If you want to see the calmer side of Vietnam, then Central and Northern Vietnam are the places to visit. Hoi An and Hue are my favorite cities in the country. They sit along Vietnam’s beautiful beaches but both offer well-preserved historical sites.

Hoi An is a trading port that still functions today. Its ancient town is a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and European cultures, all of which can be seen in many wonderfully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Hoi An is full of timber framed colorful buildings that are home to shops and delicious food. At night, the city becomes a colorful wonderland as boats with lanterns carry tourists down the Thu Bồn river and the night markets fill the streets.

Hue was once the capital of Vietnam, which is clear from the many beautiful and grand structures sprinkled around the city. Hue’s citadel, tombs and temples are amazing. The city has a complex of UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the Perfume River. You should not miss the old Capital City, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City.

Sapa is know for its green pastures and mountains. With a cooler climate and beautiful scenery, Sapa is a great tourist destination to get closer to nature and relax.

Vietnam has some delicious cuisine. In general, I love to experience most food cultures. However, the food on this trip in particular excited me because of Vietnam’s uses of very fresh ingredients. You cannot leave the country without trying noodle dishes and soups, seafood, grilled meats, and large and crispy savory pancakes. While Vietnamese food culture has some fried dishes, they serve most of them with lots of fresh vegetables. My favorite part of the food culture is that there are food stalls that line the city streets that makes cities feel lively. It is easy to have a quick and inexpensive meal any time of the day.

Finally, I cannot forget about Vietnamese coffee. Vietnam is one of the largest exporters of coffee in the world. Once you understand the culture, then it makes total sense. Once a French colony, the French left its mark of the cafe lifestyle on Vietnam. And, that is clear because they have some great ways to enjoy this beverage. The coffee shops are quite inviting. Many of them are open air and have plenty of chairs in front of the shops. They allow you to relax and people watch at the same time.