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Vietnam is most commonly divided in to three
regions, each of which has distinctive
geographical features and travel options.
The North -
Central -
The Southern
The North
Most
visitors to the North arrive in the country’s
capital,
Hanoi
- the city is abuzz with sights,
sounds, smells, and fabulous food - a delight to
the senses! Narrow laneways lead to hidden
cafes, ancient temples sit beside towering
modern buildings, and swarms of motorbikes zip
around serene lakes. Hanoi also has dozens of
museums as well as the mausoleum and former home
of Ho Chi Minh, the country’s most important
political figure.
Escaping the busy capital, travelers are treated
to some of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes.
The Northwest is full of mountainous terrain
inhabited by several ethnic minorities. This
area is well known for its trekking and is also
home to Vietnam’s highest peak, Mt Fansipan. To
the east of Hanoi lies the fertile Red River
Delta and endless miles of farmland. Further
afield is
Halong Bay, a remarkable section of
the Gulf of Tonkin filled with emerald waters
and limestone cliffs.
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The Central
Central Vietnam is the country’s cultural heart
with ancient wonders and rich traditions.
Hue
was the seat of the Royal Imperial Court for
centuries and its influence is seen today in the
city’s architecture and culture. Several
elaborate tombs and the mighty Citadel are still
standing and modern buildings continue to
incorporate design elements reminiscent of the
era. The city’s food reflects the culinary
demands of the former emperors and is regarded
as the best in the country. Further south,
Hoi
An remains seemingly untouched from its years as
a popular trading port. The traditional houses,
tailor shops, and local markets are a delight to
explore. The
center is also the country’s narrowest strip of
land and the scenery is extremely diverse. The stretch of
land referred to as ‘the Central Highlands’ is
another trekking destination for exploring
Vietnam’s ethnic hill tribes. |
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The Southern
Southern Vietnam is dominated by
Ho Chi Minh
City, a modern, bustling city full of wide
boulevards and highrise buildings.
Travel just a
short distance north and you can reach the
fabulous beaches of
Mui Ne,
Phan Thiet, and
Nha
Trang as well as the cool highlands of
Dalat. To
the far south lies the Mekong Delta, where the
Mekong River splays out in to thousands of
tributaries. The winding canals, floating
markets, and tiny villages of this area are an
incredible sight to behold.
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