The Southeast Asian country of Vietnam is fast becoming one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the world, owing to the myriad experiences it has to offer to its visitors. From vibrant cultural hotspots like Danang and Hoi An to the scenic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, Vietnam has it all.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City? This is a pertinent question that crops up for most travellers planning to visit Vietnam, as the entry point into Vietnam for their Vietnamese vacation. So, what makes both these bustling cities of Vietnam different and yet so similar? Let's find out which city wins the race for popularity among tourists.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is the final resting place of President Hồ Chí Minh, a revered Vietnamese leader and revolutionary, affectionately known as Uncle Ho. He was the first president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The mausoleum is located in the heart of Hanoi in Ba Dinh Square, a renowned landmark in Vietnam with significant historical significance. This is the place where Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vi

The temple is a historic relic, it is Vietnam's oldest university, also called Imperial Academy that was built in the year 1070, dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher, teacher and politician, Confucius, considered a paragon of all Chinese sages. It's not a religious place of worship, but rather a place of learning and knowledge. It's a must-see attraction in Hanoi, it will give you a unique insight into Vietnam's academic history and its rich cultural past.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi is a unique art form where puppeteers create magic in a knee-deep water pond from behind the curtain, accompanied by a lilting traditional live music band and singers. The show is woven around legends of Vietnam, the play creates vivid and colourful images of Vietnamese country life.

Ninh Binh, the gloriously scenic province in Northern Vietnam, will beguile you with its beauty of limestone karsts* as they seem to grow out of a verdant green landscape, earning this place the name 'Halong Bay on Land'.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay is renowned for its stunning limestone rock formations, which seem to be perched on the surface of the sea, spanning over 600 square miles of emerald-green seawater. These massive limestone rocks are covered in a thick green coat of tropical rainforests as far as the eye can see!

The coastal city of Da Nang is situated at the mouth of the Han River, on the western coast of the South China Sea, also known as the Western Pacific Ocean, in Vietnam. The city is a perfect blend of the new and the old, existing in harmony, with beaches and nightlife, modern structures like the Dragon Bridge, ancient temples and caves, the famous Marble Mountain, the Statue of Lady Buddha, and the not-to-be-missed attraction: a day trip to Sun World at Ba Na Hills.

A day trip to Ba Na Hills is like visiting the Vietnamese Disneyland, replete with fun and games, cute castles with their mock turrets reaching for the sky, perfectly manicured gardens, shows and performances, unlimited food stalls, ice cream kiosks....add to this heady mix the astounding scenic views of the lush green jungle of the Truong Son Mountains where the theme park is located.

Just 29 kilometres from the bustling city of Da Nang are the majestic Marble Mountains, known as 'Ngu Hanh Son' in Vietnamese, a picturesque cluster of five hills made of limestone and marble, hence the name. These five hills are named after the five elements of nature: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, and a visit to these hills will transport you into a mysterious world of caves and pagodas, both Buddhist and Hindu grottoes, built deep into the mountainside.

Nestled within the breathtaking Marble Mountains of Vietnam, Am Phu Cave, also called the Hell Cave, is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its stunning stone formations and spiritual ambience. Am Phu Cave is a vivid representation of a Buddhist Hell, a place where sinners are punished and demons and devils devour your soul. The name, Am Phu, is derived from Vietnamese mythology, where it is believed to represent the underworld.

The charming town of Hoi An is a traveller's dream destination....as dusk falls, the streets of this quaint town light up with a zillion lanterns!! You will see hordes of tourists flocking around the ancient town and strolling along the Thu Bon River, which runs through the heart of this town.

Located on the banks of the Saigon River in Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City was once known as Saigon. It was renamed in 1976 to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to honour the beloved Vietnamese revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. You will need at least three days to experience this city, pulsating with life and energy, with all its historical landmarks, delicious street food, Cu Chi Tunnels, the riveting War Remnants Museum, and a day trip to the famous Mekong Delta.

Cu Chi Tunnels are an engineering marvel that was created by using the most basic engineering technique, digging. This intricate maze of tunnels and passageways is unbelievable...it's spread over 250 kilometres! Through these simple yet effective hideouts, the Vietnamese soldiers could escape the heavy artillery and bombings of the enemy forces.

The Mekong River ranks among the longest rivers globally. It winds its way through several countries before it reaches Vietnam to flow into the South China Sea. As the river approaches the sea, it divides into various branches, creating an amazing landscape of canals and islands along the way, called the Mekong Delta. The delta b