Vietnam named among best countries to visit in Southeast Asia

Vietnam has been named among the seven best countries to visit in Southeast Asia by British newspaper The Independent.

"A similarly popular choice for Brits travelling around Asia, Vietnam’s various areas of natural beauty are among the most coveted in the region.

"Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Danang are the best destinations for those who want to experience Vietnamese cities (Danang also has beach areas), while Hoi An is sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of Vietname’ due to its canals, alongside its well-preserved Ancient Town comprised of wooden Chinese shophouses and French colonial buildings," it wrote.

The newspaper commented that "Ha Long Bay is the country’s most famous natural area, while the beaches of Phu Quoc and the Cham Islands offer equal beauty in different settings. Other natural attractions include the caves of Phong Nha and Son Doong, the Marble Mountains, and the sand dunes at Mui Ne."

"April and September fall just before and after the high season in Vietnam and also offer less humidity and lower temperatures than at the peak of summer. With weather that can vary quite drastically across the country in different months, these should give the best weather across the board too," it suggested.

According to The Independent, after many countries remained inaccessible to Brits for much of the pandemic, Southeast Asia is finally welcoming a growing number of UK visitors back this year.

"The geographical region of Southeast Asia is a melting pot of different religions, traditions and cultures, and is home to some of the most incredible temples, palaces and natural sights on the planet," it commented.

"From Angkor Wat to Ha Long Bay, the Southeast possesses some of the most famous attractions on the continent to add to sprawling cities, a section of the Himalayas, hundreds of beaches, and pleasant tropical climates."

The other destinations on the list were Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Cambodia.

In early May, Vietnam had been named among the world's eight budget-busting destinations perfect for family holidays by leading Australian travel site Traveller.

In the same month, the country had been listed among 21 "life-changing trips everyone should experience at least once" by New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure.

In mid-February, the Traveller had ranked Vietnam among 20 of the world's best-value destinations.