Vietnam’s festivals provide a deeper look into the country’s traditions and spiritual beliefs. Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant celebration, marked by family gatherings, fireworks, and special foods like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake). The Perfume Pagoda Festival, held in Hanoi, attracts thousands of pilgrims who journey to a sacred Buddhist temple in the mountains. In April, the Hue Festival showcases Vietnam’s imperial history with traditional performances, dragon boat races, and royal ceremonies. The Hoi An Lantern Festival, held every full moon, transforms the ancient town into a magical scene filled with glowing lanterns floating along the river.
Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is home to some of the most impressive caves in the world, making it a must-visit for adventure seekers. The park’s most famous attraction, Son Doong Cave, is the largest cave on Earth, with massive chambers, underground jungles, and its own weather system. Though access is limited to a select number of expeditions per year, other caves like Hang En, Paradise Cave, and Phong Nha Cave offer equally stunning experiences. Travelers can explore by boat, hike through underground rivers, or zip-line into dark caverns. Beyond the caves, the national park features lush jungles, rivers, and an abundance of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
For travelers seeking an epic road trip, Vietnam’s Hai Van Pass offers one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world. Stretching over 20 kilometers between Da Nang and Hue, the pass winds through misty mountains, providing spectacular views of the South China Sea. The drive itself is an adventure, with hairpin turns and panoramic viewpoints that are perfect for photography. Along the way, travelers can stop at Lang Co Beach, a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise water. The Hai Van Gate, an ancient fortification at the summit, offers insight into the region’s historical significance. Whether you rent a motorbike or take a guided tour, traversing Hai Van Pass is a must-do experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. The highlight of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling complex of palaces, temples, and gates that once housed the Nguyen Dynasty. Walking through its ancient corridors, you can imagine the grandeur of Vietnam’s last emperors. The city is also home to the majestic royal tombs, each uniquely designed to reflect the personality of the ruler it commemorates. The Tomb of Khai Dinh, with its intricate blend of Vietnamese and European architecture, is particularly striking. For a scenic experience, take a boat cruise along the Perfume River, stopping at historic sites such as Thien Mu Pagoda. Hue’s cuisine is another reason to visit, with specialties like bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh beo (steamed rice cakes).
Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” is a breathtaking region of limestone karsts, lush rice paddies, and serene waterways. Located just a two-hour drive from Hanoi, it’s an excellent destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers boat tours through stunning river caves, winding between towering limestone cliffs. Tam Coc, another must-visit, features a scenic boat ride through caves and rice fields, often rowed by local women using their feet. For those interested in history, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu showcases well-preserved temples dedicated to Vietnam’s early kings. A visit to Ninh Binh isn’t complete without a climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint, which rewards adventurers with a panoramic view of the surrounding karst formations and lush countryside.
