“Vietnam has an overwhelming beauty and is rich in natural sceneries and beauties such as deltas like the Red River Delta and Mekong Delta, as well as other beauties including green rice-paddy fields, divine beaches, soaring mountains, dense & misty forests and many more. Vietnam is in the south east of the Indochina Peninsula. The border countries are China on the north, Laos on the northwest, and Cambodia on the southwest. Located to the east is the South China Sea.”

Vietnam Holiday Highlights
Vietnam has a very rich culture, amazing historical monuments, eye catching natural scenery, beaches, mountains, rivers and forests making for ideal eco Vietnam holidays.
Hanoi Holidays
Hanoi is the capital city and the second largest city in Vietnam. Hanoi mixes East and West culture and is suffused with a rich history and culture thanks to centuries of rule by the Chinese. The city is definately the cultural centre of Vietnam and oozes historic charm. There are more than 600 pagodas and temples in the city as well as French colonial buildings and Vietnam tours should include:

French Colonial Architecture – Hanoi has many beautiful French colonial buildings constructed by early French settlers. Many remain untouched by the modernisation which swept the city in the 1970s and 1980s. These buildings include the Grand Opera House, Presidential Palace (built between 1901 and 1906), State Bank of Viet nam, historic hotel Sofitel Metropole, and the Cathédrale St-Joseph.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is housed in a magnificent structure in the center of the city and on display within the mausoleum itself is the preserved body of Uncle Ho, Ho Chi Minh himself, who looks very peaceful. After a thorough security check, visitors shuffle through the mausoleum in a line, but remember; no talking, no photos and no shorts! The mausoleum is only for a few hours each day and is closed two days a week and for two months a year, so check before visiting.

Ho Chi Minh’s Vestige – Step out of the mausoleum into Uncle Ho’s fascinating vestige where he both worked and lived from 1954 to 1969 when he died. Visitors can see his two houses, immaculately preserved as well as his cars and pond complete with carp.

Fine Arts Museum – Visit the fine arts museum to see silk paintings, Buddhist art and pieces covering 20th century wars. There is no English information though and only a little in Vietnamese.

One-Pillar Pagoda – Constructed in 1049, the One-Pillar Pagoda is highly respected among Buddhists who travel to Vietnam. The pagoda is hidden between the mausoleum and museum and can be busy with tourist groups at peak periods.

National Museum of Vietnamese History – This museum offers excellent collections of Vietnamese antiques, ceramics, southern ethnic groups, and rare ancient artifacts and some of the descriptions are available in English. The comprehensive displays date from 1,000 years ago and up to 1945.

Ho Chi Minh Museum – The museum is situated in a French colonial building on the banks of the Saigon River. Only finished in 1990, the stark white building is said to resemble a white lotus. Sail on the Saigon River and re-live the experiences when young Ho Chi Minh set sail for the first time to Europe in the beginning of 20th century, with his photos and letters on display.

Museum of Ethnology – For an intriguing look into the cultures and rituals of the ethnic groups of Vietnam, head to the Museum of Ethnology. There is an open air museum with characters in local attire and plenty of information to better understand the local culture.

Dong Xuan Market – There are around forty stalls at the indoor Dong Xuan Market which caters mostly to tourists. There is a good assortment of local handicrafts such as textiles, art and ceramics. There is also a good array of local food on offer with such dishes as fried frog and raw duck blood juice.

Army Museum – Set amongst four buildings on Dien Bien Phu Street, the Army Museum is an interesting glimpse into two millenia of Vietnam’s military history. There are some good exhibits and information is also in English and French. Outside a Mig-21 jet fighter, T54 tank and various assorted bombs are also on display.
Ho Chi Minh City Holidays
Ho Chi Minh City is also known as Saigon to the locals. Saigon Vietnam is the largest city in Viet nam and the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam, the city is the vibrant commercial hub and great for a Saigon travel adventure. The city offers a complete glimpse of Vietnam travel to overseas visitors and you trip should include:

Reunification Palace – This is the former home of the president of South Vietnam and most standard Saigon tours will include a visit here. The Reunification Palace is one of the most interesting places among visitors whilst on a travel in Vietnam because of its role in the war as well as the unique architecture. While visiting, don’t forget to see the amazing collection of vintage phones and radios.

War Remnants Museum – The War Remnants Museum is formerly known as the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes. Aside from glimpses into atrocities suffered during wartime, the museum has many ancient helicopters, tanks, jets, and other armaments to observe, a sobering moment on a Saigon holiday.

Notre Dame Cathedral – This French creation is the reminder of the French legacy. The 18th century bricks and stained glass structure is the beautiful example of Ho Chi Minh City’s architectural heritage. Most viet nam holidays itineraries will include a trip here.

Giac Lam Temple – The 1744 structure, the Giac Lam temple is probably the oldest Chinese temple to see on Ho Chi Minh tours of the City (also called HCM Vietnam) and is highly regarded.

Vung Tau – Vung Tau offers fresh and clean beaches and is a popular destination for those looking for exotic beaches whilst on Vietnam tours and is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of a Ho Chi Minh holiday.

Mekong Delta – The Mekong region is situated to the east of HCMC and is also known as the Nine Dragon River Delta and is the wonderful waterway to southern Vietnam travel. For the lovers of water sports, the Mekong Delta is one of the best places visit. Several water sports and boat tours are available to tourists. There are infinite selections of itineraries such as afternoon cruises, night trips and 2-3 day tours available on your Vietnam Hanoi travel adventure. You can also sail to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

Jade Emperor Temple – The Jade Emperor Temple is one of the most popular Chinese temples in Vietnam. The 1909 structured temple was built in honor of Emperor of Jade.

Ben Thanh Market – Possibly the oldest and probably the busiest market in all of Vietnam, the Ben Thanh Market is bustling with over 3,000 stalls in one open-air square. Situated in District 1 between the streets of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao and Le Lai, the market sells coffee, food, clothes, trinkets, Chinese medicine – in fact everything you might need (and plenty of things that you’d never need) can be found here! So be prepared to jostle with the locals and practice your bartering skills!

Hue Holidays

Hue is full of culture and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a unique charm. Hue is 400km south of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City tours are about 550km away. The famous Perfume River is also located in the city as well as:

Imperial City – The Imperial City is one of the largest attractions of Hue with several sprawling complexes, temples, walls, museums, and galleries that feature various eras of Vietnamese history.

Cua Ngo Mon – Also known as The Noon Gate, this is the main entrance to the city from the south. The Noon Gate was built in 1823 by Gia Long and presents a wonderful example of ancient architecture.

Thai Hoa Palace – Thai Hoa palace is another site worth visiting on your tour Vietnam. Also known as the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the 1833 structure is the living example of architectural expertise. Visit the Palace to receive glimpse of exquisite artistry through wall paintings, the emperor’s coronation hall, and his original throne.