Ma Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake’s softshell turtle safaris, and Lake of Restored Sword offer a reprieve from the urban humdrum.

Places to visit in Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Lake of The Restored Sword, Thap Rua Tower, Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Quan Su Temple, Temple Of Literature, Hanoi Opera House

5. PHONG NHA

Phong Nha ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its many cave systems, old karst mountains, thick green forests and scintillating underground rivers. There are many spectacular caves in the region, including the most extensive cave network on earth. Spread across 10,000 hectares, mostly covered with dense forests, the national park is a thrilling destination to witness a myriad of flora and fauna conserved in an ecosystem of ancient limestone structures.

Places to visit in Phong Nha: Phong Nha Caves, Son Doong Cave, U Bo Mountain (Nui U Bo), Water Buffalo Springs

6. DA NANG

Da Nang sits prettily on the east coast of Vietnam, right between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Popularly known as the tourist capital of South-Central Vietnam, Da Nang is truly stunning – filled with beaches, museums, evolving nightlife and world-class infrastructure.

On the South China Sea coast, with the Han River flowing through its midst, Da Nang is beautified by multiple bridges. Of course, the most striking among them is the Golden Bridge adorned by a sculpture of two giant hands holding it up.

The city’s most famed attractions are The Marble Mountains – five enigmatic natural limestone and marble peaks housing caves, tunnels and temples. Bach Ma National Park, the 693-metre-tall Son Tra Mountain, and Ba Na Hills are popular hiking retreats, while devotees frequent Phap Lam Pagoda and the 67-metre-tall Buddha Shakyamuni statue in Linh Ung Pagoda. For seafood, surfing and kayaking, My Khe Beach, Pham van Dong Beach, Han River and Thanh Binh Beach are perfect relaxing hideouts.

Places to visit in Da Nang: The Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, Dragon Bridge, Lady Buddha, My Khe Beach, Golden Bridge, Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture, Han River Bridge, Non Nuoc Beach

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