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5 interesting cities you have to check out in Vietnam

By Ian Goodwillie

QUANG NINH, VIETNAM - MAY 31: Junk boats carry tourists touring Ha Long Bay, after the Vietnamese government eased the lockdown following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on May 31, 2020 in Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Though some restrictions remain in place, Vietnam has lifted the ban on domestic travel, certain entertainment facilities and non-essential businesses to revive its economy. As of May 31, Vietnam has confirmed 328 cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19 ) with no deaths in the country, 279 fully recovered and no new case caused by community transmission for 46 days. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images)
QUANG NINH, VIETNAM - MAY 31: Junk boats carry tourists touring Ha Long Bay, after the Vietnamese government eased the lockdown following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, on May 31, 2020 in Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Though some restrictions remain in place, Vietnam has lifted the ban on domestic travel, certain entertainment facilities and non-essential businesses to revive its economy. As of May 31, Vietnam has confirmed 328 cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19 ) with no deaths in the country, 279 fully recovered and no new case caused by community transmission for 46 days. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images) /
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Vietnam is a country filled with incredible beauty as well as a rich, sometimes problematic history. But those reasons, and so many more, are why everyone should make a pilgrimage to this amazing country in Asia.

In addition to the always epic Ho Chi Minh City, there are several other urban centers travelers should add to their itineraries. There is so much to do in Vietnam that it can be hard to pick and choose, but these cities are great places to start.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam
HANOI, VIETNAM – FEBRUARY 06: Vendors wear protective face masks while preparing their decorative goods at the Spring Festival Fair in the Old Quarter on February 6, 2021 in Hanoi, Vietnam. Vietnam made preparations for Lunar New Year as cases of Covid-19 infection starting reappearing in the country after months of no reported local transmissions. The Lunar New Year also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, which is based on the Lunisolar Chinese calendar, falls on February 12 this year and marks the Year of the Ox. (Photo by Linh Pham/Getty Images) /

The greater metropolitan area of Hanoi is estimated to be approximately 20 million people. And somehow it’s only the second biggest city in the country. But it’s also a glorious city with a seemingly endless array of things to do.

Right off the bat, you could spend your entire trip just taking in the natural beauty of the city. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a must stop destination, as is the Perfume Pagoda and the Dong Xuan Market.

Can Tho , Vietnam

Nicknamed the Western Capital, Can Tho is the biggest city in the Mekong Delta. Being on the delta makes it a unique place to visit. It has several canals as well as floating markets that basically demand to be checked out by visitors.

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The Cai Rang Floating Market in particular is a key stop as it’s might actually be the biggest of its kind. But the most important thing to do might be taking the time to sample some regional Mekong Delta food. Reputedly, the rat is to die for.

Da Nang, Vietnam

Vietnam
TOPSHOT – A man fishes while standing the water of Halong bay in Quang Ninh province on September 3, 2020. (Photo by Nhac NGUYEN / AFP) (Photo by NHAC NGUYEN/AFP via Getty Images) /

At the mouth of the Hàn River and on the coast of the South China Sea, visitors to Vietnam will find De Nang. Once there, the Ba Na Hills are a combination of natural beauty and big fun. And the Ba Na Hill Fantasy Park is an absolute blast.

Visitors can relax on the stunning My Khe Beach or climb the picturesque Marble Mountains. The colors of the Linh Ung Pagoda are understated, yet make an impression on tourists, while the Phap Lam Pagoda cuts a more traditional vibe.

Bien Hoa, Vietnam

As part of the Ho Chi Minh City metropolitan area, Bien Hoa is a quick trip the city itself. But it couldn’t be more different from Ho Chi Minh City. Bien Hoa is it’s own, unique destination that is more than worth checking out.

The Thien Tam Mineral Mud Bath is a great place to relax. Beyond that, the Buu Long Mountain is a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon. And if you’re traveling with young kids, tiNiWorld Resort might be an interesting choice.

Hai Phong, Vietnam

Take a trip to the Red River Delta and experience the city of Hai Phong. As a port city, Haiphong is a healthy mix of natural beauty and a powerhouse driver of the economy in Northern Vietnam. But it doesn’t end up as a destination for a lot of tourists, though it should.

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Cat Ba National Park is home so several species of rare primates, and Lan Ha Bay is an wonderful place to explore. The Du Hang Pagoda is as close to old school Vietnam as a tourist is going to find. Plus, the Hai Phong Museum will help explore that history on a deeper level.

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