10 Destinations for Foreign Travelers Visiting Vietnam for the First Time
Tuesday, 08/10/2024, 10:31

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Vietnam is one of the Southeast Asian countries that attract international visitors with its stunning landscapes and unique culture. Let's explore 10 destinations for foreign travelers visiting Vietnam for the first time!


Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a blend of modern, bustling life and the architectural charm of the 20th century.

Thanks to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the city, visitors can easily immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture. Some recommended places to visit include Ben Thanh Market, Pham Ngu Lao Street, the War Remnants Museum, the Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and experiencing the nightlife and street food.


Saigon is a melting pot of expatriates, and as a result, its cuisine is a fusion of various regions, offering you countless dining options. Don't forget to indulge in the rich and tempting street food scene when you visit!

Cu Chi Tunnels
Just two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a unique underground wonder, often referred to as the "city beneath the earth." This system was built during the Vietnam War and includes various underground structures such as trenches, food storage facilities, kitchens, and wells. Visitors can see secret entrances to the tunnels. Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most exciting experiences for travelers. However, it’s important to note that the tunnels are very narrow. If you are uncomfortable in cramped spaces, you might want to skip entering the tunnels.


Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, densely woven with rivers and canals, is often referred to as the "Land of Nine Dragons," characterized by its overflowing waters and ebbing tides, with boats bustling day and night on the rivers. This scene has existed for centuries and remains the same today. Here, you can visit Can Tho, a lively area along the river, to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the floating markets and learn about the daily lives of the locals.


Hoi An Ancient Town
The Ancient Town of Hoi An is a historic city located downstream of the Thu Bon River in the coastal plain of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, about 30 km south of Da Nang. This well-preserved ancient street features over 1,000 architectural relics, including houses, assembly halls, temples, and the iconic Japanese Bridge, along with traditional dishes. Visitors to Hoi An are often captivated by its timeless beauty and the rustic simplicity of its scenery and local people.


My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is one of the most interesting and popular destinations among tourists. Established from the 4th to the 13th centuries AD, this ancient site boasts a mysterious and historic beauty, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors each year. My Son is a complex of ancient temples and towers, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.


Phong Nha – Ke Bang
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park has become a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors for many reasons. With its picturesque landscapes, impressive cave systems—including the stunning Son Doong Cave—lush mountains, and rare flora and fauna, millions of tourists visit each year, along with many adventurers eager to explore new caves.


Hanoi
Hanoi is an essential destination when discussing places that attract international tourists to Vietnam. This city, where modernity meets tradition, is home to numerous famous landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral, and Tran Quoc Pagoda.


In addition to its famous colonial architecture, Hanoi attracts visitors with its rich and diverse cuisine. When you arrive, be sure to try Com Lang Vong, a seasonal specialty of Hanoi in the autumn. Besides Com, the city also offers delicious dishes like bun oc, bun cha, and pho cuon, which are sure to please travelers.

Ninh Binh
Just an hour’s drive from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a fantastic destination for first-time travelers to Vietnam. This area is steeped in history, linked to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and features several attractions that draw visitors, such as the Trang An eco-tourism site, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and the Tam Coc – Bich Dong caves.


Natural attractions like Cuc Phuong National Park are also favorite destinations for many families due to their pristine and majestic beauty. Visitors can test their endurance by climbing 486 stone steps to reach the summit.
 
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay ranks as the ninth favorite destination for international tourists. It impresses visitors not only with the beauty bestowed by nature but also with a sense of peace and comfort. The uniquely shaped limestone islands and the stunning scenery of clouds, rivers, and waters create a magnificent, living masterpiece.


Ha Long Bay encompasses the sea and Van Don district in Quang Ninh Province. Covering an area of approximately 1,553 km², it features 1,969 large and small islands along with a system of limestone mountains and caves. Just a single boat ride allows you to admire the unique islands standing tall in the vast ocean. Even with your eyes closed, you can feel yourself immersed in the natural beauty here, where all worries and troubles will surely fade away.

Sapa
Sapa, located in Lao Cai Province, is an attractive destination for international tourists. Known for its fresh, cool air and simple, rural lifestyle, Sapa is often shrouded in mist throughout the year due to its position in northwest Vietnam. The terraced rice fields stretch across the landscape, combined with majestic mountains and the untouched beauty of this northwest region, creating a serene yet captivating scene.


Moreover, Sapa enchants visitors with its rustic mountain dishes, such as salmon, “cap nach” pork, "thang co" (a traditional dish), bamboo rice, and smoked buffalo meat. You can explore Fansipan Mountain by cable car, visit Love Waterfall, and check out Silver Waterfall and the local villages. Notably, if you visit Sapa in December during the snowfall, you'll feel as if you're traveling abroad, surrounded by the majestic scenery blanketed in white snow and the crisp cold.

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