Joanna James
As one of Asia's premier holiday destinations, Vietnam offers travellers an array of exciting attractions to explore and a host of activities to enjoy. From spending time on its beaches to signing up for special adventures, here are some of the best things to do during a getaway to Vietnam.
Located in Hanoi, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site every traveller should visit during a trip to Vietnam. Having served as the political heart of the country for eight centuries the relics, wells, palaces and ponds of this enclave are impressive, to say the least.
Occupying pride of place in the northern fringes of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is home to a whopping 1600 limestone islands and takes up an area of more than 1,500sqkm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors will find the geography of this landscape quite unreal as mammoth caves, rocky outcrops and the abundant wildlife make it otherworldly.
Home to some of Vietnam's best heritage buildings, Hoi An Ancient Town takes tourists on a trip back in time. Lined with French colonial homes, Chinese temples and shop-houses as well as Japanese style bridges, the area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1999. Wining and dining in the many restaurants and cafes in the area as well as shopping for souvenirs in the art galleries and shops in town are the best ways to spend time there.
Having been used to outsmart French troops during the war in 1948 and later against the Americans in the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels is a complex network of underground tunnels used by the Viet-Cong. Tourists can walk through this maze-like underground compound to understand how the army operated in such claustrophobic surroundings.
Home to several hundred monuments dating back to the beginning of the 19th century, the Complex of Hue Monuments contains temples, libraries, pagodas, museums, royal residences and the famed Forbidden Purple City. Don't forget to witness the daily cultural showcases that take place at the venue.
The last remains of Vietnam's most iconic political leader are contained within this mausoleum which was first built in 1973. Built and modelled after Lenin's own mausoleum in Russia visitors are asked to dress modestly when visiting this particular venue.
Having been featured in The Luxury Travel Channel and countless other programs on luxury travel destinations, the My Son Sanctuary in Danang is one of a kind religious compound in Vietnam. Home to nearly 70 buildings the countless sculptures of Shiva and other deities makes this enclosure a classic example of a Champa era highlight.
Nature lovers and hikers can not only visit the globe's largest cave but also explore the many grottoes and limestone stalagmites occupying the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Once called the Museum of American War Crimes, this cultural institution examines the human cost of the Vietnam war.
Mui Ne's dunes are ideal for dune bashing and picnicking activities. Many local tour operators offer excursions to this Sahara-like desert landscape.
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