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IN BRIEF
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At the heart of Vietnam, a striking mix of sounds of two-wheelers and alleyways frozen in time invite exploration: the cycle rickshaw glide gently towards the Temple of Literature, where five courtyards stand, adorned with stelae and symbolic animals — tortoise, dragon, phoenix and one unicorn lionized — reminiscent of the ancient ordeal of the mandarins. HanoiModernity exists alongside specialized districts—silk, shoes, sugar, herbs—under the persistent shadow of thered star, while the austere Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the delicate One Pillar Pagoda Lotus trees line the center. The local flavors are surprising: Bun Cha popular and egg coffee sparkling wines serve as a pretext for settling down along the famous Train Street, where adrenaline rushes with every passing train. Further on, the landscapes open up to natural wonders — the karst peaks of Ninh Binh overlooking rice paddies and forests, and the real Halong Bay gliding between 2,000 islets like a living print, between junks, caves, and floating villages. Finally, imperial stopovers at Boo and copper lanterns Hoi An complete this picture where heritage and sensations respond to each other at every step.
This guide offers a descriptive journey through the landscapes and cultural treasures of Vietnam, blending vibrant metropolises, historical sites, and natural panoramas. You will find impressions of Hanoi between modernity and tradition, the dazzling of Halong Bay and its terrestrial version to Ninh Binh, the imperial cities of Boo and the nocturnal enchantment of Hoi An, as well as gourmet and practical tips to help you prepare for your trip.
Entering Hanoi’s Living Labyrinth
Urban atmosphere and living traditions
HAS HanoiDaily life is a noisy choreography of two-wheelers that brush past and swerve at the last moment. The streets often remain specialized by trade—fabrics, shoes, sugar, herbs—and retain the artisanal character that has marked the capital for centuries. Everywhere, the red star on the facades, a discreet reminder of a political history that coexists today with a market-oriented economy.
Temples, cycle rickshaws and pages of history
For a gentle acclimatization, get into a cycle rickshaw and let yourself be driven to the Temple of LiteratureA major center of Confucian spirituality and former imperial school where candidates took their exams to become mandarins. The five successive courtyards offer a stroll punctuated by… steles and sculptures of symbolic animals — tortoise, dragon, phoenix and one unicorn related to the lion — which punctuate the history of the place.
Ho Chi Minh City and places of remembrance
The figure of Ho Chi Minh Its presence remains omnipresent: its austere mausoleum attracts long queues—sometimes nearly three hours—for those wishing to enter the monument. Right next door, the charming One Pillar Pagoda rises in the center of a lotus pond, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling avenues.
The country’s social and economic landscape is evolving rapidly, and local news reflects these tensions and transformations: legal cases and auctions of luxury goods sometimes make the headlines, as in this report about a businesswoman and her prestigious bags put up for auction (read).
Flavors and sensory experiences
Street food and culinary traditions
THE Bun Cha — minced pork patties served in a fragrant broth with rice vermicelli — is a local specialty not to be missed. A modest but famous neighborhood restaurant even hosted an American president who came to dine in and sample this dish; the place is now a small institution. In Hanoi, you can also sip the famous egg coffee, a smooth mousse prepared with coffee, condensed milk, sugar, rum and egg yolks that delights palates in search of originality.
Train Street and cafes along the tracks
For an unusual experience, head to the Train Streetwhere a railway line crosses a shopping area without visible barriers: regulars line up on small chairs close to the rails to sip and observe the improbable passage of trains, a guaranteed sensation when the train appears at full speed.
Contemporary Vietnam is also embracing new cultural activities and digital leisure; some gaming communities are already expressing concerns about announced video game releases, a sign that the cultural and technological scene is becoming denser (learn more).
Halong Bay and the “Halong Bay on land” in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh: between rice paddies and karst peaks
South of the capital, the region of Ninh Binh is often nicknamed the Halong Bay on land A succession of karst peaks rises above flooded rice paddies and forests, creating vistas that seem to draw their inspiration from ancient engravings. Hoa Lu, the former medieval capital, preserves two temples and mausoleums dedicated to almost legendary emperors, reminders of an imperial past.
Boat trips and bike rides
The best way to explore is by bicycle between the rice paddies or by boat on waterways where women sometimes row with their feet, silently sculpting the landscape. These moments of tranquility contrast with the urban bustle and offer a moving connection with nature.
The real Halong Bay: seascapes and junks
Further east, the Halong Bay A true one consists of approximately 2,000 islets shaped like sugar loaves. Embark on a junk-hotel allows you to immerse yourself in this moving landscape: routes between karst rocks, seafood meals, monumental caves and floating fishing villages follow one another and fascinate the visitor.
Hue and Hoi An: Emperors, Lanterns and History
The Citadel of Hue
BooThe last imperial capital, it houses a monumental citadel inspired by the Forbidden City of Beijing. The destruction suffered during the war still leaves its mark, but restoration is underway: some palaces, like the rebuilt Kien Trung Palace, bear witness to an era of grandeur and varied architectural influences, sometimes baroque or even rococo.
Hoi An, the charming port town with a thousand lanterns
Hoi An is an ancient port city where Chinese, Japanese, and local influences coexist. Craft shops, shrines, and elegant homes enliven the streets by day; by night, the city transforms with a continuous festival of multi-colored lanterns which are reflected on the river, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
Practical aspects and contemporary perspectives
Organize your stay
Direct flights connect Europe to HanoiIt’s common to find all-inclusive packages through organized tours that offer a north-to-south itinerary, with a particular focus on local cuisine. For accommodation, there are comfortable, centrally located establishments at reasonable prices that make exploring on foot easy.
Economy, society and local talent
Vietnam is witnessing the emergence of dynamic industries: from textiles to services, including a notable boom in unexpected sectors, such as the hair industry, whose know-how is being industrialized against a backdrop of economic expansion (discover). At the same time, individual journeys forge human and cultural links with foreign countries, illustrated by figures committed to Francophonie and solidarity, reflecting personal initiatives and shared life stories (read).
Security and news
Traveling to Vietnam requires staying informed: migration flows, legal issues, and societal changes are regularly covered by the local and international press. Sensitive cases, such as the situation of foreign detainees or legal matters, can arise and occasionally influence the conditions of stay (learn more).
This panorama blends spectacular nature, historical heritage and sensory immersion: a Vietnam that is both rooted and in motion, which calls for attentive discovery and the sharing of authentic encounters.
FAQ — Vietnam: Explore its natural wonders and must-see attractions
Q: How do I get to Vietnam from France and how long is the flight?
A: There are direct flights between Paris and Hanoi which last approximately twelve hours. Depending on the season and the company, fares can start at around €960 The round trip for a direct journey. Also allow time for entry formalities and arranging local transfers.
Q: What are the must-see sights in Hanoi to experience the blend of modernity and tradition?
A: HAS HanoiTake a stroll through the guild streets—streets specializing in silk, shoes, sugar, or herbs—to appreciate the enduring presence of traditional crafts in the heart of a rapidly modernizing capital. Don’t miss the Temple of LiteratureThe aligned courtyards, the stelae, and the symbolic animals (tortoise, dragon, phoenix, unicorn). For a striking contrast, observe the omnipresence of thered star and the veneration surrounding Ho Chi Minh, whose austere mausoleum attracts long queues.
Q: Is the Temple of Literature worth visiting and how do you get there?
A: Yes: a former center of Confucian spirituality and examination site for future mandarins, the site features five successive courtyards punctuated by stelae and symbolic sculptures. For arrival, opt for a cycle rickshaw : a gentle and picturesque journey that serves as an ideal introduction to the atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Q: What do we know about the visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda?
A: The mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is a significant but highly structured visit, often involving a wait — sometimes up to three hours to enter. Nearby, the One Pillar Pagodadelicately placed in the middle of a lotus pond, it offers a more intimate and contemplative respite.
Q: What is the famous Train Street in Hanoi and is it safe for visitors?
A: Train Street It’s a narrow railway underpass lined with shops where cafes have chairs arranged along the tracks. Locals and tourists alike settle in to sip coffee while waiting for the train to speed across the street. The experience is spectacular and exhilarating; remain vigilant and follow local guidelines for your safety, as the space is very limited.
Q: What typical dishes should you try in Hanoi?
A: Among the specialties, try the Bún chả — small patties or pieces of grilled pork served with broth and rice vermicelli — in a neighborhood eatery like the one that hosted an American president. Don’t miss the egg coffee, a smooth mousse made with egg yolks and condensed milk, sometimes enhanced with a little rum.
Q: How to discover the Ninh Binh region and why is it nicknamed the “Halong Bay on land”?
A: The region of Ninh Binh, with the old capital Hoa Lu, reveals karst peaks rising above rice paddies and forests. Here, one can explore by bicycle or boat—often propelled by women who row with their feet—calm and sculptural landscapes, hence the nickname of “Halong Bay on land”.
Q: What to see and do in the real Halong Bay?
A: Embark on a hotel junk to sail between nearly 2,000 islets karst formations resembling sugar loaves rising from a still sea. The typical program combines seafood meals, visits to immense caves, and the discovery of a floating fishing village, far from the urban hustle and bustle.
Q: What are the must-see sites between Hue and Hoi An?
A: HAS BooThe vast imperial citadel, reminiscent of the Forbidden City, is being restored after past destruction — the palace Kien Trung illustrates past influences and reinterpretations. Hoi An, a former port city, charms with its shops, its elegant houses and, at night, with its facades and its river illuminated by thousands of lights. lanterns.
Q: What practical advice is there for organizing a tour in Vietnam?
A: For a first structured trip, guided tours allow you to connect the major destinations from north to south and incorporate culinary discoveries. Expect all-inclusive packages lasting around ten days at prices that vary depending on the level of comfort; book in advance during peak season. For accommodation, you’ll find comfortable, centrally located hotels for all budgets, with pleasant 4-star options starting at around sixty euros per room.