Hanoi

According to The Independent, Hanoi is home to buzzing night markets, narrow trading streets, and Buddhist temples, boasting a fusion of historical and 21st-century sights which come together to create a lively atmosphere.

Along with the ancient paths that pass through the 14th-century Old Quarter jostling with contemporary art galleries, it noted that the city’s authentic cuisine is best tasted by indulging in street food such as Pho and Bun Cha.

It suggested that visitors take a trip to Hanoi from April to November, as temperatures are at their highest and rainfall predictions are at their lowest.

Ho Chi Minh City

The Independent outlined that in a marriage of tradition and modernity, Ho Chi Minh is the metropolis where pagodas meet skyscrapers and innovative commerce hubs thrive.

The British newspaper revealed that elaborate French colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnel are historical highlights not to be missed on a trip to this fast-paced city.

The ideal time to go to the southern metropolis is during the dry season from December to March.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay sits in the northern province of Quang Ninh and is a notable UNESCO World Heritage Site, being home to one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders.

“Emerald waters, 1,600 islets, off-shore islands – mostly uninhabited – and caves dot the diverse landscape, where limestone rock formations are millions of years old,” it added.

The outlet recommended several interesting activities to in the bay, including scuba diving, sea kayaking, and rock climbing which can all be enjoyed in Cat Ba National Park.

The shoulder tourism seasons of March, April, September, and October are the best times to visit Ha Long Bay for those looking for optimum weather conditions that avoid the monsoon season. 

Phu Quoc Island

According to the British media outlet, Phu Quoc island in the southern province of Kien Giang is the ideal tropical holiday destination due to its array of secluded coves, vibrant nightlife, and authentic day and night seafood markets in Duong Dong town.

It said that the fish sauce in particular is hailed as a treat for the tastebuds. “Coined “Pearl Island” by the locals for its gleaming sands and pearl farms, Phu Quoc offers winter sun and spectacular sunsets from the famous beaches of Sao Beach and Long Beach,” it noted.

October to April are the driest months to visit the island, with daily temperatures reaching up to 32°C.

Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town in the central province of Quang Nam is well-known thanks to its colourful temples, shophouses, budget boutique hotels line canals, and the rustic Old Town district which is home to several family farms cultivating local produce for the markets.

“Sometimes referenced as the “Venice of Vietnam”, the beguiling former trading port at the mouth of the Thu Bon River was a settlement for merchants in the 15th century and the legacy of the Chinese, Japanese and European cultures remains evident in the cuisine and grand design of the lantern-lit streets,” it stressed.

The best time to visit Hoi An is between February and July, the height of the summer season.

Nha Trang

The media outlet stated that Nha Trang, the capital city of the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa, is a tourism hub which features six km of golden sand beaches, untouched archipelagos, and azure waters framed by a high skyline and rolling hillsides.

It shared that the popular scuba and backpacking spot is also home to ruins and architecture from the ancient Champa Kingdom, including the Po Nagar towers. “Intersecting streets make it easy to explore the unique salt fields, hot springs and waterfalls of Nha Trang on foot and there’s even an island theme park for families and thrill seekers to enjoy, connected to the mainland by a 3,320m sea-crossing cable car,” it noted.

Visitors should head to Nha Trang sometime between February and May for average daily temperatures of around 26°C, or in June and July for higher temperatures.

Hue City

According to The Independent, once the national capital of Vietnam and the seat of the ancient Nguyen Dynasty, the dynamic city of Hue in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue boasts a long history of imperial glory as seen in the ornate shrines and palaces that surround the intersecting Perfume River.

“Embrace Hue’s slow pace of life while exploring the exotic landscape and feast like a king on Bun Bo Hue and local produce from the fertile landscape,” it suggested.

January to April is widely considered to be an ideal time to visit Hue, as it is after the peak of monsoon season. 

Mai Chau

“If a nature retreat is what you are after, there is no better place to travel to than the small villages of Mai Chau, surrounded a by sprawling patchwork of paddy fields and dense green mountains,” the UK newspaper wrote.

For a whistlestop tour around the rice paddies and stilt house villages, it suggested that visitors hire a bike to go on a serene ride among the tranquil landscape, or for a deeper delve into the lush vegetation, plan a day trip kayaking on Hoa Binh Lake.

“For a taste of rural lifestyle, seek out the home-cooked cuisine at homestays prepared by locals, or head to the Sunday markets to discover highly-skilled weavers and their intricate fabric offerings,” it concluded.

Weather in the Mai Chau Valley is at its prime from March to May and September to November, however, October is often touted as the best month to go as that is when the harvest takes place.

The Independent features six lesser-known destinations worth visiting in Vietnam

VOV.VN - The Independent, a British online newspaper, recently highlighted six lesser-known destinations across Vietnam, ideal for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic experience from north to south.