Located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is arguably the most unique country thanks to its cultural diversity as well as its spectacular natural wonders. Ranging from breathtaking sceneries of stepped terraced fields in the highlands to traditional monuments that have been around for at least a few thousand years, Vietnam embodies a mixture of the past and the future, yet still preserves a certain feel of the present time. This is probably the one feature that sets Vietnam apart from its neighboring countries, since most of them opt for a more modern look at the expense of their heritages. The following list contains some of the most sensational places that everyone needs to see when they visit the Land of the Blue Dragon:
1. Ha Long Bay (one of the seven wonders of the modern world)
2. Hue Old Capital (former capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945)
3. My Son sanctuary
A ruined temple city dates from the 4th century during the Cham era, this old Hindu religious sanctuary has been one of the must-see destinations for many tourists. There are around 20 temple structures that are still around, all of which are built of bricks or sandstone blocks that show influences from various Asian empires such as Indian and Malay.
4. Hoi An
This city is one of the oldest towns in the country, with spectacular historic sites and architecture that has survived the hostility of time. It is truly a joy to explore this place, and I'm sure it will grow on you before you know it.
5. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
Recognized by World Heritage as one of the world's best caving destinations, Phong Nha Ke Bang national park takes on the form of an epic and magnificent mountain formation honeycombed with enormous caverns. There are many attractions that tourists can enjoy: Tu Lan Cave (also known as "wet cave") where tourists can swim through the cave-system river and the main Phong Nha caves where the interior can be explored by boat.
6. Sapa Countryside
One of my personal favorites, Sapa countryside is packed with verdant rice fields and stepped terraces that make this place one of Vietnam's most awe-inspiring rural vistas. The deep valleys are home to a diversity of the country's ethnic minorities as well as rippling hills that are overlooked by Vietnam's tallest peak, Fansipan Mountain. The temperature up here can drop to as low as below zero degree Celsius, very unusual for a tropical country like Vietnam. Besides Sapa's breathtaking sceneries, visitors also come here to escape the heat of urban areas and enjoy the cool weather with occasional snowfall that makes the whole experience even more magical.
