Vietnam is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its culture, heritage, history, and delicious cuisine. It is a must-visit destination for travelers, vacationers, and expats who want to explore and experience the best of Asia. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, Vietnam has something to offer for every kind of traveler, including digital nomads looking for a place to call home.
Vietnam is the first ever country i visited, as a Filipino passport holder Asia is one of the easiest country to enter. It was a dream come true to finally travel outside my country, i’m scared at first and don’t worry its totally!!!normal. One of the first struggle i experienced is obviously the language, but you’ll get over it in no time lol. Meaning there’s google translate and body language help and most of the time the local people will help you :). In this blog i will share to you every experience in every places i’ve been. I will give you tips and advice that i know helped me to enjoy every moment of my travel. I will give a lists of the places i visited (as long i remember the name) and i hope you can get idea on how to plan your own travel itinerary here in Vietnam. Also all of the picture that you will see is taken from me (some might not have a good quality photo but i made sure that you will still see how beautiful every places is).
Here’s what the best thing i love about this amazing country.This is like wherever you go, every place can make the best coffee!!!!Ever! I think until this day, i can say that Vietnam have my best coffee experience. That’s a big statement for all the coffee lover out there. So let me know in the comment section the name of the places you’ve been that has the best coffee.
Nhóm tháp A . Thánh địa Mỹ Sơn
This is the first time i saw beautiful structure of ruins and i must say that it is worth of your long walk. Yes, you’re gonna be doing a lot of walking but believe me it is the one of the beautiful places that you can see here in Vietnam. The site is open daily from 6 am to 5 pm, and visitors can purchase a ticket to explore the temples and surrounding areas. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes, get a ticket ahead of time and make sure to check the weather because when i visited its raining. It didn’t ruined the whole thing for me but it’s much better to walk while ur dry lol. The site can be uneven, and the temples can get hot and humid during the day. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. It’s “a MUST” to bring a camera to capture the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Lastly, respect the site’s spiritual significance by avoiding loud conversations, not leaving any trash, and not touching or climbing on any of the temple structures.
What to see here? I’m gonna give you a short explanation why u must visit this place.
Nhóm tháp A is one of the most iconic and well-preserved tower groups in Mỹ Sơn. It consists of five structures, including three main temples and two auxiliary buildings. The temples were built between the 7th and 12th centuries and were dedicated to Hindu gods such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Krishna. The temples were significant religious centers during that time and served as a gathering place for religious ceremonies, royal worship, and communal events.
The temples in Nhóm tháp A are known for their distinctive and elegant architectural features. The temples were built using a combination of bricks, sandstone and decorative terracotta tiles. The structures have intricate carvings and sculptures that depict Hindu gods, mythical animals, and scenes from everyday life. The temples also have unique features such as false doors and hidden chambers, which were believed to be used for spiritual purposes.The temples were built as a place of worship and contemplation, and therefore, are considered sacred by many. Visitors can experience this spiritual energy while exploring the site, and there are opportunities for meditation and offerings to the gods.
This place is so quiet and walking around it makes you feel peace. Don’t just take photo but take some time to look and appreciate the place to live in your memories.
The Marble Mountains
Marble mountains is a mixture of many things that you might wanna do. I will give you an insight of how i explore the whole this whole place. You really need to be physically prepared because your’e gonna need it to be able to complete the whole site. And again don’t worry because after this whole course you’re gonna learn a lot about the history, culture and people.
Exploring Caves and Temples
The Marble Mountains have many ancient pagodas and temples, which are accessed by beautiful and narrow staircases. While you climb up, you will see several mesmerizing caves and tunnels with wooden Buddha statues and remarkable shrines. Soaring up to the top of the mountain, you’ll be rewarded by panoramic views of the sea and the land. The ornate pagoda located at the mountain’s peak is a particular highlight for visitors. It is a worth climb, and the feeling of being on the top of the world is simply priceless.
Exploring the Vietnamese Handicrafts Villages
Surrounding the Marble Mountains are several small villages where Vietnamese handicrafts are displayed. They are full of beautiful artwork, stone carvings, and much more. Take a chance and visit a village where you can watch the artisans and learn more about their incredible work. Wandering around these charming villages will give you the opportunity not only to observe their daily lifestyle, but also discover and collect beautiful souvenirs to take back home.
Exploring the Vietnamese Handicrafts Villages
Surrounding the Marble Mountains are several small villages where Vietnamese handicrafts are displayed. They are full of beautiful artwork, stone carvings, and much more. Take a chance and visit a village where you can watch the artisans and learn more about their incredible work. Wandering around these charming villages will give you the opportunity not only to observe their daily lifestyle, but also discover and collect beautiful souvenirs to take back home.
Enjoying Tam Thai and Huyen Khong Cave Systems
As mentioned earlier, excursions to the Tam Thai and Huyen Khong cave systems are worth exploring. They are not only popular for their spiritual significance, but also for the breathtaking formations of stalactites and stalagmites inside the caves. The Tam Thai Cave known for being named after its pagoda. Meanwhile, the Huyen Khong Cave System is treasured for its religious significance. The cave system has various sacred places of worship, altars, and statues. A guide will bring you along the challenging trail, and it is simply awe-inspiring.
Knowing about the people, history and culture will makes you realize that the trip to this place is worth doing. My favorite part is the hike because seeing what’s on top of the mountain is really mind blowing. It’s a mixed view of nature land and water. You can only know what i’m talking about once you finished the hiked, so make sure you do because its the best way to end the Marble Mountains journey.
Hội An
Hoi An is a well preserved town. It’s no wonder that Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To checked out the whole town you have a few options, it’s either your’e gonna ride a motorcycle, bicycle or by walking. Obviously i chose walking because for me it’s one of the effective way to actually see specific places. But of course it’s what you prefer to use, it will work either way. While i was walking i discover a lot about the town, one thing that really catches my attention is the colorful design in every wall and ceiling. Every place has its unique touch of art that is influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French, and Vietnamese architectural styles. Someone that loves art is definitely gonna appreciate of how this whole town is made.
Restaurants is everywhere, so if you are a food lover this is your spot to visit. You’re in Vietnam so make sure your gonna try the famous Pho (is a Vietnamese soup that’s made with all the good stuff: broth, noodles, beef (or other protein) and lots of mix-and-match toppings. The best thing about pho is that it’s such a restorative food—the comforting soup is savory and rich, while still feeling clean and refreshing at the same time. I had it and no doubt why its their popular dish, It’s delicious like “masarap” as in. Drinks and entertainment is in every corner so the town will keep u entertain all throughout the night.
One of the must-see places in Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge. This iconic landmark was built in the 16th century by Japanese traders, and it has been beautifully preserved. The bridge is stunning, especially in the evening when it gets lit up, creating a magical atmosphere. Nearby the bridge is a bustling market where you can find a wide array of goods, from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs.
A trip to Hoi An is incomplete without learning about the local culture and customs. Take a cooking class and learn how to make delicious Vietnamese dishes such as pho or banh mi. You can also take a lantern-making workshop and learn how to make the colorful lanterns that light up the town during the full moon festival. Experience a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony, where you can learn about the rich history and significance of tea in the Vietnamese culture.
Linh Ung Pagoda
The Linh Ung Pagoda was first constructed in the 18th century during the reign of King Le Hien Tong. However, it was destroyed during the war in Vietnam and later reconstructed in the late 20th century. Today, the pagoda is recognized as one of the biggest, most lavish, and unique pagodas in Central Vietnam. The architecture of the pagoda is a great example of Vietnam’s Buddhist architecture.
The Linh Ung Pagoda is surrounded by beautiful surroundings of rolling hills, crystal-clear waters, and sensational views of the East Sea. Visitors are also welcomed by the stunning 67-meter Lady Buddha statue, which is a popular photo opportunity. Inside the pagoda, you will be amazed by the incredible white Buddha statue that stands in the main hall, coupled with stunning intricate architectural details and ornaments. The atmosphere of the pagoda is awe-inspiring and peaceful.
Linh Ung Pagoda is open every day, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the entrance fee is completely free. The best time to visit is early morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the stunning scenery. You can take a bus or taxi from the city to the Linh Ung Pagoda, which takes around 30 minutes.
This a quick visit but putting it on your’e list is worth it. Sight seeings and the views of the East Sea is a calm way of ending your day.
Vietnam is a traveler’s paradise with so much to see and do. From the vibrant cities to the tranquil countryside, the country offers an endless array of experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Vietnam is a destination that is sure to impress. With friendly people, delicious food, rich culture, and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder why Vietnam is becoming a top destination among tourists and expats alike. So what are you waiting for? Book your next adventure to Vietnam today!
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