What are the World Heritages in Vietnam?
What major sights do you recommend in and around Hanoi?
What major sights do you recommend in and around Ho Chi Minh City?
What major sights do you recommend in and around Hue?
What major sights do you recommend in and around Da Nang?
How can I organize sightseeing excursions in Vietnam?
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tourist attractions in Vietnam,
tourist attractions in Cambodia and
tourist attractions in Laos
What are the World
Heritages in Vietnam?
1.
Halong Bay - UNESCO World Heritage (2 times with 2
natural values)
2.
Hue old citadel - UNESCO World Heritage (2 times with 2
cultural values)
3.
Hoi An ancient town - UNESCO World Heritage
(cultural value)
4.
My Son Sanctuary - UNESCO World Heritage
(cultural value)
5.
Phong Nha caves - UNESCO World Heritage
(natural value)
What major
sights do you recommend in and around Hanoi?
Hanoi has changed enormously over the last few years, but I still find it a
beguiling city. The Old Quarter is as captivating as ever, while some of the
revamped colonial buildings are just stunning.
The Old Quarter in Hanoi
I love wandering the intoxicating tangle of streets that makes up Hanoi's
commercial heart. Many are still dedicated to one particular craft; don't miss
the jaunty prayer banners of Hang Quat, Lan On's fragrant medicines and Hang Ma,
draped in tinsel, votive objects and all manner of paper products.
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi
Immediately south of the Old Quarter, Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword)
takes on different personalities at different times of day. It's perhaps best at
daybreak, when tai chi experts limber up in the half-light, or at dusk when old
men come to play chess and couples seek privacy in the shadows.
The French Quarter in Hanoi
Continuing southwards, the French Quarter is full of stately colonial buildings
on tree-lined avenues. Its centre-piece is the beautifully restored Opera House.
Nearby, you'll find the elegant Metropole Hotel and Governor of Tonkin's
Residence.
Water puppets in Hanoi
Though the traditional water puppet shows are decidedly touristy, they're still
huge fun for all age groups. Performances consist of charming vignettes of rural
life, such as ploughing, rice planting and children splashing in the paddy or
herding ducks.
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi
The green lawns and gnarled trees of this Confucian temple are a pleasant
respite from the noise, dust and confusion of Hanoi.
With a few days to spare, a trip to Halong Bay is highly recommended. You can
either take a guided tour or do it yourself, in which case it's worth
considering staying on Cat Ba island rather than the more touristy destination
of Halong City. Other sights around Hanoi include the Perfume Pagoda (a vast,
sacred cave accessible only by river), Tam Coc (another river trip, this time
near Ninh Binh) or the mountain villages of Sapa and Bac Ha near the Chinese
border.
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Hanoi information
What major sights do you recommend in and around Ho Chi Minh City?
Larger and more cosmopolitan than its northern rival, Ho Chi Minh City (or
Saigon as most locals still call it) is a fury of sights and sounds. It can be
bewildering at first, but it's never dull. Ju