In recent years, Vietnam has established itself as a
popular holiday destination in the Far East. Mark explores the sights and sounds.
Vietnam is a destination that combines incredible scenery
and a varied history with vibrant cities, great food and exceptionally friendly
people. This is a country of contrasts, and none more apparent than that of its
two main cities, the elegant and charming capital Hanoi and the vibrant
southern powerhouse Saigon. Both are well worth a few days to explore, and
Vietnam's geography makes it easy to start your journey in one and finish in
the other.
Hanoi's French influence is apparent in its elegant
buildings and tree-lined avenues – the Old Quarter is a fascinating place to
wander through. The pretty Hoan Kiem Lake is a good place from which to get
your bearings, with the photogenic Rising Sun Bridge crossing the water. Close
by, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum is most popular with Vietnamese visitors, who come
to see Uncle Ho's final resting place, while his nearby former home gives you
an insight into the life of the country's most famous leader of recent times.
Saigon – or Ho Chi Minh City – is very different to Hanoi,
where the climate is steamier and the pace of life is far more frenetic. Modern
Saigon congregates at the designer boutiques close to the Opera House, while
the more traditional side heads to Ben Thanh market for groceries, clothes and
plenty more. The Reunification Palace is one of Saigon's most striking
buildings and is now a museum, preserved pretty much as it was when the
Americans left in 1975, while buildings such as the post office and Notre Dame
Cathedral show the city's French influence. The fascinating War Remnants Museum
is quite possibly the most moving museum you're likely to visit, one that
really brings home the effects of war. Make sure you have time to take a trip
out of the city to see the Cu Chi tunnels, a mind-boggling series of over 250km
of tunnels that criss-crossed the region at the height of the Vietnam War.
Central Vietnam is home to some of the country's most
beautiful scenery and interesting towns, with the gems of Hue and Hoi An being
linked by the beautiful Hai Van Pass. The former capital of Hue is home to
numerous tombs of emperors, several beautiful pagodas and the remains of the
Citadel. Hoi An is perhaps the most interesting of the two, with its restored
wooden buildings and long history of seafarers giving it a charm that's hard to
resist. A half-day walking tour of the World Heritage-listed Old Town will take
in the key sites, including the famed Japanese Covered Bridge and the Fujian
Chinese Assembly Hall.
With over 1,000 miles of stunning coastline, Vietnam is
also home to some beautiful beaches, from the diving paradise and nightlife of
Nha Trang and the restaurants and bars of Mui Ne, to more peaceful spots such
as Ninh Van Bay or the relaxed Quy Nhon, famed for its seafood. Both Hoi An and
Hue have beaches close by, making them great options for a holiday that
combines sightseeing with beach time.
Vietnam is a charming and fascinating country, one that's
steeped in history and packed with interest, and a trip there will leave you
planning your return before you've even left.
Escape Worldwide - Home of Long Haul Holidays
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