The natural wonders of Northern Vietnam are uncontested! They are the absolute picture-perfect beauties of nature that make you stand in awe and attempt to capture each and every corner with your camera. They are the embodiment of "you just had to be there" phrase when trying to explain the uniqueness of the vistas. The country's capital is no less impressive with its charming authentic spirit and historic significance.
The natural wonders of Northern Vietnam are uncontested! They are the absolute picture-perfect beauties of nature that make you stand in awe and attempt to capture each and every corner with your camera. They are the embodiment of "you just had to be there" phrase when trying to explain the uniqueness of the vistas. The country's capital is no less impressive with its charming authentic spirit and historic significance.
Only about 13km outside of Hanoi is a wonderful jewel of the Vietnamese arts and crafts. Bat Trang is famous for its fine pottery and ceramics of high quality. Wonderful vases, bows, dishes and more are handcrafted here each day making up for the greatest shopping of delicate local arts.
Built by the French in the 1890s, Hoa Lo Prison was used to incarcerate Vietnamese revolutionaries. Ironically called "Hanoi Hilton" during the American War, it was also used to imprison captured American pilots, notably Senator John McCain whose flight suit is on display today. Currently only one part of the prison still stands and is used as a museum, mostly focused on the Vietnamese struggle for independence.
The 36 streets of Hanoi Old Quarter represent the beginning of the city, established in 1010. Over 1000 years of history and the Old Quarter still remains authentic with its narrow streets named after the goods they sell. Explore the local culture as you observe the busy street life or visit the numerous pagodas. Most all, take advantage of the cheep shopping and delicious eats!
Built in 1070, the Temple of Literature is the first Vietnamese university, initially accepting only royals and nobles. It is dedicated to Confucius and honors the country's greatest scholars. The architecture is a fine example of typical Vietnamese construction with gorgeous landscaping and a series of pavilions. A visit to the Temple of Literature is a profound experience, one of beauty and spirituality.
The remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is one of Vietnam's greatest treasures! The park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed over 400 million years ago. Stunning stalagmites and stalactites fascinate visitors to the Phong Nha Cave, one of the world's longest caves. Hundreds of cave systems, underground rivers and fascinating grottoes spread all throughout the park and invite explorers with their mysterious beauty. The landscape of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is just as gorgeous as its underground treasures. Lush tropical ever-green jungles are home to an amazing diversified animal kingdom.
Hoan Kiem Lake, "The Lake of the Returned Sword", embodies the legend of Vietnam's independence from the Chinese. A magic sword was given by the gods to the strong military leader who used it to drive the enemy away. The sword was then taken by a turtle and dragged into the Hoan Kiem Lake waters to be returned to the gods. Nowadays, the Hoan Kiem Lake is a heavenly place where people go to enjoy the beautiful nature, admire the ancient temple in the waters and just relax or do some tai chi. This wonderful city highlight is a favorite photoshoot spot for its picturesque surroundings where you'll often see newly weds taking their first photos as husband and wife.
Ho Chi Minh, affectionately called "Uncle Ho", was the most loved leader of Vietnam who will forever stay in people's hearts. His final resting place, the granite mausoleum in the heart of Hanoi, is one of the most visited places in the capital. People go to pay their respects in front of the glass case with his preserved body where the lines are huge and the dress-code is strict.
The majestic emerging hills and slopes of Hoang Lien Son Mountains guard the beautiful rice terraces and small villages of Northern Vietnam. Often hugged in fog, the mountains look even more mysterious and inviting for explorers and trekkers. Sa Pa is the emerging center for discovering this area where the epic scenery is put in human context with hill tribes working the rice terraces and handcrafting wonderful artwork.
A site of pilgrimage, the Perfume Pagoda and the surrounding maze of Buddhist temples is a unique spiritual experience! Dedicate a whole day to venture about 60km out of Hanoi on a journey through the calm waters and surrounding rice fields, then climb the uphill as you explore the beautiful ancient temples along the way, until you reach the sacred Huong Tich Cave and the Perfume Pagoda. Touch the various stalagmites and stalactites representing a variety of blessings and pray for good luck at the cool and mysterious surroundings of the Perfume Temple.
Thousands of limestone islands and islets emerging from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and creating a mesmerizing water maze... This is Ha Long Bay! The most magical place in Vietnam and one of the most visited natural beauties of South-East Asia. The virgin rain forests on top of the limestone add an incredibly picturesque contrast with the sparkling blue waters and invite explorers to admire them from a far or hop on and backpack through the wilderness. The outstanding scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay is further complemented by the incredible variety of sea-life making it a scuba-diving paradise! Inland lakes, gorgeous grottoes and unique caves await to be discovered on Dau Be and Dau Go Islands. Continue on to Ben Ho Island and explore the magical Hung Sung Sot Cave, Pelican Cave and Virgin Cave. Ensure to stop by and grab some food and drinks at Cat Ba Island, then experience the local fishermen's life on the floating villages of Ha Long Bay.
The beautiful city of Hanoi has many faces, all of which need to be explored to gain a perspective on Vietnam and its people. Beautiful French colonial buildings remind of the colonization period while centuries old palaces and temples in classic Vietnamese architecture stand as witnesses of a glorious past. Spiritual, vintage and modern collide in a wonderful mix of people, places and unique experiences.
The beautiful city of Hanoi has many faces, all of which need to be explored to gain a perspective on Vietnam and its people. Beautiful French colonial buildings remind of the colonization period while centuries old palaces and temples in classic Vietnamese architecture stand as witnesses of a glorious past. Spiritual, vintage and modern collide in a wonderful mix of people, places and unique experiences.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Known for being one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is surprisingly lesser known for its beaches... That means, now is the time to visit them! Enjoy the sand dunes, blue warm waters, palm trees and spectacular vistas before they become overcrowded. Here are the absolute best beaches to escape, relax and forget about everything else!
Known for being one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is surprisingly lesser known for its beaches... That means, now is the time to visit them! Enjoy the sand dunes, blue warm waters, palm trees and spectacular vistas before they become overcrowded. Here are the absolute best beaches to escape, relax and forget about everything else!
The authenticity of Vietnam is so charming that you have no other choice but to fall in love! The entire country is a photographers' dream - ancient cities, vast rice fields, fisherman villages, foggy mountains and sunny beaches... The idilic picture becomes even more complete the minute you experience the communal spirit and warmth of the local people.
The authenticity of Vietnam is so charming that you have no other choice but to fall in love! The entire country is a photographers' dream - ancient cities, vast rice fields, fisherman villages, foggy mountains and sunny beaches... The idilic picture becomes even more complete the minute you experience the communal spirit and warmth of the local people.
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Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's most exciting and happening place where old and new blend into an exhilarating mix. Previously known as Saigon, the city has passed through turmoil and success but emerged as the jewel it is today. Centuries old spiritual temples stand by ultra-modern skyscrapers, backpackers' hostels by luxury hotels, cheap knock-offs stands are counterbalanced by designer malls and traditional delicacy food stalls compete with the fancy restaurants. A city of contrasts, Ho Chi Minh is unforgettable.
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's most exciting and happening place where old and new blend into an exhilarating mix. Previously known as Saigon, the city has passed through turmoil and success but emerged as the jewel it is today. Centuries old spiritual temples stand by ultra-modern skyscrapers, backpackers' hostels by luxury hotels, cheap knock-offs stands are counterbalanced by designer malls and traditional delicacy food stalls compete with the fancy restaurants. A city of contrasts, Ho Chi Minh is unforgettable.
Southern Vietnam is so unique in every possible sense. Here are the best places to visit and admire its diversity.
Southern Vietnam is so unique in every possible sense. Here are the best places to visit and admire its diversity.