Vietnam; Best place for your vacation in Asia

Planning the perfect vacation can be a daunting task, and while the Carribean may be the first to
mind, you really should consider some Vietnam travel.
I know what you are thinking, Vietnam? Yes. Vietnam is actually a great place to vacation in Asia.
The South East Asian country is well known for its beaches, rivers, bustling cities and Buddhist
Pagodas. The wonderful natural beauty is quite a fascination and its rich history and culture will
certainly ensure you have a great time.

Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Vietnam

Attractions in Vietnam are plenty. There is something for everyone, whether you are a nature
enthusiast or are simply amazed by history, you will not run out of places to visit.

1. Ha Long Bay

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Quang Ninh Province, the Ha Long Bay is dotted with 1600
limestone islands and islets. It is literally translated to ‘Bay of Descending dragons' and the thick
jungle vegetation on top of each island forms a breathtaking view. Several islands are hollow with
some supporting floating villages of fishermen. You certainly do not want to miss the overnight
cruise in this beautiful bay.

2. The Mekong Delta

This is the region to the South of Vietnam where the mighty Mekong river meets the South China
Sea. The sprawling tributaries give the landscape an amazing view and the waterways have made
the area fertile and perfect for rice paddies and orchards. Watching this delta in the amazing
morning light should be on your to-do list.

3. Hoi An Town
The ancient town of Hoi An Town offers an exciting mix of different cultures and heritage. If you
are a lover of history, you will certainly appreciate the town's old architecture. The town is home to
Chinese temples, a Japanese-designed bridge, French colonial houses and old canals. Nighttime at
the Hoi An Riverside will certainly be a memorable experience with the old-fashioned lanterns
lighting the riverside. The great food, skilled tailors, friendly people and cozy atmosphere will
certainly make enjoy your vacation.

4. The Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels form an immense network through Ho Chi Minh City. Visiting these tunnels
will give you a sneak peek into the lives of Vietnamese Soldiers, all the while enjoying a wonderful
time at the war museums.

5. My Son Hindu Sanctuary

This impressive Hindu-themed ruin has beautiful stone cultures, temples, and towers surrounded by
tropical jungles. The sanctuary was initially built to honor the Hindu gods and goddesses.It was
however destroyed with time and wars and was finally renovated by the French after a long time.
The majority of the central complex, however, survived the bombs and part of the ruins have been
rebuilt. This sanctuary is a must visit for all lovers of history.
6. Hoi Chi Minh City
Still commonly referred to as Saigon, the old capital city of Vietnam is a sight to behold. Although
it shrank in size after the Vietnam war, the city has grown back to become the economic stronghold
for Vietnam. There are several exciting places to visit in this beautiful city including the French
colonial City hall, the reunification palace, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and most of all the Skydeck
in Bitexco financial tower that lets you enjoy the breathtaking view of the city.

7. Nha Tang
Some of the most beautiful beaches are found in Nha Tang. This coastal resort is a perfect
destination for you to spend some quality time on your vacation. Relax and unwind on the sandy
beaches while enjoying the view of the Yang bay waterfalls. You could also go scuba diving, surfing
or hike to the Thap Ba Hot springs.

8. Cham islands
The Cham islands are mountainous isles several miles from the coast of Hanoi. Although overnight
stays on the islands are limited, you can have some fun during the day by doing some birdwatching
or even going snorkeling. The largest island, Hon Lao, is just a few hours away from the coast. I’m
sure the speedboat ride will be an awesome experience.

9. The Imperial Citadel of Hue

This spectacular site was a political center which doubled up as the Capital for Vietnam, long before
World war II. The Purple Forbidden city lies at the center of this citadel and was exclusively
reserved for the royal family. The great thing about visiting this place is that you will only be a
walking distance away from other spectacular attractions such as the Quan Thanh temple.

10. The War Remnants Museum

This museum was opened to the public back in 1975 and it serves as a harsh reminder of the long
and brutal Vietnam War. Vietnam travel will surely not be complete without a visit to this museum,
previously known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes'. Graphic photographs and grisly
photos of the victims that suffered ‘Agent Orange' are on display. You can also get a chance to see
the ‘tiger cages' which are believed to have imprisoned up to 14 people at a time. The guillotine,
brought in by the French, is also on display. Up to 1960, the French and South Vietnamese
governments used this to execute their prisoners.

The visit to the war remnants museum can be a harrowing experience and I would not recommend
taking children with you.

Traveling to Vietnam? Here’s what you should know.

Traveling to any place for the first time can be quite a challenge. For Vietnam, it can be more
challenging given there are so many places you could visit. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Start out at Ho Chi Minh

If you do not have an elaborate guide of how your vacation will look, Ho Chi Minh could be the
perfect place to start. The city, although modern, has quite a rich history and is home to some of the
popular destinations. The mix of modern and ancient landmarks is a breath of fresh air and the good
range of restaurants is a bonus for this city. I must say, it is a bit more expensive, as compared to
other Vietnamese cities, but it is all worthwhile.

2. Learn some basic Vietnamese words

This could go a long way in helping you enjoy your time there. You really don't have to take
Vietnamese classes for a whole year before the vacation. Simply learn a few words for greetings,
and perhaps asking for directions. The Vietnamese locals are friendly and chatting up with them
could be quite exciting.

3. Arrange for medical insurance

Medical treatment in Vietnam is not free, therefore, planning for medical insurance cover before
your departure is a must-do. The health facilities may not provide standard services, but you may
decide to go for international facilities (which are a bit more expensive)

4. Ask for permission before taking photographs.

What’s a vacation without photographs to capture the memories? You will definitely want to
remember the beautiful places and the good memories. However, be sure to ask for permission first
before taking any photographs, especially if it is in a minority place.

5. Mind your taxis

Although the more famous taxi companies may charge you a bit more, you should opt for them.
Always insist on a metered taxi. You could find yourself in a locked taxi and the only way to get out
is to pay an extravagant fee. Consider booking a cab with Mai Linh and Vinasun when in South
Vietnam while Taxi group is a great option in the North. Although a relatively small company,
‘Hanoi Star’ is also quite reliable.

6.It is a paradise for foodies

I wouldn't be surprised if all your favorite memories of Vietnam revolve around their food.
Vietnamese food is unique with its fresh ingeridients and minimal use of oil. Common ingredients
used in traditional Vietnamese foods such as fish sauce, shrimp paste among others give the food a
rich fine taste. The cuisine is truly unforgettable but you have to try it out for yourself. Make sure
you at least try the Vietnamese national dish, Pho. It is basically a hearty meaty and noodle soup
with fresh herbs eaten at breakfast.

7. Traffic is hectic
Saigon is the city with the largest motorbike concentration in the world. There are hardly any
crossroads and you could take some time before you get used to it. Cyclists ride illegally on the
same pavements pedestrians use and lounge on. Ensure you maintain a slow pace and make yourself
predictable on your route and walking speed.

If you haven’t been, then you should really put Vietnam at the top of your places to visit. A travel to
Vietnam is sure to be an amazing experience. It would be better if you could plan your vacation for
several weeks to allow you to enjoy the fabulous places enough.Ensure you do some extensive
research on your Vietnam travel, to get the best deals out there. You could visit Vietnam at any time,
but I would really recommend going during the spring. Everything is so much lovelier then!