Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the two major megacities of Vietnam, underlying marvelous attractions in distinct experiences unparalleled by the other.
Being the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is an ancient city with a history and culture that offers a thousand anecdotes related to an ancient atmosphere. Along your route to the journey, you will come across several important museums and many UNESCO heritage sites like the balcony-Old Quarter-Ho Chi-Minh Mausoleum-Temple of Literature-Old Quarter. Streetfoor local specialties abound, along with biking, walking, and shopping.
On the other hand, contemporary, crowded-and shaking, Ho Chi Minh City-frantically dominant in creativity, started to become the new capital in 1975 recognized by a few investors after Saigon was taken over by the North Vietnamese Army. With massive investments in infrastructure, education, and technology, the city has established itself to be the country's center for government and trade. The Cao Dai Temple, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Independence Palace are the renowned historical sites.
Another thing is, Hanoi for entertainment is characterized by its many museums, theaters, clubs, and shopping malls. But nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City combines local night markets with modish bars and clubs. Along with water sports on the beaches of Hoi An or fine dining experiences at local restaurants, there are many great kinds of pursuits.
Anyway, if you work with these two cities side by side, the choice would depend on your preference and flavor. For example, if you really want to be steeped in the ancient culture and rich history of Vietnam, Hanoi will suit you best. If you want nightlife, vibrancy, and a city-long mediating between the past and modernization, then Ho Chi Minh City will be the right place for you.
If the above junction is somewhat desired for both but time is not on travel, then take a day trip in each to take the good blend: catch the glory of the Old Quarter and that of the temples and pagodas before making your way to Ho Chi Minh City for a day spent exploring the other side of modernity. This way, you get to see two sides of Vietnam without having to spend long days in either city. |