Renowned Israel-based writer and travel expert, Petal Mashraki, has recently published a list of the best 10 places to visit in Vietnam. The list was published in an article on globalgrasshopper.com and includes the following:
1. Son Tra Peninsula
Located about 10 km from the center of Da Nang, Son Tra is a beautiful peninsula with long, white sandy beaches, untouched natural landscapes and primeval jungles – truly a must-see for any tourist coming to Vietnam. Also known as Monkey Island because of the many species of monkey thriving in the area, the mushroom-shaped peninsula is an ideal area for bathing, playing sports, fishing and swimming. The best views can be enjoyed from the mountain top as you look down on Da Nang City. Apart from its beauty and charm, the peninsula also acts as a natural barrier that protects Da Nang from storms and cyclones coming from the sea.
2. Imperial Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty (Tombs of Nguyen Dynasty Emperors)
For some time in the past, Hue City was the capital of Vietnam and the home of the emperors. Thus, many tombs of late emperors from the Nguyen dynasty lie along the Perfume River namely the Imperial Tombs of Emperor Gia Long, of Emperor Minh Mang, Emperor Thieu Tri, Emperor Tu Duc, Emperor Duc Duc, Emperor Dong Khanh, and the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. Each tomb was built according to religious outlines including symmetrically balanced geometrical angles and symbolic motifs. Though each with individual character, design and appeal, many tourists believe that the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh are the most worthy stops.
3. Phu Quoc Island
A peaceful tropical paradise, Phu Quoc Island is the perfect destination for those seeking for an unspoilt and tourist free beach. It’s rare to find an island as pristine as this one, with dense inland forests along its coast, long stretches of white sandy beaches and translucent water. Here you will find nothing but solitude, gorgeous scenery and wonderful experiences.
4. Mekong Delta
Because of the richness and vastness of its land, the Mekong Delta is among the Vietnamese’ pride. This is an area of lush, tropical and fertile lands. The area is so rich in beautiful landscape. Coming here, tourists can explore the river life of floating markets, the surrounding villages, the natural and serene setting, as well as the relaxing pace of life.
5. Tram Ton Pass
Referred to by many as the Heaven’s Gate, the Tram Ton Pass is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam where the best view of Sapa is best enjoyed. The mountain town of Sapa endowed with stunning mountain scenery, green valleys, quaint traditional tribal villages inhabited by the ethnic minorities, bamboo forests and rice terraces. It makes perfect sense to find the best spot to witness all these breathtaking views.
6. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
A UNESCO-recognized nature reserve park where the world’s largest cave, Son Dong, is located. Some 300 other beautiful caves and grottos sit in this vast territory. The park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed approximately 400 million years ago, and what made it one of the world’s two largest limestone regions. A large number of faunal and floral species occur within the property. In Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, tourists will get to visit the astounding Paradise Cave, turquoise river, eco-trail of Nuoc Mooc, a war shrine known as Eight Lady cave, and the rest of the known beautiful caves including the Tien Son Cave, Thien Duong Cave and the Von cave system.
7. Ha-Long Bay
A popular travel destination, in Quảng Ninh Province, Halong Bay includes some 1,600 islands and islets. The drowned limestone karst landforms forms a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars which form an undeniably charming natural scenery. Tourists can canoe or swim in the bay. Beyond a boat cruise, visitors to Halong also come to explore the caves.
8. The One-Pillar Pagoda
A reconstruction of the original single pillar pagoda which was destroyed during the war, this place always receive a lot of visitors due to its beauty and beautiful story. Located in the capital city of Hanoi, the One Pillar Pagoda was built in 1049 to resemble one seen in Emperor LyThai Tong’s dream where he had a vision of Quan Am sitting on a lotus flower and promising him a male child. Thus, he had this pagoda built and designed to look like a lotus blossom on its tall stem sitting on a pond.
9. Ghenh Da Dia (Rock Masterpieces)
A natural wonder that sits in An Ninh Dong Commune of Phu Yen Province, Ghenh Da Dia (which means “Rapids of Stone Plates”) is formed from large upright volcanic basalt rocks which is strangely structured and equally arranged in a star pattern. Each stone piece is of the same exact shape, a mystery which everyone continues to find answers even up to the present time. Not often visited compared to other beautiful places in Vietnam, this attraction remained untainted by tourists. Here, the environment is pure and the air is fresh.
10. Imperial City of Hue
A walled fortress and palace in the former capital of Vietnam, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists coming to Vietnam. The citadel complex comprises of temples, ceremonial gates, streams, moats, pavilions, bridges, ornate gardens and intricate pagodas. Its grandeur architecture provided multiple layers of defenses for the royal family from potential invaders. Over time, a lot of changes and restoration have occurred, but what’s left of the Citadel is impressive, and a clear display of the precious historical and classical beauty of the country.
Photo by http://hueimperialcity.com/images/thai-hoa-palace/