Places to visit in Vietnam

Phu Quoc

One word that describe this island is tranquility. This island hasn't been affected by hawkers yet. The sunset on the west side of the island is heavenly. I also recommend getting a massage during sunset right on the beach.....need I say more?

Halong Bay

The best way to tour these islands is to take an overnight cruise. I recommend Bhaya Cruise. If you can time your trip on a full moon night, it would be very beautiful.

Sapa

The recommendation from the locals is to come to the area around summer to late summer. Be warned that the hawkers can get really heavy but if you travel with a light heart and are willing to help the local economy, they will appreciate it.

Hoi An

The old town is really a step back in time. This town is best to visit during the lantern festival time frame. The area is known for their silk and lanterns. There are local tours of the silk factory and also lanterns that are hand made available. Travel with a light suitcase so you can get some silk clothing made within a day or some silk art that are breath taking.

coast from Hoi An to Hue Hai Van Pass

This trip is mainly for scenery. I would highly recommend traveling with a personal tour guides so that you can stop anywhere along the way to take pictures. The coast line and the pass offers postcard worthy pictures.

Citadel

When visiting Hue, a visit to the royal citadel is a must. The history of the citadel brings you back to an era that can only be read in books. I also recommend touring with a private guide as they can tell you the history at your own pace. Other places to visit in Hue are the Thien Mu pagoda and the Minh Mang tomb.

Hanoi

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar pagoda and Tran Quoc pagoda are popular visits. The water puppet show is recommended.There are many trishaw (cyclo) tours around the Old quarter for a very low fee.

Vung Tau

There are many beautiful beaches in this town. It is best to take a hydrofoil from Saigon to Vung Tau, the trip only takes one hour. This is the perfect place to take a one day trip to hang out on the beach to get away from Saigon.

Tay Ninh

This is the home of the Cao Dai sect. This religious group developed the Cao Daism, all of their buildings were built from donations from its parishioners. It is recommended to visit the temple during mass at 6 am, 12 pm, 6 pm and midnight.

Saigon

Saigon offers many different daily tours. But for me a visit to the central post office located downtown is the best place to start. There, you can purchase a map and have a self guided tour. If you are traveling with a small group of people (less than 4), I recommend traveling by motorcycle taxis, it is cheap and during traffic hours it will be the best way to get around. Good deals can be found at Ben Thanh Market and Anh Dong Market. Hint.... the best time to bargain at these markets can be found early in the morning; Vietnamese believe that their first business of the day will determine their day. Bargaining is a custom and an art in Saigon, start about 45% the offer amount and be willing to walk away. For true designer products, visit the Zen Plaza (no bargaining here) across the Notre Dame Cathedral.