In the article titled “Vietnam: You shouldn’t miss these sights”, www.reisereporter.de suggests tourists to visit some hidden "treasures" and undiscovered natural wonders in this wonderful country in the Southeast Asia region, in addition to popular tourist attractions.
| A Vietnamese girl in her charming ao dai (long dress) and non la (conical hat) walks through the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Yeu Ha Noi |
According to Daniel Schramm, staff writer for www.reisereporter.de, Vietnam is a fascinating destination with a wide variety of sights and experiences.
From historic cities like Hanoi and Hue to stunning natural landscapes like Halong Bay and Sapa to culinary adventures in street kitchens and markets, the country offers something for every taste.
Vietnam's cultural and economic hubs
The charming northern capital of Hanoi is a place where history meets modern vibrancy. Hanoi's Old Quarter, with its winding streets and bustling markets, is a living testament to Vietnamese culture.
Here, you can visit historic temples and pagodas such as the One Pillar Pagoda, the graceful Turtle Pagoda, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Vietnam's revered leader lies in state.
Hanoi's Old Quarter is a living witness to Vietnam's history. With its narrow streets and historic buildings, it is a living testimony to Vietnam's colonial past. President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison Relic Site are important historical sites in Hanoi. Meanwhile, the Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnamese Women Museum are not-to-be-missed tourist attractions in Hanoi.
| The Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shore of the legendary West Lake. Photo: Yeu Hanoi |
Meanwhile, in the vibrant south, the former Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, awaits. This metropolis offers modern shopping malls and impressive skyscrapers but retains its roots in history. Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about the American War or stroll through the historic Cho Lon district, which is steeped in Chinese culture.
The Bay of Wonders
Halong Bay is a place of extraordinary beauty and mystery. Over 1,600 limestone islands rise from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Boat tours through this unique landscape allow you to sail among these mysterious rock formations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
| The sandy beach at Halong Bay. Photo: Pinoy Traveler |
Daily life on the river
The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam is a fascinating river landscape crossed by numerous branches of the mighty Mekong River. The region is known for its floating markets, lush rice fields and verdant orchards. Boat tours allow you to experience the life of the people along the river and observe the agricultural activities in this fertile region.
Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites
According to www.reisereporter.de, Vietnam is also home to an impressive number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
These sites bear witness to the country's rich history, culture and architecture. Hoi An Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a historic trading town. The narrow streets lined with colorful lanterns create an enchanting atmosphere. The historic buildings, including ancient Chinese temples, Japanese bridges and trading houses, reflect the city's multicultural past.
| A corner of Hoi An Ancient Town. Photo: Nguoi Hoi An |
In addition, the temple town of My Son Sanctuary is another interesting tourist attraction. The temples of My Son were the religious center of the Champa Kingdom and are known for their impressive architecture and sculptures showing the influence of Hinduism in the region.
Hue former Imperial Citadel is a complex of royal palaces, temples, walls and gates and was once the heart of the Nguyen Kingdom. Meanwhile, Trang An Landscape Complex, in northern part of Vietnam, is a combination of limestone cliffs, caves, rivers and rice fields. The area is not only a natural paradise but is also home to historical sites and temples.
Natural wonders and adventure
Vietnam is known not only for its rich culture and history, but also for its breathtaking natural wonders and adventures, which attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you enjoy hiking, caving or simply enjoying nature, Vietnam has a wealth of experiences to offer that will make your stay unforgettable.
| The Ban Gioc Waterfall. Photo: www.dangcongsan.vn |
The Ban Gioc Waterfalls are located on the border between Vietnam and China. They are the largest natural waterfalls in Southeast Asia. The sound of the water and the surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking. The waterfalls are surrounded by green rice fields and karst mountains for spectacular photo opportunities.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to some of the largest and most spectacular caves in the world, including the magnificent Phong Nha and Son Doong caves.
Meanwhile, the northern mountain town of Sapa in Lao Cai Province is a popular trekking destination through picturesque rice terraces and mountain villages.
Meanwhile, Bach Ma National Park in central Vietnam is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers, with hiking trails and waterfalls. And a trip to some of the waterfalls such as Prenn, Cam Ly or Datanla in Dalat City, Lam Dong Province offers visitors a relaxing and close to nature experience.
Experience extraordinary culinary and local markets
| Banh mi- a Vietnamese delicacy. Photo: Banh My Huong Lan |
Vietnamese cuisine is world famous and an important part of the country's cultural heritage. The variety of flavors and dishes make it a culinary paradise for food lovers.
A visit to Vietnam's vibrant street markets is a must for travelers to Vietnam. Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi and Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City are just two examples. Here you can sample fresh food, spices and traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho and banh mi.
Pho is one of Vietnam's most famous soups, a combination of spicy broth with rice noodles and fresh herbs. While Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich filled with various toppings such as grilled meat, vegetables and fresh herbs. It is a simple but delicious dish. Other Vietnamese delicacies include spring rolls, egg coffee and, of course, fresh seafood.
