Cities and Towns in Asia
Though Hanoi is beaten in size by Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) it can still offer way more in terms of sights. Old communist relics stand proud here along with historical places from the Vietnam War, the French colonial time and all the way back to the Dynasties. The old quarter charms any visitor with its narrow lanes that are packed with shops selling anything from Barbie dolls to mini temples and dried Seadog penis (don't ask). The range of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants are so overwhelming that it can be hard to pick where to go. The best advise to any first time visitor is to see a few mandatory sights and then just lose yourself to the madness in the area around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Before the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, Saigon was the capital of the South Vietnam. After the Vietnam War the name of city changed to Ho Chi Minh City. With a population of 7.1 mill, it is still the biggest city in Vietnam, beating the capital Hanoi with less than a million. Depending on your interests Ho Chi Minh City will either appear refreshing exciting (if you are into restaurants and shopping) or surprisingly dull (if you are looking for great architecture and historical quarters). It is a modern, frenetic city build on trade and commerce, and the only Vietnamese city with a hint of metropolitan vibe. People are here to make money and there is this wild-east feeling that almost anything is possible, for the communist party is a long way away in Hanoi.
The first thing you will notice when arriving to charming little Hoi An is the insane numbers of tailors. It seems that every second shop can saw up a suit or a dress for you. But Hoi An's reputation as a trading town goes way back. During the 16th and 17th century, Portuguese traders based themselves here, and later came Chinese and Japanese merchants, putting Hoi An on the world map. Time changed, kingdoms disappeared and the river silted up, but Hoi An has kept its charm. Today there are, beside the tailors, boutique hotels, bakeries and fine dining, and the Cua Dai beach four kilometers away is fast turning into a destination of itself with warm sand, swaying palms and flashy resorts. Though the tourist flow is strong, Hoi An always manage spell the visitor and you only have to show up early in the morning down at the river market to get a taste of the original atmosphere.
Under Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) Hue was the imperial capital and home to the emperor's citadel. Even today the town has a more aristocratic feeling than other Vietnamese cities with its wide tree lined boulevards, ao dai dressed college girls, and imperial leftovers. Most of the forbidden city was destroyed during the Tet offensive in 1968 but have been under restoration the last many years. After too much imperial this and imperial that, walk down to the local market and get sucked back in time. Here goods are still transported in cyclos and the old ladies have colonial hats and black teeth. Though most travellers feel obligated to pay Hue a visit, it will rarely be a highlight of their Vietnam journey.
Sapa town is beautiful nested at around 1500 m at the top of a valley. Not only does it boast of magnificent views of Mt Fansipan, 3143 m, (well, when the weather is clear) but Sapa Valley is also one of the most ethnological diverse places. On a day's trek through the valley you can meet up to six different minorities (Black H'mong, Blue H'mong, Red Dao, Giay, Tay and Xa Pho), and then we haven't even counted the visiting minorities that come in for Sapa's weekend market. The colourful minority ladies are keen on selling their souvenirs and they don't take no for an answer. Many visitors might find Sapa too touristy, but keep in mind that Sapa was original build as holiday retreat for the colonial French more than a hundred years ago. So tourists are not a new thing for Sapa. Though Sapa town can have its moments on market days, the real reason to come here is the valley and beyond; rice terraces covering whole mountain sides, primitive minorities villages with homestays and off-the-beaten-track trekking along Hoang Lien Son mountain range.
Located on a lovely plateau at the high altitude of 1492 m, Sin Ho is one of Vietnam highest towns (about the same altitude as Sapa). The town itself is rather drab with pot holed streets and the usual range of dull concrete buildings. It stands in stark contrast to the spectacular winding road leading up to/down from town, which will spoil anyone not too car sick with a dramatic mountain scenery, where the local ethnic minorities cultivate on the steep slopes. Try to plan your journey so you are in Sin Ho on a Sunday, which is the big market day. Ethnic minorities from all around Sin Ho region, like Red H'mong and Black Dao, will then come into Sin Ho market and spice up the place.