Ha Long Bay
As far as the eye can see, off the North Vietnamese coast you can see around 2000 karst rocks and islands rising out of bright green water. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest natural wonders on earth. Ha Long Bay National Park is one of the main attractions in Vietnam with almost two thousand rocks, some of which rise hundreds of meters out of the water. You can explore the rocks and their caves with kayaks or guided boat tours. A highlight is the ride in a wooden junk through the unreal rock world, which is unparalleled with its meditative, magical atmosphere and unique lighting conditions.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Vietnam, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
Hue
Hue was once the last capital of the former empire in central Vietnam and impresses then as now with its enchanting architecture, monuments and history. This city, reserved only for the emperor and to which the population was not allowed, was built on the model of the Forbidden City in Beijing. With its citadel, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. The symbol of Hue is the Heavenly Lady Pagoda. Many lakes in the area, colorful gardens and canals invite you to linger. Hue’s cuisine is among the best in Vietnam.
Phu Quoc
The gorgeous island of Phu Quoc in the Gulf of Thailand, off the coast of Cambodia, offers crystal clear waters and soft, white sand beaches. So it is hardly surprising that the largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc, is one of the best snorkeling and bathing paradises in Vietnam. The beaches in the west and Ong Lang Bay are particularly beautiful. It is relaxed and deserted beach sections invite you to relax. If you are looking for exercise and nature experiences, you will get your money’s worth in the national park in the center of the island.
Hoi An
The historic and idyllic port city of Hoi An is located in central Vietnam and experienced its heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries. The beautiful old town with its merchant houses was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The cityscape is strongly influenced by Japanese and Chinese. The Japanese bridge from 1593 is worth seeing. The covered bridge was the connection between the Chinese and Japanese quarters at the time. After the sightseeing, the beautiful sandy beach of Hoi An invites you to relax.
Ho Chi Minh City
Characterized by skyscrapers standing side-by-side with colonial houses, the Khmer-founded city of Ho Chi Minh in south-eastern Vietnam is a modern and bustling metropolis. Its charm still comes from the French colonial era. Rattling motor scooters dominate the picture in the former capital Saigon. Chinatown with the An Quang Pagoda, which is well worth seeing, is located in the Cholon district. Numerous cafés, shops and markets characterize the cityscape. In addition to theatres, parks and a zoo, other sights await the visitor: the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, the Giac Lam Pagoda and the impressive sacred building of the Notre Dame Cathedral are located in Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors interested in culture will get their money’s worth at the National Museum, War Victims Museum or Historical Museum with the roof pagoda.
The Cu Chi tunnel system
Few visitors would guess that just 60 km outside of Ho Chi Minh City you can immerse yourself in Vietnam’s recent history. Near the village of Ben Dinh is the Vietcong Park with a museum and the Cu Chi tunnel systems. During the Vietnam War, partisans dug a 200 km tunnel system on three levels. Subterranean cities with schools and a hospital were built. The system was equipped with sophisticated traps and the entrances were hidden under bushes. Part of the tunnel has been preserved and can be visited.
islands
In addition to the beautiful island of Phu Quoc, there are other islands worth seeing in Vietnam. The beaches of the Con-Dao archipelago with their national park are a real insider tip. Because the 16 islands in the South China Sea are difficult to access, it’s not a typical tourist area, although the largest of the islands has an airport and a luxury resort. In front of Nha Trang Bay, on the central south coast, there are 70 islands, some of which are uninhabited, which are excellent diving and snorkeling spots. The largest of the islands, Hon Tre, also known as Bamboo Island, can be reached by the world’s longest cable car over the sea. There is a luxury resort with an amusement park and aquarium.
Nha Trang
The most visited beach resort on the central south coast is Nha Trang. It impresses with its beautiful location with a long, wide sandy beach and the mild climate. Restaurants, hotels in all price ranges and water sports centers line the promenade near the water to the city center. Nightlife pulsates in the alleys on the southern part of the beach. Numerous excursions are offered in Nha Trang, including the fishing port, snorkeling on the offshore islands or the Cham temples.
Floating markets
There are many places to experience the life of the locals up close. The river markets with their lively hustle and bustle are a special experience. The markets in Cai Rang and Can Tho in the Mekong Delta are particularly beautiful. Overlooking endless rice paddies, Cai Rang Market is famous for its vibrant colors. You get a variety of impressions on the wooden boats in the water, while fruits, vegetables and goods of all kinds are traded. You can experience the unique atmosphere up close when the morning air is filled with the hum of the many people haggling.
Ba-Be lake
A paradise for nature lovers is Lake Ba-Be in northern Vietnam. It is the largest natural lake with an area of 500 ha. Ba-Be Lake is nestled in an attractive unsurpassed natural landscape with limestone cliffs on both sides. Several hundred species of butterflies are at home here. On excursions you can visit caves and crevices with unique light effects. There are excursions to Tay villages where you can stay in traditional stilt houses.
