All Posts, Asia, Vietnam · 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Vietnam As one of my favorite places in Asia, Vietnam is a country of sensory overload – in all the best ways. There’s the majestic: cruising through emerald green waters while watching the sunset behind the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay. The delicious: with its rich broth, rice noodles, and perfectly seasoned beef, Phở will quickly become a staple in your diet. The people: with the big straw hats and smiling faces, the friendly locals will quickly steal a place in your heart. And you can’t forget the crazy: anxiously waiting 15 minutes to cross the road amid a flood of motorbikes in Hanoi. These 10 Photos to Inspire you to Visit Vietnam will have you booking your flight in no time. 1. Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay is best known for its gorgeous scenery, emerald waters, and limestone karsts, which seemingly erupt straight out of the water. Recently titled one of the ‘New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Ha Long Bay is unsurprisingly Vietnam’s #1 bucket-list destination. Spending at least one night on a luxurious cruise boat is a must for any Vietnam itinerary. 2. Hoi An With its lantern strung streets, historical buildings, and charming cafes, Hoi An is what every traveler imagines Vietnam to be. Spend at least 3 days here to take advantage of the local expert tailors – you can get a custom suit fitted just for you! 3. Hanoi As the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is one of the most vibrant, bustling, and unique cities in Asia. With its ancient culture of Chinese and French influences, Hanoi is a fascinating mix of old and new. This hectic city is also a great base to explore the Northern Vietnam region and Ha Long Bay. 4. Sapa For one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the world, head to the northern Vietnam region of Sapa. Here, you’ll be trekking alongside rice terraces made up of every shade of green, all cascading down the countryside hills. The best time to hike these rice fields is March to May or mid-September to November. 5. Ninh Binh Located just 2 hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh boasts its natural beauty with its stunning limestone scenery. Don’t miss either Tam Coc or Trang An to experience why Ninh Binn is coined “Ha Long Bay on land.” Ninh Binh is not as well known to many tourists, making it the perfect escape. Take advantage of the lack of crowds by renting a scooter and riding around the area – the perfect way to discover Vietnam’s stunning landscape. 6. Ho Chi Minh City Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minn best known for its abundant history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. With over 9 million inhabitants, Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s most populous city. Be sure to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to navigate your way through the exact tunnels that soldiers used during the Vietnam War. 7. Hue Offering a quiet retreat, especially compared to the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the ancient city of Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. Don’t miss the Royal Palace of the Imperial City, which dates back to the 19th century. Also, close by are several beautiful beaches, making Hue the perfect city escape for any Vietnam itinerary. 8. Dalat Located 180 miles from Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands, making this the perfect spot for a mountain retreat. In fact, Dalat was initially called ‘Le Petit Paris’ because it was a luxurious haven for travelers and residents alike. Sitting 1,500 meters above sea level, the city offers cool weather all year long. 9. Mekong Delta Made up of over 30,000 miles of interconnected waterways, the Mekong Delta is a floating world located on the south border of Vietnam. This area is home to small villages, floating markets, and pagodas, with boats being the main means of transportation. Take a boat tour, usually departing from nearby Ho Chi Minh City, to experience this countryside region. 10. Phong Nha-Ke Bang Only recently discovered in 1990, and “rediscovered” by a British caving team in 2009, Phong Nha-Ke Bang spans over 40 miles long. Spend a few days on a guided tour through the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong Cave – it’s so big that it has its own jungle, river, and even its own climate! I hope you enjoyed these 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Vietnam! Are you convinced to visit my favorite country in Asia yet? Want more info about Vietnam? Check out my other Vietnam blog posts: Ha Long Bay Cruise – Vietnam Bucket ListVietnam Travel Guide DID YOU LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
