Vietnam is a fantastic shopping destination, offering everything from handcrafted souvenirs to modern fashion. The Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit for local goods, including silk scarves, lacquerware, and traditional ao dai dresses. Hanoi’s Dong Xuan Market is known for its textiles and handicrafts, while the city’s boutique stores sell high-quality handmade leather bags and ceramics. Hoi An is the best place to get custom-tailored clothing, with hundreds of skilled tailors ready to create suits, dresses, and shoes within a few days. Art lovers should explore the galleries in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where local artists sell unique paintings and calligraphy.
Vietnam’s long and fascinating history is best explored through its historical landmarks. The Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” provides insight into Vietnam’s colonial past and the Vietnam War. The My Lai Massacre Memorial in central Vietnam serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s wartime struggles. In Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum showcases artifacts and photographs that document the Vietnam War. Hue’s Imperial City, once home to Vietnam’s emperors, is a well-preserved complex featuring palaces, temples, and ancient gates. The ancient town of Hoi An, with its mix of Chinese, Japanese, and French influences, is another historical treasure.
For travelers seeking luxury and relaxation, Vietnam boasts world-class resorts and spas. Da Nang is home to beachfront resorts like the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, which offers stunning views and five-star amenities. Nha Trang is another top destination for luxury, with resorts featuring infinity pools and private beaches. Phu Quoc Island’s eco-resorts blend seamlessly with nature, providing a tranquil retreat. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, upscale hotels like the Sofitel Legend Metropole and The Reverie Saigon offer a mix of colonial charm and modern elegance. Vietnam’s spa culture is also worth experiencing, with traditional herbal treatments and hot stone massages available in most cities.
Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam, is an adventurer’s paradise, offering dramatic mountain landscapes, winding passes, and ethnic minority cultures. The Ha Giang Loop, a motorbike route stretching over 300 kilometers, takes travelers through breathtaking limestone peaks, deep valleys, and remote villages. Along the way, riders encounter awe-inspiring spots like the Ma Pi Leng Pass, which offers panoramic views of the Nho Que River. The Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, showcases surreal rock formations and terraced rice fields. Traditional Sunday markets in Meo Vac and Dong Van provide insight into the lifestyles of the H’mong, Tay, and Dao people. A trip to Ha Giang is not just about stunning landscapes; it’s about immersing oneself in an untouched cultural experience.
Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, and its coffee culture is deeply ingrained in daily life. Unlike the espresso shots or lattes commonly found in Western countries, Vietnamese coffee is strong, aromatic, and uniquely prepared. One of the most popular variations is cà phê sữa đá, a robust brew served with sweetened condensed milk over ice. Egg coffee (cà phê trứng), a specialty from Hanoi, is a creamy delight made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and coffee. For the adventurous, try coconut coffee (cà phê cốt dừa) or salt coffee (cà phê muối) in Hue. Coffee shops in Vietnam range from street-side stalls with tiny plastic stools to modern, hip cafés that embrace contemporary brewing techniques. Enjoying a slow coffee in a quiet café while watching the world go by is one of the most authentic Vietnamese experiences.
