Southeast Asia is a spectacular region between the Indian and Pacific Oceans that encompasses 11 different countries. It is true that there are some that gain more prominence than others, as is the case of Thailand and Indonesia. However, hidden among these giants is Vietnam, a country that has countless beauties as incredible as those of popular destinations.
Vietnam was colonized by the Chinese for almost a thousand years, a result that can be seen in the architecture and temples dedicated to the Confucian doctrine (Chinese philosophical system created by Confucius). To add even more to the story, the country was subjected to French colonization, which brought coffee, and baguettes, among other items typical of France. The result, as you can imagine, is cities with a little bit of everything, where you can immerse yourself in authentic Southeast Asia.
To make everything even better, the country is considered one of the cheapest in the region, being a good alternative for those who want to know a beautiful place without having to go bankrupt. Whether you want to discover a new destination or who knows how to enjoy your passage through Asia, the place is a great choice. With that in mind, we made a script with 5 must-see cities in Vietnam. Check out:
HANOI
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is the gateway to the country and that place that cannot be missed on the itinerary. The city presents a perfect mix between West and East, where the hustle perfectly marries places that preserve the local culture. The city’s postcard is Hoan Kiem Lake, which is a kind of oasis amidst the noise of Hanoi. Although it is not a destination with many tourist attractions, the fun of venturing into the city is exactly the attempt to understand its style and observe the movement.
HA LONG BAY
160 km from Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s postcards: Ha Long Bay . It is a set of islets where tourists can get to know through a boat trip. The beauty is such that the place is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there depart boat trips that pass between the islands and even cruises where it is possible to stay in floating hotels.
HA GIANG
To the north of Vietnam, almost on the border with China, is one of the most unspoiled destinations in the country: Ha Giang . The landscapes include majestic mountains, deep valleys, rice terraces, and villages where there are no tourists or people of other nationalities. The destination is 290 km from Hanoi and is the right choice for anyone who wants to know the Vietnamese culture in its essence.
SAPA
Another perfect destination for discovering the Vietnamese countryside, but with a much more touristy side, is Sapa. Located 320 km from Hanoi, the city is the true picture of anyone who imagines the country: an immensity of mountains and several rice terraces. Unlike Ha Giang, Sapa has a certain Western influence with lively hostels, charming restaurants and souvenir shops.
HUE
The city of Hue was once the center of Vietnam – it was there that political, cultural and religious issues were decided. Under the influence of a strong dictatorship until 1945, the city keeps a true open-air treasure. They are buildings that refer to the old Imperial City, where the tourist finds fortresses, temples, palaces, and the former residence of the Emperor. After the war against the US, only a few of the more than 100 buildings survived, so much of the set has an air of ruins, which doesn’t take away from the beauty of the place.
