In the north as well as in the south you can discover a versatile country during a Vietnam tour. The two parts of the country are characterized by different cultures.
Vietnam round trip: Places of interest in North Vietnam
A trip to Vietnam can be started in the north of the country. Hanoi is one of the liveliest cities in Asia and does not allow this flair to be contested by the communist regime. The city is above all one: overpopulated by motorcycles. If you need a ride on a trip to Vietnam in Hanoi, just wave at one of the motorized two-wheelers, negotiate a price and you will be taken to the sight in Vietnam of your choice. There are many things to discover: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which is open only at lunchtime, can be visited for free. It is a must for tourists. You should also have seen the lively streets and alleys of the city centre, where you can buy some souvenirs from one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. Besides Hanoi, you should also visit the regions of Sa Pa and Halong Bay on your travels to Vietnam in the north. The Sa Pa valleys are home to up to six different minorities whose villages can be explored on hiking tours. Halong Bay on the coast of Vietnam is a World Heritage Site and one of the most important sights in Asia. It is a network of islands and rocks rising from the sea. On a tour of Vietnam through the Bay you can book boats for round trips.
Vietnam round trip: Places of interest in South Vietnam
The south of Vietnam also has its charm - not least the Mekong Delta with some of the most beautiful cities in Asia. Places like Can Tho and Chau Doc have an impressive culture and are particularly popular with tourists because of their river markets. At Chau Doc, near the Cambodian border, you can discover another minority group on a Vietnam backpacking trip. The Malay live hidden on pile houses in the river delta and live off fishing. From Chau Doc you can continue by boat to the capital of Cambodia and to Laos. East of the Delta lies the former Saigon - today called Ho Chi Minh City or Than Pho Ho Chi Minh. It is one of the cities in Asia that is clearly marked by Western architecture. This can be seen, for example, in the extensive boulevards, the French church of Notre Dame in the centre and the historic post office. The markets are also an impressive sight in Vietnam, which you should definitely have a look at during a Vietnam tour.
Thanks for the tips on the boat to Cambodia and Chao Doc, I will have to check that out. I enjoy taking boats vs land transport whenever affordable.
I'm adding Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to my maps.me as well.