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28 March 2024

Destination of the Week: Top 5 things to do in Vietnam

A file picture of women in ethnic dresses marching in front of the mausoleum of late president Ho Chi Minh during a parade celebrating Hanoi's millennium celebrations. (AFP)

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By Bindu Rai

We’ve all heard about the Vietnam victims, tourists that pay are charged top dirham for delta cruises that turn up less reliable than a dinghy; or the trap agents that offer hotel rooms that are not much larger than a bathroom cubicle.

Travellers can now waylay the tourist traps and play it smart while exploring the richness of beauty and diversity that Vietnam has to offer.

A country that has only recently caught the eye of the world, Vietnam is a must-see for adventure seekers who crave to hop off the beaten track and conquer new ground.

Emirates 24|7 takes a look at the top things to do in Vietnam.

Hanoi

Hanoi offers the perfect blend of old world charm and new world comfort, offering tourists the ideal gateway to explore the wonders of Vietnam, be it the shopping options in the city or the various Unesco World Heritage Sites.
When in the city, do not miss out on a visit to Ho Chi Minh Museum, his humble house on stilts, and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda.

Cu Chi Tunnels

While in Ho Chi Minh City, step back in history and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, 22 miles northwest of the city, where you explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the Vietnam War.

These 120km tunnels were first started around 1948 when the Viet Cong were fighting the French and still offer a humbling experience for history buffs and tourists alike.

Halong Bay

A trip to the islands of Halong Bay is a must, with most of them abundant with limestone that were formed over 500 million years ago, and are massed in the southeast and southwest.
The best way to get to Halong City is by renting a car and driver. Other options also include hopping onto a minibus or bus from Hanoi, which is only 170km away.
If budget is not a problem, an hour-long helicopter transfer is also available.

Hue

Those with a thirst for adventure must take a trip to the historic city of Hue, best known for the Hai Van Pass, a 1,627-foot climb that takes you uphill some 21km to peak through a sea of clouds.

Few know that it was Hue in fact, which was considered the seat of power during the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. During the imperial rule, Hue’s royal fortress was also called the Purple Forbidden City.
Also visit the octagonal Phuoc Duyen Tower at Thiên Mu Pagoda, a stunning symbol of Buddhism.

Mekong River Delta

A visit to Vietnam would be incomplete without wiling away a few days floating down the calm serene waters of the Mekong River, lush with greens and hustling and bustling with floating markets and restaurants along the way.
The Mekong Delta officially starts around 100kms southwest of Ho Chi Minh City and the floating markets on the delta are in full swing a few hours after dawn.

The trip can be taken as a full day journey or an overnighter. Many tourists also extend the journey and follow the flow of the river that leads them into neighbouring Cambodia.