Traveling in Vietnam
- Vudthichai Phothisuk
- Apr 2, 2017
- 4 min read
Traveling in Vietnam
Hello, everyone. Vietnam is a special place to me. It’s a special place to many Americans regardless of heritage. While the past holds a different memory of what was, it’s a highly destined tourist attraction today. With the dong being fractions of a dollar, getting there is the only hard part. There are so many beautiful places to see in this part of Asia with lots of cultural originality. I spent a week in Vietnam visiting family and touring some of the iconic monuments. Below are some places I would recommend going to.
Ba Na Hills
Ba Na Hills is a resort and hill station created by the French Colonists. It boasts lots of tourists with its scenic views and cable car rides. The hill averages about 1.5 million visitors a year with its romantic and very European influenced architectural structures. In the olden days, this was a getaway place for high french officials to go and relax. Now, there is a resort, wonderful restaurants and cool attractions like the Wax Museum. It’s a destination that I would highly recommend for any first time visitors in Vietnam. While you can spend a few days here, a day trip is just as mesmerizing. Some of the spiritual landmarks on top of the hill also have breathtaking vistas. An important thing to remember is that the weather changes all the time due to its location next to sea. There is a high chance that the day you are visiting it’s going to rain. So bring a jacket, and bear in mind the the wind.
Imperial City, Hue
This magnificent ancient city was ruled by the Nguyen Dynasty for more than 100 years before they opted to a communistic government in 1945. Hue is often called the Imperial City of Vietnam. This awesome destination will wow any visitor with its designs. It’s massive and has detailed structures from the many rulers that it housed. The Imperial City was also named a World Heritage by UNESCO and rightly so. Below are some of the destinations within the city that I visited.
Imperial Citadel: The citadel was effected by the Tet Offensive (American military operations that included raids) but there are still structures that stand today. Many of the grounds are open although the restoration process is still continuing. It’s a gorgeous place to see and also reflect on the past.
Thien Mu Pagoda of Celestial Lady One of the most sacred places in Vietnam, this Pagoda is the tallest religious site in the country standing at seven stories. The creation of this Pagoda comes from the first Lord in the Nguyen family. Legend has it, that an old lady dressed in red pants and a long red skirt told the locals of a Lord that would build the Pagoda. After telling the people of her prediction she disappeared. Once Lord Nguyen Hoang heard of this event he ordered the construction of what is now one of the most historical places in Vietnam.
Imperial Tombs Because the Imperial City was a capital for over a century, there were many rulers. They all have tombs that are dedicated to them in fine detail. Most of them are situated on the Perfume River. One could spend an entire day looking at all the burial sites. I visited the tomb of Tu Duc. He actually lived a very sad life and had his tomb built while he was alive so he could spend a lot of his days here. The entire complex had many buildings including his own lake.
Royal Banquet Dinner One of the coolest things to experience if you’re in a group is the Royal Banquet Dinner. By booking a dinner here, you will dress up in traditional Vietnamese royal gowns and be escorted to the top floor where you are served a royal dinner. It’s also accompanied by live traditional Vietnamese music.
Thien Duong/Paradise Cave
In 2005 a local man found this cave which sparked interest in the British Cave Research Association to explore its interiors. It’s roughly 31 meters longer than Phong Nha which was originally thought to be the longest cave in the national park. The height reaches 71 meters in some parts and has a width of 151 meters. The cave is massive simply put. Now open to tourists, this UNESCO site is a must see for anyone going to Vietnam. The hike up the mountain is surrounded by a lush forest with a couple vistas to look out from. Depending on what time of year you go, water levels inside the cave will fluctuate along with activities inside the cave.
Saigon
Deep in the city of Saigon you will find traditional cuisines and unique coffee shops. Something I wasn’t expecting but enjoyed very much. Vietnamese coffee is made with condensed milk and is very strong for 16oz. You can find it pretty much anywhere you go. Along with many tourists, there are tons of historical things to see in Saigon otherwise known as, Ho Chi Minh City. The Cu Chi tunnels acted as underground passageways that provided shelter during the war. It’s a place that I didn’t get to visit but something I would recommend. Another place I really wanted to see but didn’t have time for was Cai Be water market. I have heard great things about the fresh markets in Vietnam but this one stuck out to me in particular. I think Saigon is a great place to start or end your stay in Vietnam as it’s easier to find what you need and you’ll probably fly through their airport anyways.
My best advice to anyone staying more than a week is to rent a motor bike. It’s the best way to get around the country. You’ll quickly join the flutter of busy traffic compiled mostly of motorcycles. I spent the last couple days of my stay in Saigon. The two weeks I spent in Asia with my family and friends was something that I really needed. I can’t wait to get back there. There’s something about South East Asia that keeps you going back. Ask any traveler and they will have something unique to say about this place. My next adventure will resume stateside. As always I wish you nothing but good vibes, and good vibes only!
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