THingy THings To Do In ...VEITNAM

 

           Vietnam is a country with a rich and troubled past that has steadily been attracting more and more international visitors since the cessation of hostilities that took place in the ‘70s.

It’s known for its diverse cultures and the wide array of ethnic groups who reside within its borders.

Vietnamese food is considered to be one of the world’s greatest cuisines; if you’re an adventurous eater with an open mind, you’ll experience smells and flavors here that you probably never dreamed existed.

The people seem to be perpetually smiling; hopefully a little of that will rub off on you as you experience all the country has to offer.

Come with me and check the top 7 THingy THings to Do in VEITNAM

1. Morning or Afternoon Guided Tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels

During the Vietnam War – or the American War, as the Vietnamese call it – the Vietnamese freedom fighters referred to as “the Viet Cong” built extensive tunnel networks to protect and conceal their equipment and activities from American infantrymen and aircraft.

This six-hour tour will take you to these amazing and macabre examples of human ingenuity. The tours are available with an English or German speaking guide.

Regardless of whether you choose to go in the morning or afternoon, transportation will be provided to and from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

A fascinating documentary is part of the tour, and you’ll see actual weapons used in the conflict.

2. Local Villages and Sa Pa Valley Hike

Vietnam is home to some of the most scenic terraced rice paddies anywhere in Asia.

Carved into the majestic mountains over generations, these emerald green manmade wonders are among the most picturesque in the country.

This six-hour tour includes a 10-kilometer hike, so it’s best left to the relatively fit.

In addition to the natural surroundings, you’ll visit a few villages of the area’s ethnic minorities, like the Black Hmong who live in the Lao Chai Village.

A traditional home-cooked meal will be a welcome break before heading into the nearby bamboo forest that leads to a hidden waterfall.

3. 3-Islands Full-Day Snorkelling Tour in Phi Quoc

There’s no better way than snorkeling to cool off, get some exercise, and see some amazing marine habitats and the colorful creatures that live in them.

The tour includes stops at three of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand and includes transportation to and from your hotel or guesthouse in Pho Quoc.

At midday, lunch will be served on the island Dam Ngang and will include traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients by the boat’s crew.

After another stop, the slow cruise back is a great time to enjoy the scenery and reflect on the amazing day you just had.

4. My Son Sanctuary Early Morning Tour from Hoi An

This four-hour tour includes an English-speaking guide, and though it starts at the unthinkable hour of 4:30 AM, it’ll be well worth it for those eager early birds who make the trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

My Son Sanctuary consists of temple ruins that were constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries, in what was once the cultural and political capital of the Champa Empire – a notable regional power.

This early tour lets you watch the sunrise over the temple spires; due to the hour, you’ll likely have most of the site to yourself.

5. Saigon Opera House Show

Though you may not think Vietnam is famous for its opera, catching a show at Saigon’s Opera House is one of the things to do in the city that you won’t want to miss.

This hour-long show isn’t like traditional western opera, and that’s a good thing because it’ll include elements of circus, theatre, music, and poetry, which are revered in Vietnamese culture.

An interesting note is that these shows aren’t scripted, but they’ll take you on a journey through the country’s past and will include many elements of its culture, heritage and the numerous myths and legends that are such important links to the past.

6. Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave Full-Day Tour from Hanoi

Starting this diverse tour off is a trip to Vietnam’s largest pagoda – the Bai Dinh Pagoda.

It’s an amazing example of Vietnamese design and is home to many of the nation’s most revered items, including a 30-foot tall bronze Buddha that’s also the largest in the country.

Your guide will give you an insightful look into Buddhism and how it has shaped the culture and history of Vietnam.

The majestic caves on the itinerary are full of their own history too; one was even used in the filming of King Kong due to its unique beauty.

7. Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class from Hoi An

Located on Vietnam’s east coast just south of Da Nang, Hoi An is a scenic provincial town of more than 100,000 people.

This six-hour market tour and cooking class is led by an English-speaking guide and includes a basket boat ride along the waterways that are teaming with local entrepreneurs selling the ingredients that you’ll need to cook with later.

You’ll be amazed at the diversity, color, and abundance of the items being sold, and you certainly won’t mistake it for the Safeway back home.

This tour is for adventurous foodies and those who like to get out there and rub shoulders with the locals.