Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country on the eastern coast of the Indochina peninsula with China to the north Laos to the northwest and Cambodia to the southwest.
Despite its relatively small size Vietnam is one of the most stunning countries in the world with a diverse landscape that includes everything from towering mountains to pristine beaches.
Here are 10 of the most stunning sights to see in Vietnam.
1.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.
The bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin and is home to over 1600 islands and islets many of which are uninhabited.
The islands are covered in lush vegetation and are home to a variety of wildlife including monkeys snakes and lizards.
Ha Long Bay is a beautiful spot for kayaking swimming and hiking and is also one of the best places in Vietnam to go rock climbing.
2.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port.
The town was a major hub for trade between China and Japan from the 15th to the 19th century and as a result Hoi An is a unique blend of Vietnamese Chinese and Japanese cultures.
The town is home to a number of well-preserved historic buildings including temples pagodas shops and houses.
Hoi An is also a great place to shop for souvenirs as it is known for its high-quality arts and crafts.
3.
Hue
Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam and is home to a number of well-preserved palaces temples and other historic buildings.
The city was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 and was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam.
Hue is also home to a number of tombs of past emperors as well as the Citadel a large fortress that was the home of the emperor.
4.
My Son
My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important archaeological site in Vietnam.
The site is located in the central part of the country and is home to a number of well-preserved Hindu temples.
My Son was an important religious site for the Cham people who ruled over the area from the 2nd to the 13th century.
The temples at My Son were built between the 4th and the 14th centuries and are a great example of Cham architecture.
5.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest national park in Vietnam.
The park is located in the north of the country and is home to a number of caves and grottoes as well as a variety of wildlife.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a great place for hiking camping and bird watching and is also home to the world’s largest cave Son Doong Cave.
6.
Sa Pa
Sa Pa is a small town in northwest Vietnam close to the border with China.
The town is located in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and is home to a number of ethnic minority groups including the Hmong Dao and Red Dzao.
Sa Pa is a great place to hike and explore the local culture and is also home to a number of markets where you can buy souvenirs and handmade goods.
7.
Tam Coc
Tam Coc is a small town in the north of Vietnam located in the province of Ninh Binh.
The town is situated on the banks of the Ngo Dong River and is home to a number of temples and pagodas.
Tam Coc is known as the “Ha Long Bay on Land” as the limestone karsts that surround the town are similar to those found in Ha Long Bay.
Tam Coc is a great place to go hiking and biking and you can also take a boat ride through the caves and karsts.
8.
Tay Ninh
Tay Ninh is a small town in the south of Vietnam located close to the border with Cambodia.
The town is home to the Cao Dai Temple which is the headquarters of the Cao Dai religion.
The religion is a syncretic religion that blends elements of Christianity Buddhism and Confucianism and the temple is an impressive example of Cao Dai architecture.
Tay Ninh is also home to a number of markets where you can buy souvenirs and try local foods.
9.
Vinh Moc Tunnels
The Vinh Moc Tunnels are a series of tunnels located in the north of Vietnam close to the border with Laos.
The tunnels were built during the Vietnam War and were used as a shelter for civilians.
The tunnels are over 2km long and are a great example of engineering.
10.
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a region of Vietnam located in the southern part of the country.
This area is known for its rice paddies fruit plantations and floating markets.
Be sure to take a boat tour through the Mekong Delta to see all the sights.