There's so much to live for at Vietnam. Fifteen days will allow a first approach, the time of a north-south crossing, punctuated by stops in the most famous sites of the country: Hanoi, one of the oldest capitals of the world; the mythical bay of Ha Long; Hué and the imperial city; Hoi An, a marvellous small town, which, on the edge of the East Sea, spreads out Venetian charms... The thousand facets of Vietnam correspond to so many ways to travel in a country that never stops revealing itself.
Hanoi, in the heart
Four years ago, Hanoi celebrated its millennium. From this very long history, it has preserved an exceptional architectural heritage including memorable traces of the French presence. Hanoi is the most beautiful of Asian capitals and three days will not be too much to wander around this captivating city. There is nothing more pleasant than these walks under immense vegetal arcades, stopping at the innumerable pagodas. The many elegant colonial buildings in ochre colours are another excuse for strolling and walking. In the loop of the Red River, Hanoi is also an aquatic city, dotted with lakes that give each district a particular identity. In the center, the Lake of the Restored Sword and its pagodon. Around St. Joseph's Cathedral, a multitude of cafés and shops are tempting with fine crafts.
A marine theater
From Hanoi, it is easy to get by road (160 km) to the baie d’Ha Long. At dawn, one leaves the capital by crossing the Red River to head east. By the way, it allows you to enjoy an unobstructed view of the Long Biên bridge, formerly Paul-Doumer
Designed by the Gustave Eiffel company, it was inaugurated in 1902. After leaving behind Haiphong, where some beautiful examples of colonial architecture remain, such as the Grand Theatre, built in 1904, we arrive in view of the bay. A spectacular new cable-stayed bridge, featuring French civil engineering, connects the city of Bai Chay to Hong Gai. Very soon, however, the traveller will want to turn his back on the coast, which has been disfigured by anarchic development. But the disappointment is quickly forgotten when the junk begins to enter the maze of rocks sculpted by the wind and the sea. There is nothing left but the magic of a legendary site
Hidden in the mountains
Still from Hanoi, it is possible to continue exploring the north of the country and, in particular, its mountainous confines. It is an opportunity to discover the way of life of ethnic minorities. These peoples constitute the plural identity of Vietnam and are mainly concentrated in the high altitude areas. One night's train ride from Hanoi (370 km), the Sapa health resort, perched at 1,650 m, is an ideal base camp for organizing a multi-day trek in the surrounding mountains. On these steep reliefs, the hiker will be able, at the cost of steep climbs, to meet the Hmôngs and the Zaos, whose rice terraces shape the landscape. Closer to Hanoi, the town of Maichau allows a shorter and less physically demanding escapade
Hue, city of eternal rest
From Hanoi, you can go to Hué, the former capital of the Nguyên dynasty, in the centre of the country. The rulers of the Nguyen dynasty chose Hué for their eternal rest. It is advisable to get up early in the morning for the visit of the imperial city, to avoid the heat of the sun. The rest of the time will be spent visiting the imperial tombs a few kilometres from the city centre. Another good idea is to embark on a cruise on the indolent Perfume River. One can thus reach the very beautiful tomb of the emperor Minh Mang, in the heart of a pine forest. Huê is also a Mecca of Vietnamese gastronomy with particularly appreciated and refined specialties, such as bun bo (grilled beef and rice vermicelli), or a wide variety of ravioli.
On the shores of Hoi An
While the bewitchment dispensed by the males of the august dynasty has barely dissipated, the traveller has already resumed his journey towards the south and the city of Da Nang (105 km from Hué). By train or by road, he passes the Col des Nuages, which makes a narrow path between the sky and the sea
Below, you can see the beautiful beach of Lang Co. In Da Nang, no way to miss the visit of the museum dedicated to Cham art. The kingdoms of Champa reached their apogee between the 8th and 11th centuries. They succumbed to the onslaught of the Viking rulers from the north. The statuary of Champa bears the mark of Hindu and Khmer influences.
30 km south of Da Nang is a small paradise where you can easily stay three days: Hoi An. The ancient city is located a stone's throw from the sea and close to the archaeological site of My Son, which was the spiritual home of the kingdoms of Champa. In Hoi An, the visitor will be able to indulge in luxurious resorts by the sea
Between Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, other very beautiful beaches await the amateurs of idleness. The seaside resort of Nha Trang stretches along a huge beach planted with coconut trees, where many diving clubs have taken up residence. Open to the sea, Nha Trang is a gastronomic paradise with a lively nightlife. Even further south, at 200 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne beach and its dunes offer a more relaxing atmosphere. Sea and sun, only the sound of the waves remains...
Finally, on a long trip, you can push on to Saigon.Renamed Ho Chi Minh City after it fell to North Vietnamese troops, Saigon has retained its southern specificity. It's a bustling metropolis where life never seems to stop, even at night
Smart info
When? All year round, knowing that in the north the winter (January to March) is cold and wet. From September to November, to enjoy the Indian summer. We escape the monsoon rains and the summer tourist hustle and bustle
Getting there. Count on a flight of about 12.5 hours.
Find a local agency in Vietnam
AIR FRANCE
VIETNAM AIRLINES
Useful. A visa is mandatory. It is to be requested from the Vietnamese embassy in Paris
EMBASSY OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
