Top 5 destinations for President Obama in Vietnam

The New York Times has recently released top five attractions that President Barack Obama should see during his first time in Vietnam. The following destinations are good recommendations for President Obama, apart from others that have plenty to offer tourists, including picturesque port cities, temples and historic sites.

Halong Bay

Taking a cruise for overnight in Halong Bay is the best way to explore Halong

Halong Bay is an attractive destination which comprises more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets scattering around emerald green water. It is a UNESCO world natural heritage site and one of the must-see attractions of any trip in Vietnam. The beauty of Halong Bay is said to be amazing with full of limestone caves and grottoes, together with some popular floating villages where you can visit to observed how locals make their livelihoods from the water.

The best way to explore the beauty of the bay as well as to touch the nature inside Halong is taking an overnight Halong bay tour and cruise and joining some adventurous activities including rock climbing and kayaking.

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The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam)

After a 30-minute drive from the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, tourists will reach the Temple of Literature – Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, a sprawling complex of the ancient Hanoi capital. Built in 1070, it is not only one of several temples in Vietnam which is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars; but also the first university of Vietnam.

Tourists to the Temple of Literature can live in a peaceful place with courtyards, green lawns and a pond. In addition, the temple is highlighted by the names of more than a thousand scholars inscribed on tombstones. Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam is both a worthwhile stop-over in any popular Hanoi city tour and a “should come” place for students coming to pray for luck before their exams.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Lying entirely in a tropical jungle, which is easy to reach after a 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi tunnels was used to be the place witnessing several military campaigns during the Vietnam War and also be the shelters of Viet Cong soldiers. Especially for those who are fancy of Vietnamese history, the best way to see and learn about it is to book in advance a half-day Cu Chi tunnels tour with local guide who can give you introduction on the structure of the tunnel system and how Vietnamese soldiers used them during the war.

Exit and entrance gate at Cu Chi Tunnels

Hoi An ancient town

A sunny day in Hoi an Ancient Town - hoi an day tour

Sunny day in Hoi An

It’s no doubt that spending at least a day tour in Hoi An is a worthwhile experience for any tourist during their Vietnam journey. Being a UNESCO’s cultural world heritage site belonging to the central coast of Vietnam, the ancient town of Hoi An has been incredibly well-preserved as it was used to be the Southeast Asian trading port from the 15^th to 19^th centuries. The best way to discover the small but charming town is strolling around the town and along the Thu Bon River for sightseeing the historic ancient houses.

In particular, the ancient town attracts all tourists most on the 14^th day of the lunar month when electrical lights are shut off, and locals turn the city aglow by lighting colorful lanterns.

Hanoi’s French Quarter

Spending an afternoon exploring the Hanoi’s French Quarter is another recommendation for President Obama to visit during his time in Vietnam. Coming there, you will be excited not only by the architecture dated from the time when the French colonized the city, but also by the vibrant and bustling scene of the streets.

A building in the Hanoi's French Quarter

Tourists are able to see neon light displays, vendors hawking local goods such as lanterns and slippers, as well as to enjoy a bowl of Pho – the Vietnamese traditional noodle soup – and a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a street stall inside the French Quarter. Taking a tuk-tuk or three-wheeled scooter ride to explore this area is a good choice before stopping for drinking a cup of coffee and watching locals lives their daily lives.