Vietnam Destination

Characterised by towering karst limestone pillars and small islets of various shapes and sizes amidst crystal blue waters, Halong Bay's ethereal beauty is a sight to behold. Located in northern Vietnam, it is the most popular tourist spot this side of the country. Halong Bay, where 'Halong' translates to 'where the dragon descends into the sea', had a part of it designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. Halong City is the main entry point to the bay.

The most common way of exploring the region is via a cruise or day-trip boats, where tourists laze around in the boats while cruising among the limestone pillars and a number of islets. Many cruises and day-trips also include an island drop off and cave explorations. There are some floating villages as well which allow visitors to come and interact with the locals, try their food and buy knick-knacks.

Kayaking is another activity which has vastly become popular in recent years. One can kayak near and around the limestone pillars on a bright sunny day. Few caves also allow for exploring by kayaking which is a highly experience recommended.

Da Nang sits prettily on the east coast of Vietnam, right between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Popularly known as the tourist capital of South-Central Vietnam, Da Nang is truly stunning - filled with beaches, museums, evolving nightlife and world-class infrastructure.

On the East Sea coast, with the Han River flowing through its midst, Da Nang is beautified by multiple bridges. Of course, the most striking among them is the Golden Bridge adorned by a sculpture of two giant hands holding it up.

The city’s most famed attractions are The Marble Mountains - five enigmatic natural limestone and marble peaks housing caves, tunnels and temples. Bach Ma National Park, the 693-metre-tall Son Tra Mountain, and Ba Na Hills are popular hiking retreats, while devotees frequent Phap Lam Pagoda and the 67-metre-tall Buddha Shakyamuni statue in Linh Ung Pagoda. For seafood, surfing and kayaking, My Khe Beach, Pham van Dong Beach, Han River and Thanh Binh Beach are perfect relaxing hideouts.

Despite being highly urbanised, Da Nang shelters centuries-old relics of the 700-year-old Phong Nam Village, Con Ga Cathedral, Cao Dai Temple and Imperial City Palace, one of the oldest Vietnamese forbidden cities. Some more must-visit places to make the most of a Da Nang tour are Sun World Wonders, Cham Sculpture Museum, Con Market, and Da Nang Night Market.

Phu Quoc is the biggest island in Vietnam, boasting the most beautiful white sand beaches, surrounded by palm and coconut trees. It's the largest island in Vietnam and is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes. Located just 45 kilometers from the southern tip of Vietnam and just 4 kilometers from Cambodia, it is the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway. Moreover, you don’t need a visa if you fly in from another country directly, regardless of your nationality. However, if you are taking a ferry from Vietnam, you must have a valid Vietnam visa to enter the island.

Phu Quoc boasts numerous pristine beaches like Long Beach (Bai Truong), Ong Lang Beach, and Sao Beach (Bai Sao), each offering its own charm, from serene relaxation to vibrant beachside activities. Beyond its beaches, the island is home to dense jungles, waterfalls, and nature reserves like Phu Quoc National Park. You'll find diverse flora and fauna, including rare wildlife. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing are popular due to the island's rich marine life. 

There are hundreds of resorts to choose from in Phu Quoc, most of them with private beaches and facilities that ensure you relax and unwind. All you have to do is grab a bike and explore the island's scintillating views and food. It is also one of the few places in Vietnam where you can legally gamble. The island has multiple fishing villages and multiple tours that allow you to explore the unique culture of Phu Quoc Island. There are other smaller islands around the main Phu Quoc islands that you can explore on kayaks and boats. 

Perched on the banks of the Red River in Northern Vietnam, Hanoi is Vietnam's capital and one of the world's most ancient cities. Boasting well-preserved colonial buildings, golden pagodas, unique museums, mouthwatering cuisine, entertainment destinations, and traditional bazaars, Hanoi is a melting pot of French, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures.

Hanoi has an impactful history. The most incredible places of historical and cultural interest in Hanoi are the UNESCO-listed Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Vietnam's administrative center for 800 years, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where his body is preserved, Perfume Pagoda, and Hoa Lo Prison Relic. Packed with courtyards and Parisian-style buildings, the Old Quarter and French Quarter are affluent, enigmatic areas. Bach Ma Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake's softshell turtle safaris, and Lake of Restored Sword offer a reprieve from the urban humdrum.

The tourist attractions in Hanoi are divided into two main areas - The Old Quarter and the French Quarter. The Old Quarter is north of Hoan Kiem Lake, while the French Quarter is to the south. The Old Quarter, a treasure trove of narrow alleys and centuries-old structures, buzzes with life, showcasing the soul of Hanoi through its vibrant markets, traditional shops, and vibrant street food scene.

Modernity intertwines seamlessly with tradition in Hanoi, evident in its burgeoning art scene, trendy cafes, and dynamic nightlife. It is a misconception that Hanoi is conservative. From Dong Xuan Market housing Louis Vuitton and irresistible street food to the 65 glam floors of Lotte Tower Observation Deck, Hanoi flaunts glitzy nightlife and shopping districts. With its balustrades and Gothic domes, monks practicing Tai Chi, cobbled riverside streets, tube houses, farmers' markets, rich culture, and much more, Hanoi defines the war-stricken past and the resilient awakening of Vietnam.

Tran Quoc Pagoda, a beacon of serenity amidst the bustling heart of Hanoi, lays claim to the title of the city's oldest Buddhist temple. Its venerable history stretches back over 1,500 years, whispering tales of dynasties past. Originally named Khai Quoc Pagoda during the Ly Dynasty, it has served as a spiritual center for centuries.

Standing proudly on a small island embraced by the shimmering West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda offers a sanctuary of peace. Lush gardens, meticulously maintained, invite you on a tranquil stroll. Time seems to slow as you wander past ancient towers, each whispering secrets of the pagoda's long journey. A sense of awe washes over you as you reach the magnificent lotus-shaped stupa, a towering testament to Buddhist devotion.

Step inside the pagoda's main hall and find solace amidst the gentle glow of flickering candles. Venerable statues depicting Amitabha Buddha, the embodiment of boundless light, Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the embodiment of compassion, inspire reflection. Tran Quoc Pagoda is more than just a historical landmark; it's a place where visitors can connect with Hanoi's profound cultural and Buddhist roots, a place to find peace and reconnect with the inner self.

Hanoi’s Temple of Literature

Step back in time at Hanoi's Temple of Literature, “Van Mieu” in Vietnamese. More than just a temple honoring Confucius and scholars, it served as Vietnam's first national university, the Imperial Academy, from 1076 to 1779. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh tong, the temple complex embodies over a thousand years of Vietnamese history.
Tranquil gardens, a welcome respite from the city's energy, unfold before you as you pass through the imposing, tiered gateway. Stroll amidst the lush greenery, allowing the architecture's elegance to transport you. The path leads to the architecturally stunning Khue Van Pavilion, a testament to traditional Vietnamese design.

One of the temple's most striking features is the collection of Doctorates' Tablets. These stone steles, intricately carved and resting on stone tortoises, commemorate Vietnam's high achievers in the rigorous Confucian examinations. Imagine the pride of scholars whose names were forever etched here.

The Temple of Literature transcends its function; it's a window into Vietnam's deep respect for education and its rich cultural heritage. Breathe in the tranquility, appreciate the meticulous preservation, and let the temple's aura transport you to a bygone era where scholars were revered.

In the heart of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum serves as a powerful symbol of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. Completed in 1975, the granite structure stands solemn guard over Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh himself once addressed the nation. Its imposing grey exterior reflects the reverence Vietnamese hold for their beloved "Uncle Ho".

Influenced by Soviet architecture, the mausoleum features a square base with a tiered roof, culminating in a smaller square at the top. The words "Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh" (President Ho Chi Minh) are prominently displayed above the entrance, a testament to his enduring legacy. Inside, visitors file past Ho Chi Minh's preserved body, lying in state within a glass sarcophagus. The atmosphere is one of quiet respect, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside.

Beyond the mausoleum itself lies a complex that offers a deeper look into Ho Chi Minh's life and vision. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which chronicles his revolutionary journey and fight for Vietnamese independence. Take a stroll through the surrounding gardens, a peaceful haven where Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, a symbol of his simplicity, still stands. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex is more than just a tomb; it's a pilgrimage site for Vietnamese and a window into the nation's revolutionary past.