Vietnam is on Our Radar, and Here’s Why
Southeast Asia is drawing more attention from travelers these days, with Vietnam capturing a significant share of the spotlight. Why? This warm, expansive country offers exceptional value for North Americans, making it a desirable year-round destination.
Ha Long Bay | Heritage Cruises, Ha Long Bay
Vietnam captures the imagination of all types of travelers: the adventurous, seeking the road trip of a lifetime through the mountainous north; the luxury cruise enthusiast, drawn to the UNESCO waters of Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta for a unique cultural experience; and the city lover, exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi and Saigon or the relaxed vibes of Da Nang and Hoi An.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort | Hoi An
Outdoor lovers won’t want to miss Da Lat, a lesser-visited city in the central highlands where a cooler climate, gently sloping mountains, rivers, and wildlife delight. Wandering the city reveals markets packed with fresh produce and some incredible French architecture, as Da Lat was once a resort town for colonizers. Venture farther north to Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Asia’s most spectacular waterfalls.
Golden Bridge, Da Nang | Ban Gioc Waterfall | Mekong Delta | Bat Nha Monastery
In South Vietnam, the waterways of the Mekong Delta are one of the country’s most visually arresting areas. Hop into a traditional wooden boat to enter the floating markets, admire villages on stilts, and wonder about the balance of farmers walking through rice paddies on raised platforms. Both the high-water season (mid-August to November) and low-water season offer spectacular bird watching.
Tầm vị, Michelin-Star Restaurant | Floating Market, Mekong River | Anantara Hoi An Resort
Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Vietnam is for the cuisine – feast on pho: Saigon chefs make a spicy-sweet style of this comfort soup while the pho is served with wider noodles and more spice; banh mi sandwiches arrive on the freshest of baguettes (a nod to the country’s colonial history).
For something sweet, try che ba mau, a three-color parfait of yellow and red bean paste, green pandan jelly and coconut cream topped with crushed ice. It looks like a sundae but tastes even better.
Saigon, Hanoi, Dalat, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay – discover the culture, feast on the cuisine and explore the historic cities of Vietnam.
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