> > by Gemma Price
From former feudal capitals and ancient port towns to fertile river deltas where fish and fruits are frenetically sold in early morning floating markets, Vietnam has a wealth of unique, romantic destinations and experiences for well-heeled travellers to savour.
Because of the country’s long, narrow shape, the best way to experience everything Vietnam has to offer is to hit the north-south trail between the country’s two main cities: Hanoi, the scenic seat of government in the north comprising colonial districts, old market streets and landscaped lakes steeped in legend; and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the energetic, chaotic, and dynamic southern commercial hub.Trek through lush green valleys in Sapa, home to 14 colourfully-garbed ethnic minorities and Mount Fansipan, Indochina’s highest peak; embark on a scenic cruise through the limestone karst-studded emerald waters of Halong Bay; or experience the elegance of a bygone era as you check into a room in Dalat, a former French colonial hill station perched up in Vietnam’s temperate central highlands.
But while there’s plenty to fill up even the most die-hard box ticker’s schedule and Vietnam’s round-the-clock culture is undeniably part of the country’s thrall, there are also plenty of stunning, sun-drenched spots for beach bums to take some leisurely time out.
In recent years, Vietnam’s beaches are becoming as celebrated as the country’s unique history, culture and landscapes.
The country’s 3000-kilometre beach-fringed coastline – both on the mainland and offshore islands – is attracting increasing numbers of sun worshippers keen to experience Southeast Asia’s most happening frontier travel destination, but unlike neighbouring regional destinations where resorts and bungalows have mushroomed up to clutter the beaches, Vietnam’s hottest beaches have managed to stay under the radar to retain their deliciously cloistered, ‘as-yetundiscovered’ appeal.
Best for thrill-seekers
Muine, Binh Thuan. As Binh Thuan province receives the lowest rainfall in the country, a few days is all you need to top up your tan, but consistent onshore winds also mean Muine is the best place in Southeast Asia to learn kiteboarding and windsurfing and many aquatic thrill seekers linger much longer.
You can indulge in the usual water sports like swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking, but when the wind picks up, beware of being mown down by the hordes of wet suited adrenaline junkies which are usually out in force.
The second biggest attraction after the beach itself is the Saharan-like sand dunes that melt from warm reds and golds to pure white as they meander through the landscape. Hire a jeep to test your four-wheel driving skills on the slopes as you cruise from the local ‘fairy springs’ to the red dunes and sand canyons, and remember to pack your bathing suit – the Bao Trang (‘White Lake’) area has three lotus-bedecked lakes perfect for a refreshing dip.
Best for secluded romance
Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh. Easily accessible via a direct flight from HCMC and Hanoi and located on Vietnam’s south central coast between Nha Trang and Danang (two of Vietnam’s most popular beach resorts), Quy Nhon is one of Vietnam’s most romantic yet little-visited destinations. No screaming kids, no hawkers touting knock-off sunglasses and no gaudy discos. Just great beaches, ancient Cham temples and a few secluded, upscale resorts that offer activities carefully tailored to capitalise on the natural setting.
Set within a private bay etched into a rocky cliff side, with craggy mountains rising behind and immaculate twin swathes of soft white sand dipping to the sea in front, activities at the secluded Life Resorts include private picnics on offshore islands, yoga and tai chi, volleyball, canoeing and kayaking or a relaxing treatment at the resort’s famous Life Spa.
Bai Tram hideaway, a complex of only seven luxurious pool villas set over 90 hectares fronted by almost a kilometre of private beach, also runs excursions to local markets and the lagoons and rice fields of nearby Cu Mong. If you can tear yourself away from the sand or your private pool, that is.
Best for culture vultures
Cua Dai Beach, Quang Nam. The fine sand of palm tree-lined Cua Dai beach is a great base for exploring above and below the waves of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park before indulging in a seafood barbeque on Cham Island, 25 minutes away by speedboat.
Cua Dai is also just five kilometres from Hoi An, a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port which once did a roaring trade in days gone by. Here lantern makers plying their wares from workshops strewn with fragments of silks, and tailors create bespoke clothing for visitors eager to indulge in a hand-made suit or couture dress copy for a snip of a western price tag.
It’s also possible to take a day trip four hours south to the UNESCO-listed citadel, tombs and temples of the former feudal capital Hue, home to the Nguyen Emperors who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945; and the ancient red brick Cham ruins at My Son, also inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list.
Best for Robinson Crusoe
Once known as Poulo Condore and long considered a Southeast Asian version of Devil’s Island; Con Son is the largest island in this archipelago and the former setting for the infamous Con Son Prison Complex, established by the French colonial authorities early in the 19th century.
Now the islands’ secluded bays, deserted sun-drenched beaches, pristine coral in crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush tropical forests are protected as a national park, and the swathes of white sand form Vietnam’s most important breeding grounds for turtles.
Begin your day by witnessing dawn break over Hon Bay Canh, and then finish it with an evening cocktail or picnic as the sun sinks behind ‘Love’ Mountain, spending the interim hours hiking, sailing, diving or simply lazing around.