The Great World

Vietnam has an area of 331,212 km², a land border of 4,639 km, a coastline of 3,260 km, and shares a maritime border with Thailand, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia. With 63 provinces and cities, more than 3/4 of the national territory is mountainous, stretching in an S shape with an archipelago system of more than 10,000 large and small islands. Therefore, each region or province has its characteristics and attractions.

This blog post is written as a series for backpacking tourism to Vietnam or those who are interested in learning about the country and people of Vietnam.

In this part 1, I will briefly summarize the 7 most widely known tourist destinations. I will then detail each of these destinations in more detail. Next, there will be destinations in other provinces and cities that are popular with international tourists or Vietnamese people.

1. Hanoi (Capital)

Attraction: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter. They are located in the center of Hanoi. You can spend time exploring all day, best experienced in the morning or late afternoon. Hanoi – the heart of Vietnam’s historical culture, with the Old Quarter offers a glimpse into the old Vietnamese lifestyle, with countless narrow streets filled with vendors. You should catch a traditional water puppet show. Coming to Hanoi, Phở is a must-try – one of the typical dishes of Vietnamese cuisine and today is widely known around the world, on the list of the world’s most delicious dishes. Phở is a noodle soup, with a clear broth, beef (Phở Bò) or chicken (Phở Gà), rice noodles, bean sprouts, and herbs. You also try some signature of Hanoi’s food such as Bun thang, bun cha, vermicelli with tofu and shrimp paste (this dish is very delicious but has a strong smell of shrimp paste so not all tourists can enjoy experiencing this dish), sticky rice, fish cake, etc.

2. Ho Chi Minh City

Attraction: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Hall (Independence Palace), Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon), Suoi Tien Cultural Tourist Area, Vietnam History Museum, Geography Cu Chi religion.

Most of these sites provide insights into the Vietnam War through photographs and artifacts preserved from the war. Historical destinations will help you better understand why Vietnamese people love peace. You will see with your own eyes the remaining relics and documents as heroic proofs resilience of the Vietnamese people in protecting independence. These activities may not be suitable for all visitors but will definitely help you gain more knowledge than reading dozens of history books related to Vietnam.

Coming to Ho Chi Minh City, you must try Bánh Mì – a Vietnamese sandwich that blends local flavors with French colonial influences, featuring a crispy baguette filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and condiments.  Bánh Mì is also on the list of the world’s most delicious dishes, however, spices have a unique smell and may not be suitable for everyone. You can tell the seller not to put spices in Bánh Mì.

Besides, you should try to eat Vietnamese broken rice once. This is also a specialty dish of Saigon (the old name of Ho Chi Minh City) including rice cooked from broken seeds served with pork ribs, pork skin, egg rolls, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, spices, and vegetables soaked in vinegar. Broken rice is often eaten with a cup of fish sauce which has a sour, spicy, and sweet taste. Locals also often eat it with a fried egg.

3. Hue

Attraction: The Imperial City, Hue mausoleums (including the tombs of 7 Nguyen kings), Bach Ma Mountain, Hue National School, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Dam Pagoda, Lang Co Beach, Thuan An Beach, Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen monastery.

The Imperial City is a vast, walled complex from the Nguyen Dynasty, showcasing magnificent palaces and shrines. You should consider looking for a guide to fully appreciate its historical significance.

Coming to Hue, you should try to eat Bún Bò Huế once, which is a spicy beef noodle soup known for its lemongrass flavor and thick rice noodles, a culinary emblem of Hue. If you can’t eat spicy food, tell the seller not to add chili. There are always fresh chili and satay on the table. You can add more chili depending on your ability to eat spicy food. Also, if you don’t like eating raw vegetables, ask your friend to boil the vegetables for you. You can ask for more vegetables if you feel they are not enough. In addition, you can try mussel rice, sesame candy, sweet soup, Vietnamese fermented pork roll, bamboo soup, Nam Pho noodle soup, and areca-shaped caramel.

4. Hoi An

Attraction: Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, Cu Lao Cham, Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall,

You should explore Hoi An Ancient Town in the evening – this place is a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries, with beautiful lantern-lit streets at night. The town charges a small entrance fee used for preservation efforts.

Hoi An’s signature food is Cao Lầu – a regional dish made with noodles, pork, and local greens, known only to Hoi An, owing to the unique water used in its preparation.

You also enjoy Banh Canh, Banh Beo, Banh Xeo, and Quang Noodles.