In Vietnam we visited 12 cities; 6 in the North: Hanoi (capital), Halong Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue; & 6 in the South: Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Mui Ne and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The overall observation of Vietnam, especially in big cities, is the Vietnamese culture, history & energy. As it was colonized by France, some major cities have great influence in the neighbourhoods between the French and local architecture. They both look much different. For example, some people compare the French neighbourhoods to little Paris. Also, most of the cities have great cultural and historic sites that demonstrate and explain Vietnam's past and current life.
The traffic rules in Vietnam are insane! In other words, it has no rules. They all drive however they want. The traffic stops means nothing. They honk every second, it's their form of driving. Also, in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, lots of streets have street food, which means most of the people eat outside, on very small chairs and tables, even though, they order from the restaurants. That's because restaurants have not enough space inside, beside their kitchen only. That's mainly visible in Old Quarter neighbourhoods.
Vietnam is great in showing their history and current life through museum, historic and cultural sites. One of the most unique one, we have been to was the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. That's where Ho Chi Minh's body is located, and you can visit and see his body lying in the coffin. Too bad pictures weren't allowed there. Besides that, they have war, women, prison and other significant museums that made Vietnam the country is today. Another interesting fact, is that Vietnamese women are very dominant here. They do everything. From street vendors, to selling food on the streets, working on the rice fields and being a huge part in the government system. Lastly, Temples and mainly Pagodas will be found anywhere, and they uniquely special and beautiful
Interesting about Vietnam, is that almost every city has something completely different to offer. In Hue, you find amazing, authentic temples. It is also, considered part of the World Heritages cities, recognized by UNESCO. In Phong Nha, you find lots of amazing caves, such as Paradise, Dark cave, and many more. It is also a World Heritage city. In Ninh Bing, you explore beautiful rivers. In Halong Bay, you witness more than 200 hundreds islands! In Sapa, up north, you find great villages, and discover beautiful Vietnamese cultures and rice fields.
Da Nang reminds you of Asian Miami. In Hoi An, you find beautiful beaches and romantic areas, such a beautiful architecture by the river, includes restaurants. In Da lat, you discover lots of beautiful waterfalls. In Nha Trang and Mui Ne, you see beautiful beaches and experience the beach vibe! It has lots of Russians there:) And of course Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, the 2 big cities, where you experience all the Vietnamese craziness.
Vietnam is definitely one of our favourite, if not the favourite country in East Asia.
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