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Vietnam Tours, Trips & Holidays
Vietnam consists of lush rice fields, crumbling colonial buildings and stunning green countryside. The country blankets itself along the coast of southeast Asia, bordering China to the north, Laos to the west and Cambodia in the south. Covering a total area of almost 128 000 square miles, Vietnam is a treasure trove of history, culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the most incredible food around. From the charming Old Quarter in Hanoi to the natural wonder of Halong Bay, the lantern filled Hoi An to the tantalising Ho Chi Minh City, a Vietnam holiday will awaken your senses and expose you to some of the most magical scenery in this charming corner of the globe.
Top Places to Visit in Vietnam
1. Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi lies in the country’s North and is the second most populous city. Encompassing a vast history, Hanoi took the honour of historical capital of Vietnam for over 1000 years, minus a century when Hue stole the title. In 1873, the French conquered Hanoi and became the administrative centre of the colony of French Indochina. Today, Hanoi is a charming, busy city that holds tightly to thousands of years of tradition. The Old Quarter is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colonial architecture and delicious street food. Each street is named after the goods traditionally made there, with many shop owners still sticking to this tradition.
2. Halong Bay
Halong Bay translates as “where the dragon descends to the sea,”. Not only is Halong Bay picturesque, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Soaring limestone islets sit upon the quiet water, whilst more than 1000 species of marine life thrive below. Some of the limestone formations date back a staggering 20 million years. There is also evidence of human life that dates back around 18,000 years. From canoeing in the many caves to snorkeling in the warm water, there is so much to do and see in and around Halong Bay.
3. Hoi An
Hoi An is famous for the thousands of colourful lanterns blanketing the town. Initially serving as a trading port due to its coastal location, Hoi An’s early history dates back to the Cham people. Hoi An’s architecture reflects indigenous and foreign influences, especially the famous “Japanese bridge” which dates back to the 16th century. Hoi An largely avoided US bombing during the Vietnam War and has wonderfully preserved buildings—a highlight of any Vietnam tour, from the bustling night market to the quaint cafes.
4. Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a lush, biodiverse region in the southwest of Vietnam. A unique canvas of canals, villages and rich countryside, life in the Delta revolves around the river that dominates it. Floating markets highlight any Mekong Delta visit where locals sell fish, fruits, and vegetables. The Mekong Delta covers an area of over 40,000 square kilometres with water levels varying depending on the season. The Mekong Delta is home to around 1000 fish species, lizards and mammals.
5. Nha Trang
Nha Trang, known as the Riviera of Vietnam, is famed for its beaches and scuba diving. With around 6 kilometres of pristine coastline and white sandy beaches, a holiday to Nha Trang is the perfect way to discover another side of the country. With crystal clear waters and a wealth of marine animals, snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts will never want to leave. The main promenade offers trendy restaurants and chic boutiques, with fresh seafood being the dish of choice for many. Of course Nha Trang still has echoes of traditional Vietnam, with the Long Son Pagoda and Po Nagar Cham Towers being popular among visitors.
6. Ho Chi Minh City
No visit to Vietnam is complete without immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. With a population of 8.5 million residents and a staggering 7 million registered motorbikes, scooters and mopeds, Ho Chi Minh City is a jungle of madness that draws you in and makes you fall even more in love with Vietnam. Formerly known as Saigon, the city has grown to be the country’s economic centre and largest city. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the city’s landmarks. The cathedral was constructed in the French style with material imported from France.
7. Hue
Located in central Vietnam, Hue served as the capital city between 1802 and 1945 and was the battleground for the infamous Battle of Hue, the bloodiest battle of the Vietnam War. Hue offers endless historic sites and unique garden houses on the Perfume River. The 19th century citadel is the centrepiece of Hue, surrounded by a moat, beautiful water-lily scattered ponds, palaces, and temples. The city is home to 7 imperial tombs and of course the imperial city, which was home to Vietnam’s emperors. In Hue you can also find the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda which overlooks the river. The seven-story building is the tallest religious building in Vietnam and was established in 1601, with the tower finally being constructed in 1844.
8. Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels, located 45 kilometres northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, is an important and sobering reminder of life during the Vietnam War. Consisting of over 120 kilometres of underground tunnels, secret doors, living spaces, hospitals and kitchens, the tunnels played an essential part of the war and saved the lives of many. Dug out by Communist guerrilla troops, the underground channels were used to transport goods, house troops and mount surprise attacks. Visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels can crawl through some of the spaces and learn more about the importance of this underground network.
9. The Golden Bridge
A relatively new addition to the best attractions in Vietnam, the Golden Bridge is located in the Ba Na Hills resort near Da Nang. Opened in June 2018, the now famous attraction has two giant stone hands appearing to support the bridge. Designed to provide a walkway between two cable car stations on the resort, it is said the structure was inspired by “a world of gods”. Overlooking the green and beautiful Vietnam countryside, Ba Na Hills was once a popular getaway for the French during colonialism. On the grounds, visitors can find a charming French-style village, the Fantasy Park, complete with carnival rides and a wax museum, and the popular cable car ride overlooking the scenery. With a gap of 5800 meters between the start and end, it is considered the longest in the world.
10. Sapa
Iconic rice fields, lush forest treks, and awe-inspiring beauty make Sapa a jewel of northern Vietnam. At the heart of Sapa Town, you find markets, street food vendors, a museum, and a modest cathedral. The fun starts when you begin exploring the local area, from the romantic waterfalls to the glorious hiking trails. Five distinct indigenous groups inhabit Sapa, and trekking between the villages is accessible and a great cultural experience. Enjoy local cuisine and experience the tranquility of the mountains. Sapa is also the gateway to climbing the highest mountain in Vietnam – Fansipan.
11. My Son
A short drive from Hoi An, My Son is the name given to the sprinkling of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples that remain in the area. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the people who inhabited the area had spiritual origins in Indian Hinduism, and the site once took the title of religious capital of the Champa Kingdom. My Son dates back to the 4th century, with many temples being constructed as late as the 14th century. Walking the site is a unique experience that helps you understand its religious importance. It is widely considered one of the best examples of Hindu architecture in Southeast Asia.
12. Hai Van Pass
Tiny places in Vietnam offer soaring and beautiful coastal views like that of Hai Van Pass. Located between the province of Hue and Da Nang City, Hai Van Pass stands 500 metres above sea level making it the highest pass in Vietnam. Twisty roads, unique look out points and spectacular views of the misty mountains, the stretch of coastline offers quiet sandy beaches and a new vantage point around every bend. The stretch of road rose to fame when featured on Top Gear: Vietnam Special and was dubbed “a deserted ribbon of perfection” by host Jeremy Clarkson.
Why Tucan Travel
Vietnam is high on the list of must-visit countries, as one of Asia’s most culturally rich destionations. Knowing where to start can be daunting with so many places to see. Group tours recommended by Tucan Travel are the perfect way to explore Vietnam and ensure you don’t miss out on any highlights. We have expert knowledge of the country and your tour leaders will introduce you to unique and challenging to find places that you don’t see in a Lonely Planet guidebook. As an adventure travel specialist, we work hard to provide authentic experiences that don’t break the bank. We are proud to partner with local suppliers, accommodation owners, and transport companies to ensure we support local businesses and that your money goes back into the community as much as possible.
Are you interested in exploring more of Southeast Asia? Tucan Travel makes it easy to combine other countries with your holiday in Vietnam so that you can experience as much as possible in only a few short weeks.
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