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Vietnam

Vietnam

Continent

Asia

Best States to Visit

  • Dong Nai
  • Nghe An
  • Quang Binh Province
  • Khanh Hoa Province
  • Vinh Phuc Province

Best Cities to Visit

  • Hanoi
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Da Nang
  • Hue
  • Dalat

Size

331,212 KM2

Population

97,338,579

GDP

$223,779,865,815

Spending Budget

$100 - $700

Famous For

  • Vietnam is known for being a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches, it's culture, amazing food (like pho), and friendly people.

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • September
  • October
  • November

History

The Hong Bang dynasty of the Hung kings first established in 2879 BC is considered the first Vietnamese state in the History of Vietnam. By the early 10th century, Vietnam had gained autonomy, but not sovereignty, under the Khuc family. In the 1500s, the Portuguese became acquainted with the Vietnamese coast, where they reportedly erected a stele on the Cham Islands to mark their presence. By 1533, they began landing in the Vietnamese delta but were forced to leave because of local turmoil and fighting. They also had less interest in the territory than they did in China and Japan. Between 1615 and 1753, French traders also engaged in trade in Vietnam. The first French missionaries arrived in Vietnam in 1658, under the Portuguese Padroado. In 1941, the Viet Minh, a nationalist liberation movement based on a Communist Ideology, emerged under the Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. The Viet Minh sought independence for Vietnam from France and the end of the Japanese occupation. Between 1953 and 1956, the North Vietnamese government instituted various agrarian reforms, including "rent reduction" and "land reform", which resulted in significant political repression. On 2 July 1976, North and South Vietnam were merged to form the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The war left Vietnam devastated, with the total death toll between 966,000 and 3.8 million.

Present Day

After North and South Vietnam were reunified as a communist state under a unitary socialist government in 1976, the country became economically and politically isolated until 1986, when the Communist Party initiated a series of economic and political reforms that facilitated Vietnamese integration into world politics and the global economy. As a result of the successful reforms, Vietnam has enjoyed high economic growth rate, consistently ranked among the fastest growing economies of the world. Vietnam is a regional power, and is considered a middle power in global affairs. It is a developing country ranking high in the Human Development Index; but nevertheless faces challenges including corruption, pollution, poverty, inadequate social welfare and a poor human rights record, including increasing persecution of religious groups and human rights advocates and intensifying restrictions on civil liberties. Vietnam is a part of several major international and intergovernmental institutions or groupings including the United Nations, the ASEAN, the APEC, the CPTPP, the Non-Aligned Movement, the OIF, the RCEP, and the World Trade Organization, and has also assumed a seat on the United Nations Security Council twice.

Future

In an economic development blueprint confirmed at its five-yearly congress, it said it would boost its growing role as a key manufacturing hub for global giants such as Samsung Electronics Co and Intel Corp. At the same time, the Party is trying to raise the country’s profile beyond being a low-cost labour destination to a centre for science and technology. Despite the pandemic, in January, a unit of Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology Co Ltd, a key Apple Inc supplier, obtained a licence to invest $270m in Vietnam as it moves some iPad and MacBook computer assembly from China. Meanwhile United States-based chipmaker Intel said it raised its investment in Vietnam by $475m to $1.5bn. The country will “focus on measures to basically complete the elements of a socialist-oriented market economy, better handling the relationship between the state and the market and society,” according to the Party’s economic blueprint. Analysts say that is code for Vietnam continuing its drive to privatise state-owned enterprises, except for those operating in areas deemed essential for national security and defence.The Party also said it will shift its focus on foreign direct investment (FDI) from quantity to quality, with a priority placed on lowering environmental risks.
Must Visit Places ------------

Halong Bay

The karst seascape of Halong Bay is one of the world's most spellbinding sea views and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of limestone islands sit within this bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, eroded into jagged pinnacles by wind and water action over millennia. With the bay's scenery best seen by boat, this is prime cruising territory. Opt for at least an overnight tour to see Halong Bay's iconic views as a day trip doesn't do it justice. There are plenty of caves in the bay that can be entered including the Hang Sung Sot, with three mammoth caverns, and the Hang Dao Go, with superbly weird stalagmites and stalactites. For most people though, the highlight is simply cruising amid the karsts and soaking up the changing scenery of pinnacles as you pass by.

Ho Chi Minh City

For big city fans, no visit to Vietnam is really complete without a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, the buzzing and crazy commercial hub of the country. The streets are an insane clog of motorbikes and cars, the restaurant and café scene is incredibly cosmopolitan, and the shopping is the best in the country. At its center is Dong Khoi, a relatively small and easily navigable central district, which holds most of the city's sights. Here, you'll find the HCMC Museum, with a brilliant collection of artifacts that weaves together the story of the city, and the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 19th century.

Hue

One of Vietnam's most historic towns, Hue is packed to the brim with relics from the reign of the 19th-century Nguyen emperors. Sitting along the banks of the gorgeous Perfume River, the Imperial Enclosure is a huge site set within walls that sprawl for 2.5 kilometers. While touring the grounds check out the gorgeous Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace with its finely lacquered interior detailing, the Dien Tho Residence where the Queen Mothers would live, and the Halls of Mandarins with its preserved ceiling murals. A dazzling number of historic sites lie outside the Imperial Enclosure walls as well.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

One of the best places to visit in Vietnam for caving, World Heritage-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a dramatic karst mountain formation honeycombed with huge caverns, which are home to superb stalactite and stalagmite displays. The most popular destination within the park is the Paradise Cave, which extends for a staggering 31 kilometers below ground. The yawning caverns here are truly spectacular. Tu Lan Cave is a "wet cave," and a visit here includes swimming through the cave-systems river. The other most popular excursion is to the Phong Nha Caves, where the interior is accessed by boat. You can access Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park from Son Trach.

My Son

Surrounded by lush jungle-covered mountains, My Son is a ruined Cham era temple city that dates from the 4th century. This old Hindu religious center was still very much in use during the 7th to 10th centuries and only fell into complete decline and abandonment during the 13th century. There are around 20 temple structures still standing here, all built of brick or sandstone blocks and showing interesting influences from various Asian empires, including Indian and Malay. Note that the temples of Group B are the oldest, while Group A once contained the site's most important monument but was destroyed deliberately by US forces during the Vietnam War.

Hoi An

Beautiful Hoi An is the most atmospheric city in Vietnam, with bags of surviving historic architecture. The old town quarter is a joy to explore, packed to the brim with well-preserved merchant houses that hark back to Hoi An's trading center heyday of the 15th century, when the town was a major meeting point for Japanese and Chinese merchants who flocked here for the local silks. Plenty of the old merchant houses have been opened to the public, so you can get a taste of these times. The best is 17th-century Tan Ky House, with fascinating architectural and decorative elements. Hoi An's major symbol is the delightful Japanese Bridge at the western end of Tran Phu Street, while nearby, the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation is the old town's most highly decorated temple. Hoi An's true charm is found in simply rambling the old town streets admiring the well-preserved facades.

Sapa Countryside

The verdant rice field countryside surrounding Sapa, bordered by the jagged peaks of the Hoang Lien Mountains (often still known by their French colonial era name of the Tonkinese Alps), are home to Vietnam's most beautiful rural vistas. The deep valleys here are home to a diverse mix of the country's ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Giay, and Red Dzao people, while the rippling hills are terraced with rice fields and overlooked by the country's tallest peak, Fansipan Mountain. This is the top trekking destination in Vietnam, with oodles of options to trek or day hike between tiny villages and experience the staggering mountain views. Sapa itself is the main base here - an old French hill station and now a bustling and forever growing tourist center that is a stark contrast to the sumptuous tranquil countryside right on its doorstep.

Nha Trang

For sandy fun in Vietnam, Nha Trang is king. The well-maintained beach trundles for six kilometers along the shoreline of central Nha Trang city and during summer is jam-packed with local families on vacation, as well as foreign visitors. There is excellent swimming here with designated swimming areas and manicured lounging areas that make this a great option for relaxing days soaking up the sun and sand. There is also an excellent museum dedicated to the work of Alexandre Yersin who discovered the cause of the bubonic plague and founded Nha Trang's Pasteur Institute

Cu Chi Tunnels

An absolutely fascinating experience for all travelers, not just those interested in Vietnam's modern military history, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive tunnel network that during the war, stretched for more than 250 kilometers, allowing VC troops to operate and communicate in the area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City. Two short sections of the network can be visited with a guide who'll take you down into the narrow unlit confines, which definitely are not for claustrophobia sufferers. You will literally be crawling on your hands and knees and some points. You can access the tunnels at either Ben Dinh village (the more popular choice) or Ben Duoc village.

Ba Be National Park

Tranquil Ba Be National Park is absolutely stunning with the three interlinked Ba Be Lakes at its heart, rimmed by jagged karst peaks and thickly forested slopes. Most visitors come here to take peaceful boat trips or kayak on the lake and explore the caves full of stalactites and stalagmites in the vicinity, but for the more active, there's also excellent hiking and trekking in the hills here between ethnic minority villages. This is one of the most peaceful spots in Vietnam, and travelers who spend the night here sleep in traditional stilt-house homestay accommodation along the lakeshore, allowing an experience of simple rural life.

Mekong Delta

The far south of Vietnam is where the mighty Mekong River finally finds its way to the sea in a maze of waterways that crisscross the floodplain. Incredibly lush, with paddy field vistas and mangroves, and full of local life, with chaotic floating markets to explore by boat, the delta is one of the most interesting regions for travelers to discover. Can Tho is the most popular town to use as a base as it's close to the floating markets of Phong Dien and Cai Rang, while boat trips from Ca Mau allow you to explore the U Minh Mangrove Forest and Cau Mau Nature Reserve.

Mui Né

Once a sleepy coastal fishing town, Mui Né has developed into a beautiful beach resort town and a prime destination for windsurfing, sailing, and kitesurfing. Compared to other beach destinations in Vietnam, however, Mui Né remains relatively unknown - and this means pristine beaches and a quiet retreat for most of the year. One of Mui Né's most unique attractions is the natural Red Sand Dunes just outside town, where visitors can practice sand-sledding or rent dune buggies for a more adrenaline-charged experience. Tucked away between nearby fishing villages and towering orange limestone formations, there's the Fairy Stream, a slow-moving warm stream that almost feels like a walkway because it's so shallow - follow it to the end to reach a waterfall.

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital is the frenetic heartbeat of the nation and a place that befuddles travelers as much as it charms them. The motorbike frenzy, pollution, and constant clamor of street vendors can get too much for some travelers, but if you want to dive into Vietnamese city life, Hanoi is the place to do it. The old town quarter has plenty of dilapidated charm on offer, while history fans should make a beeline here simply to see the bundle of excellent museums. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Vietnam Fine Art Museum are both brilliant introductions to the diverse artistry of the country, while the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is an important tribute to the founder of modern Vietnam.

Lan Ha Bay

An incredibly stunning island, the Lan Ha Bay is amongst beachfront places to visit in Vietnam that is less explored and untouched. From turquoise blue waters, white-sand beaches, lush surroundings, every attraction of the island is exquisite and deserves a visit. It is a paradise for adventure lovers and offers swimming, kayaking, caving, rock climbing, trekking, etc., like activities to satisfy every adventurous spirit. Include this place in your bucket list to enjoy a romantic retreat or spend some beautiful moments with your gang away from the madding crowd.

Cat Ba Island

Known as the snorkelling paradise, the Cat Ba Island is amongst the best places in Vietnam to indulge in water sports. It is the largest island in Halong Bay and offers lots of thrilling adventures like trekking, hiking, rock climbing, etc., other than water sports. Beaches here often remain overcrowded but still have some space for you to unwind, relax, or sunbathe amidst serene views. Rent a bike to explore the town while paddling through its alleys, savour local delicacies, and discover the vibrant culture and spirit of locals.

Dau Be Island

A beautiful island in southwestern Halong Bay, the Dau Be Island is enriched with a variety of flora and fauna. The most famous attraction of this island is charming Ba Ham Lake that consists of three ocean basins and is connected to a cave. The cave also has amazing rock formations along with a beautiful landscape and is one of the must-visit places in Vietnam. The island also boasts of its rich marine life, coral reefs and offers perfect settings to enjoy swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving to relish the beauty of the underwater world.

Ti Top Island

A tranquil destination in Halong Bay, the Tip Top Island is known for its crescent moon shaped beach and lush mountains. It is an isolated tiny island with a sprawling white coastline adorned with picturesque blue water scenery and an array of food stalls, souvenir outlets, bars, and chairs to sit back and relax. Visit this one of the spectacular places in Vietnam to enjoy snorkelling, swimming, or trekking to the summit of height 110 meters. Enjoy its nocturnal majesty under the moonlit sky and don't forget to try local seafood delicacies to mark the visit with delightful memories.

Hoang Lien National Park

Nestled in Lao Cai province, the Hoang Lien National Park is full of lush beauty and diverse species of flora and fauna. The place attracts a multitude of nature and wildlife lovers and photographers to capture the best shots of natural scenery or spot animals in their natural habitat. The park is also home to some tribes which let the visitors learn about local traditional and cultural values. Do include this one of the most famous Vietnam tourist places to spot some exotic birds or wild animals, behold local tribe’s lifestyle or shop some handicrafts.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

One of the most impressive places to visit in Vietnam, the Ban Gioc Waterfall gushes water from a height of 30 meters. It emerges from the Quay Son River and is 300 meters wide. The melodious sound of cascading water, pristine beauty of waterdrops and captivating backdrop scenery of lime mountains make this location picture perfect. The fall is located at the borderline of Vietnam and China and is shared by both countries. To witness the magical ambience and aura of cascading streams, book a ticket of bamboo raft that takes the visitors close enough to feel the cool spray of water.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Looking for Vietnam beautiful places to spend some relaxing moments with the family of friends then head to Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake is home to several turtles and offers pristine surroundings that mesmerize the visitors with their splendid charm. An ancient temple, the Ngoc Son is also located in the lake that enhances the beauty of the picturesque backdrop. The temple itself is a piece of architectural wonder and amuses everyone with its impressive design and religious significance.

Quan Cong

Quan Cong Temple is amongst the most attractive Vietnam tourist places and is visited by not only locals but tourists from several countries. It is a holy shrine for locals, especially for merchants as they visit the place to seek blessings for their businesses. It is a beautiful example of architecture harmony that has Chinese patterns blended with traditional Vietnamese designs. Don't forget to visit this iconic place in Hoi An that reflects the religious beliefs, customs, and tradition of the natives.

Cantonese Assembly Hall

Another architectural marvel in Hoi An, the Assembly Hall of Cantonese Chinese Congregation is amongst the most prominent places to visit in Vietnam. It was constructed in the late 18th century by Cantonese merchants built in Southeast Asian style. The main altar is dedicated to Quan Cong, who is worshipped as a representative of integrity, justice, and loyalty. The building comprises a central courtyard enclosed by structures brightly decorated with statues and carvings.

Cham Islands

Consisting of eight small islets off the shore of Hoi An, Cham Islands has gained a reputation of one of the most serene Vietnam tourist places. It has also garnered attention after being declared an UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The place is complete with natural beauty, marine biodiversity and is a perfect location to indulge in scuba diving, snorkelling, sunbathing and water sports. Spend overnight in these pristine islands and experience a true nature retreat. Don't forget to take your camera and capture the most hypnotizing sunrise scenery.

Phuoc Lam Pagoda

Located in Cam Ha Ward in Hoi An, the Phuoc Lam Pagoda belongs to Lam Te-Chuc Thanh Buddhist sect and is home and training centre of Buddhist monks. It attracts visitors for its impressive ancient Asian architecture and peaceful ambience. The pagoda comprises three chambers, two bell towers, two lean-tos and houses several precious ancient artefacts and statues. It has several renderings of the Buddha, including the most famous gold-plated "Buddha as a boy". Add this awesome place in your bouquet list of best places to visit in Vietnam and have an enchanting experience.

Perfume River

Feel the romance in the air with a boat cruise on the Perfume River, a must visit place in Vietnam for couples, honeymooners to all sorts of tourists. The river gets its aroma from the flowers that get dropped in the water from orchards upwards in autumn months. The river's perfume-like aroma is not only that enticing but its beautiful poetic views in the evening and breathtaking sunset scenery make it more attractive. Nearby Trang Tien Bridge (Cau Truong Tien) also adds to its beauty with its charming and colourful illuminated sight.