With a population of 100 million, this Asian country is growing at a pace few other countries can match. This was evident to me last March when I traveled across Vietnam from south to north, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue and Hanoi.
This was my 14th visit to the country but my first in four years. Vietnam has been so vibrant that even the ancient sites have changed in my absence, let alone the increasingly modern cities.
The cities were so bustling that, within a week, I was comfortably exhausted. To recharge, I combined urban adventures with trips to the peaceful countryside of Vietnam. There, I drifted along rivers, napped on silky beaches, hiked serene mountain trails, played great golf courses, and wandered through jungles filled with the ruins of historic kingdoms.
With Vietjet launching new direct flights to Vietnam from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, along with Bamboo Airways (Sydney and Melbourne), I think now is the right time for Australian travellers to explore these five great cities.
Hoi An
Hoi An ancient town in the morning by the Hoai River
Few ancient towns in Southeast Asia can match the ancient town of Hoi An. One of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations, the UNESCO-protected town is undeniably photogenic, especially at night when the sunlight gives way to the colourful glow of thousands of paper lanterns. They hang from the town’s villas, shops and temples, some of which are up to 400 years old. Highlights include the 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, the colourful Phap Bao Pagoda and the Tan Ky Heritage House.
Hoi An’s iconic lanterns make great souvenirs. Visitors can buy them at the night market or design their own during one of the handicraft workshops…
Leaving the bustling center of Hoi An, visitors should take time to find a peaceful place in My Son Sanctuary, about 30 km from Hoi An.
Danang
Da Nang is a friendly city of 1.2 million people, with many attractions, great shopping, diverse nightlife and many accommodation options.
Da Nang is modern, organized, clean, peaceful, with little traffic and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the coast to the east and lush green hills to the west.
Perched 1,500m above sea level on a mountain 45 minutes west of Da Nang, Ba Na Hills Resort enhances the city’s appeal for families. Parents can enjoy affordable spas, the luxurious Ba Na Hills Golf Club and wine tastings at the Debay Wine Cellar...
Golden Bridge is always mentioned by international press in the list of the most beautiful bridges in the world.
Kids will love Sun World Ba Na Hills, a huge resort and amusement park with thrilling rides, indoor rock climbing and a wax museum. Meanwhile, teens can fill their social media feeds with unique images from the many photogenic locations. These include five cable car routes, Le Jardin D’Amour garden, a re-creation of a French village and the stunning Golden Bridge.
Hue
While most Vietnamese cities have turned to the future, Hue remains firmly rooted in its past. Eight decades since the end of its long reign as the imperial capital, this central coastal city still revolves around the Citadel, one of Asia’s most beautiful imperial cities.
Hue Imperial City
Hue’s tourist appeal is now even greater thanks to new walkways opening on the outer walls (Thuong Thanh). From there, visitors can look east to the bustling Dong Ba market, west to Thien Mu pagoda or south to the museum, shopping area and Hai Ba Trung food street.
Further away is the direction to 7 large tombs, including the tomb of King Tu Duc, which is a favorite for tourists to explore.
If you leave the center of Hue, you will come to Lang Co Beach. It is not overdeveloped, but there is enough accommodation, dining and shopping to keep you from getting bored. This resort town is 55 km south of Hue, located between the East Sea and the shimmering Lap An Lagoon.
Hanoi
Hanoi is arguably Asia’s best destination. Few places can compete with its mix of ancient sites, art galleries, vibrant nightlife, gorgeous parks, memorable cuisine and historical significance. For $200 a day in Hanoi, you can stay in a five-star hotel, eat three gourmet meals, take taxis around the city and see many interesting sights.
O Quan Chuong Citadel Gate was built in 1749, located in the east of Thang Long Citadel and is the only remaining gate among many gates in Hanoi.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, Quan Su Pagoda built in the 15th century, 1,500-year-old Tran Quoc Pagoda... are destinations that tourists cannot miss. In addition, visitors can visit the museum system to learn more about this country.
From Hanoi, visitors can travel to the enchanting Sa Pa. Scattered on the mountainside, above the valley of emerald terraced fields, this 250 km northwest of Hanoi offers unforgettable peaceful scenes.
HCMC
Dieters should skip Ho Chi Minh City, as it is hard to escape the "temptation" of the cuisine here. Every day, you will leave your hotel and join a city-wide party.
The Saigon River flows through the center of the most vibrant city in the country.
Places that tourists can visit include Cho Lon area, walking in District 1 to explore the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office... Combine all of the above by enjoying the famous broken rice dish.
Leaving the most vibrant city in the country, tourists should go to Can Tho to visit floating markets on the river such as Phong Dien floating market, 20 km from the city center, Cai Rang floating market...
Source link
Comment (0)