In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a rich tale of culture and heritage intertwined with a long historical past. Its capital, Hanoi, is a jigsaw of French colonial buildings with traditional Vietnamese architecture. Known for its Old Quarter. It is adorned with modern displays and outstanding cultural sites such as the Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature. If your heart longs to walk through the lively floating markets of the Mekong Delta, observe the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City, or participate in sandboarding activities in Mui Ne, there are plenty of experiences waiting to cross your path. Let us explore the possibilities of whether you should explore the cultural treasures of Northern Vietnam or the urban vitality of the South, where history is rich, the food is unforgettable, and crossing the street is a leap of faith.
North Region
1. Ha Noi – The Capital
Ha Noi is the cultural soul of Vietnam. There is a lore behind every place and activity here. Whether you are exploring the cramped cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter or watching a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese folk art dating back to the 11th century, that tells you tales of the past without a word. If you ever get tired of roaming the bustling streets filled with past and contemporary items, you could visit the stunning rooftop bars or take a refreshing visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Sword Lake, for some frame-worthy clicks. For the last part of your package trip to Vietnam, you can end your day by devouring the famous Phở (Vietnamese noodle soup) or Bún Chả (grilled pork with noodles).
2. Ha Long Bay – The Majestic Seascape
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where magnificent limestone islands formed over millions of years due to erosion and islets rise dramatically from emerald waters. The bay’s surreal beauty can be discovered by cruise, kayak, or seaplane. Explore stalactite-filled caves like Sung Sot and Thien Cung or paddle through floating villages like Cửa Vạn and Ba Hang. The bay also narrates legends and myths, adding to its mystique, its name is a testament to the same “Hạ Long” which means “Descending Dragon,” based on a legend that dragons created the bay to protect Vietnam from invaders.
3. Sapa – The Mountain Retreat
A breathtaking, picturesque mountain town known for its flourishing rice terraces, rich ethnic culture, and adventurous trekking opportunities (where your legs will question every life choice after a day of hiking). It is home to Mu Cang Chai and Lao Chai rice terraces, some of the most beautiful in the world. The best time to visit Sapa is September to early October when the fields turn golden. What makes it just right for trekking is the fact that it is surrounded by the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range, often called the “Vietnamese Alps” and villages such as Cat Cat or Ta Phin for an authentic experience. This scenic beauty fosters picture-perfect waterfalls like the Love and Silver waterfalls.
4. Ninh Binh – Hạ Long Bay on Land
Ninh Bình is a hidden gem in northern Vietnam, with its vibrant limestone karsts, peaceful waterways, ancient temples, and rich history. A treasure trove of culture and artifacts, boat rides are the main mode of transport here, with rowboats traditionally paddled by local women using their feet, a reminder that some people can row a boat with their toes while others still trip over flat ground. Few tourists pass through this peaceful spot; although, a bird’s eye view of Ninh Binh is possible at Hang Mua, where 500 stairs have been carved laboriously into the sloping face of a hill so do strap your shoes tight for this one.
5. Ha Giang – The Last Frontier
Discover the rugged jaw-dropping limestone mountains, winding roads, ethnic minority cultures, and adventurous motorbike loops. The Ha Giang loop is Vietnam’s Legendary motorbike loop that stretches over 350 km. The area remains untouched and unspoiled, unlike most touristy areas. It is less commercialized, making it authentic and more of a hidden gem away from mass tourism. The most popular pass is known as the Ma Pi Leng Pass, dubbed the “King of Passes” for its dramatic cliffs and deep canyons,perfect for those who like their road trips with a side of mild existential crisis.
South Region
1. Hồ Chí Minh City (Saigon) – The Urban Heart
The city that welcomes every kind of traveler, from explorers to foodies and bikers to history, Hồ Chí Minh is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. It’s a place where history meets modernity, with French colonial charm and modern skyscrapers it harbors a cosmopolitan and metropolitan environment. Created entirely of materials imported from France, the Notre Dame Cathedral is a popular tourist spot. Within Vietnam’s tight alleys, you’ll discover the best street foods like Bánh Mì and Phở, alongside vibrant sky-high bars and a buzzing nightlife.
2. Mekong Delta – The “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam
As the name suggests, The Mekong Delta contributes a substantial portion of Vietnam’s rice thanks to its fertile soil and rich biodiversity. The endless green fields expand across the landscape, a land with rivers, canals, and islands, best explored by traditional wooden boats (sampans) so one can forget about roads and travel through a built-in water highway. The delta offers a hint of a rural atmosphere with agriculture, floating markets, villages, fishing, etc. Visited for its fruit orchards blossoming some of the freshest and most exotic fruits in Vietnam.
3. Củ Chi Tunnels – A Historical Landmark
The Củ Chi Tunnels are a web of underground passageways that connect villages and strategic military bases. Built by hand, this underground network was built to serve as a base of operations for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. These tunnels included everything needed for survival including the famous “smokeless kitchens” (Hoàng Cầm stoves) which were designed to disperse smoke to avoid detection by U.S. forces. It played an integral role during the fight for Vietnam’s independence and is a symbol of resilience, ingenuity, and national pride.
4. Mũi Né – The Sand Dunes & Adventure Spot
Mũi Né is an undiscovered seaside jewel. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing beach escape, Mũi Né has something for everyone. Packed with dunes like white and red dunes and an abundance of fresh seafood. The strong wind and wave conditions here make it one of Asia’s top kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations so make sure you don’t get blown away, quite literally. Apart from the mortal land, Mũi Né also comprises a magical escape to the fairy stream called Suối Tiên located about 18 km North East of Phan Thiet, this enchanting stream runs between white and ochre stalactite hills.
5. Phú Quốc Island – Pearl Island
Phú Quốc Island is known for having stunning unspoiled beaches, transparent turquoise water, and diverse marine life. Long Beach offers a breathtaking unobstructed view of the sunset along with the most beautiful beaches called Kem and Sao Beach consisting of a vast white coastline. The island boasts theme parks, and animal conservation, and let’s not forget to mention the World’s Longest Over-Sea Cable Car – The Hon Thom Cable Car offers a breathtaking 8 km ride over the turquoise waters of the An Thoi Archipelago, perfect for enjoying the view while questioning your fear of heights
The decision as to which region is better can only be made by personal preferences. For those who enjoy cultural discovery, i.e., history, traditional architecture, and scenery, Northern Vietnam is the best. The historic beauty of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Sapa give a deep experience of Vietnam’s rich past and living traditions as well as a realisation that you need to work on your step count . Or, if one is good in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, Southern Vietnam might be the better choice if you want to retire from sleeping. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a dynamic city with sleek skyscrapers, lively nightlife, and a thriving café culture that supports caffeine over sleep, or the Mekong Delta if you want to buy fruits from a boat. However, be it cultural depth or city life, it is always a good idea to book an international tour package with Pickyourtrail, as it showcases the best regions based on different interests and walking capability.
