Best places to visit in Vietnam

Vietnam possesses one of the richest cultural and architectural histories in the ASEAN region making it a top destination for many westerners. From national parks, preservation sites, beaches, handicraft villages to historical cities you can truly experience an amazing exploration in Vietnam.

The country currently has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Hue – imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam and known for its architecture and monuments such as tombs of emperors Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, and Tu Duc, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts;
• Hoi An – a small city on the South Central Coast of Vietnam and has a collection of ancient structure and intact streetscapes such as the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture and Museum of Trade Ceramics;
• My Son – is a Hindu temple complex and features Champa temple-towers constructed between 7th and 13th centuries;
• Ha Long Bay – located in the province of Quang Ninh and boasts of its thousands of limestone karsts and rocky islands carved into shapes of animals, human and various objects; and
• Phong Nha-Ke Bang – is national park and famous for its cave and grotto systems, a total of about 300 and has total length of 70 km.

Popular city destinations and attractions include:

• Hanoi – favorite destinations are the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Flag Tower of Hanoi, and number of museums such as the National Museum of Vietnamese History, Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts, and Contemporary Arts Centre;
• Ho Chi Minh City – point of interests are the Reunification Palace, Municipal Theatre, Notre-Dame Cathedral and museums – Ho Chi Minh City Museum and Revolutionary Museum; and
• Hai Phong – places to visit are the Traditional Trade Villages, Elephant Mountain, Cat Ba Pearl Island, and Do Son Resort.

Other cities that are must-to-see include Danang, Can Tho, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Da Lat, and Vung Tau.