Vietnam – Timeless Charm. This tagline has given Vietnam a strong international tourism identity over the past years. It signifies Vietnam as a beautiful Asian country with a wide array of charms to offer to its countrymen and foreign visitors alike. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam:

• Halong: Characterised by towering karst limestone pillars and small islets of various shapes and sizes amidst crystal blue waters, Halong Bay’s ethereal beauty is a sight to behold. Located in northern Vietnam, it is the most popular tourist spot this side of the country. Halong Bay, where ‘Halong’ translates to ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’, had a part of it designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. Halong City is the main entry point to the bay.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Popularly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam is the largest city and the financial and cultural capital of the country. Ho Chi Minh City is a fast-paced city deeply rooted in its cultural roots whilst quickly having adapted to the demands of urbanisation. Here you will find ornate temples and olden shrines of various faiths standing side by side alongside towering skyscrapers and shopping malls. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which is the busiest airport in the country services Ho Chi Minh City.
• Hoi An: One of the oldest cities in Asia, Hoi An is a town in central Vietnam which was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Located south of Danang, Hoi An translates to ‘a peaceful meeting place’. It is culturally and historically one of Vietnam’s most important towns and also one of the richest. It is important to note that Hoi An does not have an airport or train station and can only be reached by road.
• Hanoi: Perched on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and one of the world’s most ancient cities. Boasting well-preserved colonial buildings, golden pagodas, unique museums, mouthwatering cuisine, entertainment destinations, and traditional bazaars, Hanoi is a melting pot of French, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures.
• Da Nang: Da Nang sits prettily on the east coast of Vietnam, right between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Popularly known as the tourist capital of South-Central Vietnam, Da Nang is truly stunning – filled with beaches, museums, evolving nightlife and world-class infrastructure.
• Sapa: Situated atop the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, Sapa is a colonial-era town in northwest Vietnam overlooking the terraced rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley. At an elevation of 1,500 metres, this small market town shares its border with China and offers some of Vietnam’s best trekking. Arguably offering the most authentic bucolic experience in the country, Sapa is rapidly becoming a mainstream destination.