It’s the end of another year and the holiday season is here. Still at a loss thinking about where to go for your vacation? Why not explore spectacular Vietnam for a wallet-friendly, memorable trip! The average price for a round trip flight ticket to Ho Chi Minh only sets you back less than RM500. (If you are lucky, you might even score tickets that are way cheaper! Just keep your eyes peeled for promotions.) Here are some great places to visit while you are there.
1. Halong Bay
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Bored with the usual beaches in Malaysia and Thailand? Head on over to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Quang Ninh for some rest and relaxation. Featuring picture-perfect views of its crystal clear waters and marine cliffs, discover its magnificent grottoes, caves and sinkhole lakes. Just 182km from the capital city, Hanoi, do remember to book yourself on one of the cruises that tour the Bay.
2. Ninh Binh
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Located to the south of the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is exactly how you would picture a typical, serene Vietnamese village. The place is alive with lush greenery, from its numerous paddy fields to the majestic forest-filled mountains, complete with a long, winding river that cuts through the village. Visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral and Cuc Phuong National Park when you are here.
3. Ho Chi Minh
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A vacation to Vietnam is not complete without a visit to the largest city, Ho Chi Minh or as locals still call it, Saigon. The city is famed for its French colonial influences which can be seen from its architecture. Places of interest include the touristy Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, City Post Office, Municipal Theatre, Notre-Dame Cathedral and City Hall.
4. Mui Ne
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If you always wanted to visit a desert but never had the chance yet, you can do so in Vietnam! Admire Mui Ne’s breathtaking sand dunes where the wind has shaped amazing formations such as Barchans & Sieve. Activities not to be missed here include kite flying, riding on ostriches, quad biking and witnessing the jaw-dropping sunsets. Being a desert, it is wise to avoid Mui Ne when the sun is at its hottest and highest, instead, visit during the early or late afternoon.
5. Hang Son Doong
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The Hang Son Doong cave is so large it can even fit an entire airplane. Situated an hour away from Dong Hoi airport, the largest cave in the world measures more than an impressive 200m high, 150m across and 5km in length. It is so huge that it boasts its very own climate, jungle and river. One of the scenes from King Kong 2 was filmed here as well.
6. Nha Trang
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Nha Trang is located in the Khanh Hoa Province, South Vietnam and known as one of the more popular beach vacation spots in Vietnam. Glittering turquoise waters along its crescent shaped beach is ideal for scuba diving. The picturesque landscape is completed by the small islands and hills scattered around the area. Drop by Po Nagar Tower, Vinpearl Land and the Long Son Pagoda.
7. Dalat
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Looking to take a break from city life and skyscrapers? Dalat has a cool, eternal spring climate due to its location in the Lang Biang highlands where Mother Nature can be found everywhere. Flowers bloom in glorious colour while refreshing lakes and waterfalls can be found in various places. The Lake of Sorrow, Phu Dong, Valley of Love and Xuan Hong Lake are interesting places to explore when in Dalat.
8. Hue
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The charms of the old world and modern life come together in a harmonious blend in the historical city of Hue. Bearing the legacy of the majestic Nguyen emperors, history buffs are bound to love this city. Explore the Forbidden City, Japanese Bridge, Dong Ba Markets, Thien Mu pagoda and Tombs of Emperor.
9. Phu Quoc
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A gorgeous island on the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is just 50km away from the mainland of Vietnam. This is another dream paradise beach location for beach lovers as the soft, white sand, clear blue waters and relaxing atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop. Activities to do here include snorkeling, scuba diving and visiting the Cau Prison.
