The country of Vietnam welcomes tourists from all around the world and does not practice isolationism. Asia Travel Mates Senior Leader listed ten compelling arguments in support of your attendance.
1. The diverse cultural mashup
Vietnam has 54 different ethnic groups, making it the country with the most diverse and rich culture in Southeast Asia. The Vietnamese make up 86 percent of the country’s total population, making them the most numerous ethnic group. The remainder has relatively uncomplicated lives in rural areas, and their homes and modes of dress continue to be easily distinguishable from those of the majority. Worship of ancestors and other spirits is popular. Sapa is a popular base for travelers who want to explore minority markets and communities in addition to trekking in the surrounding highlands. Sapa is located in the northern hills. Further to the northeast is the province of Ha Giang, which is less developed and home to an even more diverse assortment of minority groups. In order to get a solid foundation, it is highly recommended that you go to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi.
2. Paradise island
Twenty years ago, the Vietnamese resort island of Phu Quoc, which is located off the coast of Cambodia, was completely underdeveloped and unknown. Things have gone along at a rapid speed, and it is today a popular tourist destination with an advanced infrastructure consisting of hotels, restaurants, and activities (snorkeling, scuba diving, hiring a motorbike to explore the forested and hilly interior). But it hasn’t lost any of its core allure, including its wonderful beaches with white sand (particularly on the west coast), its warm waters, its breathtaking sunsets, and its easygoing vibe. It is said that the cable car ride to HonThom/Pineapple Island in the far south, which is around five miles long and offers breathtaking views of the archipelago, is the longest of its kind anywhere in the world.
3. Halong Bay
As long as you give careful consideration to your planning, you won’t be let down, which is a platitude that’s also true: you won’t be disappointed. If you have the means, it is recommended that you reserve a spot on a berth on a small luxury boat and then go east toward the Bai Tu Long islands. This will let you avoid the crowds of day boats. Discover the floating village of Cua Van, swim off an uninhabited island, and take pleasure in the ship’s excellent quality of service and cuisine while you’re on board.
4. Hanoi
Understanding contemporary Vietnam requires having a firm grasp of the significant landmarks that can be found in the country’s joyfully chaotic capital. It’s possible that the beautiful Sofitel Metropole, one of the world’s best hotels from the colonial era, is out of your price range, but you should definitely stop by for lunch or tea. You will then be in the middle of the French neighborhood, which is known for its neoclassical opera house. In addition, you will be within easy walking distance of the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and the lively old area to the north. The complex of botanical gardens, the presidential palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (where his body sleeps in-state), and Uncle Ho’s actual residence depict Vietnam’s significant past. The Confucian Temple of Literature can be found in the western part of the country and serves as another oasis. Take advantage of the great food that is available on the street as you travel.
5. Hoi An
This historic commercial port on the Thu Bon river manages to pull off the strange feat of being both a shameless tourist trap and a timelessly romantic escape all at the same time. It’s almost like a tiny version of Venice. This pretense is maintained with the greatest degree of effectiveness during the evening hours when the streets are decorated with paper lanterns and the ancient wooden traders’ houses are filled with groups of people who are dining and drinking. During the day, visitors can go on bicycle tours of the irrigated countryside in the surrounding area, spend the day relaxing on Cua Dai Beach or take a trip to the evocative remains of My Son, which were formerly the site of a Hindu temple and date back to the Cham monarchy.
6.Cat Tien National Park comes in at number
There was once a time when tigers freely roamed Vietnam’s beautiful rainforests, and the country was home to a diverse array of animals. The war played a significant role in the destruction of these habitats, and since then, the process has been exacerbated by activities such as logging and the cultivation of cash crops. Cat Tien, located 130 kilometers (80 miles) to the north of Ho Chi Minh City, is home to a tropical rainforest that spans 275 square miles and serves as a refuge for various endangered mammal species, including the elephant, civet, and mouse deer. It is also home to 350 different species of birds, making it one of the best places in Southeast Asia to go bird watching. A tranquil respite from the frenetic activity of Ho Chi Minh City.
7. Ho Chi Minh City
The old capital of Saigon may not be the country’s political center, but the city’s bustling streets and hectic, non-stop traffic are where the modern heart of Vietnam beats with the most vigor. The city is brash, frantic, and vertical. The Vietnam War Remnants Museum, which is a memorial to the atrocities of war, serves as a somber reminder of how far the country of Vietnam has progressed over the course of the last half-century. In any other case, if you want to get the most out of your time in the city, your best bet is to get out of your comfort zone and explore the city on foot or by xe om (be courageous and bold when crossing the streets) (motorbike taxi). Ben Thanh Market and Cho Lon, the huge Chinatown, are two of the city’s most popular attractions.
8.Conflict and Composure
On a day excursion to the north of Ho Chi Minh City, the majority of tourist itineraries include a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, which were used as a hiding spot by the Viet Cong during the war. On the other hand, it may feel like you’re just going around in circles on a conveyor belt. It is far more educational to take a day journey from Hue to Khe Sanh, a US outpost that was besieged in 1968, and then continue on to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the fishing town of Vinh Moc. Both of these destinations are located in the north. In order to avoid being bombed by the United States during the war, the village buried itself in the ground. Tunnels extending for 2,000 yards in each direction are open to visitors.
The river life, floating marketplaces, and fertile agricultural land in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta continue to be the region’s most alluring attractions despite their seeming simplicity. Image courtesy of Getty Images
9. Mekong Delta
The plans for an enormous amusement park in the Delta that was going to be called “Happyland” have thankfully been scrapped, so the attractions of these watery flatlands will continue to be the straightforward river life, floating markets, and fertile agricultural land. It is possible to take day trips from Ho Chi Minh City, which take you down to Vinh Long on brand new highways and bridges for boat tours. However, it is recommended that visitors stay for at least two days in order to get acclimated to the rhythm of the area, either on a short cruise or by staying with a local family in Vinh Long.
10. Blissful retreat
Phu Quoc was most likely located in the Con Dao archipelago ten years ago. Con Dao is a collection of sixteen small islands sitting off the coast of the south coast. Con Son is the only inhabited island in the group. Formerly a penal colony, it is now a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, scuba diving spots, hiking trails, and bird viewing opportunities. The teeny-tiny island town is pleasantly laid-back, and there is an increasing choice of lodging options, including the ultra-luxurious Six Senses spa complex. The village is comprised of French colonial structures.
CHECKLIST: VIETNAM
In addition to possessing a legitimate tourist visa, visitors to Vietnam are required to have a negative result on the Covid test. Additionally, in order to gain access to the vast majority of businesses and organizations in Vietnam, you will be required to download the PC-Covid Vietnam software and display it at the front desk. Please send an email to info@asiatravelmates.com if you require any further information.
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