For all the negatives brought about by colonialism, one could thank the French, and later on the Americans, for having the foresight to see beauty out of nothingness. What was once a sleepy coastline dotted with small fishing villages, the French transformed it into the very popular resort town of Nha Trang, also known as the Riviera of the South China Sea. To get there, one may fly directly to the Cam Ranh International Airport, use the train that passes between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi or buses from HCMC or Hoi An.

If traveling to Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City is your getaway, then Vung Tau could be a perfect opportunity to be a getaway within that getaway due to its proximity to the southern capital. The tourist destination is so steeped in maritime history that the European ship activities during the 14th and 15th centuries inspired the name Vung Tau which means “anchorage”. Its tourist boom roots could be traced back to the recent War when US and Australian troops flocked to the city for relaxation and recreation.

In a country teeming with beach destinations, the fishing town of Mui Ne is a location worth checking out for its quiet and serene 10 km coastline that’s great for relaxing strolls, peaceful jogs, and unforgettable sunsets. Mui Ne is 200 km north of Ho Chi Minh City and could be accessed via a bus that runs from the southern capital going to Nha Trang or via train which stops at the city Phan Thiet.

Cai Be: The Mekong’s Faded Market Cai Be sits in Tien Giang Province where the Tien Giang River splits into multiple channels, roughly 120 kilometers southwest of Ho Chi … Read more

Tay Ninh: Vietnam’s Spiritual Frontier Tay Ninh sits 90 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, right against the Cambodian border. This provincial capital would be entirely unremarkable except … Read more

2-hour northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer something rare: a chance to step inside history rather than just observe it. This 250-kilometer underground network … Read more

Nam Cat Tien National Park: Vietnam’s Wildlife Refuge Nam Cat Tien sits 150 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, straddling three provinces in southern Vietnam. This is one … Read more