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.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a city that offers an interesting insight into the Vietnamese way of life and proudly showcases its historical architectural landmarks. It's situated in Northern Vietnam on the banks of the Red River, which owes its name to the reddish-brown colour of its silt-laden water. There's a lot to do and see, so it's ideal to keep aside at least 3 days for this beautiful city.

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.

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.

Hoi An has a deep-rooted fishing culture, and basket boats are the traditional vessels used by local fishermen to earn their livelihood. Locally known as 'Thung Chai', basket boats are traditional Vietnamese crafts made from bamboo and designed like large baskets. The ride starts in the lush green mangroves of the Thubon River in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, popularly known as the Water Coconut Forest.

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