LANDSCAPES OF VIETNAM - Exploring the Country's Most Iconic Natural Vistas - Diners Club
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TRAVEL LANDSCAPES OF VIETNAM Exploring the Country’s Most Iconic Natural Vistas Home to an extensive collection of historical and cultural attractions, Vietnam is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and photogenic countries in Southeast Asia. Join Signature as we explore some of the most breathtaking Vietnamese landscapes. 22 www.dinersclub.co.za
Ha Long Bay 2020 / edition one 23
H
ome to a of rare wildlife species, to a Sahara-
fascinating range like desert landscape complete with
of historical adventure activities, we have compiled
and cultural a selection of the most exceptional
attractions, Vietnam is one of landscapes in Vietnam, complete
Southeast Asia’s most beautiful with photo opportunities and
countries, attracting millions of experiences for the perfect
travellers to its lush mountains, Vietnamese vacation.
bustling cities, and golden beaches.
Despite rapid modernisation in HA LONG BAY
Vietnam’s urban centres of Hanoi and Arguably Vietnam’s most
Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s ancient recognised landscape, boasting over
landmarks and sweeping natural 1,600 limestone islands and islets,
landscapes continue to offer abundant the UNESCO-listed World Heritage
sightseeing opportunities. From Site of Ha Long Bay (or Halong Bay),
tropical forests that house thousands is located in northern Vietnam and
Isolated from the mainland, the Con Dao Islands are one of the star attractions in Vietnam
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boasts surrealistic scenery and a wide CON DAO ISLANDS Getting there The Con Dao Islands
range of bio-diverse plant and animal Con Dao Islands comprises are accessible within an hour’s flight
species. Instantly recognisable from 16 uninhabited islets just off the from Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam
its starring role in numerous films southern coast of Vietnam, each Airlines (VASCO) being the only carrier
throughout the years, Ha Long Bay is offering expansive beaches shaded with regular flights to the island.
a must-visit destination for any first- by evergreen trees. The main (and
time visitor to Vietnam. only inhabited) island, Con Son, was SAND DUNES OF MUI NE
Getting there: Ha Long Bay is once the site of French-run prisons for Characterised by signature white-
reachable by car and minibus from the Vietnamese activists who were involved and red dunes, the Sand Dunes of
city of Hanoi (170 kilometres away), in the independence movement. Today Mui Ne offer picturesque Sahara-like
or by joining one of the numerous the island is a popular snorkelling, desert landscapes and adrenaline-
day tours available from the city. If swimming, and diving spot. fueled activities that include sand-
time is of the essence, an hour-long The more remote Con Dao Islands boarding, kite flying and quad-biking.
helicopter transfer is possible, or you are renowned turtle breeding sites, The White Dunes are by far the larger
can opt for an exhilarating seaplane where sea turtles lay their eggs between dunes, and are known by the locals as
trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. June and September each year. Bau Trang or White Lake. Conversely,
2020 / edition one 25
Sand Dunes of Mui NeDao Islands are one of the star attractions in Vietnam
the Red Dunes might not be as impressive operators in Mui Ne offer day trips
in size as their white counterparts, their to the dunes, although one can easily
reddish-brown colour makes for an make your own way by rental car or
excellent photographic backdrop, while hotel shuttle if you prefer to explore
sand-sledging is a popular activity on the golden dunes at your own pace.
the dunes.
Getting there: Numerous tour FAN SI PAN MOUNTAIN
Giant Buddha statue on the top of Mount Fan Si Pan, Sapa
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Sapa, a small mountain village in Lao and forest treks. Blessed with awe-
Cai Province, is located approximately inspiring natural beauty, Fan Si Pan
350 km northwest of Hanoi, close to the Mountain – and the village of Sapa – are
Chinese border. Here, the Hoang Lien not-to-be-missed highlights for any trip
Son range of mountains, which includes to Vietnam.
Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest peak. Getting there: Book a cabin on
This unassuming little town is home the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao
to varying ethnic groups – including the Cai, then reach the village of Sapa by
Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho – minibus or taxi. Fan Si Pan Mountain is
although Sapa also welcomes a diverse situated approximately nine kilometres
range of visitors who are attracted by southwest of Sapa, and is reached on
the highland tribes, iconic rice paddies, foot. Three- and five-day hiking trails are
Aerial view of the Mekong River Delta region near Ben Tre, South Vietnam
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available between October and March. lifestyle, and customs of villagers along tourist destination due to its fascinating
the river banks. culture, classic French architecture,
MEKONG DELTA sleek skyscrapers, and ornate temples
The infamous Mekong Delta HO CHI MINH CITY and pagodas. The city boasts a bustling
consists of several river canals that With its broad boulevards and nightlife, with rooftop bars that overlook
Ho Chi Minh City skyline at dusk
snake their way through the southern French colonial-era architecture, Ho Saigon (the city centre) and beyond,
Vietnam plains. Locally known as “The Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the eternally while fantastic restaurants offer a
River of the Nine Dragons”, the 15,000- elegant business and financial hub of combination of French, Chinese, and, of
m2 delta is lined with riverside villages, Vietnam. The city’s prominent history course, local Vietnamese cuisine.
Buddhist shrines, floating markets, fish dates back hundreds of years to the Getting there: Several major
farms, and rice plantations. Great for Khmers who initially settled the region, carriers operate daily flights from
travellers looking to explore a more through the Vietnamese takeover Johannesburg and Cape Town to Ho
traditional part of Ho Chi Minh City, during the 17th century, and the French Chi Minh City, via various hubs across
day trips to this natural attraction are conquering of Saigon, as it was then Asia and the Middle East.
available at various price points, often known, in 1859.
including stops at prominent villages At the peak of the Vietnam War
such as Ben Tre, My Tho, and Cai Be. in 1969, the city had four-and-a-
Getting there: Take a full-day half million inhabitants who were all
guided Mekong Delta day cruise from evacuated when Saigon, and the rest of
Vuon Kieng Pier in Ho Chi Minh City, the South, fell to North Vietnam in 1975.
by bernie hellberg jr /
and explore the traditional culture, Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a popular photography by istockphoto.com
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