What’s the difference between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh?

By

If you're arriving in Vietnam on an international flight, chances are you're coming into one of its two metropolises: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. These sprawling urban centers housing millions of inhabitants are also cultural, governmental, transportation, and tourism hubs. The question then remains: what's the difference between the two, and which one should you visit? We'll …

The Top Rooftop Sky Bars in Hanoi

By

Wandering the bustling streets of Hanoi is a tourist's rite of passage. But there's also much to be said for getting above it all and taking in that frenetic energy from atop a Hanoi rooftop bar. The COVID-19 pandemic has had its effect on all aspects of the tourism industry, and the Vietnamese capital is no exception. So be sure to first verify that the rooftop bars that …

The Top Rooftop Sky Bars in Ho Chi Minh

By

Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, energetic and sprawling metropolis in southern Vietnam. But that energy isn't just limited to ground level. Visitors in the know can enjoy their favorite libations along with incredible views in one of Ho Chi Minh's many rooftop bars. Let's run down a few of the top ones (pun intended), and the information you'll need to sip your own cocktails …

The Highest Peaks in Vietnam

By

In the past few decades, Vietnam has become a premier tourist destination, with vibrant cities, gorgeous beaches, and stunning landscapes drawing visitors from around the globe. For those who prefer to trekking in the wilderness, taking time to venture into Vietnam's mountainous terrain will make you truly appreciate Vietnam's raw beauty. While not in the same league as the …

7 Best Zip Lines in Vietnam

By

Soaring hundreds of meters over lush foliage, ziplining in Vietnam allows you to take in the country's natural beauty from a new perspective. While ziplines exist in destinations around the world, the ones found here are particularly stunning, whisking you through national parks, near waterfalls, and into thriving jungles. In no particular order, here are the top zip lines …

The Temple of Literature – Hanoi

By

The Temple of Literature is not just another Southeast Asian temple. While it houses shrines, altars, and religious writings within, this storied location, in the heart of Hanoi, pays homage to a more secular divinity: education. This oasis of peace in an otherwise chaotic metropolis is a place for reflection, meditation, and for the serious visitor, some learning as …

6 Major Lakes in Vietnam

By

Vietnam's lakes may not get the same fame as its limestone karsts, stunning beaches, and immense caverns, but this doesn't mean they shouldn't be on your itinerary. With a predominantly rugged topography and copious amounts of rainfall, it's inevitable that all that water had to pool together somewhere. Fortunately, the lakes of Vietnam are one of many facets that make a …

Annamese Mountains – Vietnam

By

The Annamese Mountain Range may not be familiar to many, but in Vietnam, they are quite literally the nation's backbone. Following a near parallel curve with Vietnam's coastline, the Annamese, also known as the Annamite Mountains or the Annamite Range, runs in a subtle 'S' shape.  This range forms a natural border between the nations of Vietnam and Laos, and like many …

Trio of Waterfalls in Central Highlands of South Vietnam

By

The rugged terrain of Southern Vietnam's Central Highlands guarantees two things: breathtaking natural beauty and falling water. Regarding the latter, there are three waterfalls in the Central Highlands called Dray Nur, Dray Sap, and Gia Long that draw visitors into the know, resulting in an authentic natural experience along with some remarkable images for your trip photo …

The 5 Largest Cities in Vietnam

By

Despite its relatively small size, Vietnam ranks among the world's top 20 countries in terms of population with over 98 million inhabitants. Many of those millions of individuals live in the largest cities in Vietnam, as the opportunities and conveniences found in urban centers increasingly draw aspiring citizens from the country's vast rural interior. With several cities …

Does Vietnam have a Rainy Season

By

In Vietnam, seasons are differentiated by the amount of rainfall, with a dry and wet (rainy) season as opposed to the usual sequence of winter, spring, summer, fall seen in more temperate zones. Each season has its own benefits and drawbacks to the erstwhile visitor, and knowing the effects the weather could have on your travel plans will greatly determine how much you enjoy …

When is the Dry Season in Vietnam

By

The concept of a dry season might seem difficult to grasp for those who live in more temperate areas where the seasons are broken down into winter, spring, summer, and fall. But in the tropics, like Vietnam, the weather is almost always warm or at least warmish, so seasons are not so much distinguished by their temperatures but by their rainfall. In Vietnam, the weather is …

The Best Caves In Vietnam

By

With sandy beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning mountain ranges, you might not think of caves as being a reason to visit Vietnam. However, travelers in the know are aware that Vietnam's natural gems extend well beyond what is visible on the surface. Home to what's considered the largest cave in the world, and many other caverns beckoning to be explored, even the greenest …

Hoan Kiem Lake – Hanoi

By

Hoan Kiem Lake is an oasis of peace in an otherwise very bustling city. Visitors to Vietnam's capital of Hanoi may at first be overwhelmed by the frenetic energy that pervades the streets and markets. Their senses may be assaulted by the constant chatter of beeping horns, the acrid smell of motorbike fumes, and the spicy flavor of fresh chili paste. But tucked away in the …

West Lake – Hanoi

By

In a metropolis built on waterways, it's no surprise that West Lake has secured a prime spot in Hanoi's cityscape. With numerous historic temples and pagodas as well as luxurious hotels and residences, visiting this lake offers visitors a plethora of activities. You can get in a strenuous workout, have an amazing seafood lunch, relax in a peaceful spot in the shade, and even …

Marble Mountains – near Da Nang

By

The Marble Mountains aren't the tallest or most famous mountains in Vietnam, but when you consider how they shoot up precipitously from the otherwise flat coastal plain, it's no surprise that they would be considered something of an attraction. Add to that an intriguing history and stunning views, and the appeal is quite obvious. History Vietnam has an impressive …

Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range – Northern Vietnam

By

Throughout Vietnam, mountains are the backbone of the country's topography. The rivers, jungles, and coastal plains, all in some way or another, owe their existence to the mighty mountain ranges that have created the contours of Vietnam's landscape. The longest of these is the Ammanese Range, which serves as the curving spine of Vietnam's "S" shaped form. The tallest range, …

The Best Cable Car & Gondolas in Vietnam

By

If the only gondola you're familiar with is the kind being paddled around the canals of Venice, then you've been missing out. In Vietnam, a gondola ride entails a comfortable and scenic ride in an enclosed cabin that will take you effortlessly to the top of the rugged mountainous landscape via a series of cables and stanchions. A ride in one of Vietnam's gondolas or cable …

Top Alpine Coasters In Vietnam

By

Known for its incredible scenic views, Vietnam is home to a sprawling landscape that is waiting to be explored. While some individuals prefer trekking into the untouched wilderness, others prefer something a bit more developed, like riding an alpine coaster. Skillfully adapted for the masses and combining the built-in variation of altitude with modern engineering, taking in …