Vietnam is a popular destination for Australians as it offers so much for the worldly traveller – a vibrant culture, stunning scenery, sumptuous food, great shopping and friendly people. Vietnam is blessed with a pleasant climate and stunning landscapes ranging from mountains to river basins, dense forests and vast tracts of emerald green rice fields. The main cities of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi are chaotic and invigorating where the delightful melding of different cultures is at its most evident, in everything from food to architecture.
Formally known as Saigon and still called this by the locals, Ho Chi Minh is the country’s economic and cultural capital. Attractions here are those of the French colonisation and the Vietnam War, the most well-known being the Reunification Palace, made famous as the Vietnam War drew to an end. The influence of French rule can be seen in the Notre Dame Cathedral and Post Office. A day excursion to the Mekong Delta opens travellers eyes to a distinct way of life on the river. This vast maze of rivers, swamps and islands are home to floating markets, Khmer pagodas and villages surrounded by rice paddies, with boats the main means of transportation.
Old town Hoi An, on the central coast of Vietnam, is UNESCO World Heritage listed, protecting it from being overrun by modern structures. Cut through with canals, this former port city is a melting pot of history which is reflected in its architecture, a mix of eras and styles from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colourful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda.
Hanoi, the capital, ebbs resplendent culture from its majestic architecture, tree-lined streets and a compelling history. Charming alleyways lead to coffee shops and wine bars where locals and visitors meld into the daily activities. The French influence is still evident across Hanoi, from its Parisian style buildings to its French cuisine. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay is not to be missed. Known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests, junk boat tours take visitors past islands named for their shapes, including Stone Dog and Teapot islets.
Click here for our holidays featuring Vietnam or contact the Holidays of Australia & the World team on 1300 854 897 or holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
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