Vietnam is a country with fascinating landscapes, vibrant cultures, and a rich history, making it a must-visit destination for travelers of all types. Whether you’re an adventurer alone, as a couple, or as a family, Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to every traveler’s interests. This guide will take you on a journey from the mountains of the north to the delta of the south, highlighting the best activities, cuisines and discoveries along the way.
Northern Vietnam
Hanoi: The Heart of Vietnam
For single travelers:
– Exploration: Start your journey in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, where history and modernity coexist. Solo travelers can explore the Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are full of motorbikes, street vendors, and colonial architecture. Don’t miss Hoan Kiem Lake, an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city.
– Adventure: Rent a scooter and travel through the chaotic city traffic to discover hidden temples and local markets. The Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hilton prison) offers a sober look at Vietnam’s past.
– Food: Try Street food tours that will take you to the best vendors of dishes like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee. Don’t miss a bowl of pho at Pho Bat Dan or the legendary egg coffee at Café Giang.
For couples:
-Romantic activities: Enjoy a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dusk, when the city lights reflect off the water. Take a cycle ride through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter.
– Discovery: Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s French Quarter, with its elegant boulevards and colonial buildings, is perfect for a romantic stroll.
– Food: Dine at the charming Cha Ca La Vong, famous for its turmeric-marinated fish, or enjoy a French-Vietnamese fusion meal at La Vertical.
For families:
– Activities: Visit the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater for a unique cultural experience. Children will enjoy exploring the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
– Adventure: Take a day trip to the nearby Bat Trang Ceramic Village, where families can try their hand at pottery making.
– Food: Family-friendly restaurants like Quan An Ngon, where you can enjoy a variety of Vietnamese dishes in a courtyard.
Ha Long Bay: A Wonder of Nature
For single travelers:
– Exploration: Embark on a cruise to Ha Long Bay, where limestone karsts rise dramatically from the emerald waters. Opt for a longer cruise that includes kayaking and visits to less crowded areas.
– Adventure: Join a group tour to meet other travelers. Activities like kayaking in hidden lagoons and exploring Sung Sot Cave offer plenty of adventures.
– Dining: Most cruises include meals, but for a unique experience, visit a floating village and sample some freshly caught seafood
For couples:
– Romantic Activities: Choose a luxury cruise that offers private balconies, fine dining, and sunset cocktails. A seaplane ride over the bay offers breathtaking aerial views.
– Discovery: Explore the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay for a more intimate experience. Visit the fishing village of Vung Vieng to learn about local life.
– Food: Enjoy a romantic dinner on the deck of your cruise ship, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Ha Long Bay.
For families:
– Activities: Family-friendly cruise that offers kid-friendly activities like squid fishing and cooking classes.
– Adventure: Visit Ti Top Island, where you can hike to the top for panoramic views or relax on the beach.
– Food: Cruises usually cater to all dietary needs, child-friendly options are available.
Sapa: the enchanting highlands
For single travelers:
– Exploration: Sapa, with its rice terraces and ethnic minority villages, is perfect for solo explorers. Join a trekking tour to discover remote areas and meet local tribes.
– Adventure: Rent a motorbike to explore the winding mountain roads and visit places like the Silver Waterfall and the Gate of Heaven.
– Food: After a day of hiking, relax at a local restaurant and try dishes like thang co (a traditional Hmong soup) and grilled fish.
For couples:
– Romantic activities: Book a stay in a mountain resort with stunning views. Enjoy a couple’s hike in the Muong Hoa Valley, followed by a traditional herbal bath.
– Discovery: Visit the Bac Ha market on a weekend, where you can shop for local handicrafts and sample regional delicacies.
– Food: Dine at the hilltop restaurant at the Victoria Sapa Resort for a romantic evening with breathtaking views.
For families:
– Activities: Choose shorter, family-friendly, kid-friendly hikes. Visit the Amur Waterfall and take a scenic train ride on the Muong Hoa Railway
– Adventure: Take part in cultural exchanges with a host family in a local village, where children can learn about traditional ways of life.
– Food: Many restaurants in Sapa offer both Western and Vietnamese dishes, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Centre du Vietnam
Hué : la cité impériale
For single travelers:
– Exploration: Learn about the history of Vietnam’s imperial past as you visit the Hue Citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, and the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River.
– Adventure: Rent a bike and ride the Perfume River, stopping at historic sites and local markets.
– Food: Enjoy Hue’s unique cuisine, such as bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh khoai (crispy pancakes), at local restaurants.
For couples:
– Romantic activities: Take a sunset cruise on the Perfume River or explore the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda together.
– Discovery: Visit the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Tu Duc, known for their serene landscapes and intricate architecture.
– Food: Enjoy a royal dinner at the Ancient Hue Restaurant, where you can dine in a replica of an imperial palace.
For families:
– Activities: Explore the vast grounds of the Citadel, where children can imagine the life of a Vietnamese emperor. Dong Ba Market is a great place for a family shopping spree.
– Adventure: Take a boat trip to visit Hon Chen Temple and the nearby village of Sinh, known for its traditional folk painting.
– Food: Family restaurants like Hanh Restaurant offer delicious local dishes that kids will love.
Hoi An: The Ancient City
For single travelers:
– Explore: Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the old merchant houses.
– Adventure: Take a bike ride to the nearby Tra Qué Vegetable Village, where you can learn about traditional farming practices.
– Food: Take part in a cooking class to learn how to prepare Hoi An specialties like cao lau and white rose dumplings.
For couples:
– Romantic activities: Enjoy a boat ride on the Thu Bon River at sunset or release lanterns on the river during the monthly Lantern Festival.
– Discovery: Visit My Son Shrine, a group of abandoned Hindu temples dating back to the Champa Kingdom.
– Food: Dine at Morning Glory or Mango Mango, where you can enjoy Vietnamese dishes in a romantic riverside setting.
For families:
– Activities: Take part in a lantern-making workshop, where children can create their own memories. Visit Hoi An Silk Village to learn more about silk production.
– Adventure: Spend a day at An Bang Beach, where families can relax, swim, and enjoy seafood at the beachfront restaurants.
– Food: Many restaurants in Hoi An offer both Western and Asian dishes, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied.
Da Nang: The Jewel of the Coastline
For single travelers:
– Exploration: Discover the Marble Mountains, a group of five limestone and marble hills with caves, temples, and viewpoints. The Dragon Bridge is a must-see, especially when it breathes fire on the weekends.
– Adventure: Try surfing at My Khe Beach or hike to the Son Tra Peninsula to see the Lady Buddha statue and panoramic views.
– Food: Enjoy mi Quang (turmeric noodles) and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) at local markets and street vendors.
For couples:
– Romantic activities: Relax at one of Da Nang’s luxurious resorts or take a cable car ride to the Ba Na Hills, where you can take a stroll on the Golden Bridge.
– Discovery: Visit the Cham Museum to learn about the ancient Champa civilization, or take a day trip to the historic city of Hoi An.
– Food: Enjoy a seafood feast at Be Man Restaurant or indulge in a fine dining experience at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort.
For families:
– Activities: Spend a day at Asia Park, which offers rides and attractions for all ages. The Children’s Cultural Palace in Da Nang offers exhibitions and educational activities.
– Adventure: Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, where families can explore caves, hike, and boat on the river.
– Food: Many beachfront restaurants offer a range of dishes tailored to children’s tastes, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience for the whole family.
Sud Vietnam
Nha Trang: the paradisiacal beach
For single travelers:
– Explore: Relax on the pristine beaches of Nha Trang or visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers for a glimpse into the history of the area.
– Adventure: Try scuba diving or snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life around the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area.
– Food: Enjoy fresh seafood at the Nha Trang Night Market
For couples:
– Romantic activities: Take a sunset cruise on Nha Trang Bay or visit the Thap Ba Hot Springs for a relaxing mud bath and massage.
– Discovery: Explore the Vinpearl Land amusement park, located on an island accessible by a panoramic cable car.
– Food: Dine at beachfront restaurants like the Sailing Club Nha Trang, where you can enjoy gourmet meals with ocean views.
For families:
– Activities: Spend a day at Vinpearl Land, which offers a water park, aquarium, and various rides for kids. The National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam is also worth a visit.
– Adventure: Take a boat trip to nearby islands, where families can snorkel, swim, and relax on secluded beaches.
– Food: Family-run restaurants like Vietnamese restaurant Lanterns offer a variety of dishes to suit all tastes.
Da Lat: The City of Eternal Spring
For single travelers:
– Exploration: Stroll through the lush gardens of the Valley of Love and visit the flower gardens of Da Lat. The Crazy House, a whimsical architectural marvel, is also must-see.
– Adventure: Rent a motorbike and explore the scenic countryside, including the Elephant Waterfalls and Pongour Waterfall.
– Food: Try local specialties like banh trang nuong (Vietnamese pizza) and mi Quang Da Lat at the Da Lat Night Market.
For couples:
– Romantic activities: Enjoy a paddle boat ride on Xuan Huong Lake or take a cable car to Truc Lam Zen Monastery for a serene view.
– Discovery: Visit Da Lat Station, a charming colonial-era building, and take a short train ride to Trai Mat Village.
– Food: Dine at Primavera Italian-Vietnamese restaurant using local product, or enjoy a romantic meal at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa.
For families:
-Activities: Explore the Da Lat Maze Bar, a fun and quirky place for kids and adults alike. The Da Lat Flower Park is perfect for a family picnic.
-Adventure: Visit Lang Biang Mountain, where families can hike or take a jeep tour to the top for panoramic views.
-Food: Many cafes and restaurants in Da Lat offer child-friendly menus and a relaxed atmosphere, such as An Cafe with its garden.
Ho Chi Minh City: the dynamic metropolis
For single travelers:
-Exploration: Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Visit the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
-Adventure: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. A motorcycle tour of the city is also an exciting way to see the sights.
-Food: Join a street food tour to sample local dishes like banh mi, com tam (broken rice), and hu tieu (noodle soup).
For couples:
-Romantic activities: Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigon River or visit the Bitexco Financial Tower’s Skydeck for stunning views of the city.
-Discovery: Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market together or take a day trip to the Mekong Delta to experience rural life.
-Food: Dine at Quan Bui, a charming Vietnamese retaurant or enjoy fine dining at La Villa French restaurant.
For families:
-Activities: Visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens or explore the interactive exhibits at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum.
-Adventure: Take a boat trip to the Mekong Delta, where families can visit floating markets and traditional villages.
-Food: Many restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City offer international cuisine and kid-friendly options, such as Pizza 4P’s and The Deck Saigon.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, and families. From the bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil beaches of Nha Trang and the serene highlands of Sapa and Da Lat, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culinary delights, or cultural discoveries, Vietnam promises an unforgettable trip. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore Vietnam from north to south, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
