The best spots and insider tips for a trip to Vietnam

It is loud, very loud, chaotic and full of contrasts. Nevertheless, with all its diversity, a deeply rooted culture and very special history, Vietnam can only be recommended to everyone. From French -shaped Hanoi to the wonderful coastal landscapes of Quy Nhon and Nhan Trang to the pulsating streets of Saigon. We have a small but fine one for youGuide with the most important spots and travel tips for Vietnamcompiled.

Text: Michael Tulgay

Hanoi: A city that does not hide its history

Foto: Getty Images/Gonzalo Azumendi

In the old town of Hanoi it is out loud.

Our journey begins in Hanoi and it becomes clear on arrival: This city has its own atmosphere. It is loud, lively and at the same time strongly shaped by the occupation of France at the time. The old town with its narrow streets and the endless food stalls, which offer everything you can imagine, feels like a lively museum. But Hanoi is more than just that. It is a city that proudly shows its history and traditions.

  • From Hanoi with transfer through the UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay (good selection viaGetYourGuide)
  • The guided food tour with a local through the narrow streets of Hanois withTrain street visit
  • HistoricalWater puppet theaterin the city center with live music that has been playing every day for 40 years

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The perfect retreat can be found inIntercontinental Hanoi. The hotel is located directly on the Westlake and is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts. Surrounded by water and a calm that appears almost a bit surreal when you consider that Hanoi with its millions of people are only a stone's throw away. Here you can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and with a cup of Vietnamese coffees, which is known to be just as strong as an espresso, slowly take the day.

Hoi on: Lantry and centuries -old craftsmanship

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Sparkling Hoi! At night there are lights, lights and colors everywhere.

Lights, lamps and gondolas where the eye can go! Hoi is the kind of place where you wonder whether it is really so beautiful or whether all of this is just a well-built part of an adventure park. The old town is like a lively work of art - the winding streets, the old, yellow -painted buildings, which are illuminated by lanterns and immerse the sky in a warm golden light. Hoi of himself has this rare magic, which is both exciting and relaxing and invites you to stroll while watching tourists who get into their small lantern boats.

  • The My Son-Silztum is a historic temple city that was built between the 4th and 14th centuries and is dedicated to the Hindu gods, especially Shiva. Surrounded by an impressive jungle landscape, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today and is a significant testimony to Cham culture in Southeast Asia.
  • The imperial city of Hue, a former capital of Vietnam, is an impressive complex of palaces, temples and fortifications that was built during the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it reflects Vietnam's cultural and political history and impresses with her harmony from architecture and landscape along the perfume river.
  • Lantern trip along the river in the city center

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The Four Seasons Resort Nam Hai is the perfect contrast to the historic atmosphere of Hoi. The resort is embedded in lush gardens with 4,500 palm trees along the kilometer -long section of the HA May Beach. The service is unobtrusive, but always present, every single detail seems to have been designed with a loving dedication. The recently renovated rooms are generous and cozy. Particularly noteworthy is the award-winning spa, which is inspired by the teachings of the Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh and centuries-old Vietnamese healing methods.

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If you would like to take the train through the country to observe the country and its people during rice cultivation, you can go into theViestageTrain by Anantara. The Vietage is the type of train that moves somewhere between a first class wagon and a luxury hotel. The cozy cabins not only offer very good comfort, but also an atmosphere that gives the feeling of sitting on wheels in a star hotel. With a three-course menu and tons of drinks, the journey flies from there to quy nhon as if in a flash. From Quy Nhon, Anantara offers a transfer to the fine hotelAnantara Quy NhonWith beach access. If you want to continue traveling, you can drive from Quy Nhon to Nha Trang the next day. Tip: Book a place in the direction of travel to watch the beautiful coast.

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The resort is located on a private peninsula, surrounded by turquoise blue water and green hills. Here the word "luxury" is completely understatement - everything in this place is aimed at kidnapping to another world. But what makes your stay really extraordinary is the strong focus on sustainability and wellness. TheSix Sensespursues a zero-wear approach and relies on renewable energies, biodegradable materials and the protection of the local wildlife. Everything - from the sustainable architectural principles to the products in the SPA - is carefully coordinated with being in harmony with nature. The spa treatments are not only relaxing, but also healing. The yoga sessions at sunrise, the meditative sound of the waves and the hikes through the lush nature make this resort a very popular resort not without reason.

Saigon: The city that never sleeps - and never gets boring

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East meets West in Saigon: The pulsating metropolis has a lot to offer.

Saigon has its own rhythm. The city is loud, chaotic and incredibly energetic - you can't help but be carried away by this pulsating metropolis. A visit to the Ben NGHE market in particular is a festival for the senses. Here you can find everything: freshly pressed juice, exotic fruits, spices and - of course - the ubiquitous street food. The city also has impressive historical sights to offer-from the Notre-Dame-Cathedral, which almost sprays European flair, to the reunification palace, which makes the moving history of the country up close. And then there are the modern sides of Saigon: hip cafés such as the make room, cool roof terraces such as the social club rooftop and boutiques that sell the latest designs from Vietnam (for example Rue Miche or Compound Garmet). Saigon is a place of contrasts - and that is exactly what makes the city and the whole country so exciting.

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