8 great things that make Australian tourists choose Vietnam

The place with the most beautiful beach in Vietnam: Phu Quoc

This island is extremely popular with Vietnamese and international tourists. The reason? The beaches are so beautiful that it can make people really put down their cameras and enjoy the scenery. Another attraction of Phu Quoc is the VinWonders amusement park. Or the longest cable car in Vietnam and also the longest cable car across the sea in the world, this is the ideal place for all tourists to explore Phu Quoc.

Best foodie city: Hanoi

Vietnam’s historic capital is less hectic than its southern commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City, but it has many of the same attractions: incredible street food, great hotels, a friendly exchange rate for the Australian dollar and a pretty old town. It’s also a great base from which to explore Ha Long Bay.

Favorite spot: Tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Ha Long Bay alternatives: Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long

The bays to the north and south of Ha Long are less crowded but almost as scenic. With a well-developed infrastructure, visitors will still find everything they need for a memorable day out and great scenic photos without the row of boats bobbing around.

Favorite spot: Kayaking between the islands.

The City That Never Sleeps: Ho Chi Minh City

New York was once known as the “city that never sleeps,” but Ho Chi Minh City may very well earn the title in the next few years. From the motorbikes that flood the streets and the rows of pho and banh mi stalls to the bougainvillea-lined shopping streets and French colonial architecture, it’s a sight to behold. And although the war ended in 1975, its image lives on in the city in the form of posters, the War Remnants Museum, and the Independence Palace.

Favorite spot: Bargain-friendly shopping malls.

Best natural destination: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

A man named Ho Khanh discovered a cave in 1990 that was later declared the world’s largest by the Guinness World Records. This is Son Doong Cave, so big it has a rainforest ecosystem inside, but remember, it’s only accessible via private tour.

Favorite spot: Explore the stalactites that tower over 80m inside the cave.

Best cultural city in Vietnam: Hoi An

This beautiful coastal town’s strategic location made it one of the region’s most active trading ports, with ships from Japan, Spain and North America visiting for much of the 17th century. Add in merchants from across Asia and you have a culture unlike any other in Vietnam. Head to the old town, home to an ornate covered bridge, butter yellow houses and countless pagodas.

Favorite spot: Grab a bargain seafood lunch at An Bang Beach, just a 10-minute motorbike ride from the old town.

Best Beach Destinations in Vietnam: Da Nang and Nha Trang

These two cities have plenty of luxury beachside hotels with 5-star amenities at affordable prices. Da Nang’s top attractions include Cham culture (the Museum of Cham Sculpture is incredible), the Marble Mountains and Quang noodles. Nha Trang, meanwhile, has some of the best beaches in the country and the stunning Tran Phu coastal street.

Favorite spot: Mud baths in Nha Trang.

Best place for trekking: Sa Pa

Those who have been to Vietnam for many years will say that Sa Pa is over-commercialised and not as pristine as it once was, but the trails around Muong Hoa Valley and Fansipan Peak are as spectacular as ever. And Sa Pa’s small town centre is a delight with its fast food outlets, small guesthouses and fantastic range of handicrafts.

Favorite spot: Bike tours

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