What do you expect from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh city?
Vietnam is an amazing country with marvelous landscape and cultural diversity. Throughout this S-shaped country, you can experience lots of picturesque views from remote mountains, vast plateaus to relaxing beaches. With the huge attractive destinations, you might be confused to decide which Vietnam travel route is the best. Among the numerous options from travel agencies you look for online, why don’t you plan your own Vietnam travel route. Go along your own itinerary will be the best experience ever. But you must know where to go in Vietnam, what to eat or how the weather is to prepare clothes. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you with that and make sure that you will have the best Vietnam travel route.
1. Hanoi
This city is the capital of Vietnam as well as the center of culture and politics. Although it’s only the second largest city in Vietnam, it contains vast majority of ancient building with both Vietnamese and French architecture. This city has been through more than 1000 years of history, so there is a notable combination of traditional features and modern ones here. And there are several sites here that must be in your Vietnam travel route
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
It’s one of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam. It has a long history with having been the political center of Vietnam during 13 centuries. Its original shape is larger and wider than now. It’s a symbol of the prospect of ancient Vietnam as well as the symbol of the Kings.
Water Puppet Theater
Water Puppet is the traditional performance of Vietnam. It also has a rich history dating back hundreds years ago. Thang Long Puppet Theater is the best place for you to enjoy this show. The performance is shown in a water stage and the Puppets are controlled by experienced artists. You should mark this show on your Vietnam travel route.
Hoan Kiem Lake
This lake is located right in the center of city so it’s also the most popular destination for tourists. In general, the lake is preserved quite well with untouched structures. However, the quality of water is kind of bad, but all lake has this problem, right? The small temple in the middle of the lake and Ngoc Son temple with an outstanding red bridge will help you to forget about the water contamination. Anyway, Hoan Kiem Lake still should be on your Vietnam travel route.
Temple Of Literature
Among the most popular destinations of your Vietnam travel route, this place plays an important role in Vietnamese education. This is because this temple was the first university of Vietnam. In the past only noble and royal children could study here. It could be considered that this place marked a huge change of education in Vietnam when an official school replaced tutoring and the personal classes of teacher in old Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex
He is a legend of Vietnam, the great leader who led this country out of the darkness of slavery. This place is where his body is preserved. This complex contains his former simple house, a museum, park,… This place has sacred meaning to Vietnamese. It opens to the public and free for Vietnamese only. So if this place is on your Vietnam travel route, you should spare some money to buy ticket.
Lotte Tower
If you want to have a panoramic view of the city, this site is for you. At the 65th floor of Lotte Tower, you will have a full view of the city without any obstacles. You can read other posts of mine about what to wear for travelling to Vietnam and the weather in Vietnam, so you can choose the best time for your vacation.
2. Ho Chi Minh city
This city is named after Ho Chi Minh – the great leader of Vietnam. Its former name is Saigon and this name is still used today. You can consider this city as the second capital of Vietnam because of its development and modernization. This city also has various sites that you can add in your Vietnam travel route.
Notre-Dame Basilica Cathedral
It’s easy to find this cathedral. It’s located right in the center of District 1. And you might be a little surprised to know that this building is totally French. The structure is designed in French architecture and the materials were imported from France. This structure is also well-prepared and almost intact. Don’t forget to add it in your Vietnam travel route before setting off your trip.
Reunification Palace
This palace is the huge turning point of Vietnam history, which marked the victory of Vietnam over Americans. Now it is still used by the government.
War Remnants Museum
This museum is dedicated to the war between Vietnam and America. You should have it on your Vietnam travel route because it’s a place where you know the real wartime in Vietnam. Lots of photos, written documents are displayed here and you will see how cruel the war is. There are also tanks, aircrafts, guns,… which were used in the war. This museum is like a reminder of painful and miserable history of Vietnam.
Saigon Central Post Office
Another design of Gustave Eiffel in Vietnam (the other is Long Bien bridge). This building is still in its original form until 1891. And this post office still keeps its main function and attracts lots of tourists.
Cu Chi Tunnels
It is an architectural structure from wartime and was built by Vietnamese. It is a complicated underground system of tunnels with essential spaces for living like kitchen, bedroom,… It was used by Vietnamese soldiers to hide from their enemies. With this site in your Vietnam travel route, you can go inside the tunnels and see how the soldiers lived underground.
Bitexco Financial Towers
Like in Hanoi but taller, this tower will give you a panoramic view of city. I would say that this tower contributes significantly into the changes of city. There are also lots of rooftop bars here where you can enjoy the view and have good time with your friends to talk about Vietnam travel route.
3. Halong Bay
Halong Bay is the outstanding point of Northern Vietnam. This bay comprises various limestone islands, islets with interesting names based on their shapes. Moreover, another reason why this site should be in your Vietnam travel route is that it is one the New 7 Wonders of The World. Now take a look on specific sites in Halong Bay.
Lan Ha Bay
This bay is one of unbeaten tracks of Halong Bay. If you plan to go to Halong Bay for Vietnam travel route but you don’t like too much tourist, you can visit this bay. In general, this bay contains lots of limestone islands and the emerald water. You definitely enjoy the peace and the beauty here more.
Titop Island
This island offers you white sand, blue and clear water with calm waves. This beach is absolutely suitable for you if you are looking for a place to relax in your Vietnam travel route. After swimming, you can take a rest at a bar here with cocktail or seafood if you want.
Cua Van Floating Village
In this floating village people live in their boat-house and earn their living by fishing. It’s like others villages on land with schools, markets,… People also have radio, television,… in their house. If there is any storm here, they will sail to the port and anchor there until the storm is gone.
4. Sapa
There no need to talk much about this destination, I think Sapa is one of the most famous site among tourists. This land has amazing landscape with great peak Fansipan “the roof of Indochina” or vast plateaus with blooming flowers. Moreover, one thing makes it in Vietnam travel route of any travelers is the diversity of ethnic minority groups.
Cat Cat Village
Located in a very beautiful valley, Cat Cat is an ethnic village that preserves their cultural values well in Sapa. Trekking around this village is a popular activity of tourist. If this destination in your Vietnam travel route, you can have chance to observe their unique architecture of housing, traditional handicrafts and their daily costumes.
Fansipan Mounts
Trekking Fansipan is an interesting outdoor activity. You can have Sapa trek 1 day or 2 days depending on your plan. But if your physical health doesn’t allow, you can visit Fansipan by cable car. Thanks to its altitude, the peak Fansipan is always covered by clouds. It’s worth a try for being here, don’t miss it with your Vietnam travel route.
Ham Rong Mountain
This place is more like a giant park. You can find any kind of flower here regardless of season. Even in the winter, you also see cherry blossom. And to visit this mountain you need to buy ticket.
Sapa Markets
Weekly local markets are where people sell everything. They offer you everything from food, handicrafts to animal like puppies or kittens. For most travelers, the most attractive things here are multicolor cloth and silver jewelry. If you are interested in something, don’t hesitate to bargain for it.
5. Hue
This romantic and historic city is located on the bank of Perfume river. It used to be the capital of Vietnam so it also has notable history especially of Feudal period. If Hue is in your Vietnam travel route, you shouldn’t miss these sites below.
Hue Citadel
This site is a huge complex of different parts where Royal families used to live. There are 4 main parts including Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, Inner City and Ancient City. The architecture here has huge influence from China. Going through every palace or any lake, you will feel like going back to ancient time.
Emperor Tombs
Hue is used to the capital of Vietnam under feudal system, so there are lots of Vietnamese Kings built their tombs here. You can find these tombs scattered around the city with various dimension from small and simple one to fancy and wide one. These are your interesting experience of Vietnam travel route.
6. Hoi An
If you visit Hue, Hoi An is also should be in your Vietnam travel route too. It’s a well-preserved ancient town which is also one of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is a huge integration of different countries from Japan, France to America and Vietnam. And these are some notable representatives
Japanese Covered Bridge
This bridge was built in 18th century when the Japanese wanted to connect to Chinese quarter for commerce. The structure of this bridge is reliable and influenced by Japanese features.
My Son Sanctuary
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a relic of Champa civilization. This place has various temples dedicated to Shiva – one of Hindu God. Unfortunately, this site suffered great damage from war so some parts were rebuilt.
Cua Dai Beach
It’s worth enjoying this beach so don’t let it out of your Vietnam travel route. Like other beautiful beaches, Cua Dai beach has clear and calm water which is quite safe for swimming. Moreover, the sand here is fine and white, it becomes warm under the sun in summer.
7. Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a tourist city with all services you need from abundant system of hotel to beautiful sightseeing. You can have a travel on budget with standard hotel and some street food or enjoy a swanky vacation in a luxurious resort here.
Nha Trang Beach
Even beaches in Nha Trang have been exploited for years, they are still very beautiful and pristine. You can see limitless coastal beaches with white sand and lines of coconut trees. The water is blue and the sun makes it more charming. With Nha Trang beach in your Vietnam travel route, you can experience fun swimming and other aquatic sports, fresh seafood and a sparkling nightlife here.
Ponagar Cham Towers
Another relic of Cham culture was built between the 7th and 12th century. Unlike the one in Hoi An, even there are only 4 towers remain, they are untouched and almost intact. People still come here to organize some spiritual ceremonies.
8. Can Tho
Can Tho is the largest city in the Mekong Delta region. This city is always dynamic with commercial and tourist activities. And people here are very friendly and generous. They are always willing to help you and show you around.
Cai Rang Floating Market
You have seen floating village in Halong Bay, now you can do shopping in floating markets. This is the biggest ones in this region. And I’m sure that you shouldn’t miss this site in your Vietnam travel route for the best experience. It’s like any normal markets full of stuff from food to domestic things. Products are loaded on a boat and people nail it at their place or sail around to sell them. You know what? You can enjoy breakfast here while choosing some tropical fruits. Once again, don’t miss it if you want to have great experience.
Tay Do Night Market
This market is very famous and dynamic in Can Tho city. This market contains various small stalls where they sell clothes, handicrafts, foods,… Moreover, there are also lots of games and traditional music shows are organized here. It’s a good idea to spend one night here in your Vietnam travel route, right? You can have chance to do shopping like a local.
There are still more interesting destinations for your Vietnam travel route than this because any corner of Vietnam is beautiful. Enjoying your handmade tour is more interesting than buying from a travel agency. So don’t be lazy and start now with my list above, I bet you will have the best Vietnam travel route ever.
