Discover Vietnam's Cultural Gems | Save £300pp on 2022 or 2023 Vietnam Tour

From: wendy wu tours Dec-30-2021 07:26:am

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There are many ways to describe Vietnam – exotic, compelling, enchanting to name a few – and they are all true, it is a country that boasts a rare and magical beauty. While its diverse and magnificent landscapes are a big part of that, it is the culture that really makes a holiday to Vietnam so delightful.

Of course, it’s easy to find culture no matter where in Vietnam you happen to be, but there are some places that display it more overtly and experientially than others – below are our Top 10 places that do just that.

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Our Top 10 Places in Vietnam to Experience Vietnamese Culture

The Temple of Literature, Hanoi

A place of peace at the very heart of bustling capital Hanoi, the Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius and honours Vietnam’s scholars. One of few good examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture, the temple was built in the 11th century by Emperor Le Thanh Tong and was also Vietnam’s first university. Still today, academics hold an honoured place in Vietnamese society, so you’ll likely see students visiting the temple to pray and leave offerings for good grades as you wander its gardens and precincts.

Experience it on Angkor to the Bay

Old Quarter, Hanoi

A maze of narrow, busy streets, lined with old brick buildings that have long been the haunts of merchants and artisans, the Old Quarter has a timeless quality that allows you to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. At its heart is Hoan Kiem Lake where, legend tells, a magical sword was sent to Emperor Ly Thai To which he used to drive out the invading Chinese. A golden turtle then took the sword and returned it to the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake remains a focal point of local life and you’ll often see people performing Tai Chi on its banks.

As featured on Classic Mekong

The Imperial Citadel, Hue

Having moved the capital from Hanoi in the early 19th century, it was from Hue's Imperial Citadel that the Nguyen Emperors ruled Vietnam from 1804 to 1945. Hidden behind two kilometres of ramparts and a moat, it is a city within a city, with the Forbidden City at its heart. Damaged by two wars, its grandeur remains intact, so it's easy to imagine the emperor, royal family and a whole court of concubines living a lavish life in what remains of the elaborate halls, pavilions and perfectly manicured gardens.

Experience it on Vietnam Panorama

Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue

The Thien Mu Pagoda, considered one of Vietnam's loveliest religious sites, is a 21-metre-tall octagonal tower built on the banks of the Perfume River. Built in 1844, each of its seven storeys is dedicated to a manushi-buddha - a buddha in human form. Just outside of Hue, it is part of a greater monastery complex that has been an epicentre of political demonstrations since the 1960s, something that you can learn more about on a visit. When you've finished exploring it offers a picturesque, peaceful spot to enjoy.

As featured on Vietnam at a Glance

Hoi An

The town of Hoi An, a Unesco World Heritage Site, boasts the riverside setting and magnificent buildings that befit its status as a former major port, but has all the delights and charms of a small, historic town. Its cobbled streets are blissfully traffic free, festooned with lanterns, and lined with old warehouses, Chinese temples and Japanese merchant houses, many now occupied by lovely little cafes, shops and restaurants. At the heart of the Old Town is the Zen-inspired Japanese Bridge; built to connect Hoi An’s Japanese and Chinese communities in the 1590s, it has become the symbol of the town and cooperation.

Experience it on Mekong Explorer

Sapa

In the mountainous reaches of northern Vietnam, Sapa was founded as a French hill station in 1922, its cooler climate offering a respite from the heat of the lowlands. Overlooking a plunging valley and miles of tumbling rice terraces, it is a breath-taking place, but another major reason to visit is that it sits at the heart of an area populated by ethnic minority hill tribe communities. In Sapa itself you'll find members of the communities in their colourful, traditional dress selling handicrafts but if you embark on a hike into the surrounding countryside, you may be able to visit a hill tribe village and learn about their culture and way of life.

As featured on Vietnam Trails

Halong Bay

Not only does Halong Bay offer bucketloads of natural beauty. the legend behind it gives a great insight into Vietnamese folklore. Myth tells us that the Vietnamese had to fight off invaders attempting to enter Vietnam by sea, so the Jade Emperor called on the Mother Dragon and her children to help them fight. After the enemy was defeated, the teeth of the dragons appeared as giant emeralds in the bay forming an impenetrable barrier which became the islands and columns that we see in Halong Bay today.

Experience it on Indochina Delights

Central Post Office, Saigon

Who would expect to find a huge Gothic, Renaissance, French colonial building in the heart of Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city? The magnificent Central Post Office is just that, with it, the Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Opera House just some of the city’s architectural gems left behind by the French. The Post Office though is particularly spectacular; designed by Alfred Foulhoux, its bright yellow, eye-catching exterior hides tall domed ceilings, extravagant metal arches, beautifully tiled floors and all sorts of exquisite detail.

As featured on Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery

Reunification Palace, Saigon

Also called the Independence Palace, this airy Modernist government building is the site of one of the most important events in Vietnam’s recent history. Deserted today, it was the South Vietnam President’s offices and leaving quarters until, in 1975, Communist tanks burst through the metal gates as the city of Saigon fell to the Viet Cong at the end of the Vietnam-USA War. As well as its significant place in history, its also an excellent example of 1960s architecture!

Experience it on Grand Tour of Indochina

Mekong Delta

In the Mekong Delta you’ll find the classic image of Vietnam – emerald rice paddies, wallowing buffaloes and conical hatted farmers working the fields. Called the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the delta is a lush world where rice, fruit and vegetables are grown in abundance, and many homes and markets float on the waters. Nature is particularly ingrained in Vietnamese culture, so it is an area that you can enjoy for the reverence that it inspires in the local people.

As featured on A Mekong Experience

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