Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam.

Vietnam has its own distinct personality. This trip travelled from historic Hanoi to bustling Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon). Due to time constraints, we decided to visit Central Vietnam in 2020. But the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the plan.

HANOI

Making a mad dash across the streets of Hanoi as the overwhelming number of motorcycles run past you, navigate through heavy traffic in the Old Quarter of Hanoi or enjoy a bowl of freshly cooked Pho soup. Overall, these are some experiences you will keep at the end of the trip.

Hanoi is filled with preserved colonial buildings, beautiful pagodas, museums, street vendors and traditional shops. Greatly influenced by Chinese and French, the city has a very interesting mix of cultures and architecture.

If you are here on a weekend, head to the Hanoi Weekend Night Market in the Old Quarter. Plenty of vendors set up stalls from Hang Dao Street to Dong Xuan Market starting at seven at night. The marketplace indeed is a great spot to take dynamic photos.

Surrounding the historic Ngoc Son Temple is Hoan Kiem Lake. A lake that represents tranquillity and calmness, away from the noise and buzz of Old Quarter. You may traverse the lake via bridge to reach the pagoda and temple on Jade Island in the centre of the lake.

You’ve never seen a theatre performance quite like this! Seeing a water puppet show live in Vietnam is a true delight. It’s also a way to learn Vietnamese spiritual and rich history through folklore and legends. Performers manipulate puppets on long rods from behind a screen to make it look as if the puppets are moving across the surface of the water. It takes incredible strength and skill to do so, and the performers take great pride in their work.

Vietnamese food isn’t challenging. Likewise, it’s light and fresh with few spices. Not far from the lake is Sen Tay Ho Buffet Restaurant, which offers more than a hundred international and local dishes. Don’t forget to sample the famous Banh Mi sandwich and beef noodle soup at street stalls.

HA LONG BAY

If you are looking for a magical place in Vietnam, you cannot miss Ha Long Bay, four hour ride from Hanoi.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay offers the most stunning views in Vietnam. With emerald green waters, limestone islands and mystical cave formations, all done while touring on Junk Boats.

What amazed us was the limestone peak formation above sea level. We went to Guilin in China before, where its limestone peaks formation along the Li Jiang river is inland. Yet the formation here is scattered around the lagoon.

Sleeping on a Junk Boat is strongly recommended. While doing day visits to floating villages, taking rowing tours, or jumping off the boat into the cool refreshing water, there’s so much fun. In addition, the overnight cruise gives you a great insight into local living and the spectacular beauty at night.

HO CHI MINH

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the economic capital and the largest city in Vietnam. The city was renamed in 1975 after the end of the Vietnam War.

Today, you will find French architecture, abundant great food and fascinating markets among those high-rise skyscrapers and mega-malls.

The history of Vietnam is fascinating, and one of the most important episodes is the Vietnam War. Despite the victory of the Viet Cong and the defeat of the US and its allies, the war was marked by traumatizing atrocities that the Vietnamese will never forget.

The War Remnants Museum is a must-see place to understand Vietnam and its people. Without going into too much detail, you will learn about four million people have suffered and still suffering the effects of the infamous Agent Orange used by the US troop. The visit might make you feel uncomfortable but as a responsible human being, it is important to learn from mistakes so we never make them again.

Speaking of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels are the famous tunnels where the Viet Cong hid, sometimes for weeks, to avoid American attacks. The Vietnamese people are well aware that this strategy has largely contributed to their victory.

Located 50KM from the city, the tunnel visit allows you to understand how the soldiers felt at the time. Avoid them if you are claustrophobic because the tunnels are narrow.

Reunification Palace (also known as Presidential Palace) is a landmark of Saigon and was the official residence of the President of South Vietnam.

The Old Central Post Office Building, which was constructed during French colonization, has beautiful Gothic architecture. Hundreds of visitors came here daily.

Within walking distance from the post office building is Saigon Notre Dame Basilica. The cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880, and it still remains the main cathedral in the city. Initially, the original materials were imported from France. However, most tiles were damaged during the war and they have been replaced with local made.

Ben Tanh Market is a huge marketplace where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as clothes and fabrics of all colours. The dragon fruit juice is very tasty and refreshing!

Cảm ơn