Phu Quoc Island
Phu Quoc - kilometers of beautiful beaches, tropical nature, a diverse underwater world, exciting excursions and much more. Now the island is rapidly gaining popularity among Russian tourists (and not only). Luxurious hotels are being built here one after another, they have almost built a new airport terminal (even more than the previous one) - I think that in a few years there will be such a Vietnamese "Phuket" :) In Fukuoka, you should first go to the Vinpearl amusement park, in safari park, to the southern islands (by cable car or boat), visit Bai Sao beach with white sand and a beach with starfish ...
Mekong Delta
Mekong - the greatest river of all southeast Asia flows into the South China Sea, and its mouth with many branches is located just in Vietnam. The city of Can Tho is the largest in this region, from where it is very easy to organize an excursion, or you can take a tour from Ho Chi Minh City, it costs not so much ($ 30-40 for the whole day) and is very popular among tourists. You will sail in colorful boats among the thickets, visit local authentic villages, houseboats, markets, look at the ordinary life of the local population. In short, an excursion to the Mekong Delta is a great opportunity to see the real Vietnam.
Tunnels Ku Chi
The tunnel system used by the Viet Cong to conduct a guerrilla war against the Americans. These were entire underground cities with various premises. Enemy soldiers could not fit in narrow tunnels (unlike local small and brisk partisans), the tunnels were very well fortified and had many traps. Now excursions from Ho Chi Minh are being organized here, you can join them.
Ho Chi Minh City
If you are in the south of Vietnam, you are unlikely to go round Ho Chi Minh City. It is the largest city in the country (along with Hanoi). If you want to see the dynamically developing, modern Vietnam, bars, clubs, hipster coffee shops and fashion brand stores - you are definitely here. But Ho Chi Minh has something to offer and lovers of ancient architecture. Take a stroll through the Dong Hoi area and drop by the Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral, send a postcard from the old post office, buy something at Binh Tau Market and dine at one of the many cafes in the center where you can find any traditional Vietnamese dish. In the city you can also see several military museums and the Reunification Palace, and in the vicinity I recommend a trip to the huge temple of the Kaodai religion.
Kondao Islands
An archipelago of several islands in the south of Vietnam attracts solitude lovers, although tourism is now developing rapidly. Once political prisoners were exiled here (the prison is still preserved here, though it can already be visited as a museum). Now they have updated the airport, now you can cheaply fly from Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy a relaxing beach holiday. In the main city you can find buildings with French flavor, on the beaches to watch the birth of turtles, as well as diving.
Nha trang
The most popular resort in Vietnam, especially among our tourists. Here, lying on the beach, sitting on a city bus and eating food in a cafe, you will be surrounded by compatriots :) Nha Trang offers all the opportunities for a great vacation: long sandy beaches, the entertainment island Vinpearl, where the cable car leads, many restaurants, bars and cafes.
Also in Nha Trang a large selection of excursions and organized tours. First of all, go to the southern and northern islands, to Young Bay Park, to the hot springs of Thap Ba or 100 Eggs, try your hand at surfing and sea fishing. And in the city I recommend a look at the Chama towers of Po Nagar, the Long Sean Pagoda and the Catholic Cathedral. I advise you to visit the nearby beaches of Zoklet and Bai Dai, it is very picturesque and fewer people than in the city.
Muyne
Another popular resort where families with children and surf / kitesurfers love to come. In Mui Ne, at nightfall everything freezes, only the bars on the beach work, and in the village itself - silence.
In the surroundings you can see amazing sand dunes, a fishing village, the Red Canyon and the Fairy Stream and many other interesting places.
Dalat
One of the cutest cities in Vietnam, a trip here is sure to be remembered. It is located off the coast in the mountains, therefore it is always cooler than at sea - for this the French colonialists loved it, having equipped themselves with mini-France. There is even an Eiffel Tower :)
And several more picturesque waterfalls in the surrounding area, a cable car over pine forests, orchards and coffee plantations. In Dalat, be sure to visit Crazy House, whose architect studied in Moscow. This is really crazy! And also: the royal palace, a picturesque lake in the center, several temples.
Dambri and Dasar Waterfalls
Dambri Park is located on the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat (not reaching the last 130 km), and Dambri Waterfall is one of the highest in Vietnam. Only here you should come in the rainy season, and in the dry season it is unlikely to impress you. You can climb to the top of the Dambri by "elevator", and ride a sled in the park.
Kat Thien National Park
One of the largest national parks in Vietnam offers extensive opportunities for immersion in the wild. Here you can go on a trek, watch the birds, ride a mountain bike. You can also visit the rehabilitation center for primates, bears and a crocodile lake.
Michon
One of the iconic historical sights of Vietnam - the complex of ancient ruins of Michon, located near the city of Hoi An. It was an important religious and educational center of the Tyam Empire, so if you are a history buff, then you are definitely here.
In total, archaeologists counted 78 buildings in Michonne, but now, due to erosion and bombing during the Vietnam War, only 20 remained. But the atmosphere there is amazing and somewhat bewitching. There are quite a lot of tourists in Michon during the day, so it is ideal to travel from Hoi An early in the morning to catch big tourist groups. What to see in Vietnam yet?
Hoi An
In our opinion, the most photogenic and beautiful city in Vietnam. Once Hoi An was an important trading center and port, but then the river became shallow and the ships could no longer enter the port. But the old city remained, with its Chinese temples, guesthouses of wealthy merchants, a Japanese bridge and, of course, a picturesque river.
Now it’s forbidden to drive to the old city by car or bike, so the atmosphere is quite authentic. Well, you can ride a cycle rickshaw. Nearby is a very good beach, plus you can take a boat ride on the river or cycle through the rice fields in the vicinity. And do not forget to buy leather goods here (in detail about what to bring from Vietnam). In general, I recommend to visit!
Danang
Danang is a modern developing city with good opportunities for both beach and outdoor activities. The most famous place in the vicinity is Mount Bana and the recently opened Golden Bridge.
The bridge is made as if holding his huge stone hands. It offers incredible views, in good weather you can even see the ocean.
Hue Citadel
Hue played an important role in the outcome of the Vietnam War, and many architectural monuments were destroyed. But on the other hand, the imperial Citadel of the Nguyen dynasty was pretty well preserved. It was built in the early 19th century, and the walls were strengthened very seriously. The walls are 2 meters thick, 10 meters high, and there is a wide and deep ditch with water around.
Fongnia Kebang National Park
The national park contains the oldest karst formations in Asia, which is why it is here that the largest cave in the world is located - Shondong. So this is a speleologist’s paradise :) But getting to the cave is not so easy, you need to organize a mini-expedition. But there are many other caves, with access much easier. Fongnia Kebang Park contains more than 100 species of animals and more than 300 species of birds and pristine rainforests. In addition to the caves in the park, you can organize a short hike, visit local villages and ride a boat on the river.
Halong Bay
Well, who did not hear about Halong Bay? This is a visiting card of the country and the main attraction of Vietnam. The bay is a bizarre cliff and islands in the sea, overgrown with tropical vegetation. It organizes many tours both from Hanoi, and from other parts of the country. The most inexpensive option is to take a one-day excursion from the capital ($ 25-35 for the whole day). This will include a transfer, a boat trip, lunch there, a guide, visiting caves and an observation deck, several activities (canoeing, bamboo rafts - for an additional fee).
The tourist center of this area is Kat Ba Island, where you can sunbathe on the beach, swim in a canoe, and ride a bike on the island.
There Kok
Tam Kok is located near the capital near the city of Ninh Binh and offers some of the most picturesque views in Vietnam. Just a couple of hours by bus from Hanoi and you find yourself among rice fields, karst mountains and a river, the smooth flow of which perfectly reflects the local atmosphere. The whole landscape seems to be from anime, so everything is watercolor-soft.
Rent a boat or a bamboo raft and swim for a couple of hours along the river, observing the surrounding beauty and sailing right through the caves. You can also rent a bike and ride through the rice fields, and climb to the observation deck. Must see!
Sapa
North Vietnam is one of the best areas in the country where you can actively relax. Trekking, villages of local tribes, vibrant colorful people, fresh air and mountains - that's what travelers come here for. The best option to explore the north of Vietnam is by bike, because public transport in these areas is not developed everywhere.
But you can come to Sapa - this is a local tourist center, not far from the border with China. Here you can organize cool trekking and even climbing Mount Fansipan - the highest in Vietnam. Recently, a lot of hotels, cafes, restaurants have appeared in Sapa - the infrastructure is well developed, and it is easy to get there - by night train from Hanoi, and then by bus.
Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam seemed not very attractive to us, but still it’s worth a visit to the old city if you suddenly find yourself here. Sit on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and you can settle in the old quarter. This place is popular among travelers, there you will find where to order any tours and a cheap meal.
Datian Waterfall
The largest waterfall in Southeast Asia is located on the border of Vietnam and China, 270 km north of Hanoi. The waterfall has three levels and looks very large. Now many tourists come here, but from the Chinese side the views are more picturesque. You can climb to the observation deck or swim closer to the waterfall on a bamboo boat.
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