HA NOI
Ha Noi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, is a pleasant and even charming city with its famous lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks. The city center is an architectural museum piece, its blocks of French colonial-era buildings retaining the air of a peaceful provincial town. The archaeological site of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel right in the heart of Ha Noi was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2010. As the hub of the country’s political, cultural and commercial life, Ha Noi is the gateway to places of interest in northern Viet Nam.
DA NANG
The busy seaport of Da Nang in central Viet Nam is the country’s fourth-largest city. The French named the city Tourane after it succeeded Hoi An (Faifo) as a vital deep water trading port in the 19th century. Son Tra Peninsula, a green shield to protect Da Nang from storms, with long, white sandy beaches and primeval forests is a must-see for bathing, relaxing, sports, fun and fishing. Da Nang is also the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage sites: My Son, Hoi An and Hue.
HO CHI MINH CITY
Located on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a rapidly developing and dynamic city. The city is considered the economic capital of the country and keeps booming with new hotels and businesses. Yet its shaded boulevards, pavement cafes and French-styled buildings help it to retain a bygone colonial atmosphere. The rhythm of life is always lively day and night with the flood of motorbikes swinging in the harmoniously chaotic urban traffic. Ho Chi Minh City is also the gateway to the Mekong Delta and Cambodia, famous for the Angkor archaeological complex.