Da Nang
Da Nang is Vietnam's third largest city and the principal port in the central part of the country as well as a main port for neighboring Laos. It was originally known as Cho Han (the Market of the Han), later to be renamed Tourane by the French. Da Nang is on the threshold of becoming a major destination for tourists thanks to some unique attractions, spectacular scenery and the friendliness of the local population.
It was on Da Nang’s coast where the first U.S. troops landed on March 8, 1965. As the war progressed, the airport’s runway was extended to become the longest in all of Southeast Asia. Da Nang fell to the Viet Cong in March 1975; this signified South Vietnam's defeat in the war. Despite of its war-torn history, Da Nang is one of the most progressive cities in Vietnam, taking advantage of the new free-market principle. The town also has become one of the country’s leaders in economic reform. Tourism and foreign investments have done much to boost the local economy.
Among the city's highlights is the renowned Cham Museum, housing close to 300 Cham sculptures. Here history lovers get a glimpse into a very powerful era of Vietnam's past. Da Nang, however, may be most familiar to Americans who watched the movie Good Morning Vietnam and the popular television series China Beach. The latter immortalized a popular R&R G.I. resort of the Vietnam War.
Haiphong
Haiphong, located on the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of Vietnam’s most important ports. It is also the main industrial center of the north and the country’s third largest city. The First Indochina War started here in 1946 with the French bombing the port, killing thousands of civilians. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. lost more than 300 warplanes here. For a long time, much of the city resembled a gray urban sprawl pockmarked with factories and bombed-out buildings.
In recent years, the city has seen rapid growth and a change in its image. Still boasting French colonial architecture that surprisingly survived the bombardment, Haiphong also features several pagodas, a cathedral, the Municipal Theater or Opera House, a flower market and Vietnam’s only licensed casino.
The distance from this bustling port city to the capital Hanoi is 60 miles, a drive of 2.5 hours, via the number 5 National Highway.
Halong Bay
Ha Long Bay is among Vietnam’s most celebrated attractions and a designated World Heritage Site. Its seascape offers fantastic sites of fragmented limestone outcroppings, sheer cliffs, huge rock arches and tranquil coves. Many of the rock formations rise from the sea to heights between 300 and 900 feet like green-clad plaster monsters.
The name Ha Long Bay, or “where the dragon descends into the sea,” has its origin in an ancient legend, according to which a huge dragon descended and assisted the Vietnamese in their fight against northern invaders. After victory, the dragon and its young remained, turning into a fence of rocky islands to protect the locals. Even today, sailors and locals still claim sightings of a giant sea monster.
Some of the outcroppings, caves and grottoes have a most exotic appearance.They have been given such names as Face Island, Isle of Wonders and Isle of Surprise, among others.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. From 1010 until 1802, it was the political centre of an independent Vietnam with a few brief interruptions. It was eclipsed by Huế during the Nguyen Dynasty as the capital of Vietnam, but served as the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1945. From 1945 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam.
The city is located on the right bank of the Red River.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, the “Pearl of Vietnam” was formerly known as Saigon, a name that is still applied to the city center. The official name change took place in 1976, following the reunification of the country. Located in the south of Vietnam on a giant bend in the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is the country's largest city, with a population of nearly seven million people and over one million motorbikes. While Hanoi is the center of government, Ho Chi Minh City is the nation’s economic heart and most exciting city.
Long before traffic choked the city center, Saigon had already been christened the “Paris of Asia” for its wide boulevards lined with stately trees and magnificent French villas. For a moment one may feel transported back to the French era by the smells of coffee and baking bread, and by old Renaults sounding their horns in the bustling streets.
The city is divided into two major sections: the municipal district of Saigon and Cholon (China Town), where the entrepreneurial talent and private funds are concentrated. Cholon appears to be the most populated and, in general, the most vigorous part of Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors are fascinated by its bustle of activity and its numerous pagodas, reputed to be the finest in the city.
Caution: Be aware that pickpockets frequently prowl major tourist sites.
Hong Gai
Hạ Long (also known as Hong Gai) is a capital city of Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. The city mainly lies on Bai Tu Long Bay, which is part of the Ha Long Bay. It is located at about 160km northeast of Hanoi.
Hue
The city is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Sông Hýõng (Hýõng River), just a few miles inland from the South China Sea.
On the north side of the river is the Citadel, the centre of the historic city. Most of Huế's important monuments, temples, and pagodas are found in this area.
Nha Trang
Idyllic scenery, soaring verdant mountains and wonderful beaches make Nha Trang a refreshing change from bustling and frequently visited Ho Chi Minh City. Soak in the relaxed atmosphere and sample excellent fresh seafood in a restaurant overlooking the harbour.
Vung Tau
The city is located in the south of Vietnam, and is situated at the tip of a small peninsula. It has traditionally been a significant port, particularly during Vietnam's period of French rule. Today, the city's importance as a shipping port has diminished, but it still plays a significant role in Vietnam's off-shore oil industry.
To most tourists, however, Vũng Tàu is more interesting for its extensive beaches. Tourists always prefer sightseeing at Front Beach (Bai Truoc) but go swimming in Back Beach (Bai Sau). Back Beach is well-known for its over 10 km of fine sand seaside. As Vũng Tàu is only 130 km away from Ho Chi Minh City, it is a favourite resort destination for those wishing to get away from the city.
