The article affirmed as affordable as it is vibrant and varied, Vietnam is fast becoming a destination of choice for Australian holidaymakers.

The first activity spotlighted by the newspaper is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province.

The best way to explore Ha Long Bay, which is Vietnam’s best-known natural attraction, is from the water, the newspaper said, adding that a six-hour boat tour is an ideal way to introduce yourself to the majesty of the region.

It also mentioned some activities that tourists should experience in the bay such as visiting caves and Ti Top island to relax on the beach and try a bamboo row boat.

The other activities include visiting Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City; exploring HCMC on two wheels; taking in a water puppet show at the Golden Dragon in HCMC, eating in Hanoi, walking the ocean floor in Nha Trang, shopping, cooking, and eating at a floating market, trekking hills of Sa Pa and visiting train street in Hanoi.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a surreal landscape of limestone karsts erupting from the ocean like tidal waves made solid by magic and time. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, this natural wonder of the world has since become the single most popular tourist attraction in all of Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay is a surreal landscape of limestone karsts erupting from the ocean like tidal waves made solid by magic and time. Photo: Vinpearl

Though many travel guides focus on the landscape above the water, there’s a whole universe thriving below the surface. Ha Long Bay is home to more than 140 different species of coral, including rare varieties. These coral reefs cover up to 30 and even 60 percent of the area around islands like Cong Do, where legal restrictions, as well as geographic isolation, protect marine life from boat traffic, pollution, and human interference.

Take a dive trip to the coral reefs and watch marine creatures like starfish, sea horses, and sea turtles through the clear water. You can also explore the underwater grottos and intricate cave systems that shelter entire ecosystems. New and experienced divers can head out with a diving school or, as an alternative, you can take a boat into deeper water and snorkel around.

Ha Long Bay is best explored from a boat. Some companies offer half-day cruises on traditional junk boats that allow you to experience the bay with sails and slow speeds. Others offer faster yachts that can quickly shuttle passengers between different islands and back. It is possible to take a quick half-day or full-day cruise through Ha Long Bay, but a longer trip is ideal. Book for two or three days with a ship that can plan for food, beverages, cocktails, and sightseeing so that you can just relax and enjoy the trip.

Ti Top Island

Ti Top Island is favored for its enchanting scenery and pleasant weather. These elements make Ti Top Beach a not-to-be-missed destination for tourists on the journey of exploring Halong Bay, especially those who love nature in Vietnam.

Ti Top Island is favored for its enchanting scenery and pleasant weather. Photo: Alisa Cruise

Besides the beautiful natural scenery and charming mountains, Ti Top Beach, or Vang Trang Beach, contributes to the unique features of the island. The beach is not too big compared to the others, yet the island mesmerizes tourists with its pure white sand and clear blue seawater in the four seasons. Therefore, this place is definitely an ideal destination for your holiday getaway.

Climbing on Ti Top Island is an activity that you cannot miss. By taking 400 steep steps, you can conquer the peak of the mountain, which gives you a chance to grasp the immensity and majesty of Halong Bay at a 100-meter altitude. In this way, you can see the various changes in Ti Top Island according to the time of day.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground defense tunnels built by locals and resistance forces from 1946 to 1968 in Cu Chi district, Ho Chi Minh City. Built with rudimentary tools, the network was designed scientifically, playing a major role in the war of resistance against America. The tunnels are now a popular tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.

The tunnels are now a popular tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Pu Luong Excursions

The tunnels were built in a lateritic soil-clay area and were thus strong and long-lasting and could withstand the power of heavy weapons. Stairs between floors have lids that go to secret vaults. The shelter’s entrance was camouflaged with leaves. The paths inside the tunnels are different sizes but are normally wide and high enough for only one person walking bent over.

The tunnels were formed thanks to the efforts of thousands of soldiers and locals in Cu Chi, who, despite regular attacks by the enemy, carried huge loads of clay and dug channels with simple tools such as hoes and shovels. Many sections of the network were dug over and over again due to the destruction by the bombs and tanks of the enemy, reflecting the resilience and creativity of the Cu Chi people during the resistance war.

Sa Pa

Every hill-tribe homestay and Sapa trekking journey (whether arranged by yourself or through Sapa tours) will begin in the northwestern Vietnam town of Sapa (otherwise written as Sa Pa). A quick tumble from the border of China, Sapa, Vietnam is set amidst the Hoang Lien Son mountain range (otherwise known as “the Tonkinese Alps”) that houses Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam.

International tourists trekking in Sapa. Photo: Vinpearl

If you want to go trekking in Sapa, Vietnam, and experience staying at the home of one of the local hill tribe people in Sapa Valley, there are a couple of ways to get there without official tours in Sapa. Most visitors to Sa Pa travel from Hanoi, the hub of transportation for Vietnam’s north.

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