Vietnam is a relatively small state, but its entire eastern part is washed by the sea, and the coastline is more than three thousand kilometers. So there are no problems with a beach holiday here. In addition, the country is strongly stretched from north to south, which provides an excellent opportunity for those who like to travel - all tourist routes are one way or another laid in the direction of Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa.

Let's start with beach holiday, since most tourists from Russia go to Vietnam primarily for the sea and the sun.

City

The most popular resort in Vietnam now and in the near future is the city of Nha Trang. Geographically it is southern Vietnam, so it is almost always warm here, with the exception of the period from October to January. At this time, especially in November-December, the temperature may not be as comfortable for swimming as in other months, and it traditionally rains often. Here it must be said that it is simply impossible to give any accurate forecasts; each winter season in Nha Trang is different from the previous one - last winter, for example, was surprisingly warm and dry, but this one was not pleasing (low temperature and wind with waves) . Before deciding whether or not to refuse to visit Nha Trang during this period, it is worth considering not only the possible bad weather.

The point is that now Nha Trang is the best choice for most tourists the following reasons:

• A large number of hotels, including budget ones - 2** and 3***. In addition to the price (for those who value service, there are also expensive hotels), you can choose the location - right next to the beach or in the city center, or maybe away from the bustle of the city.
• Short transfer from airport to hotel (Cam Ranh Airport is located just 35 kilometers from Nha Trang)
• A large selection of excursions and entertainment: you can go to the northern or southern islands, wild beaches, waterfalls, mud baths, and also visit the famous island amusement park Vinpearl.
• Developed infrastructure: modern shopping centers, many shops and restaurants for every taste, more intense nightlife compared to other resorts.

However, Nha Trang is still a city with a population of half a million. That is, solitude and relaxation, calmness and serenity are not on the list of its advantages. All this can be found near Nha Trang or in expensive hotels (Vinpearl, Hon Tam, Diamond Bay, Ana Mandara), but the city itself is always very lively - here, In addition to tourists, many Vietnamese are also vacationing. The city beach is across the road, it is free, but you need to pay 40-50 thousand dong (about 2 dollars) to use a sun lounger. In addition to spontaneous accumulations of sunbeds, there are also organized beach recreation areas - Sailing Club, Louisiana, Gorky Park. It’s worth special mention about Gorky Park - there are several swimming pools (few hotels in the city have a swimming pool), a good restaurant and pub, inexpensive massage, and its entire territory is guarded.

So, when considering a holiday in Nha Trang even in months that are not the most favorable in terms of climate, it is worth weighing the pros and cons - it is quite possible that you will be lucky with the weather or it will not be so bad that it will ruin your holiday.

The only thing I would like to warn you against is to be careful when choosing a hotel. Very often, travel agency managers do not yet know the location of all the hotels and may well sell you a tour to a hotel on the edge of the city or even to another resort - Phan Rang, located 100 km from Nha Trang. Be sure to look for information about the hotel on the Internet and read reviews of tourists who have visited it.

The next most popular resort in Vietnam is Mui Ne.

Mui Ne is resort village 15 kilometers from the small administrative center - the city of Phan Thiet with a population of 100 thousand, but it so happens that in the documents of tour operators this resort is referred to as Phan Thiet. Know that in 90% of cases it is Mui Ne that is meant - and be sure to check the hotel offered to you for its location. The fact is that in Phan Thiet itself (an extremely unlucky place to stay) there are a couple of hotels where Russian tourists are also accommodated. In addition, many hotels are located away from the center of Mui Ne and, accordingly, the center of tourist life - restaurants, shops, spas. Living alone has its pros and cons; the main thing is to know in advance what the travel agency is offering you. It happened that people only upon arrival discovered that instead of Mui Ne, their hotel was located on Ke Ga Beach, a beautiful place, but with poorly developed infrastructure and 40 kilometers from the main resort.

But hopefully the hotel you choose is in Mui Ne. What are the differences between Mui Ne and Nha Trang? The first and main difference is that Mui Ne is a resort village. In all senses. On the one hand, this is a great atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility, a leisurely way of life and an excellent beach, available in almost every hotel (here you don’t need to cross the road, like in Nha Trang, just go out of your hotel straight to the sea). At the same time, from the point of view of a tourist, Mui Ne has almost everything you need - food and shopping for every taste, the only thing is that there are fewer excursions and entertainment than in Nha Trang.

The great advantage of Mui Ne is its unique climate. This southern resort is the sunniest place in Vietnam, and while in Nha Trang in winter it can be not very comfortable, in Mui Ne the weather has been excellent since November and there is practically no rain. For the sake of fairness, it must be said that in summer the situation at the resorts is the opposite - in Nha Trang it is hot and dry, and the low season (in terms of the flow of tourists) is not as noticeable as in Mui Ne, where from May to October (August-October especially) there can be a lot of rain . Again, it is impossible to predict anything, and rains are not at all a reason not to come to Mui Ne in the summer, when there are fewer tourists and there are no competitions in the spirit of “whoever gets up first gets the sunbed.”

The peculiarity of Mui Ne, this time not a pleasant one, is that in winter, during the high season, the waves in the sea are quite large, which prevents many from swimming, especially in the afternoon, when they become stronger. These waves are caused by the wind, strong, even, blowing at an angle to the shore, which has long made Mui Ne a real Mecca for kite surfers, who come here en masse just in the winter season. They ride beautifully, but sometimes crowd tourists on the beach. The most interesting excursions are to the white dunes and Fairy Creek, to Mount Ta Ku to the reclining Buddha and to the Ke Ga lighthouse, as well as to the Binh Chao mud bath. You can also go to Dalat (this excursion is also available from Nha Trang), and to Nha Trang itself, located 240 km from Mui Ne.

And here lies the biggest disadvantage of Mui Ne as a resort. The fact is that no matter which airport you fly to (Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City or Cam Ranh Airport in Nha Trang), the transfer to Mui Ne by bus takes about 6 hours, by car - a little less. This not the shortest journey scares off many people, and coupled with reviews that Mui Ne is “boring”, has already led to the fact that the bulk of tourists have reoriented to Nha Trang. And there are fewer hotels in Mui Ne and they are on average a little more expensive than in Nha Trang - so try to book a hotel here in advance, otherwise the rooms in it may be purchased. But still, Mui Ne is a very interesting place, worthy of visiting. And the situation with the transfer will change in the near future, when a new highway is built, along which it will be possible to get to the resort in about three hours.

Phu Quoc Island.

If a high-quality and relaxing beach holiday is all you need, and you are willing to pay for it, take a closer look at the southernmost resort of Vietnam - Phu Quoc Island. The easiest way to get to it is by plane from Ho Chi Minh City (40 minutes on the way). Hotels on the island, of course, are more expensive than on the continent, and the infrastructure is not as developed, but everything pays off with clean clear water, beautiful nature and real island relaxation. However, you won’t find bounty-style pictures here, this is not the Maldives. Phu Quoc, unlike mainland Vietnam, is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, the climate here is approximately the same as in Mui Ne - there is a clearly defined winter dry and summer wet season. Consider how long you can enjoy only the beach and seafood, because there is little choice in terms of excursions and outdoor activities (trips to small islands, pepper farms, kayaking, diving and fishing). Hotels in Fukuoka are scattered along different beaches, and to the center of evening life - the colorful night market, where you can eat and shop deliciously and inexpensively - you will most often have to take a taxi. It is ideal to combine a beach holiday in Phu Quoc with a stay in Ho Chi Minh City and several excursions from there.

Da Nang city.

And finally, the last and very worthy resort in Vietnam is the city of Danang and the beaches around it. Da Nang is the third largest city in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, a modern metropolis located in the very center of the country.

Its beaches, famous for their pure white sand, are among the ten most beautiful in the world according to Forbes magazine, and stretch 30 kilometers to the town of Hoi An. Special mention must be made about Hoi An - it is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, since its Old Town, in everyone’s opinion, best preserves the atmosphere of past centuries. This very colorful and romantic place is very popular among tourists from all over the world, and Russian tourists are still in the minority here.

Figuratively speaking, by choosing Da Nang as a resort, you get a combination of high-quality and secluded relaxation, like in Phu Quoc, and a pastime full of excursions, like in Nha Trang. These include the Marble Mountains, the Cham culture monument Michon, and the ancient capital of Vietnam Hue, as well as trips to the islands. And you can choose the combination of beaches and excursions yourself. In terms of prices, a holiday in Da Nang will be more expensive than in Nha Trang, but if you choose a hotel in Hoi An, you can really save money, although the standard of the hotel will be lower, and you will have to walk or even drive to the beach. The airport is located in close proximity to the city, so the transfer will not cause any problems. The only restriction on recreation in Da Nang is created by nature itself - you can swim from May to October, the rest of the time both temperature and heavy rains will prevent this.

Whatever resort you choose, we hope you will want to return to Vietnam again. Each city here is different from the other in terms of traditions, sea, and local cuisine. Have a great holiday!

Free bonus reminder for tourists!

Vietnam is not like Russia, prepare for your trip - find out about the peculiarities of the country in advance.

Get a reminder of 10 proven travel tips in Vietnam from the editor-in-chief of the guidebook,

Olga Stepanova

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Have you been to Vietnam yet? Correct the situation urgently! More than 3000 km of clean beaches, unique nature, a fantastic underwater world for diving fans, tropical greenery and warm sea all year round! Holidays for every taste and budget!

Choose your corner of Vietnam for an unforgettable vacation!

1. Ha Long Bay

The place, included in the UNESCO lists, is a true treasure of the country measuring more than 1,500 sq. km.

When is the best time to go?

In principle, tourists visit the bay all year round, but winter here is known for strong winds, and summer for downpours, storms and typhoons. Therefore, choose spring or autumn for your vacation. The best months are October, May and the end of April.

Where to stay?

There are no problems with housing. You won’t find cozy houses on the shore here, but you can choose a hotel to suit every taste. There is even a hotel-ship where you can live and sail at the same time.

• Muong Thanh Quang Ninh. Price - from 76 dollars.
• Royal Halong. Price - from 109 dollars.
• Vinpearl Ha Long Bay Resort. Price - from 112 dollars.
• Asean Halong. Price - from 55 dollars.
• Golden Halong. Price - from 60 dollars.
• Ha Long DC. Price - from 51 dollars.

How to have fun?

For tourists in Ha Long Bay...

• Excursions, boat trips and sea cruises (short and multi-day).
• Beach holidays, walks.
• Tasting of local delicacies.
• Kayak tour of the grottoes.
• Journey through the caves.
• Meeting sunsets and sunrises right at sea.
• Holidays on Cat Ba Island.
• Water skiing or water/motorcycle riding.
• Fishing (approx. - more than 200 species of fish!).
• Diving.

What to see?

• First of all, see and capture the unique nature in the bay!
• Take a look at the national park on the “island of women” and the most famous caves (note: Cave of Pillars, Wooden Spears, Drum Cave, Kuan Han, etc.).
• Go to Tuan Chau Island and look at the former residence of Ho Chi Minh.
• Visit floating fishing villages built on rafts.

Best beaches

• On Tuan Chu Island. 3 km strip, environmentally friendly area.
• Ngoc Vung. One of the best beaches with white sand and crystal clear water.
• Bai Chai. Artificial but beautiful beach.
• Kuan Lan. Snow-white sand, strong waves.
• Ba Trai Dao. A picturesque romantic place with its own beautiful legend.
• T Top. A calm beach (note - the island is named after our cosmonaut Titov!), gorgeous landscape, clear water and the possibility of renting equipment and swimming accessories.

About prices

• A cruise around the bay for 2-3 days - about $50.
• Classic boat ride - from $5.

Shopping - what to buy here?

• Traditional silk dresses and hats.
• Dolls and tea sets.
• Stalactites, stalagmites (however, you should not encourage sellers to “bleed” caves and grottoes - stalactites should remain there).
• Chopsticks, etc.

Souvenirs can be bought at the evening bazaar in Bai Chai. Bargain by discounting 30% of the price at once. Essential purchases (alcohol, cookies, cigarettes, etc.) can be made in a more elegant way - in floating “shops”.

Who should go?

The whole family should go to Ha Long Bay. Or a group of young people. Or just with children. In general, everyone will like it here!

2. Nha Trang

The small southern town with clean beaches, coral reefs and coarse sand is especially loved by tourists. There is enough everything you need for a quality holiday - from shops, banks and pharmacies to spas, discos and restaurants.

It is especially worth noting that the population knows the Russian language quite well. Moreover, here you can even find menus in cafes or signs in our native language.

When is the best time to go?

This place is not at all affected by seasonality, due to its elongation from north to south. But it’s better to choose a week from February to September.

Best beaches

• The city beach is the most popular. There are umbrellas, drinks in bars, and sun loungers for you to use after purchasing a drink/food in a bar/cafe. But the sand here will not be the cleanest (there are many vacationers).
• Tran Pu (6 km long) is no less popular. There are shops, restaurants, etc. around. Diving clubs, equipment rental, etc. are at your service.
• Bai Dai (20 km from the city). White sand, clean water, few people.

Where to stay?

Top hotels:

• Amiana Resort Nha Trang. Cost - from 270 dollars.
• Best Western Premier Havana Nha Trang. Cost - from 114 dollars.
• Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa. Price - from 170 dollars.
• InterContinental Nha Trang. Price - from 123 dollars.

How to have fun?

• Lie under an umbrella on the beach.
• Explore the depths of the sea (diving).
• Go to Vinpearl Land Park (200,000 sq/km). At your service there is a beach, attractions, cinemas, a water park and an aquarium, etc.
• Also for you - diving, boat trips, surfing, cable car, etc.

What to see?

• Villas of Bao Dai.
• Local museums, ancient temples.
• 4 Cham towers.
• Ba Ho Waterfall and Yang Bay.
• Monkey Island (home to 1,500 individuals).
• 3 hot springs.
• Long Son Pagoda with a statue of sleeping Buddha (free!).

Who should go?

Holidays are suitable for everyone. For families with children, young people, and those who want to save money. Not worth going: fans of wild recreation (you simply won’t find it here) and fans of “adult entertainment” (it’s better to go to Thailand for them).

Shopping - what to buy here?

First, of course, pearls. Secondly, clothes and paintings made of silk. Thirdly, leather goods (including crocodile). As well as eco-friendly bamboo clothing, creams and cosmetics (don’t forget to buy “cobratox” and “white tiger” for joint pain), tincture with cobra inside, Luwak coffee, lotus and artichoke tea, souvenirs and even electronics (cheaper here) per 100 dollars on average).

About prices

• Bus - 0.2 dollars.
• Taxi - from 1 dollar.
• Motorcycle taxi - 1 dollar.
• Rent a motorcycle - 7 dollars, bicycle - 2 dollars.

3. Vinh

Not the most popular, but an amazing resort, called Vietnam in miniature. One of the peculiarities: they don’t speak English at all.

Best beaches:

Kualo (18 km from the city) - 15 km of white sand.

When is the best time to go?

The ideal option is from May to October (note: from November to April - continuous downpours).

How to have fun?

• Climbing Mount Kuet.
• Seaport (nearby, in Ben Thou).
• Boat trips.
• Excursions - walking, cycling.

Where to stay?

• Muong Thanh Song Lam. Price - from 44 dollars.
• Saigon Kim Lien. Price - from 32 dollars.
• Victory. Price - from 22 dollars.

What to see?

• Natural Park “Nguyen Tat Thanh” (note: rare animals and plants).
• Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh.
• Panorama of the Gulf of Tonkin.
• Ancient Hong Son Temple.

Shopping - what to buy here?

• Alcohol tinctures with lizards, snakes or scorpions inside.
• Figurines and porcelain dishes.
• Coconut candies.
• Products made of mahogany or bamboo.
• Aroma sticks.
• Tea and coffee.

4. Hue

This ancient capital of the Nguyen dynasty with 300 mausoleums, palaces and fortresses is also on the UNESCO list.

When is the best time to go?

The best months for vacation are from February to April, when there is the least rain and the heat is not overwhelming.

Best beaches

15 km from the city:

• Lang Co - 10 km of white sand (next to Bach Ma Park).
• Mai An and Tuan An.

How to have fun?

• At your service are cafes and restaurants, shops and banks, several shopping centers and all other infrastructure.
• Bicycle and motorbike rental.
• Massage parlors and karaoke.
• Bars with live music.
• Colorful holidays (if they coincide with your vacation).
• Swimming in the pool at the fantastic Elephant Springs waterfall.
• Decent water park and famous hot springs (note - on the way to the beach). As well as water slides and various pools.

What to see?

• Imperial citadel.
• The fishing villages of Chan May and Lang Co.
• Bach Ma National Park.
• Dieu De Pagoda, as well as Thien Mu and Tu Hieu.
• Tombs of the Emperors and Tam Giang Lagoon.
• Palace of Supreme Harmony Chang Tien Bridge.
• Kinh Thanh Fortress and Mangka Fort.
• 9 holy weapons and the temple of the Savior.
• Purple royal city of Tu Cam Thanh.
• Bach Ma Park (rare animals and plants, 59 species of bats).

Prices:

• Entrance to the tomb or citadel - 4-5 dollars.
• Excursion - about 10 dollars.

Where to stay?

• Ana Mandara Hue Beach (cute villas, kids club, beach) - 20 minutes from the city.
• Angsana Lang Co (own beach, babysitting services, services for children) - an hour from the city.
• Vedana Lagoon & Spa (entertainment for children, family bungalows) - 38 km from the city.
• Century Riverside Hue (pool) - in the city itself.

Who should go?

With the exception of the tourist area, the streets become deserted after 9 pm. Draw conclusions.

Shopping - what to buy here?

Of course, local shopping centers cannot be compared with the resorts of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. But there are plenty of shops where you can pick up souvenirs for loved ones.

5. Da Nang

The 4th most populous city in the country, kilometers of sand, warm sea and coral reefs. Large and surprisingly clean resort.

When is the best time to go?

The most comfortable time is from December to March (practically Russian summer). Too hot - from March to October.

How to have fun and who is the resort suitable for?

There is a minimum of infrastructure here - only the essentials (hotels, bars, restaurants). Basically, a quality beach holiday. Everything else is on the other side of the river. So young people (and even lonely “rangers”) will be bored here. But for couples with children - just the thing! If you dare to go in April, don’t forget to check out the fireworks festival (29-30th).

What to see?

• Marble mountains with temple caves.
• Cham and Military Museum.
• Mount Bana and the famous cable car.
• Hai Van Pass, hot springs and Michon ruins.

Best beaches:

• Bac My An (mostly foreigners) - 4 km of sand, embankment with palm trees.
• My Khe (beach, rather, for locals).
• Non Nuoc (uninhabited).

Where to stay?

On the coast itself it is a bit expensive. But you just need to move 500-700 m, and you can check into a hotel for 10-15 dollars.

From expensive hotels:

• Crowne Plaza Danang. Price - from 230 dollars.
• Furama Resort Danang. Price - from 200 dollars.
• Fusion Maia Resort. Price - from 480 dollars.
• Fusion Suites Danang Beach. Price - from 115 dollars.

Shopping - what to buy here?

• Clothes and shoes.
• Fruits, tea/coffee, spices, etc.
• Marble products and carved boxes.
• Bracelets and wooden plates.
• Vietnamese hats and stone beads.

You can take a look...

• To the Han market (the most popular).
• To Dong Da and Phuoc My markets (lower prices).
• In the Big C shopping center (everything you need, including dairy products) or in the We shop (clothing for men).

6. Mui Ne

The village is 20 km from Phan Thiet - about 300 m wide and 20 km long. Perhaps the most popular resort (and with Russian-language signs).

When is the best time to go?

For fans of beach holidays, the best time is spring and summer. For windsurfing fans - from December to March. In autumn it is too rainy.

How to have fun?

• Tourists can enjoy shops and restaurants, massage parlors, etc.
• Water sports (kite surfing, windsurfing), diving.
• Fish market on the shore.
• Cooking school (learn to cook spring rolls!).
• Kiting school.
• Sailing training and golf club.
• Quad biking.

Who should go?

You won't find discos or nightlife here. Therefore, the resort is more suitable for family people - for complete relaxation after everyday work. And also for those who don’t know English (they speak Russian well here). And, of course, athletes.

What to see?

• Lake with lotuses (they don’t bloom all year round!).
• Cham Towers.
• Red Dunes.
• White Dunes (mini-desert).
• Red stream.
• Mount Taku (40 km) and Buddha statue.

Best beaches:

• Central (the most serious infrastructure).
• Phu Hai (expensive holiday, quiet and peaceful).
• Ham Tien (half empty and deserted in places).

Where to stay?

The most expensive hotels, of course, are on the coast. Cheaper hotels (about $15) are on the other side of the road; It’s a bit of a walk – “a whole 3 minutes” to the sea.

Shopping - what to buy here?

Not the best place for shopping. However, if you don’t need technology, electronics and branded items on the beach, then there are several markets for you. There you will find food, clothes/shoes, and souvenirs. The most popular souvenirs from here are items made of ivory, pearls (they are the cheapest here!) and silver.

If you have vacationed in Vietnam or are planning to go there, share your feedback with us!

Introducing the must-see attractions in Vietnam.

Vietnam has not yet gained a reputation as a world-famous and universally recognized resort, but nevertheless there is something to see here. And the sights of Vietnam are very different - from the stunning Ha Long Bay to Hue - the excellent imperial palaces and ending with the Ho Chi Minh City Mausoleum. There are also the man-made Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Museum. As you can see, there is something for every taste.

So, the 10 most, in our opinion, noteworthy best places in Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay.

The first place is deservedly occupied by Halong Bay, located in the north of Vietnam near the Chinese border. An area of ​​about 1,500 sq. km is strewn with 1,600 small limestone islands of various sizes. The bay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For most tourists, this is literally a surreal place, as if straight from a movie - it is so unreal at first sight. We wrote about this place in detail here; only a few entertainments were not mentioned - a seaplane flight over the bay ($100 per person), as well as fishing, snorkeling and kayaking. A more detailed overview of this wonderful place.

Citadel in Hanoi.

The large central sector of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in time for Hanoi's millennium anniversary in 2010. The ancient site was the political center of the country for 13 centuries and served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries.

Ancient city-museum of Hoi An.

It's much more than just a charming seaside town. It was one of the most important trading ports linking Europe and Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries. This is where the Great Silk Road ran. As a result, both local and European traditions are clearly visible in its architecture.

In a mixture of different styles of architecture, you can see Chinese temples, a Japanese bridge, pagodas, traditional Vietnamese wooden houses, colonial-style houses left behind by the French, and old canals. For its success in preserving its historical roots, Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1999.

Hoi An is famous for its delicious food, cheerful trading, friendly people and cozy atmosphere - all the main advantages that attract people to this picturesque city besides its architecture. At night it is lit by many vintage lanterns, creating a very romantic atmosphere. During the day, you will find beautiful beaches 5 kilometers from the city center.

Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh.

He is perhaps Vietnam's most popular leader, popularly known as “Grandfather Ho.” His body is preserved in a mausoleum in the center of Hanoi (albeit against his wishes). The mausoleum itself was copied from the Lenin Mausoleum in Moscow.

It was opened to the public in 1975 and for the Vietnamese this means that their beloved leader “lives forever.” At the entrance, they require compliance with a dress code (shorts and T-shirts are not welcome), photography is prohibited, and you cannot stop, as the queue is long.

Cu Chi Tunnels

This is a system of underground tunnels used by guerrillas during the Vietnam War in the vicinity of Saigon. Their length is more than 120 kilometers. These tunnels began to be built back in 1948 during the fight against French colonialists.

They are part of a large military museum. There are many hatches leading to the surface, an effective air filtration system, numerous living quarters, a kitchen, a warehouse and a weapons warehouse, hospitals, and command centers. These tunnels were built so deep underground that American tanks could freely pass over them without causing any damage to the tunnels.

Temple complex My Son sanctuary.

Ancient temple of the Champa Empire in southern Vietnam. Champa was heavily influenced by Indian religion. This was reflected in the worship of Indian gods, to whom most of the temples are dedicated.

This place is included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. The very skillful combination of red brick and sandstone on those temples that have still survived to this day looks wonderful.

Excavations here began in 2002. The most famous tower was 24 meters high and was decorated with sculptures of lions and elephants. Unfortunately, most of the temples were destroyed by American bombing in 1969.

At that time, only 20 of the 70 temples survived. Vietnamese guerrillas used them as shelter and for weapons depots, mistakenly believing that the Americans would not harm the ancient shrines.

However, most of the towers of the central complex survived and were restored. For those who love history, a visit to this place is highly recommended.

Imperial City in Hue.

The city of Hue in central Vietnam was previously the country's capital. It was founded in 1802 and is also a World Heritage Site. To build the imperial citadel, thousands of workers were ordered to build a wall and a ditch 10 kilometers long. Initially the wall was earthen, but later it was replaced by a stone wall 2 meters thick.

The Forbidden Purple City was the residence of the Vietnamese emperors. The reign of the last Vietnamese emperors lasted until 1945. By that time, the citadel had grown, a second inner wall had appeared, many buildings and hundreds of luxurious chambers had been built.

The city also suffered from the last war - these traces are visible everywhere.

Among the most impressive sights of the city are the front imperial gates and the tombs of several emperors. This place is famous not only for its architecture, but also for its stunningly beautiful landscapes.

War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

It is located in the capital and was previously called the “Museum of American War Crimes.” It is a shocking reminder of the long and brutal war, with numerous photographs and American equipment on display.

One of the most discussed exhibits are the so-called “tiger cages” in which the South Vietnamese government kept its political prisoners. These are small cells 2.7x1.5x3m, where up to 14 people were placed.

Also shocking are the photographs of local residents who received terrible mutations as a result of exposure to the powerful chemical weapon Agent Orange. Up to 500 thousand children were born with severe physical disabilities and about 5 million more people were exposed to it.

Phong Nha-Kebang National Park.

Here is the oldest array of karst caves in Asia. The length of the caves is more than 70 kilometers. The world's largest cave is also located here, its length is more than 5 kilometers. The massif consists of more than 300 caves and grottoes. A variety of geomorphological features are found here, including underground rivers, dendritic caves, dry caves, suspended caves and terraced caves. It even has its own beaches.

There is a whole “lost world” inside. The dimensions are impressive (about the size of a 40-story skyscraper) and inside there is its own micro- and macro-world. Its own flora and fauna.
Above the surface is the largest national park. It is home to many endangered species such as black bears, tigers and elephants.

An ordinary Vietnamese farmer stumbled upon this real underground kingdom in 1991. However, the terrible roar of water coming from there scared him, and he did not go down. Local residents named the cave Son Doong, but no one dared to explore it.
And only in 2009, a group of British scientists led by Howard Limbert, having discovered the cave again, decided to go down and discovered a real new world there, more than 5 kilometers long and 150 meters wide. After exploring it, they announced its official discovery and confirmed that Son Doong is the largest cave on the planet.

In contact with

Vietnam is one of the “rice civilizations” with ancient Buddhist temples lost in the jungle, underground guerrilla tunnels and a rich colonial heritage, perfectly preserved from French times. Vietnam is the Thailand of 20 years ago, not yet trampled by millions of tourists. “Fun, bright, inexpensive” - this is how you can describe local resort life in three words. Incendiary discos until the morning, forbidden pleasures, excellent shopping, unimaginable exotic dishes... Or a relaxing holiday with children, romantic sunsets, mountain hikes and the best photos as a souvenir. You choose what you like.

How to get there?

It takes approximately 9 hours to fly from Moscow to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City on regular Aeroflot or Vietnam Airlines flights. And this is the only point that can confuse beach lovers in winter. Our fellow citizens do not need a visa to Vietnam. And if you want to see more in one trip, it’s logical to combine a vacation in Vietnam with a visit to neighboring countries - China, Laos, Cambodia, Burma or Thailand. Where is the best place to relax? More on that later.

Which resort should you choose?

If you fly now or in the coming months, then a rain-free holiday is most likely in the south and center of the country. These are popular resorts: Phu Quoc Island, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Da Nang. Focus on flights to Ho Chi Minh City or Nha Trang, depending on the chosen resort. January and February are “velvet” months, it’s comfortable to relax, the air and water are +25...+28 °C. In March and April it is hot and dry, the temperature is +30…+35 °C. In the summer months, it is better to choose resorts in Northern Vietnam with a flight to Hanoi. And now we will briefly describe the most popular and rated resorts in the country, where you should go first.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang and its antipode Phan Thiet top the rating of preferences of Russian tourists. Nha Trang Bay takes an honorable 29th place in the world ranking of the most beautiful resort bays. Nha Trang (Russians from the Far East say “nishtiang”) is growing and developing rapidly, new hotels of international hotel chains appear every year. Many restaurants, shops, colorful markets, a beautiful resort promenade. You won't be bored. After or instead of the beach, you can go on a boat to the neighboring islands - see the monkeys or hang out for the whole day in an amusement park. Temple complexes, Buddha statues, pagodas are the cultural component of the resort. And you can improve your health in local mud baths and thermal baths. Nha Trang has a lot of European youth, decent clubs with trendy DJs, and a good selection of inexpensive alcohol. A few disadvantages: most hotels are on the second line; Locals come to the city beach, which is used by most tourists, in the late afternoon; after work, they like to relax here with their children. And in the summer months there are many jellyfish near the shore.

Phan Thiet

The complete opposite of Nha Trang. Relaxed, democratic, inexpensive. Most of the hotels are two- or three-story cottages on the shore, comfortably hidden in palm groves. Here everyone smiles at each other, there is no crowd on the beaches, only the sea, the sun and a light, fresh breeze. If flip-flops (aka “flip-flops”), shorts and a white Panama hat are your style of relaxation, but you want to forget about the dress code at least for a while, this is definitely the place for you. Tourists come with children because it is inexpensive, sandy beaches and the entrance to the water is gentle. Couples find romantic sunsets and time to be alone in Phan Thiet. Lovers of large portions of seafood with ice-cold beer will find relaxation here, and local masseuses will make you see “the sky in diamonds” with their little hands. There are no particularly interesting attractions in Phan Thiet and the surrounding area. Tourists tired of the sun prefer to dilute their idle lying on the sand with water sports. And the downside is perhaps the only one. From the nearest airport in Ho Chi Minh City, it will take 5-6 hours to get to the resort by bus or taxi.

Mui Ne

A neighbor of Phan Thiet, this resort is loved by outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks to the constant wind, there is an ideal wave for surfers and kiters and several dozen specialized schools with professional instructors. The prices are tolerable: an hour of windsurfing costs about $50, kitesurfing costs $70. Many speak Russian, and there are several establishments where you will be treated to borscht and dumplings. True, prices at the resort are higher than in Phan Thiet, again thanks to the large number of our tourists. On the central street of Mui Ne you will find spas and massage parlors, cafes and souvenir shops.

Phu Quoc

An island resort in the very south of the country, in the Gulf of Thailand, just 15 km from the coast of Cambodia. Considering the size of the island (the largest island in Vietnam is the size of Singapore), there is plenty of room to expand here. Active tourists choose trekking through the jungle, kayaking and canoeing, walks through numerous gardens and parks, and excursions to pearl factories. And diving in coastal waters is considered the most interesting and inexpensive in the country. But the main natural wealth of the island is its luxurious sandy beaches, stretching for many kilometers. There are still very few tourists on the island, although the infrastructure is rapidly developing. Hotels, casinos, golf courses, shopping and entertainment complexes are being built, and a new airport has appeared. But today it is still a calm, clean and still inexpensive resort. There is no better place for a quiet family or romantic holiday in Vietnam.

Vung Tau

A popular family resort 130 km from Ho Chi Minh City. It is almost as large and famous as Nha Trang, but there is no vibrant nightlife here. But in the evening you can while away the time in bars with live music, which is very rare for Vietnam. The beaches are wide, sandy, and restaurants and guest houses are now open in the former villas of the French aristocracy. The choice of hotels is also decent, for every taste and budget. Buddhist temples, pagodas, parks, a former royal residence, caves and underground tunnels - there is where to walk and what to see. There are two disadvantages: petty theft on the beaches and the presence of oil drilling platforms in the water area.

Con Dao

“Let’s catch up and overtake Thai Phuket!” – this is roughly how one can voice the ambitions of the Vietnamese tourism authorities on the islands of this archipelago in the South China Sea. The first description of the islands belongs to Marco Polo, and Con Son (the old name of Con Dao) received its notorious fame thanks to the most terrible prison for political prisoners in Vietnam. Today it is a young resort with beautiful beaches and the best Six Senses hotel complex. Most of the island is occupied by a National Park, with many interesting dive sites and fishing spots.

Dalat

A popular international mountain resort in the south of the country, 300 km from Ho Chi Minh City. These places are reminiscent of the French Alps with their mild climate and natural beauty. And it was built during the French colonization of Indochina as a mountain refuge from the sweltering heat. It is cooler here than on the coast, and daytime temperatures, even in the hottest summer months, do not exceed 25 °C, and at night drop to a comfortable 15 °C. From November to April is the dry season, it is better to come at this time. Dalat can be compared to Ubud in Balinese. Here are the best spas and massage parlors in the country, and also offer several options for treatment and healing using traditional oriental methods. These are acupuncture, Vietnamese herbal massage, Indian massage, Tibetan practices of facial and body massage with warm basalt stones. And Dalat has the best themed restaurants serving Vietnamese and French cuisine. As souvenirs, tourists buy the famous Luwak coffee (a palm marten has already feasted on its beans), artichoke tea, ceramic dishes inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and premium quality silk products. It’s logical to combine Dalat with a holiday on the beaches of Nha Trang and a few nights in Ho Chi Minh City.

Danang and Hoi An

The most popular seaside resorts in Central Vietnam. The best season for a beach holiday is March and April. Da Nang has a modern international airport, the city is the fourth largest and the industrial center of Vietnam. Nevertheless, it is very picturesque, there are several good beaches nearby, including the famous China Beach - a place for youth hangouts and surfing stations. And 40 km away is the cozy town of Hoi An with a huge number of temples, pagodas, art salons, silk and souvenir shops. This is a museum city; 844 historical monuments are officially registered in it. Here you should try authentic Vietnamese cuisine and inexpensively replenish your summer wardrobe with handmade silk items, literally sewn in front of you. The ancient imperial capital of the country, the city of Hue, is a place of pilgrimage for tourists, history buffs and adventurers a la Indiana Jones, located a few hours away by car from Da Nang.

Halong and Haiphong

Halong Bay is a very beautiful and unusual place in northern Vietnam. From Hanoi it takes 3-4 hours (150 km) by bus or taxi. If you've seen James Cameron's film Avatar, the cliffs of Ha Long will remind you of the floating boulders of the planet Pandora. Only in Ha Long do they strangely stick out from the turquoise waters of the bay. The best way to spend a few days in Ha Long is on board a wooden cruise ship. So you can swim to your heart's content in warm and clear water, visit the most beautiful and interesting places, buy authentic souvenirs in a floating village, go down into mysterious caves on the shore and take the best selfies of your life. And don’t forget to try the local delicacy – sweet and sour fish baked in sugar. Ha Long is also famous as the filming location for the films “Indochina” starring Catherine Deneuve and “Tomorrow Never Dies” with Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. Haiphong is a cozy resort town not far from Halong. It is reminiscent of Hanoi twenty years ago with its clean flower-filled boulevards, colonial houses and leisurely pace of life. In addition to good shopping, the city has many temples, inexpensive restaurants, and a decent zoo. The proximity to Hanoi makes it easy to visit Halong and Haiphong in one trip, along with a few days' stop in the capital.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

A description of the resorts will be incomplete without mentioning the main cities of Vietnam, which are usually visited by almost all tourists, because they are also the air gates of the country. These cities are definitely worth attention and at least a short introductory visit.

Hanoi is the capital of the country. This city will not leave anyone indifferent: old French houses are surrounded by greenery, and two steps around the corner there are ancient temples. Halt a rickshaw and ride along the city boulevards, and in the evening catch a performance at the Theater on the Water. Have dinner at a national restaurant, and the next morning go take a photo at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, look into the Temple of Literature and be amazed at the elegance of the One Pillar Pagoda and throw a coin into the Lake of the Returned Sword. And if you have time and energy left, go for a while to the mountains to the former French resort of Sapa. In one day in Sapa you can feel all four seasons, enjoy natural beauty, see the unique Tafin Underwater Palace and the Thac Bak Silver Waterfall. And the bravest and most resilient will be able to climb the highest peak of Indochina, Mount Fansipan (3,143 m).

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as locals and American tourists habitually call it, is the main city of South Vietnam. Saigon is interesting during the day and does not sleep at night. Colonial buildings from the last century coexist peacefully with skyscrapers, shopping centers and office buildings. You'll be impressed by the former Presidential Palace, and you can buy interesting finds from local designers on Dong Hoi Boutique Street. Military history buffs will be interested in descending into the guerrilla tunnels of Cu Chi, while families with children will appreciate a river cruise along the Mekong with lunch and a visit to a snake nursery. And in the evening it’s so nice to admire the bright lights and life boiling below, while sipping a cocktail or a cool beer at the hotel’s rooftop bar. And with renewed vigor, go in search of “adult” night adventures after an invigorating foot massage. In terms of the number and density of bars, discos, and entertainment on the edge, Saigon is not inferior to Bangkok.

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Resorts of Vietnam in November: where to relax, beach holidays

Have you decided to escape the approaching winter to a warm country? Then you can consider Vietnam, which is becoming increasingly popular among tourists and they are ready to spend their money on holidays at local resorts. But few people know where is the best place to relax in Vietnam in November, so that your beach holiday is not spoiled by rain and cold. Few people know, but we know and will tell you about it.

Vietnam is a unique country. It stretches in length so that at the same time its territory can have completely different climates. This is especially evident in the last month of autumn. The north of Vietnam is preparing for winter and this is clearly visible. The center of the country is tormented by typhoons, and the dry season reigns in the south. The north of the country is sometimes flooded with rain, sometimes the sun is shining here, so there are few tourists. So where should you go on vacation? Now we'll tell you.

Da Nang resort – rain and little sun.

This resort is very popular among tourists, but few people come here in November. During the daytime, the air temperature easily exceeds plus twenty-eight degrees. The nights are a little colder and about +23 degrees. The sea is simply gorgeous and not lower than 26 degrees Celsius. But everything is spoiled by the rains that fall here most of the month. During the rains, about 340 millimeters of precipitation falls, and this is a lot. Plus, there are not just rains, but real typhoons, which are life-threatening.

So if you come here, it’s only to admire the downpours and see with your own eyes the monstrous power of nature.

Mui Ne is a great place to relax.

Mui Ne is the complete opposite of Da Nang. There is almost no rain here, and only about 30 millimeters of precipitation falls. According to statistics, there are only 2-3 rainy days this month, and the rain is more like autumn: quiet and calm.

During the day, when the sun is shining, the air easily warms up to +32 degrees. With the onset of dusk it quickly cools down and at midnight it will be about +22 degrees. The sea is also quite warm and has temperatures of +27 degrees Celsius. This resort has the longest daylight hours. The day here lasts more than ten hours, and the sun shines all this time.

You can vacation in Vietnam all year round, the main thing is to know where and when. He will tell you in detail about all the seasons in the country and tell you when and where it is better to relax.

Nha Trang is a favorite resort of Russians.

The Russians' favorite resort, Nha Trang, cannot boast of stable weather in November. If the sun is shining, it will be +30, if the sun is not, then the temperature is unlikely to rise above twenty degrees. In the evenings and nights here the average is about +24 degrees. The sea is calm and warmed up to 27 degrees Celsius. If there is no wind, then the waves on the sea are weak and you can swim.

But sometimes the resort is hit by a storm and strong winds. At these moments it starts to rain and you need to quickly hide indoors. About 100 millimeters of precipitation falls per month, with 5-7 cloudy and rainy days in November.

Phan Thiet is another heavenly place in November in Vietnam.

Imagine: during the day it’s plus thirty-two degrees, the water in the sea is not lower than +28, and the nights are warm, so you can walk and swim all night. And at the same time, there are no heavy and prolonged rains, precipitation is almost invisible, the sun shines 95% of the time.

Introduced? Yes, this is one of the country’s popular resorts – Phan Thiet. According to the latest data, it is visited by slightly fewer tourists than Nha Trang. And in November there are more tourists here. If you want to see beautiful nature, gorgeous beaches and enjoy the sea, then this is the right place for you.

Phu Quoc Island - sun and rain.

It is off the coast of this resort that the sea is warmest in November. The water is heated to +30 degrees and if you are lucky with the weather, swimming will be simply magical.

But whether you are lucky with the weather or not depends only on the weather. If you don’t have to worry about the air temperature, it’s +31 during the day and +27 at night, then you can worry about the rains. The island is located in the ocean, and clouds are constantly attracted here. In November there are 10-12 rainy days and 3-4 typhoons. The amount of precipitation is 140 millimeters, which is not so little. In strong storms and winds, the coast of the island is often flooded. Therefore, many coastal cafes on the beaches are closed.

Weather at Vietnamese resorts in November.

Look at the table with the weather in November at all popular resorts in the country.

Let's summarize - where is the best place to relax?

If you decide to visit Vietnam in November and the purpose of your trip is a beach holiday, then it is better to choose between the resorts of Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. It is here that the dry season has already established itself, the sun warms the air quite strongly, and the sea is calm. The remaining resorts are either still in the transition period or are heavily flooded with downpours.