• Population: 88.1 million
• Capital: Hanoi
• Currency: Dong
• Language: Vietnamese
• Religion: Buddhism
Vietnam, the S-shaped country, also commonly likened to the shape of a dragon, is located to the west of the South China Sea. The perfect combination of colonial elegance and rustic charm, it guarantees to satisfy all types of travelers with its rich experiences made all the more special by its charming people.
With cities to explore, temples to admire, and green countrysides to roam, there is plenty to see and do in Vietnam. Known as a colorful and diverse country from the wild mountainous north, with its myriad of ethnic communities, to the sleepless city of Ho Chi Minh City (previously known as Saigon) on the edge of the Mekong Delta, it is difficult to pick just one region to visit when coming to Vietnam.
The charming capital of Hanoi is a fascinating mix of fading colonial buildings and national monuments; the scenery of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is bound to leave you speechless; Hue, home to the old Kings of Vietnam, appears to have been frozen in time for several hundred years with its ancient atmosphere and architecture.
With a 3260 km coastline, Vietnam is home to many top tier beaches; the country’s most unsung beauties. My Khe beach – “one of the most attractive beaches on the planet” as described by Forbes – offers blue skies, smooth white sand, clear & warm water year-round. Phu Quoc island, boasting several luxury resorts, is also a favorite escape for the rich and famous. The abundance of mountains, rain forests and natural lakes also makes Vietnam a great destination for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, sea and river kayaking, and classic overland tours.
Amo travel specialists can help create the perfect getaway, honeymoon, family vacation, or food adventure, just for you and your party. With over 10 years of research and experience, we can recommend off-the-beaten path sights and experiences in addition to the must-sees of Vietnam.
Most popular sites of Vietnam
Main Cities:
- Hanoi (Hà Nội) – the capital and second largest city
- Haiphong (Hải Phòng) – the “port city”, a major port in north Vietnam
- Dalat (Đà Lạt) – the largest city in the highlands
- Ho Chi Minh City (Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) – the largest city and the main economic centre of the country, formerly Saigon (Sài Gòn)
- Hoi An (Hội An) – delightfully well-preserved ancient port, near the ruins of Mỹ Sơn.
- Da Nang ((Đà Nẵng) – the third largest city
- Hue (Huế) – former home of Vietnam’s emperors
- Nha Trang – burgeoning beach resort
- Phan Thiet (Phan Thiết) – “the resort capital” with Mui Ne beach.
- Vinh – the major city in northern Vietnam with very nice Cua lo beach.
Other Destinations:
- Con Dao (Côn Đảo) – island off the Mekong Delta
- Cu Chi (Củ Chi) – site of the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cuc Phuong National Park – home to some of Asia’s rarest wildlife and the Muong hill tribe
The DMZ - Ha Long Bay (Vịnh Hạ Long) – famous for its unearthly scenery
- Kontum – relaxed little town providing access to a number of ethnic minority villages
- My Son – ancient Hindu ruins which are a a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Tay Ninh (Tây Ninh) – main temple of the Cao Đài
- Tam Coc (Tam Cốc) – in Ninh Binh province south of Hanoi with Ha Long Bay-like scenery