Vietnam is a breathtakingly exotic and compelling destination to visit. In addition to its beautiful landscapes, traditional festivals and powdery white sand beaches, the sheer brightness and hospitality of Vietnam will make a visit an unforgettable travel experience. Read on to discover what Vietnam has to offer.
Hanoi - the vibrant capital of the country - is a must-visit when travelling in Vietnam. With a perfect mix of culture and modern city life, Hanoi is one of the most rapidly developing cities in the South East Asian region and offers plenty of facilities to ensure an enjoyable visit.
For Muslim travellers, plenty of facilities will be available in Hanoi. Several Halal restaurants are available across Hanoi and finding Halal food in Hanoi will not be that difficult. Cosiana Hotel & Halal Restaurant, India Palace – Dakshin, Khazaana, Nisa, Little India, d’Loins and Tandoor Restaurant are amongst some of the most prominent Halal restaurants. For prayer facilities, Muslim travellers could visit the Al Noor Masjid located on Hang Luoc Street which is the only mosque in Hanoi.
Another must-visit destination when travelling in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. Being the largest city of the country, Ho Chi Minh City was the former capital of the country and is also popularly known as Saigon. It is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Vietnam and offers a wealth of attractions ranging from museums to parks to gardens.
Ho Chi Minh City is home to many of the Halal restaurants and mosques in Vietnam and access to facilities for Muslim travellers will be easy to find. There are several mosques in the city and Halal restaurants at Ho Chi Minh City include Vietnam Delights Halal Restaurant, Banana Leaf Halal Restaurant, Mumtaz, Lion City Exclusive, Vdelights, Bombay Restaurant, Salima Halal Restaurant and Saigon Seri Penang.
Another popular tourist destination in Vietnam is the stunning seaside resort of Nha Trang. Nha Trang is famed for its breathtaking powdery white sand beaches, its beautiful bay and magnificent waterfalls. Bai Dai beach and the Bai Duong Beach are two of its best beaches and are also fantastic spots for diving and snorkeling. However, travellers may have to keep in mind that facilities for Muslims are not as plentiful as the two bigger cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Nha Trang is not home to any mosques and also offers just one prominent Halal restaurant – Omar's Indian Restaurant – which is an excellent spot for Halal Indian cuisine.
The ancient and serene city of Hoi An is another high-rated travel destination in Vietnam and is ideal for travellers with an interest for history and culture. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An captures the culture of the Vietnam with beautiful architecture and an attractive riverside setting, making it an enchanting place to visit. The Old Town area of Hoi An is the highlight of the city and is home to several fascinating buildings and houses. Unfortunately, facilities for Muslim travellers will be scarce, with Hoi An being home to very few restaurants and no mosques. It is possible to opt for seafood or vegetarian cuisine, but it is recommended that you enquire about how food is prepared prior to dining.
There are also several other fantastic destinations in Vietnam that are worth visiting. Some of Vietnam's other prominent destinations include Hue, Mui Ne, Da Nang, Duong Dong, Da Lat, Sa Pa, Ha Long, Can Tho, Vung Tau, Ninh Binh and Cat Ba. Though facilities for Muslim travellers at these destinations might not be available in abundance in comparison to the bigger cities in the country, with extensive planning and preparation Muslim travellers will undoubtedly be able to experience an unforgettable travel experience.
