The 10 most beautiful places in Vietnam

The Most beautiful places in Vietnam to visit in the north ?

Northern Vietnam, formerly called “Tonkin” during the colonial era, is a region which presents more tourist interests to travelers. It fascinates them with its authenticity, its cultural diversity, its splendid landscapes and its magnificent natural sites.

1. Stroll through Hanoi's bustling old quarter

The ancient district of 36 streets and corporations was the largest commercial center in Hanoi as well as the Northern region in the past. This place, as its name suggests, is made up of streets named after the goods sold in the past (Hang Duong – Rue de Sucre, Hang Mam – Rue de Saumure…).

Today, most of the goods of yesteryear are replaced by modern products and services. Strolling through the hidden streets of this old neighborhood, you can contemplate the daily life of the locals, smell different smells, taste unique flavors… And when evening falls, the old neighborhood becomes the meeting place between locals and locals. people coming from four corners of the world. Don’t forget to enjoy the nightlife there too!

2. Trekking in Sapa and Bac Ha

The surroundings of Sapa still retain the beauty of the rice terraces and the authenticity of the hamlets of rural tribes. About a hundred kilometers from Sapa is the town of Bac Ha, synonymous with hikes through the breathtaking rice terraces, meetings with mountain ethnic groups and satisfying the eyes by visiting the ethnic markets in operation. days.

3. Discover Ha Giang, a wild and virgin land

Ha Giang, est une province frontalière de l’extrême Nord du Vietnam peu touristique. Vu sa biodiversité étonnante, ses valeurs paysagères ainsi que culturelles, cet endroit peut être considérée comme un musée en plein air avec des chaines de montagnes grandioses, des rizières en terrasse, des scènes de la vie quotidienne des tribus montagnards…

Covered by rock, Ha Giang undoubtedly poses difficulties for agricultural activities and construction. The inhabitants of minority ethnic groups, for their part, seek to live in perfect harmony with the stone. They build pretty houses, stone fences, make chairs and tables also from stone. No cement or other adhesives, their rock doghouse is both durable and charming.

If you are looking for untouched landscapes, distinctive culture and contact with ethnic minorities, Ha Giang remains one of the best destinations.

4. Visit the Pu Luong nature reserve

The Pu Luong nature reserve, a destination little frequented by tourists. Same as Sapa, Bac Hà and Ha Giang, Pu Luong is also full of beautiful rice terraces and ethnic villages…. Nevertheless, it is distinguished by its very diverse, even endemic, fauna and flora. Here, you can admire the beauty of green or golden rice fields changing with the seasons, lush tropical forests and hamlets of ethnic villages.

The region is mainly populated by the Thai ethnic group. A night with a local in his house on stilts, surrounded by rice fields, corn and cassava fields, would remain a unique and unforgettable experience. The site is ideally suited to travelers who love nature, discoveries, hiking, and human contact.

5. Take a cruise to Halong Bay

After tiring visits and hikes in mountainous areas, a night aboard a junk in Halong Bay will offer you wonderful moments of relaxation. Thousands of sugar loaves, of all shapes and sizes, rising from the bottom of the turquoise sea, form the unique beauty of one of the 7 new natural wonders of the world. A cruise to Halong Bay aboard a junk is indeed an activity to do absolutely during your trip to Vietnam.

6. Take a boat trip in Ninh Binh, Halong Bay on land

Less than 100 km south of Hanoi, you will immerse yourself in the splendor of a picturesque countryside and the rich historical values of Ninh Binh, the ancient imperial city.

Unlike the maritime version, Halong Bay on land is dotted with immense karst peaks emerging from lakes and rivers. Here, it is not a junk cruise but a boat trip to the rhythm of the rowers, which will slowly unfold before your eyes an immense carpet of green rice fields alternating with golden rice fields, sugar loaves and giant mysterious caves. In addition to a boat trip, you will look forward to discovering its picturesque and calm countryside by bike or motorbike.

The most beautiful visits in Central Vietnam ?

The Center is the narrowest part of Vietnam. This region is distinguished by its historical and cultural richness, beautiful beaches and extraordinary national parks.

1. Discover spectacular caves and underground rivers in Phong Nha

Phong Nha National Park, recognized twice as a world heritage site by UNESCO, is a precious pearl that nature has offered to the province of Quang Binh in Central Vietnam. Nicknamed “the kingdom of caves”, it is a “must” destination for nature and adventure lovers.

Arriving in Phong Nha, you can contemplate, by boat on the underground river, the beauty of all the caves including the Phong Nha cave and the Paradise cave recognized as the most typical. You can also go kayaking, ziplining and hiking through tropical jungles while discovering its rich and varied flora and fauna.

2. Visit Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam

Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, has experienced many eras of historical transition between the feudal regime, the colony and the current political regime. It remains one of the most interesting sites in the Center for those interested in culture, history and rural landscapes.

Hue has preserved intact its imperial monuments of typical architecture. Once you arrive, you are delighted to discover its imperial city, the mausoleums and tombs of the kings. A boat trip on the Perfume River is also a great experience to admire the pagodas and the pretty two-banked countryside; otherwise opt for a bike ride to discover the charming and typical houses and gardens of Hue.

This city is also renowned for its very refined and sophisticated imperial cuisine.

3. Stroll through the old quarters of Hoi An

Une fois que vous aurez mis les pieds à Hoi An, vous serez captivé par les murs teintés d’ocre jaune, les toits courbés couverts de tuiles et les rues décorées de lampions de papier multicolores.

This city, formerly called Faifo, was the former international trading port of Vietnam. When you arrive there, you will notice a mixture of cultural and historical influences from Japan, China and France.

Strolling through the old neighborhoods on foot would be the best way to discover the city of a thousand lanterns.

In addition, its old neighborhoods, its peaceful countryside and its beautiful beaches will enchant you. A bike or motorbike ride in the surrounding area is a recommended activity.

The most beautiful visits to do in South Vietnam ?

The South is the part located at the very bottom of Vietnam. This, formerly nicknamed “Cochinchina” by the French, is a multifaceted region.

1. Visit the Highlands (Da Lat and Buon Me Thuot)

The territory of the Highlands extends between Da Nang, Da Lat and the eastern coast of Vietnam. This region is known as the land of elephants and coffee, tea, rubber plantations, etc. It is the place where many ethnic minorities live, the most important of which are the Giarai, Mnong, Ede, Bahnar and Sedang.

It brings together several towns including Da Lat and Buon Me Thuot which are of more tourist interest.

Fresh, peaceful and green, Dalat is a city full of charm, its pretty colonial villas surrounded by flowered gardens, but also beautiful waterfalls, magnificent lakes, Savoyard chalets, a natural park…A city tour allows you to find a air of little France in Vietnam!

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination with wild nature, Buon Ma Thuot will be an excellent choice.

By visiting Buon Me Thuot, you have the opportunity to admire the coffee, tea and rubber plantations, discover ethnic villages and impressive waterfalls or take elephant rides, those in canoes on the Lak Lake – the largest natural freshwater lake in the Highlands.

2. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels around Ho Chi Minh City

Les tunnels de Cu Chi sont une des meilleures excursions d’une demi-journée à partir de Ho Chi Minh ville.

Situés à quelques 60 km au nord-ouest de Ho Chi-Minh ville, les tunnels de Cu Chi est un vaste labyrinthe de tunnels souterrains. Ce monde secret a été construit et utilisé par les Viet Cong pendant la guerre pour éviter d’être trouvés par les troupes américaines. Ils ont cuisiné, dormi, mangé, et même fait classe dans ces tunnels alors que les conflits se déchaînaient au-dessus.

Ici, plein d’activités s’offrent à vous: regarder les documentaires, se mettre sous la terre, tirer au fusil, voir les reproductions des pièges disséminés par les Viet Cong,….

3. Discover life along the water in the Mekong Delta

Located about 100km south of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta is becoming an unmissable site for those who love lush landscapes and total immersion in rural life.

It is a vast region with a high density of rivers, arroyos and coconut plantations as far as the eye can see. The Mekong Delta can be visited in two or three days. You can take a boat trip through arroyos in the middle of coconut jungles, take a bike ride in the shade of lush vegetation or take a cruise aboard a sampan.

Visiting the lively and colorful floating markets is also interesting to better understand local life in a region where water is omnipresent. This would be a great activity during your stay in Vietnam.

A night at a homestay is an experience not to be missed once you come there. You will be amazed by the warm welcome of the inhabitants and the total immersion of their daily life.

4. Spend a few days at the beach on Phu Quoc Island

The island of Phu Quoc is considered a paradise for lovers of relaxation on deserted beaches and well-being.

This island region is popular for its sunny beaches, lush tropical jungle and large mountain range.

You can practice a multitude of water activities such as diving, kayaking, etc., or discover pearl oyster farms, fish sauce factories, pepper or myrtaceae plantations which change from the omnipresent rice fields in the rest of the country…

So, the answer to the question “What to do and see in Vietnam” is now at your fingertips. And all you have to do is choose activities according to your tastes.