Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northeast region of Vietnam, is made up of 1,969 islands. Stone islands with grottoes and caves can be found in Halong Bay. Bai Chai beach, situated along Halong Bay, is widely known for its dark sand and beach hotels.
Ho Chi Minh City, also referred to as Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city and the major hub for foreign and domestic travel. Cafes with strong coffee can be found all over the city as well as bars with live music. Additionally, the city boasts an array of restaurants offering Vietnamese and international food. Its architecture reflects Vietnamese, Chinese and European influences.
Hanoi is rich in ancient architecture, with over 600 pagodas and temples. The city's Old Quarter, which used to be a snake and alligator-infested swamp, is over 2,000 years old and is Vietnam's oldest continuously developed area. In addition to architecture, Hanoi also features 18 lakes with surrounding gardens.
