What do American newspapers say about the different travel experiences between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

'The two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are often most visitors' first impressions of this unique country. Both are cosmopolitan, vibrant and quintessentially Vietnamese – yet also very different.'

The prestigious American magazine National Geographic opened its article like that, and invited two experts to give reasons to convince tourists to choose the right destination and time for their journey when visiting Vietnam for the first time.

Hanoi

A veteran journalist and guidebook author, Joe Bindloss first fell in love with Hanoi in the 1990s. A three-decade-long love affair keeps drawing him back to this fascinating, multi-layered city. He writes:

It would be foolish to underestimate either destination – both are charming and steeped in history. When I first arrived in Hanoi, I was overwhelmed – sometimes literally, by the sheer number of motorbikes. To immerse yourself in Hanoi life, head to the vibrant Old Quarter, which has defied the modern onslaught. Stroll the streets in the early morning and you’ll see street vendors carrying fruit and vegetables on traditional baskets, shopkeepers working on cyclos that double as pushcarts, and white-bearded old men playing chess outside balcony-lined townhouses.

Thang Long Imperial Citadel has many programs and activities to attract people to the heritage.

PHOTO: CHI BINH

For me, much of the magic of Hanoi is sensory. In this multicultural capital, a relaxed pace blends with glitz, glamour and an unmistakable French flair. This blend is most evident at mealtimes, when you enjoy bowls of aromatic pho, succulent pork belly with bun cha, soft banh cuon and meat-filled banh mi with strong coffee, draft beer or a glass of spicy wine.

And you’ll enjoy the easy way back in time in Hanoi. Start with the Imperial Citadel and Hoan Kiem Lake, a lake steeped in the legend of a king and a small, pretty tower with a dragon on top. Hanoi’s holy sites—the red-and-gold Bach Ma Temple, the garden-enclosed Hai Ba Trung Temple, and the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature—anchor the city in an age of ritual.

Ho Chi Minh City may have the edge when it comes to anti-American war relics, but I love Hanoi for its museums. From the fascinating History Museum and Women’s Museum to the thought-provoking exhibitions on Vietnam’s struggle for independence at Hoa Lo Prison and the crash course in ethnic culture at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi is the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of the country.

Hanoi scores points for another reason – it’s incredibly fun. Whether you’re relaxing in a French-era cafe with a cup of egg coffee, strolling around enjoying Northern street food, dressing up and sipping cocktails while watching the skyline at Lighthouse Sky Bar, or sitting on a plastic chair sipping local draft beer at Bia Hoi Nga Tu, Hanoi is the place to be to fully enjoy the joys of travel.

Hanoi cuisine always attracts tourists

PHOTO: MICHELIN

And consider the location: Ho Chi Minh City may be the gateway to the Mekong Delta, while Hanoi is the starting point for the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, as well as the lush plateaus and ethnic minority villages of the Northwest Mountains. You’re also just an overnight train ride from the imperial wonders of Hue and a half-day bus ride from the lush, peaceful Ba Be National Park. Wherever you go, it’ll be more complete if you start in this cultural capital.

What about Ho Chi Minh City?

James Pham, Southeast Asia destination editor of Lonely Planet, shares about the country's largest city:

Hanoi has been the capital of Vietnam for nearly a millennium – with all the heritage buildings and monuments that go with that glorious history. Ho Chi Minh City, by contrast, was only founded in the late 17th century but has made up for that with a vibrant cityscape, newer infrastructure, vibrant nightlife and rich cuisine. In short, Hanoi is the traditional older brother. Ho Chi Minh City is the young, hip younger brother.

The city centre is elegant and tree-lined. The diverse attractions spread out on the wider streets, from the historic buildings of glitzy (old) District 1 (including the colonial-era Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office) to the trendy dining hub of District 3, or bustling Cho Lon.

Tourists on a double-decker bus in front of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee building

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Beyond the statistics, Ho Chi Minh City has a youthful feel. Students from all over the country flock here for university, while others are drawn by the job opportunities. More influenced by foreign cultures (particularly colonial French and wartime American), Ho Chi Minh City residents are cosmopolitan and open to change. This is where trends are born and entrepreneurs seek out opportunities to start their own businesses.

This incredible diversity has created some of the best cuisine in Vietnam, where you can enjoy Hanoi specialties like pho, bun cha and banh cuon - but also bun bo Hue, banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and grilled pork broken rice. Just south of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City's cuisine is light, with fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables. I love that I can easily have a different dish for every meal in a month without feeling repetitive.

Ho Chi Minh City has a thriving artisanal food scene, featuring everything from craft beer and contemporary wines inspired by Vietnamese botanicals to premium chocolates with cacao harvested from the Mekong Delta. Ho Chi Minh City’s large expat community also means you’re almost never more than 10 minutes away from world-class Japanese, Indian, Korean and European cuisine.

Bui Vien Western Street is crowded every night

PHOTO: NHAT THINH

Then there is the weather. While Ho Chi Minh City is cool all year round, with only two seasons (hot dry or hot rainy), Hanoi is freezing cold in the winter, locals have to cover their heads with hats, wear gloves, and inhale the cold air through their teeth...

True, Hanoi has some pretty interesting destinations nearby. However, Ho Chi Minh City is the gateway to the Cu Chi Tunnels (an hour and a half drive), the Mekong Delta (three hours), the beaches of Vung Tau (two hours) and Mui Ne (three and a half hours). A major international airport means there are plenty of (and cheap) flights to everywhere, including the island paradises of Phu Quoc and Con Dao, just over an hour away.

Those who love culture and history can choose Hanoi. But if you like to enjoy the beautiful life, we will meet in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bao-my-noi-gi-ve-trai-nghiem-du-lich-khac-nhau-giua-ha-noi-va-tphcm-185250917135818684.htm