For a relatively small country, Vietnam is the 15th most populous in the world. Home to 95.5 million people, Vietnam has only 4% of the land of Australia but has four times the population. With such a large population Vietnamese cities are widely known for their chaotic motorbike traffic and very loose road rules.
In the north of Vietnam you'll find one of the most ancient capitals in the world - Hanoi. Sitting on the banks of the red river, Hanoi boasts old colonial architecture and great nightlife. Hanoi was also the capital of French Indochina between 1859 and 1883, which then consisted of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The city is known to reflect a mix of cultures due to the French and Chinese influence on their Southeast Asian culture. While Hanoi is a large city of over 8 million people, it is still in close distance to tranquil countryside and World Heritage listed Hạlong Bay.
A trip to Vietnam is not complete without visiting Halong Bay. The emerald water, towering limestone pillars and incredible antique junk boats will have you in awe. There are many vantage points to get a good view of the bay on the mainland. However, many visitors opt for a kayaking tour, a day cruise in a junk boat or even to spend a few nights aboard taking in the beautiful scenery. If you'd rather appreciate the bay from dry land, the Halong Bay region is also home to Cát Bà National Park - a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking.
If you've had a few days in the big city and feel ready to escape the hustle and bustle (aka, the motorbikes), then Hoi An is the place to be. Cars and motorbikes are banned from parts of the city as people opt for push bikes instead. After visiting the Old Town of Hoi An, you'll know why so many praise the city for being the most unique and atmospheric. This former port city has a multitude of cultural landmarks to visit such as Chinese temples and teahouses, French colonial buildings and the iconic Japanese covered bridge.
A beach vacation is not what most people picture when they imagine a trip to Vietnam, but that is exactly what you'll get in Nha Trang. This coastal resort city is famous for its beautiful beaches and world-class dive sites. Many visitors decide to take the cable cars over to Hòn Tre Island, home to Vinpearl Water Park and a golf club. Other than lazing on the beach or by the pool, popular things to do in Nha Trang include visiting Ponagar Tower, Long Son Pagoda and the mud baths.
In the south of Vietnam you'll find Ho Chi Minh City, or commonly known as Saigon. Like all Vietnamese cities you'll be immersed in a fusion of different cultures and the contrasting new and old architecture. There are endless things to do and see in Ho Chi Minh City but what makes it stand out the most is the role it played in the Vietnam War. Ho Chi Minh city was previously named Saigon before the Vietnam War from 1955 to 1975. The fall of Saigon marked the end of the war, where the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh after the North-Vietnamese communist leader who led the bid to free Vietnam from colonial influence. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit many places to learn about the Vietnam War including the famous Củ Chi Tunnels and Independence Palace.
The Vietnam War began as a civil war between the North Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the South Republic of Vietnam. Following the Cold War the Americans were worried about the growing strength of communism and in turn hardened their stance against allies of the Soviet Union. In 1955 the American armed forces and their allies entered Vietnam to help fight for the south. After 22 years of fighting the US eventually withdrew its forces and the south fell under Viet Kong control. It is estimated that as many as 3.5 million Vietnamese civilians and soldiers died in the Vietnam War. The war was costly for America and its allies and is now known as 'America's longest war'. Tourists can visit one of Vietnam’s many war museums, Hỏa Lò or Côn Đảo Prisons, Khe Sanh Combat Base and the Vịnh Mốc Tunnels. As the war was quite recent, you'll still notice destruction from the war on your travels in Vietnam.
South of Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find the Mekong Delta. Although it's a popular day trip from the city, don't be fooled by thinking this is a small region. Taking up an entire 40,500 square kilometres of the southern end of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is largely covered by water and is home to over 1,000 animal species. You'll be amazed at how the locals have built their homes and workplaces around the copious amounts of water. If a rice field and floating market experience is on your Vietnam bucket-list then you have to visit the Mekong Delta. Offshore you'll find beautiful secluded white-sandy beaches perfect for a little tropical hideaway after your adventurous trip through Vietnam.
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