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Places to visit in Vietnam
Sights in Vietnam can be divided into three major kinds: historical
sights, cultural sights and scenic sights.
Historical sights
Throughout its rich 2700 year long history, Vietnam seems to be
always on the struggle. Most of Vietnam’s history up to the 19th
century is a constantly struggle against China’s dominating
influence culturally, politically and militarily while still
flourishing culturally and economically. Becoming a French
colonization in the late 19th century, the Vietnamese thought they
would see independence after the famous Dien Bien Phu battle in
1954. However, war continued until 1975. This war, known
internationally as the “Vietnam war” and locally as the “war with
the US” involved the Soviet Union and Republic of China supporting
the North; and the USA supporting the South.
Though subdued to heavy bombing and warfare, numerous sights
witnessing Vietnam’s rises and falls still stand until today
throughout the country. They can be found in any city and most are
open to tourists. To name a few famous sights, from North to South:
Dien Bien Phu: A quiet valley in North West Vietnam. Here,
reminiscent of the famous battlefield that witnessed the 57 day
siege leading to France’s defeat still remains.
Hanoi:
Cổ Loa citadel: This 18km long spiral shaped fortress was
built around 250 BCE and is connected to many legends about a
Vietnamese princess blinded by love and loosing her kingdom to a
Chinese prince. Co Loa festival is held annually on the 6th of the
first month according to lunar calendar.
Hoa Lo prison: built in 1904 by the French, this prison was
used by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionists; and later was
also used by the Vietnamese to hold captured American pilots.
Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and Ba Dinh square: where Ho Chi Minh,
Vietnam’s renowned leader used to live, work and made many famous
speeches. Uncle Ho’s body is today still kept here.
Quang Tri: the DMZ (demilitarized zone) trace its root back
to the Vietnam war, when the S-shaped country was divided into two
part by Ben Hai river. A one day trip to visit Vinh Moc tunnel,
Truong Son cemetary and such historical places is accessible and
worth your time. Tours can be arranged on site or in Hue.
Hue: This beautiful city on the two sides of the Huong River
is the country’s last ancient feudal capital. Relatively young, many
of its ancient looks and architectures are still preserved. Hue’s
forbidden walls, palaces and royal tombs are a must see and have
been certified as a World Culture Heritage by UNESCO. More
about Hue
Hoi An: Once Vietnam’s important international seaport and
trading centre. Hoi An with its ancient architecture and lifestyles
that seems unchanged since the 17th century deserves its position as
a World Culture Heritage. More about
Hoi An
Cu Chi tunnels: a network of connected underground tunnels,
hand dug and used as a hiding and living spot for militaries and
civilians during the Second Indochina war.
Cultural sites:
* Religious sites:
Vietnam has many different religions and ethnic minorities.
Throughout its history, Buddhism was and still is the most popular
religion; nearly every village throughout the nation has its own
temple or pagoda, varying in size and architecture. Some
nation-famous pagodas have sophisticated architecture and
decorations and receive millions of visitors each year, to name a
few: Chůa Một Cột (One pillar pagoda- Hanoi), Chua Hương (Perfume
Pagoda- Ha Tay), Chůa Thięn Mụ (Hue)…
Roman Catholism first entered Vietnam during the 16th century. Many
churches have been built in Vietnam, such as the 110 year old Phat
Diem church in Ninh Binh. This Catholic Church, made from stone and
wood, resembles a Vietnamese pagoda yet has distinct elements of a
typical Catholic church, harmoniously combining Eastern and Western
architecture.
Cao Dai is a religion unique to Vietnam, worshipping both God
and Buddha and having three saints: Victor Hugo, Sun Yat Sen and
Nguyen Binh Khiem. Cao Dai has aspects that borrow from
Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Catholic. God is symbolized by
the Divine Eye. Temples can be found in many cities, but Cao Dai’s
Holy See (the first temple), built between 1933 and 1955 near Tay
Ninh province has unique architecture and designs. Make sure you
spend some time on this site when you cross border from Cambodia to
Vietnam, or while you are in Saigon.
These sights are not only famous tourist attractions but until now
are still where local Vietnamese practice there beliefs. Tourists
visiting religious sites should pay respect to these beliefs. Many
places have a strict dress code (no sandals, shorts, skirts, hats…)
and prohibit taking pictures inside. It would make an interesting
experience to listen to the monks’ stories and lectures.
Visiting the people
One cannot claim to have known a culture until one has understood
and seen the lifestyles of the people. It is always a joy to stroll
around the bustling crowded city streets, watching farmers grow rice
in the fields, buying fruit from street vender and eating the meals
cooked by the people!
Vietnamese people are generally friendly and would not mind a
foreign tourist wandering harmlessly through their towns and might
even try starting a conversation! Home stay tours are now also quite
popular, allowing tourists to live and eat with local Vietnamese
around the country. Sapa, Mai Chau,… are the best places for a
home stay.
Vietnamese is an ethnically diverse country. Besides the majority
Ethnic group, the Viet (or Kinh) there are 53 other ethnic
minorities, each with different languages, clothing, and customs.
These ethnic groups are scattered around the country (mostly in
mountainous areas) and visiting there home towns is also a novel
adventure!
Before taking picture or entering any house, make sure you get their
permission. Try to respect the local lifestyle and you will
understand them more.
Natural wonders
Vietnam has a diverse landscape and climate with beautiful scenery.
Sapa in the far North and Dalat down South both offer splendidly
cool climate. With small wooden cottages, misty mountain tops,
romantic pine forests- these mountainous regions are a wonderful
hide-out from Vietnam’s normal hot and sticky weather!
Vietnam’s coast line hosts various beautiful beaches: such as
Cat
Ba,
Nha Trang, Da Nang, Mui Ne- Phan Thiet. The sun is strong and
waters are warm. Tourism in Vietnam is still not as developed as in
neighbouring countries such as Thailand, thus luxurious water sports
such as scuba diving might be hard to find in some places, but
beaches here are still mostly unspoilt and naturally beautiful.
Beaches in Vietnam tend to be crowded in early morning or late
afternoon when the sun is weak.
Ha Long bay, with thousands of small
limestone mountains are also a must see.
The Mekong Delta far South offers a different kind of adventure:
with vast land, tropical forests and criss-crossing water ways.
In recent years, many hotel resorts and spas have been invested in
Vietnam. Visitors can lay back enjoy the excellent scenery, food and
service without any worries.
Travelling North to South has become an increasingly popular tour
throughout the years. Many tour agencies offer tours that include
transportation, meal, guides… a full package to anywhere you want to
see in Vietnam. Smaller day tours are also popular around the
country and can be purchases nearly everywhere through agencies,
cafes and hotels. For the more adventurous tourists, trekking is of
course never out of fashion. Travelling between provinces can be
done by train or tour bus, allowing tourists to admire the tranquil
countryside view out the windows.
Bicycles and motorbikes can be rented throughout the country and are
also a popular means of transportation.
Content by Nguyen Vu Hanh Dung & Phan Dieu Linh from
GV
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