Top 10 Ideal Destinations in Vietnam- Part 2

We've collected other attractive places in Viet Nam.

6. Nha Trang

Located on one of Asia’s most beautiful bays off the coast of South Central Vietnam, Nha Trang has exceeded the limitations of a simple seaside resort to become one of the most enviable and well-rounded travel destinations in Vietnam. With white-sand beaches, ancient ruins and a hip night scene, this is a coastal city with options enough for everyone. To make matters even better, a regular supply of domestic tourists means there is plenty of affordable accommodation in Nha Trang.

The Kingdom of Champa ruled here form the 7th century, and a few of their Hindu-esque stone towers still loom over the treetops. These aren't the kinds of sites visitors stalk with a guidebook because they feel obligated to view them. Instead, they're part of an undeniably enchanting landscape, hemmed in by a curved coastline and backed by mountains and jungles. Sightseeing happens spontaneously during daytrips and beach walks.

The Kingdom of Champa in Viet Nam.

The city center is bustling and feels like any other modern Vietnamese town, but things become more commercial toward the resorts. Boutiques, restaurants and clubs have an international flavor in this part of town. There are five separate wards in town, with most Nha Trang hotels in Loc Tho Ward and Xuang Huan.

Bao Dai Villa in Nha Trang, Viet Nam.

Sites include Bao Dai's hilltop villa, with outstanding views of the sea; ancient Po Cham Tower; and the world-class Oceanographic Museum. Around town are waterfalls, secluded beaches and remote fishing villages. The resorts in Nha Trang specialize in coordinating activities, so see the front desk for information on possible daytrips.

National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam in Nha Trang.

7. Sapa

Surrounded by pictorial mountains, rice terraces and a diversity of hill tribes in the remote northwest of Vietnam, Sapa is a quiet town frequently used as a base for trekking in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains and touring rice paddies and traditional villages. From the town, there are many organized tours that aide tourists in mountain hikes and exploring the nearby rice paddies and remote villages. These tours present views of beautiful waterfalls and the opportunities to experience the food, customs and way of life among the local tribes.

Rice Paddies in Sapa, Viet Nam.

Agoda.com offers a great choice of accommodation in Sapa to suit every budget. We offer a wide range of hotels to help you find the best place to stay in Sapa.

Hoang Lien Son Mountain in Sapa, Viet Nam.

Visitors have no trouble associating Cat Cat Ethnic Village, Ham Rong Mountain, Sapa Market with Sapa. Sapa has many attractions to explore with its fascinating past, intriguing present and exciting future. There are so many things to do, you may want to stay an extra week or so to experience them all. Agoda.com offers professional reviews and ratings of hotels in Sapa so you can enjoy the perfect stay.

 Cat Cat Ethnic Village in Sapa, Viet Nam.

Sapa Market.

8. Ho Chi Minh City

Lying along the Siagon River near the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon and served as the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city of the reunified country, offering plenty of reasons to visit, from its blend of historic and modern attractions to vibrant shopping, dining and nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City in Viet Nam.

Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

There's a lot to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City. Owing to former French occupation, the city was once referred to as the Pearl of the East (or the Paris of the East) and architectural remnants of its colonial past remain. Most notably, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Opera House, both located in District 1 – the city center. A lot of HCMC's tourist attractions are historical, and many of them focus on the Vietnam War – known as the American War to locals. Reunification Palace, commonly known as Independence Palace, is a restored five-floor building largely unchanged from when the North Vietnamese army crashed through the gates and took control of the city.

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.

9. Da Lat

Year-round cool weather and idyllic scenery of misty valleys, lush pine trees and colorful flowers are some of the reasons that Dalat was once used by Vietnamese emperors and French colonials as a summer retreat. Today, this charming town in the South Central Highlands of Vietnam is a popular destination for those looking for relief from the heat. A walkable city, Dalat is a beautiful scene of French colonial architecture and villas set amid picturesque landscapes.

Da Lat in Viet Nam.

Having been built by the French, visitors can justifiably expect the city to have strong colonial influences. Architecture is reminiscent of Paris and the cool climate and fresh air of the mountains make it a popular spot with domestic holiday-makers. To cater to this need, there are many affordable hotels in Da Lat and the town maintains a laidback holiday atmosphere.

Mount Langbiang in Da Lat, Viet Nam.

Popular pastimes in Da Lat include cycling, motorbike tours and hiking up Mount Langbiang. The latter takes travelers through lush mountain scenery – the journey to the summit taking a few hours. Rich in interesting topography, Da Lat's surroundings include the rather romantically named Valley of Love and Lake of Sorrow – both object of local myth. The manmade Tuyen Lam Lake is another popular spot for sightseers as are the Pongour waterfalls.

Valley of Love in Da Lat, Viet Nam.

Due to its status as a popular tourist town, the accommodation in Da Lat covers the entire spectrum of properties, from fancy five-star resort to low-key guesthouse. A steady influx of domestic and international tourists also ensures a wide range of restaurants and cafés, and the town boasts a healthy night scene.

10. Mekong Delta

Colorful floating markets, fruit orchards, rice paddies, sugar cane groves, bird sanctuaries and quaint villages are all what draw many to the Mekong Delta in southwestern Vietnam. Nicknamed “Vietnam’s Rice Basket,” the Mekong Delta is an agricultural region made fertile by the maze of canals and streams fed by the Mekong River.

Mekong Delta in Viet Nam.

Stretching from the Gulf of Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta feeds more than a third of the country from its rich plantations, orchards, rice paddies and fish farms.

Market on Mekong Delta, Viet Nam.