What are the coolest things to see and do in Vietnam?

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cartier95

Long Hai

Long Hai is located about 30 km east of Vung Tau, and is somewhat noisy due to the many karaoke bars in the area at night but if you don't mind the evening disturbance (that goes on till about midnight) then the area can be very pleasant.

There are a few spots worth visiting in the area, one of which is the Binh Chau Hot Springs that lie about 50 km north if the area and here one can receive a relaxing massage or take a dip in one of the springs that can reach 82 deg. C...not something one would want to fall into without prior warningвЂ¦take care here as the earth's crust is thin and one can literally fall in if not cautious.

Hunting Expeditions are on offer at the springs and in the surrounding area, but as most of the wildlife has already been slaughtered, it's hardly worth the effort, unless the shooting is done with your camera.

Nha Trang

Although it could well develop into a flashy resort such as Thailand's Pattaya Beach, Nha Trang is still fairly quiet. With very clear turquoise waters, snorkelling and diving are prime activities, and just lazing on the town beach is an experience in itself. You'll be offered everything from lunch to a manicure. The central region near Nha Trang features some of the potentially most beautiful beaches to be found anywhere in the world and attract more and more visitors in each year.

When you tire of the beach, there are some interesting sites nearby, such as the Cham Towers of Po Nagar, built between the 7th and 12th centuries on a site that had been used for Hindu worship as early as the 2nd century.

Boat trips There are several operators with Mama HanhвЂ™s being the best known. The boats leave around 9:00 a.m. and take one to a few of the offshore islands where guests can go snorkelling or swimming or meander along the shorelines. A pleasant day out especially if you have children with you.

Hong Yen Island, is home to sea swallows. Their nests are harvested twice a year in spring and autumn and are prized for their nutritive quality. The nests vary in colour from grey and white to the rare orange and red colours. Ever heard of 'Bird's Nest Soup"? This is the where the ingredients come from.

Just south-east of Nha Trang is the Lagoon of the Immortals, formed by a stream tumbling down a hillside. Legend has it that the rocks above the lagoon were once the meeting place for immortals. They gathered yearly to play chess and their wins and losses were inscribed on the rocks.

Hon Chong Promontory juts out into the South China Sea and offers a view of the bay and coast north of Nha Trang and nearby islands. There are a number of shops selling souvenirs and some cafes with deck chairs set out to admire the view.

Giant Sitting Buddha and the Long Son Pagoda This enormous 9 m high Buddha was built quite recently in honour of those monks who elected self immolation rather than continue to live under the oppressive Diem regime. The white Buddha sits upon a hill close to the train station and is worthwhile going up for the view of Nha Trang and the coast.

Phan Thiet

Traditionally renowned for its fish sauce and fishing industry as a whole the area is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination.

Takou Mountain is located just off the National Highway from Phan Thiet (to Ho Chi Minh City). Not only is the mountain interesting but a white reclining Buddha (Tuong Phat Nam), the largest in Vietnam at 49m is situated here. It takes about 2 hours of trekking to get to but is well worth the wander. There is also a pagoda of some note located in the same spot that was built in 1861 that make the trip even more inviting.

Phan Thiet Beach is popular with locals and has a monument called the Victory Monument on its shore.

Fishing Harbour like many in Vietnam is interesting from a photographic point of view if you can put up with the fish smell that permeates the air.

Cham Ruins can be found in the area the most popular being Phan Rang and Thap Cham.

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc Island is the largest island in Vietnam and lies in the Gulf of Thailand, 45 km from Ha Tien and 15 km south of the coast of Cambodia. Phu Quoc Island, part of Kien Giang province, is also part of an archipelago consisting of 22 islands of all sizes. The island covers an area of 585 km2 and is 50 km long and is also called the Emerald Island because of its natural treasures and infinite tourism potential.

Phu Quoc Island has many harbours such as An Thoi and Hon Thom where international and domestic ships anchor. Also, there are several historical sites on the island: National Hero Nguyen Trung Truc's military base, Gia Long King relics from the time he spent on the island, and Phu Quoc prison.

Islands offshore Off the coast of the island a group of 105 islands of all sizes. Some of them are densely inhabited such as Hon Tre and Kien Hai, 25 km from Rach Gia. Visitors can spend time on the beaches or hike while observing the wild animals.

The Phu Quoc Pearl Farm is located 8 kms south of Duong Dong, between the villages of Duong To and Duong Bao. It has a retail shop from which pearls can be purchased either as individual items or jewellery pieces. There is a taxi service from Duong Dong to the Pearl Farm at minimum cost.

Vung Tau Beach

Located at the mouth of the Saigon River is the popular Vung Tau beach resort.

Pineapple Beach is probably the most pleasant, with its villas and generally tranquil atmosphere. The temples are a definite must-see.

The Niet Ban Tinh Xa is the largest temple in Vietnam.

Tank D

everything is, that's if you can stand the weather. Everything. :)

Novice

From Hanoi, you should take a bus tour to Ha Long Bay. There you can take a cruise boat tour (meal included) through Ha Long Bay. It is one of the most beautiful scenes in the world :-).

The tour should include a drop/visit into some of the caves there.

Just remember to bring your camera.

Other things to see and do:

* Saigon's busy street; try to ride a motorcycle or bicycle there :-).

* Hoi An's fullmoon/latern night (every lunar fullmoon night)

* Me Kong River + Cu Chi Tunnel tour

warasouth

Don't miss the Cu Chi Tunnels...built and used during the Vietnam wars.

Just visited the area on Saturday and it was really impressive. Imagine building a system of tunnels and underground rooms with well-planned ventilation system

You can join daily tour groups for just US$15 per person

Enjoy!

Henry

There is a Dog restaurant in Hanoi where they serve specially prepared cuts of dog. Great, you must try it.

Also the Chu Chi tunnels (can't remember spelling) north of Saigon where you can see the tunnels from the war plus you can fire machine guns on a range - not my cup of tea but there you are.

The most spectacular and upsetting is the war museum in Saigon.

supergirl

cartier95 practical said all the good things. that i enjoyed

Willy Average 317537

Locate American P.O.W's and free them.And bring them home.

michinoku2001

Visit the tunnels from the war and fire a M-16 and an AK-47 and visit the museum of American atrocities (that's what they call it, not me). It costs a dollar a round, so don't just spray 'em!

Jeffrey E

why?

Boss

find landmines

nick nameless

walk around and check for unexploded land mines! woohoo!

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