Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities. Hanoi, the capital, pays homage to the nation’s iconic Communist-era leader, Ho Chi Minh, via a huge marble mausoleum. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has French colonial landmarks, plus Vietnamese War history museums and the Củ Chi tunnels, used by Viet Cong soldiers.
Vietnam is becoming one of the world’s top destinations owing to its endless natural beauty. White sand beaches, limestone mountains, terraced rice fields and more beckon travelers from around the globe. Here are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam.
Đà Lạt
Nestled in the southern highland region of the country, picturesque Đà Lạt is a refreshing break from the south’s tropical climate. Cool temperatures and fresh air – not the mention the gorgeous surroundings – make Đà Lạt a must-see destination. You can catch a quick flight from Saigon or hop on a 5-7 hour bus journey (depending on traffic, of course).
Cát Bà Island
Cát Bà Island lies on the southeastern edge of Vietnam’s iconic Ha Long Bay and is a regular top choice for travelers. Pristine beaches, clear waters, and dense jungles make this island extremely popular during high season, so it’s best to try and visit when the crowds are low outside of June-August.
Da Nang
Da Nang is Vietnam’s third largest city and lies approximately 30 k.m. north of Hoi An. This is the city you’ll fly into before driving south into the colonial town, but Da Nang is also a great city to explore. Like any coastal Vietnamese town or city, Da Nang’s white sand and clear water beaches are a must for beach lovers and it has some fabulous nightlife as well. The Dragon Bridge is illuminated at night and the whole city looks incredible from the vantage point of one of its many rooftop bars.
Hội An
Charming colonial Hoi An is another top choice for Vietnamese and foreign vacationers. The old city is full of colonial architecture and is a lovely place to take in an early morning or late afternoon stroll, when the sun is no longer at its blistering peak. Lush gardens, illuminated lanterns glowing after dark, good food and gorgeous beaches await at this dreamy, ancient spot in central Vietnam.
Phú Quốc
Phú Quốc island is undergoing massive construction to accommodate the recent flood of domestic and foreign tourists and is predicted to become Asia’s top vacation destination in the coming years. However, with tourism comes trash, and unfortunately plastic waste is increasingly being washed ashore. Phú Quốc is home to dense jungles and stunning waterfalls and the northern beaches are still relatively untouched by tourism.
Hà Giang
This northern province shares a border with China and is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Vietnam. Terraced rice fields, forested limestone and granite mountains, and magnificent caves are this province’s claims to fame, as well as Quản Bạ pass – also known as Heaven’s gate for its panoramic views of terraced rice fields
Sa Pa
Sa Pa is a town situated in northwestern Hoàng Liên Son Mountains and close to Phang Xi Pang, Vietnam’s highest peak. The town is home to some of Vietnam’s indigenous tribes, such as the H’Mông people, who regularly offer authentic homestays and guided tours of the surrounding glorious landscape as well as climbs up Phang Xi Pang.
Mekong Delta
Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ is a huge maze of rivers, swamps, small islands, and lush greenery everywhere you look. The inhabitants’ main modes of transportation are small boats. When visiting you’ll have tons of options: stay in a quaint homestay on the river, visit the bustling town of Can Tho, tour ride paddies, or even visit a crocodile farm! Keep your eyes peeled on the river, though – thousands of families breed crocodiles in the region and unknown numbers of the giant reptiles have escaped into the mighty Mekong.
Sơn Đoòng Cave
Located near Vietnam’s border with Laos in the north-central province of Quang Binh, Sơn Đoòng Cave is known as the largest cave passage in the world. Stretching more than 5 k.m. and large enough to house an entire block of New York City, Sơn Đoòng Cave is an unparalleled adventure.
However, the cave currently sits in the center of controversy as developers contemplate installing a cable car system to accommodate more tourists. Environmentalists strictly oppose this proposition as it will undoubtedly damage the cave’s fragile environment. Perhaps its best to embark on a virtual tour instead and keep this rare, pristine ecosystem to be protected from the masses.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
This is actually the name for two waterfalls on the Quây Sơn River lying within the UNESCO-recognized Cao ■■■■ Geopark in northeastern Vietnam. The falls straddle the border of Vietnam and China and measure an impressive 30 meters. These falls are in an extraordinarily scenic location and they are one of the few places best to see during the monsoon season between May-October, when the river’s flow is at its maximum.
Côn Đảo Islands
The Con Dao islands form an archipelago southeast of Phu Quoc, with Côn Đảo its largest. The island played a significant role during the Indochina war as it was where many French political prisoners were held and ■■■■■■■■. It is also the location where Vietnam’s national heroine was put to death at age 19. Make sure to visit her tomb and nearby museum before, or after, enjoying the island’s splendid beaches.
Huế
Huế is a historical city in central Vietnam that housed the last emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. The ancient citadel is a spectacular sight to behold, especially during the annual Huế festival. There are temples, pagodas, and delicious cuisine famous throughout the country. Along the Perfume River are multiple tombs of former Nguyen dynasty emperors – make sure to visit the architecturally ornate tomb of ancient emperor Khải Định.
Cát Tiên National Park
This protected, tropical forest is a 3-4 hour bus ride north of Saigon and is home to diverse wildlife, including several endangered species of monkeys and rare tropical birds. Some of the gigantic trees are hundreds of years old and there are ancient temples and artifacts lying on the edge of the park. Beware, the park is also home to venomous snakes and scorpions so exercise caution when on the trails.
Translated as “The Bay of Descending Dragons,” this iconic Vietnamese landscape deserves its fame. Embarking on an overnight cruise though the azure waters is an experience like no other. Sunsets over the bay are magnificent and the mist rising off the waters adds an eerie, mysterious element to this geological wonder. It’s the number one tourist destination in Vietnam so it can be crammed during high season, but gazing at the limestone formations in the water is worth it.
Not only these Islands are famous for their beauties the commercial market of Vitenam are worth mentioning . The local market is a unique culture of not only the Vietnamese but also Asian people. There are thousands of local markets now all over Vietnam. So which names are most popular among them?
It is hard to know exactly how many markets in Vietnam. The market was born very early in human history. When people have produced more goods than their needs, they want to bring it to exchange with others to get some other products. For Vietnamese people, from the past generations, the market is not only a place to exchange goods but also a place to show the characteristics of national culture. If you arrive in Vietnam, visit these famous local markets below to discover the unique culture of Vietnam.
■■■■ Xuan Market
According to the records, the ■■■■ Xuan market was originally formed before the 1888s. The old position is south of the To Lich River. By about 1889, when the To Lich River and Thai Cuc Lake were filled, the French re-planned and cornered all shops in the vacant area in ■■■■ Xuan ward. There, the famous ■■■■ Xuan market is formed.
For more than 100 years, the market still exists and is associated with many important milestones of the country. Not only is the hustle and bustle of wholesalers, but the market also contains many cultural and spiritual values of Ha Thanh people.
■■■■ Xuan Market is a place to trade everything. All of the rare products of all localities are here. The product list has outstanding items like cloth, silk, velvet, fresh food. And like all other Vietnamese markets, the ■■■■ Xuan market sells gifts. ■■■■ Xuan Market has its culinary area which sells from snacks to specialty dishes like pho, snail rice noodles, kebab rice noodles, Vietnam spring rolls, traditional salads, Vietnamese pancakes, and so on. At present, the ■■■■ Xuan market is one of the largest markets in the capital which attracts many domestic and foreign tourists.
Hanoi walking street night market
Hanoi Night Market is located on 3km streets from Hang Dao Street to ■■■■ Xuan Market Gate. From 6 pm to 11 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, the streets of Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Duong are more bustling than ever.
Located among the old streets of Hanoi, this unique market brings together nearly 4,000 booths with a variety of different categories and items. The list of goods includes clothes, toys, souvenirs, handicrafts, food, and so on. The prices of the products here are relatively cheap.
Entering the market, you will be immersed in the space of colors and a lively and bustling atmosphere. In the bright light, the items on sale became more brilliant, which attracted visitors. Especially on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, or Lunar New Year, colorful lanterns will be on display. That beauty at that time made anyone who passed by stop to look.
Visiting the old town night market, you will feel overwhelmed by a prosperous and attractive dining paradise. Walking along the streets, you can freely choose a variety of classic Vietnamese dishes, famous Hanoi snacks, or even Korean cuisine and Asian - European style dishes.
Ben Thanh market (Ho Chi Minh city)
Ben Thanh Market is one of the typical locations of Ho Chi Minh City. This place is not only a regular trading market like other markets but also a historical witness to witness all ups and downs. It goes through every war, so it is considered the symbol of the city. If traveling to Saigon without visiting Ben Thanh Market, it is not called a full trip.
When the French arrived in this land, the original market was located along the Ben Nghe river, named Ben Thanh. It’s the meeting place of small businesses selling goods on the street near the Saigon River. By 1911, the French colonial government decided to move the market to its present location. The old Ben Thanh Market, which was started construction in 1912 until the end of March 1914, was completed and operated continuously until now.
Ben Thanh Market is considered the largest retail market. You can find all kinds of goods here (from affordable to high-end), especially food items of selected types. The market has nearly 1450 stalls and 6000 small traders, retailing all kinds of goods (from daily food products to luxury goods). On average, the market receives about 10,000 visitors every day. They crept through the welding booths and saw all kinds of Vietnamese products.
Bac Ha market (Lao Cai)
Bac Ha fair is one of the largest markets in the North West in general and in Lao Cao in particular. The market is located in the high mountains of Bac Ha district, Lao Cai province, and about 76 km from Lao Cai city. The road to Bac Ha is quite tricky with the meandering bends.
One thing, in particular, is that the Bac Ha market is only held once every Sunday from morning to 2 pm. So there will be a lot of people gathering. The market is famous because it retains its pristine appearance and bears the characteristics of the highland ethnic groups in Vietnam. In the fair sessions in Lao Cai, Bac Ha market was once voted one of the ten most unique fair markets in Southeast Asia.
Bac Ha Market is mainly a gathering place to sell horses and buffaloes on an enormous scale. In addition, there is also a famous dog market with highland precious dog breeds. Another corner of the market is the semi-residential area with many rare bird varieties. Guests coming here will have the opportunity to see many exciting trading activities in this locality.
■■■■ Ba market (Hue)
■■■■ Ba Market consists of a 3-story building in the center, called “Lau Chuong” and surrounded by rows of houses that make a U-shaped belt. There is a hint that seems a bit strange but very realistic is starting the roadmap to buying Hue specialties by going straight to the 3rd floor and start from there.
You will discover the stalls of clothing first, so you can choose the fabric you like to wear a Hue long dress for yourself or as a gift for your family.
Many people believe that, just by visiting the ■■■■ Ba market in Hue, you can fully experience Hue culture and bring home unique souvenirs in only one afternoon. So, don’t skip this exciting destination even if you have little or more time in Hue.
Hoi An night market
Hoi An night market is about 300m wide with about 50 stalls stretching throughout the Nguyen Hoang route. Goods here are very diverse with a variety of categories: souvenirs, food, decorations, clothes, bags, and so on. Notably, this market is characterized by local characteristics with unique beauty only in this area.
Walk in the night market and stop to enjoy delicious food, chat, and learn more about the culture of the people here are what you should not miss. According to many visitors, when visiting the night market in Hoi An, they are most impressed with the scenery of sparkling lanterns and sophisticated handicraft galleries. Lights are also the most particular handicraft products of Hoi An and are often bought by tourists as souvenirs.
Dam market (Nha Trang)
Dam Market in Nha Trang has long been famous not only for the locals but also for tourists when visiting here. It has not only with beautiful architecture but also various goods. If you are wondering where to buy gifts, the Dam market is the best answer for you.
At the time of the tourist season, the Dam market welcomes more than 1,000 visitors to visit every day. The market is vast and divided into three main areas to help visitors visit and shop more conveniently. These areas include the central square, the left, and the right regions.
The center is a place to sell essential items in daily life, clothes, and toys. Besides, there are hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs, handicraft products with pictures of Nha Trang serving tourists who want to buy gifts for their relatives.
Da Lat Market
Da Lat is a city full of flowers all year round, blooming with a fresh and cold climate, a simple and peaceful life. Therefore, the annual number of tourists to Da Lat is enormous. One of many attractions is the Da Lat market with a variety of items to serve all the needs of tourists.
The unique attraction that makes you want to go to Dalat market is the flower selling area. When walking around the flower stalls here, visitors will be held back by the colorful beauty and fragrance emanating from the flowers. The colors that can be mentioned are yellow sunshine of chrysanthemum; white of lilies, gladiolus, lily, iris; the purple of violets, etc. Stall owners enthusiastically advise on which flowers will be suitable for climates and also guide how to store and transport flowers.
Cai Rang Floating Market (Can Tho)
Cai Rang floating market is one of the three largest floating markets in Can Tho. The unique feature of this famous market is the trading of fruits and specialties of the Mekong Delta region.
Cai Rang floating market starts from about 4 am. A very early time! So you need to go a little early, calculate to be able to arrive at the time when the market is most crowded. It will be still a bit dark at the moment, the sun won’t be yet visible, and the wind on the river will be blowing, so it will make you quite sleepy.
The attraction of Cai Rang floating market for tourists is to preserve and promote the characteristics of the river and the freshness of the goods here. When you come here, you will find your soul open and more open and at the same time feel the difference of life here. Moreover, you will see the sincerity, simplicity, and hospitality of the people in the South West in general.
Duong ■■■■ Night Market (Phu Quoc)
Phu Quoc Night Market is located in the center of Duong ■■■■ town and is also the center of Phu Quoc island. Phu Quoc Night Market is located along Bach Dang Street and a part of Ly Tu Trong, Nguyen Trai, and Le Loi streets.
The night market spreads along the river with an ample space decorated with sparkling electric lights. Small businesses sell from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Visitors who come here can take a walk around the market and shop as well as enjoy delicious dishes in Phu Quoc cuisine.
Walking a few rounds to visit Phu Quoc night market, visitors will immediately see souvenir shops with a variety of colorful items. Mainly these are handicrafts such as bracelets, combs, and snail shells.
Is Vietnam safe to travel? Things you should know when you visit Vietnam.
Vietnam is a long-stretching, beautiful, historically and culturally rich and amazing country, and there are a few things that every person should know before they pack their bags and head to Vietnam.
Vietnam is a friendly and safe place to travel. With a sprinkling of common sense, your trip should be smooth and trouble free. Tourists usually complain about over-aggressive street vendors, tour operators with a bad attitude and dangerous driving.
Conclusion
Vietnam is one of the favorite destinations in Southeast Asia. If you plan to come here, don’t forget to visit at least one of the famous markets above. It is not only a crowded trading place but also a unique culture of this nation