Vietnam is a land of natural beauty at the easternmost edge of the Indochina Peninsula, and the 15th most populous country in the world. China borders it to the north, Cambodia and Laos to the west; it shares maritime borders with Thailand across the Gulf of Thailand and with the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia across the South China Sea.
Vietnamese Culture
Vietnam's culture is diverse and layered, shaped by its long history and local traditions. Ancient temples in the north show Chinese influences, while those in the south reflect Hindu origins; Chinese, Buddhist, Russian and Indian threads all run through Vietnamese life. Cultural symbols such as the Vietnamese dragon and the nation's founding father are deeply revered, and spiritual belief remains an important part of everyday culture.
Hanoi β The Capital
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and second-largest city, lies in the north of the country. Attractive museums, ancient pagodas, vibrant nightlife, traditional villages and striking architecture make it the country's centrepiece for travellers.
Hanoi sightseeing highlights
- Hoan Kiem Lake, Turtle Tower and The Huc Bridge
- West Lake and Truc Bach Lake
- One Pillar Pagoda and Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Hanoi Opera House
- Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the National Historical Museum
- Vietnam Women's Museum
- Lenin Park, Union Park, Rose Park and Rising Sun Park
- Thu Le Zoo and Times City Aquarium
- Quang Ba Flower Market
- Huu Tiep Lake and Khue Van Pavilion
Places to Visit in Vietnam
Vietnam is a superb holiday destination with standout cities from north to south. These are the ones to plan around.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), still widely known as Saigon, sits in southeastern Vietnam and is the country's largest city and financial hub. From classy restaurants to street food, and from luxury hotels to budget stays, the city covers every style of travel β and the Vietnamese cuisine here is a must-try. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Vietnam's largest, serves the city, while the metro, buses, motorbikes, bicycles and taxis handle daily transport.
Ho Chi Minh City tour highlights
- Independence Palace
- War Remnants Museum
- Bitexco Financial Tower
- Thien Hau Temple and Chau Thoi Pagoda
- Museum of Vietnamese History and the Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Dam Sen Cultural Park and Dam Sen Water Park
- Tao Dan Park and Rin Rin Park
- Dai Nam Wonderland and Monkey Island
- Artinus 3D Art Museum and Starlight Bridge
- KizCiti, The Big Mountain and Green Noen
Da Nang
Da Nang, Vietnam's fifth-largest city and a key port, is the educational and commercial centre of central Vietnam. Its serene beaches with crystal-clear water are loaded with activities for sun-seekers, while ancient pagodas and verdant national parks round out the attractions.
Da Nang highlights
- Marble Mountains and Ban Co Peak
- Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge and Thuan Phuoc Bridge
- My Khe, Non Nuoc and Black Rock beaches
- Sun Wheel and Sun World Asia Park
- Nam O Reef and East Sea Park
- Phap Lam Pagoda
- Dong Dinh Art Museum and Children's Cultural Houses
- Green Lake and Hai Chau Village
Hai Phong
Hai Phong, the City of Flame Flowers, takes its nickname from the flame trees lining its streets. Vietnam's third most populous city, it is a busy port plus a commercial and industrial hub, with temples, pagodas, museums and mausoleums well worth visiting.
Hai Phong attractions
- Cat Ba National Park
- Cannon Fort
- Tam Bac Lake and Phuong Luu Lake
- Elephant Mountain (Nui Voi)
- Hai Phong Museum
- Hang Kenh Pagoda and the Hang Kenh Communal House
- Kim Dong Bamboo Garden
- Nguyen Binh Khiem Temple