THE TIMES INTRODUCES 12 MOST BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS IN VIETNAM

Monday - 30/12/2024 17:18

Vietnam is not just about Ha Long Bay or ancient Hanoi; it also has many wonders in the highlands, islands, and a captivating history and culture, The Times notes.

Explore tourism in Vietnam, home to 99 million people and a coastline stretching from North to South. This is an ideal destination with countless interesting things to discover, from stunning natural landscapes to a rich culture. Enjoy distinctive cuisine and meet friendly locals, which will surely provide an unforgettable experience.

Journalist Claire Boobbyer, the author of the article, mentioned that she first visited Vietnam in 2004 and has returned many times since. Here are the 12 best destinations in Vietnam introduced by the author in the British newspaper The Times.

Ha Noi

Hanoi's street food is highly rated by tourists.

PHOTO: ALAMY

Hanoi is noisy and trafic jam, but it is incredibly beautiful. The thousand-year-old city, established on a bend of the Red River, is filled with history, charm, museums, shops, markets, and amazing street food. Don't miss the Old Quarter, the city center, where visitors will find numerous eateries, hotels, and temples alongside shops. Learn how to dodge motorbikes while joining a street food tour or explore the ancient terracotta villas, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the Hoa Lo Prison "Hanoi Hilton," and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.

Ha Giang

PHOTO: ALAMY

The northernmost region of Vietnam offers a different world with its mountain peaks, winding roads, and rice fields sculpted into breathtaking slopes. Discover the villages of the Dao Do, Flower H'Mong, and other local ethnic minorities, local markets, eco-resorts, and a glimpse into the rural world with timeless traditions...

Pu Luong and Mai Chau

PHOTO: ALAMY

Not far from Hanoi are simple "getaways" nestled among lush green rice fields. At Pù Luông Nature Reserve, with its many local homes and eco-resorts, you can stroll through the rice paddies and fruit orchards of the Mường people, and drift down the river on a traditional bamboo raft surrounded by traditional water wheels. This area is home to the rare Asian black bear, Owston's civet, and the endangered Delacour's langur. To the north lies the incredibly beautiful Mai Châu Valley, a serene landscape of rice fields.

Bai Tu Long bay - Ha Long bay

PHOTO: ALAMY

Ha Long Bay, protected by UNESCO, features thousands of rugged limestone cliffs, creating an elegant landscape that can shift from thick fog to clear skies with changing weather. It's all captivating. To make the most of it, take a boat for at least two nights to the more magical Bai Tu Long Bay and escape the crowds of boats...

Hue

PHOTO: ALAMY

The cultural and political power center of the Nguyễn emperors, the last dynasty of Vietnam. The intricately designed citadel and tombs along the Huong River in Hue attract visitors these days. The city is often overlooked in favor of Hội An as a central stop, but don’t miss it.

Da Nang

PHOTO: ALAMY

The city sitting along the curve of a golden sandy beach has become world-renowned. Today, this destination is even greater, with top-tier resorts like Four Seasons and the stunning InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula nestled amongst the monkey forests, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. But there’s more than that – the unique Cham Sculpture Museum featuring beautifully carved sandstone works, the UNESCO-protected My Son ruins nearby, or Da Nang's Dragon Bridge that breathes fire...

Hoi An

PHOTO: ALAMY

The ancient port town of Hội An is filled with historic temples, large trading houses, and hundreds of tailors and craft shops. The single-story, earthy-colored houses line the small streets lit up by lanterns in this UNESCO-protected town. Come enjoy the atmosphere, get custom-designed clothes, and savor some delicious street food...

Ninh Van Bay

PHOTO: ALAMY

Escape the city to this peninsula just north of Nha Trang for a relaxing time on the beach. An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay boasts a boho vibe, while Six Senses Ninh Vân Bay sits on a gorgeous stretch of sand with villas nestled among and behind massive rocks. Visitors can also explore the peninsula's waterfalls and forests.

Da Lat

PHOTO: ALAMY

Set in a highland area filled with the scent of pine and a central lake, Đà Lạt is surrounded by early 20th-century houses and villas, markets, flower gardens, and waterfalls... Nowadays, the city has plenty of cute bars and cafes, making it a great base to explore numerous interesting spots including Crazy House. Don’t miss visiting the French-built train station...

Ho Chi Minh city

PHOTO: BUI VAN HAI

With a population of 9 million and 8 million motorbikes, don’t miss exploring the city on a bike, checking out the top attractions, and taking a trip to the Cu Chi tunnels or further out to Tay Ninh. The city also attracts visitors with its diverse street food scene and the chance to discover vibrant light-filled neighborhoods at night...

Mekong Delta

PHOTO: ALAMY

The rivers of the Mekong flow through the south to the sea. This waterway region immerses travelers in the local culture — a blend of Cham, Khmer, and Vietnamese influences, wartime history, exploration of wetlands, and delicious cuisine.

Con Dao

PHOTO: ALAMY

This remote island off the southern coast of Vietnam is a nature paradise, an internationally recognized wetland (Ramsar), and the most important nesting site for sea turtles. You can walk, snorkel, sunbathe on beautiful beaches, visit turtle breeding sites, and watch squid boats in action. Don't miss checking out museums and historical sites here, like the fallen soldiers’ cemetery and the prison...