Which city should you visit first in Vietnam?

Where should I go first time in Vietnam?

South Vietnam… October whispers. Phu Quoc calls.

Ho Chi Minh City breathes, a humid song. Mekong Delta, a maze.

Mekong Delta beckons. A dream of boats. October’s rain, a memory. Rivers swell, life teems.

Was it Saigon? No. HCMC. My god. Dusty sunlight. Smooth travel, they say.

Phu Quoc’s beaches. White. My soul seeks solace there. October to April: Time bends.

Elaboration

• South Vietnam (October – April)

  • Ho Chi Minh City: The vibrant heart. Streets throb.
  • Mekong Delta: Waterways intertwined. Abundance thrives.
  • Phu Quoc: Beaches. Escape. Serenity found.

• October after rains: Rivers are full.

• Smooth travel: Mekong’s channels accessible.

Which are the best cities to visit in Vietnam?

Vietnam brims with vibrant locales, deciding on ‘best’ is naturally subjective; it depends on what one seeks, doesn’t it?

• Sa Pa: Trekking through rice terraces? Sa Pa calls. The mist-shrouded mountains and ethnic minority cultures offer a unique peek into rural life. Plus, who doesn’t love a good market?

• Phu Quoc: Island life, pure and simple. Picture pristine beaches, serene sunsets, and fresh seafood. It is tempting to simply do nothing.

• Ha Long Bay: Those iconic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters? Spectacular! A cruise is almost mandatory; kayaking among the formations is pure magic.

• Hue: History buffs, take note! Imperial palaces, ancient tombs…the city breathes with dynastic echoes. I spent a glorious afternoon simply wandering the Citadel.

• Hanoi: The capital. Street food that dances on the tongue. Bustling markets. Hoan Kiem Lake’s tranquility offers a reprieve. I nearly got run over by a scooter there, ha!

• Ha Giang: Rugged and remote. The Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark is a sight to behold. Motorbiking the loop is an experience; exhilarating… and a bit scary.

• Hoi An/Da Nang: Hoi An charms with its tailor shops and lantern-lit nights. Da Nang boasts beaches and the Marble Mountains. Two cities, a double treat, you could say.

• Da Lat: Ah, Da Lat. It’s got a ‘Little Paris’ vibe, right? Pine forests, flower gardens, and cooler temperatures. Escape the tropical heat. What’s not to like? I even tried strawberry picking there. It’s a bit too manicured for my taste, though.