12 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam - Travel Video

Summary

Vietnam, a slender nation with diverse landscapes, offers a rich tapestry of experiences. From the cool highlands of Dalat to the historic Hoi An, each region unveils unique charms. Explore the lush rice paddies of Tam Coc, the tropical allure of Phu Quoc Island, and the majestic caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi blend modern vibrancy with colonial heritage. Coastal Nha Trang and Halong Bay's ethereal beauty round out this journey through Vietnam's natural and cultural wonders.

Takeaways

• 🌄 Vietnam boasts a diverse landscape, from the rice terraces and mountains in the north to the beaches and deltas in the south.
• 🏞 Dalat, with its cool weather and scenic valleys, served as a summer retreat for emperors and colonials and is now a popular tourist destination.
• 🛶 Tam Coc is renowned for its stunning beauty, best explored by boat through rice paddies and limestone cliffs, including three natural tunnels.
• 🏝 Phu Quoc Island, with its tropical jungle and beaches, has a rich history as a missionary base and French prison, and is now a tropical paradise.
• 🏞 Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, near the Laos border, is famous for its ancient karst mountains, caves, and the massive Son Doong Cave.
• 🏙 Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city with a mix of modern skyscrapers and historical sites like the Reunification Palace.
• 🚣‍♀️ The Mekong Delta is known for its floating markets, fertile agriculture, and is a crucial food source for a significant portion of Vietnam.
• 🏖 Nha Trang is a coastal city with beautiful beaches, islands, and a vibrant resort scene, popular among tourists and scuba divers.
• 🏔 Sapa offers culturally diverse experiences and proximity to stunning mountain scenery, with organized tours for hiking and village exploration.
• 🏰 Hue, the former imperial capital, is rich in architecture, culture, and cuisine, with landmarks like the Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.
• 🏙 Hanoi, the capital, blends eastern and western cultures, with French influences visible in its cuisine and architecture, including the Temple of Literature.
• 🌉 Halong Bay, with its limestone islands and outcrops, is a top destination for day cruises, swimming, cave exploration, and remote island visits.

Q & A

What is the geographical feature that distinguishes Vietnam?

Vietnam is a long, narrow country located between the South East Asian Sea and the borders of Laos and Cambodia, known for its striking landscapes that range from lush rice terraces and forested mountains in the north to fertile deltas and beautiful beaches in the south.

Why was Dalat a popular summer retreat for Vietnamese emperors and French colonials?

Dalat was used as a summer retreat due to its year-round cool weather and idyllic scenery, which includes misty valleys, lush pine trees, and colorful flowers.

How can one best explore Tam Coc's landscape?

The best way to explore Tam Coc is by boat, where you can take a rowboat ride alongside lush green paddies and between striking limestone cliffs, including floating through three tunnels carved by the river.

What are some activities one can do on Phu Quoc island?

On Phu Quoc island, visitors can sunbathe on sandy beaches, scooter around fishing villages, visit pearl farms, and trek to waterfalls.

What is unique about the Son Doong Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park?

The Son Doong Cave is unique as it contains its very own hidden jungle, microclimate, and an Underground River, making it one of the largest caves on Earth.

Why is Ho Chi Minh City an important city in Vietnam's history?

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, was the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War and is now the largest city of the reunified country, with historical sites like the Reunification Palace marking significant moments in its history.

What is the significance of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam's agriculture?

The Mekong Delta is significant as it is an agricultural region known as 'Vietnam’s Rice Basket,' providing more than a third of the country's food from its rich plantations, rice paddies, and fish farms.

What makes Nha Trang a popular destination among tourists, Vietnamese, and scuba divers?

Nha Trang is popular due to its location on one of Asia’s most beautiful bays, offering picturesque mountains, beaches, and lush islands, making it a favorite spot for tourists, locals, and scuba divers.

What cultural experiences can tourists expect in Sapa?

In Sapa, tourists can expect to experience the culturally diverse population, mountain hikes, exploration of nearby rice paddies and remote villages, and the opportunity to taste local food and learn about the customs and way of life among the local tribes.

What historical significance does Hue hold in Vietnam?

Hue served as the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty, and its historical significance is reflected in the city’s architecture, culture, and cuisine, with landmarks like the Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda.

How does Hanoi reflect a blend of eastern and western culture?

Hanoi reflects a blend of eastern and western culture through its French colonial influence visible in its cuisine and architecture, particularly in the French Quarter, and its many temples and historical sites.

What is the meaning behind the name 'Halong Bay' and how can one experience its beauty?

Halong Bay's name means 'descending dragons,' reflecting the silhouette of the limestone outcrops that rise from the water. One can experience its beauty through day cruises, swimming, exploring caves, or visiting remote, uninhabited islands.

Outlines

00:00

🌄 Exploring Vietnam's Diverse Landscapes

Vietnam is a country with a diverse landscape, ranging from the northern rice terraces and forests to the Central Highlands' valleys and the southern delta's beaches. It also boasts bustling cities, colonial towns, traditional villages, and unique islands. The video highlights several must-visit destinations, including Dalat, known for its cool weather and scenic beauty, making it a historical summer retreat; Tam Coc, with its stunning rice paddies and limestone cliffs; and Phu Quoc, an island with a rich history and tropical allure.

05:36

🏞️ Discovering Vietnam's Natural Wonders and History

Phong Nha-Ke Bang, near the Laos border, is renowned for its karst mountains and the massive Son Doong Cave. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, offers a blend of history and modernity with sites like the Reunification Palace and the Saigon Skydeck. The Mekong Delta is known for its floating markets and fertile lands, while Nha Trang is a coastal city with beautiful bays, beaches, and islands, attracting tourists and scuba divers alike.

11:13

🏔️ Cultural and Scenic Highlights of Vietnam

Sapa is a mountainous town in the northwest known for its diverse population and proximity to scenic landscapes, offering tours for hiking and cultural experiences. Hue, the former imperial capital, showcases its history through architecture, culture, and cuisine, with landmarks like the Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. Hoi An is an ancient city with well-preserved Old Town architecture and a thriving tailoring industry. Hanoi, the capital, blends eastern and western cultures, with attractions like the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum.

16:15

🚢 Halong Bay: Vietnam's Iconic Natural Beauty

Halong Bay is Vietnam's most famous destination, known for its limestone islands and islets. The bay's name, meaning 'descending dragons,' reflects the dramatic landscape. Day cruises offer a chance to explore the islands, swim, and discover caves, making it a must-visit for experiencing Vietnam's natural beauty.

Keywords

💡Landscapes

Landscapes refer to the visible features of an area of land, including the physical elements of landforms such as mountains, rivers, and forests, as well as the human elements of human activity. In the context of the video, landscapes are the natural features that define Vietnam's geography, from the rice terraces in the north to the beaches in the south. The video emphasizes the diversity of Vietnam's landscapes, which contribute to its appeal as a travel destination.

💡Rice Terraces

Rice terraces are a method of agriculture in which slopes are carved into flat steps or terraces to create fields for growing crops, particularly rice. In the video, rice terraces are mentioned as part of Vietnam's lush northern landscapes, showcasing the country's agricultural practices and the way they blend with the natural environment to create picturesque scenes.

💡Central Highlands

The Central Highlands is a region in Vietnam known for its mountainous terrain and cooler climate compared to the coastal areas. In the video, the Central Highlands are highlighted for their valleys and fertile lands, which contribute to the country's agricultural richness and offer a contrast to the coastal regions in terms of topography and climate.

💡Colonial Towns

Colonial towns are cities that were established or significantly influenced during the colonial period, often characterized by architectural styles from the colonial powers. The video mentions colonial towns as part of Vietnam's cultural heritage, reflecting the historical influence of French colonial rule on the country's architecture and urban planning.

💡Traditional Villages

Traditional villages are communities that maintain customs, practices, and sometimes architectural styles from the past. In the video, traditional villages are noted as part of Vietnam's cultural diversity, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's history and way of life before modernization.

💡Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, part of Vietnam but geographically closer to Cambodia. The video describes Phu Quoc for its tropical jungle, sandy beaches, and historical significance as a former missionary base and French colonial prison. It serves as an example of Vietnam's tropical paradise and its complex history.

💡Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is a national park in Vietnam known for its ancient karst mountains, caves, and rivers. The video highlights the park's natural beauty and its popularity as a filming location, showcasing Vietnam's rich biodiversity and geological wonders.

💡Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and was the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The video mentions the city for its historical landmarks like the Reunification Palace and modern attractions like the Saigon Skydeck, reflecting the city's role as a cultural and economic hub.

💡Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River flows into the sea, creating a fertile agricultural area. The video describes the delta for its floating markets, fruit orchards, and rice paddies, illustrating Vietnam's agricultural importance and the unique way of life in this region.

💡Nha Trang

Nha Trang is a coastal city in Vietnam known for its beautiful bay, beaches, and islands. The video mentions Nha Trang as a popular seaside resort, emphasizing its appeal to tourists and its role in Vietnam's tourism industry.

💡Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, known for its blend of eastern and western cultures, with a significant influence from French colonialism. The video highlights Hanoi's cultural landmarks, such as the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum, showcasing the city's historical and cultural significance.

💡Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam, famous for its thousands of limestone islands and islets that rise from the sea. The video describes Halong Bay as a top destination in Vietnam, with day cruises allowing visitors to explore its islands, caves, and remote beaches, encapsulating the country's natural beauty and appeal to travelers.

Highlights

Vietnam's diverse landscapes range from lush rice terraces in the north to beautiful beaches in the south.

Dalat, known for its cool weather and misty valleys, was a summer retreat for emperors and colonials.

Tam Coc's breathtaking beauty is best explored by boat through its rice paddies and limestone cliffs.

Phu Quoc Island offers a mix of tropical jungle, sandy beaches, and a history of missionaries and colonial prisons.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park features 400-million-year-old karst mountains and the massive Son Doong Cave.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city, offers a 360-degree view from the Saigon Skydeck and historical Reunification Palace.

The Mekong Delta is known for its floating markets, fruit orchards, and rice paddies, feeding over a third of Vietnam.

Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort with beautiful bays, mountains, beaches, and islands.

Sapa's mountainous region offers diverse culture and proximity to scenic hikes and remote villages.

Hue, the former imperial capital, showcases its history through architecture, culture, and the famous Citadel.

Hoi An's Old Town is a well-preserved example of traditional architecture and culture dating back 2,000 years.

Hanoi, the capital, blends eastern and western cultures, with notable French colonial influences.

Halong Bay, known for its limestone islands, offers day cruises for swimming, cave exploration, and island hopping.

Transcripts

A long, narrow country squeezed in between the South East Asian Sea and the Laos and

Cambodia borders, Vietnam is a land of striking landscapes.

Ranging from the lush rice terraces and forested mountains in the north to the picturesque

valleys of the Central Highlands and the fertile delta and beautiful beaches of the south.

Included in the mix are booming cities, colonial towns, traditional villages and otherworldly

islands.

Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Vietnam.

Number 12.

Dalat.

Year-round cool weather and idyllic scenery of misty valleys, lush pine trees and colorful

flowers are some of the reasons that Dalat was once used by Vietnamese emperors and French

colonials as a summer retreat.

Today, this charming town in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam is a popular destination

for those looking for relief from the heat.

A walkable city, Dalat is a beautiful scene of French colonial architecture and villas

set amid picturesque landscapes.

Number 11.

Tam Coc.

On paper, Tam Coc can be described as rice paddies surrounded by limestone cliffs and

rock formations.

In reality, Tam Coc is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful destination in Vietnam.

The best way to explore is by boat, and you can set off on a rowboat that takes you up

alongside the lush green paddies and between striking limestone cliffs.

You’ll even float through three tunnels that run through the mountains, which were

carved over time by the river itself.

Number 10.

Phu Quoc.

Phu Quoc is a scenic island in the Gulf of Thailand.

While it officially forms part of Vietnam, it is actually closer geographically to Cambodia.

Today, it’s characterized by dense tropical jungle, soft sandy beaches, and undulating

hills.

But the island has a fascinating history, having served first as a missionary base and

then as a French colonial prison.

History aside, the island is most tempting for its alluring tropical nature.

Days in Phu Quoc are spent sunbathing on sandy beaches, scootering around fishing villages,

visiting pearl farms, and trekking to waterfalls.

Number 9.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang.

Located near the Laos border, Phong Nha-Ke Bang is one of the most picturesque parts

of the country.

With a steadfast reputation as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island, and with a nearby

international airport, the national park is more popular than ever before.

Home to 400 million-year-old karst mountains, there are hundreds of caves and secretive

rivers to explore.

The Son Doong Cave is a must visit.

Home to its very own hidden jungle, microclimate, and Underground River, it’s one of the largest

caves on Earth.

Number 8.

Ho Chi Minh City.

Lying along the Saigon River in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon

and served as the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Today, it is the largest city of the reunified country, offering plenty of reasons to visit.

Head to the top of the Saigon Skydeck for an astonishing 360-degree view of the city.

The Reunification Palace is also a fascinating place to go.

It’s a famous spot in Vietnam’s history as it captures the time when Saigon fell as

a tank broke through the gates of the palace.

A replica of this same tank can be seen on the grass outside

the palace.

Number 7.

Mekong Delta.

Colorful floating markets, fruit orchards, rice paddies, bird sanctuaries and quaint

villages are all what draw many to the Mekong Delta in southwestern Vietnam.

Nicknamed “Vietnam’s Rice Basket,” the Mekong Delta is an agricultural region made

fertile by the maze of canals and streams fed by the Mekong River.

Stretching from the Gulf of Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City, the delta region feeds more

than a third of the country from its rich plantations, rice paddies and fish farms.

Number 6.

Nha Trang.

Located on one of Asia’s most beautiful bays off the coast of South Central Vietnam,

Nha Trang is a popular seaside resort city.

Picturesque mountains, beaches and lush islands all make it a favorite destination among tourists,

Vietnamese and scuba divers.

Adorned with resorts, palm trees and a lovely promenade, Nha Trang’s beach is its main

draw.

Amusement and water parks provide fun for everyone with roller coasters and wave pools.

Number 5.

Sapa.

Located in the remote northwest of Vietnam, the mountainous town of Sapa is known for

its culturally diverse population as well as its proximity to incredible scenery.

From the town, there are many organized tours that aide tourists in mountain hikes and exploring

the nearby rice paddies and remote villages.

These tours present views of beautiful waterfalls and the opportunities to experience the food,

customs and way of life among the local tribes.

Number 4.

Hue.

Situated on the banks of the Perfume River in Central Vietnam, Hue once served as the

imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty.

Today, the vestiges of this former glorious period are reflected in the city’s architecture,

culture and cuisine.

Of the city’s monuments, the Citadel is the most famous.

Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, the Citadel is a sprawling complex of grand palaces,

ornate temples, walls and gates.

Another important landmark is the city’s official symbol, the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Number 3.

Hoi An.

Located off the coast of the South East Asian Sea, Hoi An is a beautiful, old city dating

back 2,000 years to the Champa Kingdom.

The city’s historic architecture, traditional culture and textiles make it a popular destination

in Vietnam.

At the heart of Hoi An is its atmospheric Old Town which is small enough to walk around

easily.

The narrow, winding lanes of the Old Town are lined with beautiful old architecture,

traditional wooden houses and hundreds of tailor shops selling clothing, shoes, bags

and souvenirs.

Number 2.

Hanoi.

As the booming capital city of a reunified Vietnam, Hanoi is an exhilarating blend of

eastern and western culture.

French colonialism is visible through cuisine as well as architecture, particularly in the

French Quarter in the Hoan Kiem District.

Hanoi is packed with incredible temples, and a visit to the 11th century Temple of Literature

is a must-do activity.

The side-by-side Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum are also major attractions in Hanoi, and both

are striking buildings from the exterior.

Number 1.

Halong Bay.

One of the best-known destinations in the entire country is Halong Bay.

Its reputation is well deserved, because it is truly beautiful.

Halong means descending dragons, which is indicative of the silhouette of the limestone

outcrops that poke out from the water.

Day cruises are a spectacular way to experience the beauty of this otherworldly bay and to

see as many of the islands as possible.

You can go swimming, look for caves to explore or find some of the more remote, uninhabited

islands while cruising through Halong Bay.