The museum is open from Tuesday until Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM and on Sunday from 1 – 4 PM. Admission in 2021 is just $5.15 per adult.
25 Things to Do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
On November 14, 2021 by Cody Pierce With 0 Comments
- Travel and Holidays
As the largest city in Atlantic Canada, Halifax has loads to offer the visitor, especially with its location adjacent to one of the largest and deepest ice-free harbours in the world. What that means for water lovers is that you can easily access the Atlantic Ocean and beaches galore, along with loads of interesting attractions, activities, amazing food, and nightlife. There are so many things to do in Halifax, I think you’ll find you need at least two to three days in the city.
Described are 25 things to do in Halifax, including the tunnel tour on Georges Island National Historic Site and a Citadel Spirit Tour with alcohol that has been aged onsite.
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Walk the Halifax Waterfront
One of the top things to do in Halifax at any time of the year, but particularly in summer, is to walk along the Halifax Waterfront. If you miss out on this, I feel like you’d miss out on the beating heart of the city. This is where everyone comes and for good reason. It’s colourful, there’s an energy to it and there’s lots to do along its 4 kilometre plus length.
The Harbourwalk stretches between the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Halifax Casino. Not only is it a great place for people watching, but you can also visit museums, shop in boutique stores, hop on the ferry to Dartmouth, marvel at the constant water traffic, and enjoy a meal or drink at one of the numerous waterfront restaurants. In fact, you can even snap up one of the hammocks pictured below and relax, just enjoying the salty, Maritime breezes.
Do the Tunnel Tour on Georges Island and enjoy a Parks Canada Perfect Picnic
Sitting in the middle of Halifax Harbour is Georges Island National Historic Site, a place the Mi’kmaq called home for thousands of years. The island is now one of five sites that make up the Halifax Defence Complex, forts and batteries constructed to protect Halifax from attack. The others, all national historic sites, include Fort McNab, York Redoubt, Prince of Wales Tower, and the Halifax Citadel.
Today visitors can do a self-guided tour of the island with the help of an interpretive map, but in addition I would recommend that you join a free, 15-minute tunnel tour. It’s offered every 20 minutes on a seasonal basis. You’ll get access to a maze of brick tunnels in an underground complex below Fort Charlotte. These tunnels once housed ammunition for the powerful cannons you see on the tour.
Be sure to order the Parks Canada Perfect Picnic before you go so you can savour a lobster roll, ploughman’s lunch or caprese focaccia while enjoying the view of downtown Halifax from one of the Parks Canada red chairs.
Note: To get to Georges Island take a private boat, kayak or canoe or book a trip with Murphy’s On the Water.
Take a Halifax Harbour Hopper Tour
If you want a fun, fast paced one-hour tour of the Halifax Harbour (and part of the downtown), sign up for the popular Halifax Hopper Tour. It’s a little different than most harbour tours as its on an amphibious vehicle. Start off on the streets of Halifax – and finish with a giant splash into the Halifax Harbour. See some of the famous city sights by bus and by boat – expertly narrated with a dose of humour.
Climb aboard Canada’s oldest warship: HMCS Sackville
When you’re exploring the Halifax Waterfront, look for the HMCS Sackville, Canada’s oldest warship. This boat played an important role in winning the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II – and because of that, the warship holds an important place in naval history.
The location of the warship changes twice a year. From November to mid-June, it is berthed in the Naval Dockyard. But from late June until late October, the boat is moved to Sackville Landing, near the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Tours are offered from 10 AM to 4:45 PM seven days a week. Admission is by donation only.
Explore the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
Not only do you get glorious views of the Halifax Harbour from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, but you’ll find plenty of interactive experiences and places to walk and explore – like the fort walls. Look for re-enactment interpreters, the 78th Highlanders and the Royal Artillery, dressed in uniforms that their regiments sported in the mid-1800’s.
You can find marching and band drills on the parade grounds, the changing of the guard every hour at the entrance, and a daily demonstration of cannons firing at noon – a practice that dates to 1856. You can also take a tour led by a costumed guide from May through to October.
If you’re in need of some refreshments, head to the Citadel Coffee Bar and Soldiers Library in the Cavalier Building. It was the library the soldiers of the 78th Highland Regiment used that has been turned into a cozy space with a 19th century vibe.
Sign up for one of the Citadel Distilled Experiences
One of the fun things to do in Halifax, especially if you’re with a group you know, is to sign up for one of the Citadel Distilled Experiences. There are three to choose from – the Toast & Tasting, Raise Your Spirits and the Proof is in the Barrel.
I participated in the Raise Your Spirits tour. It started with a quick tour of the Halifax Citadel where we learned about how alcohol was used to rally the troops. Cue the Daily Ration Rum. We also tried Noon Gun Gin and Fort George Genever – with all spirits made by local Halifax company – Compass Distillers and aged onsite at the Halifax Citadel! Along with the liquor, we enjoyed a locally prepared charcuterie board. The tasting came with a guide on how to taste spirits along with the flavour profiles one should expect. Truly great fun!
Go for a ghost walk at the Halifax Citadel
Pick up a glowing lantern and meet your tour guide dressed in a full period uniform. Follow him across the drawbridge as you melt into the darkness, exploring dimly lit passageways and dark tunnels. Here the haunted stories of the Halifax Citadel come alive over a 70-minute tour.
Tours start at 8:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting in the summer – after the gates have closed to the public. And that helps set the mood. More information here – including how to buy tickets. You can arrange a private ghost tour year-round!
Stroll through the Halifax Public Gardens
When I was in Grade 2, I lived in Halifax, a block away from the Halifax Public Gardens. Even in those days a visit to the gardens was one of the top things to do in Halifax. Back then, it usually revolved around feeding the ducks – though that is no longer allowed.
The 16-acre gardens are “one of the finest examples of a Victorian garden in North America.” The gardens take up a full block, including a section along Spring Garden Road. In summer there’s a concert series, bird walks, story time, and something called Young Singer Outside the Gate. Check the monthly calendar ahead of your visit. If you’re in need of sustenance, ice cream is available in the summer.
Take a hike in Point Pleasant Park
Point Pleasant Park, located at the south end of the Halifax Peninsula, is a great spot for a dog walk, a jog, or taking the time to contemplate the meaning of life as you stare out to the ocean. Within the park are 39 km of trails and the Prince of Wales Tower National Historic Site. You can also cycle through the park and in summer enjoy one of the plays put on by Shakespeare by the Sea Theatre Company, called the longest and largest-running outdoor theatre festival in Atlantic Canada.
Fun fact: There is a 999-year lease on the park held by the British Government. Halifax rents the site from the Brits for 10 cents per year.
Check out the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market
The Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market began in 1750. It holds the record for operating longer than any other farmer’s market in North America!
You’ll find everything from lunch options to locally farmed produce, fresh meat and fish, crafts, flowers, maple syrup, honey, and even locally produced wine and spirits. A visit here on a Saturday morning between 8 AM and 2 PM or on Sunday between 10 AM and 2 PM is always one of the fun and delicious things to do in Halifax.
Visit historic St. Paul’s Church – a true Halifax Oddity
St. Paul’s Church, dating back to 1750, is both the oldest Protestant church in Canada and the oldest building in Halifax. On a tour I did of Halifax, we stopped here to look for the face that is forever etched in one of the church’s windows.
The story goes that the deacon was standing in front of the window at the time of the 1917 Halifax explosion. The legend suggests that the extreme heat left the deacons’ profile etched into the glass – just like you see it today. Whether that is truth or fiction, I don’t know but it is a cool story and a Halifax only oddity.
Get a black history lesson at Africville
Africville was an African – Canadian village, founded in the mid-18th century on the southern shore of the Bedford Basin. The community prospered at times – basically when there wasn’t interference by the whites of Halifax – but in the 1960’s after a dump was located within a short distance of their settlement, it was labeled a slum. Residents were forcibly removed and located to public housing, something we now call a violation of human rights. Read this account for insight into how Halifax treated the Black people in Africville.
Today you can visit the Africville Museum which is in a replica of the community church that was destroyed.
Visit the Hydrostone District
The Hydrostone District in Halifax, built after the horrific Halifax Explosion in 1917, is one of Canada’s National Historic Sites and just a 30-minute walk from downtown Halifax. It’s called a splendid example of an English-style garden suburb. The area features 325 fire-proof homes, all built in the same architectural theme using hydrostone which looks like concrete blocks – and basically is. The district is also home to boutique shops, galleries, and excellent dining options.
Sip coffee with a view at the Halifax Central Library
The Halifax Central Library opened on December 13, 2014. The library was awarded the Governor General’s Medal for outstanding new civic building design. And WIRED recently called the Halifax Central Library “one of the 10 most beautiful libraries on earth” – so with that kind of accolade you really must visit.
It’s the perfect place to go if you’re a fan of architecture or you really need a coffee to pick you up because your energy is flagging after a round of shopping on Spring Garden Road. Head to the café on the fifth floor for a panoramic view of the downtown and harbour.
Admire the Old Town Clock
The Old Town Clock or Citadel Clock Tower is just that – a clock in a three-story tower at the base of the Citadel that started keeping time on October 20, 1803. It’s one of the iconic landmarks in Halifax.
A couple of cool facts about the clock include the fact that the clock mechanism must be wound twice weekly and the number 4 is represented as IIII and not IV for symmetry and aesthetics.
Pay your respects at Fairview Lawn Cemetery
The Fairview Lawn Cemetery is best known as the final resting place for 121 Titanic victims. There are more Titanic victims interred here than in any other cemetery in the world. It’s a very moving place to visit – especially when you read the headstones and think about how these people met their end.
About a third of the headstones have no information – just a marker number and the date of death though in 1991 six of the previously unknown victims were identified with the help of the Titanic International Society. One of the graves is of William Denton Cox, called a “heroic steward who died while escorting third class passengers to the lifeboats.” You’ll see some poignant writing on several other gravestones.
Wander through the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Located on the Halifax waterfront, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic ranks as the city’s most popular museum. Look for a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits like the Sea in Her Blood which highlights the lives of 17 Maritime women who “redefine traditional ways of living with the sea.”
The Titanic exhibit will strike a chord with many, especially the personal stories. Learn about life aboard the ship including what it was like to be an immigrant in third class. Sit in a reproduction Titanic deck chair and check out over 50 artifacts collected as flotsam.
Become a part of the feel-good Peace by Chocolate story on the Waterfront
If you need an excuse to eat chocolate or buy some as a gift, Peace by Chocolate ought to fit the bill. The Nova Scotia company is owned by Syrian refugees who were forced to flee their homeland in 2012 – after making and selling chocolate across the Middle East for close to 30 years. They spent three years in limbo in refugee camps in Lebanon before being invited to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. With the help of their community, they have rebuilt their company, and I can tell you that what they’re making is delicious. I love their motto – one piece won’t hurt.
When you stroll the waterfront be sure to look out for their new boutique store, located at 1741 Lower Water Street, Suite 166.
Explore vibrant Spring Garden Road
If it shopping you’re after – especially the upscale variety, head to Spring Garden Road. It’s also home to two malls – Park Lane and Spring Garden Place. It’s not my idea of fun but I might be an outlier.
Check out the pub scene
Halifax is known for its vibrant pub scene – partially on account of the six universities in the city and the sheer number of students around. The action is in the downtown, particularly on Argyle Street.
The top five pubs to visit according to Discover Halifax are Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub (with live music on weekends and some weeknights), Split Crowe Pub (also with a live music lineup), The Loose Cannon, The Arms Public House inside the Lord Nelson Hotel, and the Rockbottom Brew Pub.
Visit the Halifax Brewery Farmers Market
On a Saturday morning join locals from 8 AM to 1 PM for a farmers market experience that deals with small scale growers and artisans. This place is a local favourite. You’ll find the Saturday Market at 312-1496 Lower Water Street.
Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
It’s easy to visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 if you’re waking the Halifax Waterfront. This is the place to learn about Canada’s amazing immigrant history. Some visitors may even be able to trace their family roots with the help of the Scotiabank Family History Centre.
Between 1928 and 1971 almost one million immigrants passed through Pier 21. That might help explain why reportedly one in five Canadians is related to someone who was processed through Pier 21.
Ride the Halifax – Dartmouth ferry
The oldest saltwater ferry in the world is the one that runs between Halifax and Dartmouth. It’s also the second oldest in the world. The price of a ferry is the same as a bus ticket but with it you get some stunning vistas. On the Alderney Ferry, enjoy views of two bridges, harbour islands, the Bedford Basin, downtown Halifax, and Dartmouth. If you transfer back within the hour, you can just use your transfer and avoid paying again.
For more information about schedules, and fees visit the Halifax Transit website.
Visit Fisherman’s Cove in Eastern Passage
Fisherman’s Cove, just a 25-minute drive from downtown Halifax, is a restored 200-year-old fishing village. On a short visit you can enjoy a picturesque ramble along the boardwalk with stops to check out folk art, Maritime crafts, ice cream and old-time candy along with other food – alongside a backdrop of working lobster fishermen.
Go a short distance past the village to reach McCormack’s Beach Provincial Park, one of the smallest in the province. Stroll the 1.2 km boardwalk with beach access points and look for birds including the black guillemot and piping plover.
Be awed by the beauty of Peggy’s Cove
One of the best things to do when you’re in Halifax is to make the 50-minute drive to Peggy’s Cove. The authentic, colourful fishing village never disappoints, no matter what the weather throws your way. I have always come away awed both by the beauty of the village and the power of the ocean.
As of October 18, 2021, a new viewing deck has been added to make the visit safer. You can still wander around the rocks but be vigilant about where you’re stepping and avoid the black rock. A warning on the lighthouse states: “Injury and death have rewarded careless sight-seers here. The ocean and rocks are treacherous. Savour the sea from a distance.”
Local travel tips
Buy a Best of Halifax Tour with Peggy’s Cove. It last 4 – 5 hours and will cover off some of the most iconic sites in the city – and you won’t need a rental car to get to Peggy’s Cove.
If its a lobster dinner you’re after on a visit, check out one of these 9 restaurants.
Need to stretch your legs? Then try one of these top 10 Halifax area hikes.
Where to stay in Halifax
On a couple of visits to Halifax in the last few years I have stayed at the Westin Nova Scotian. I love its location close to the Halifax waterfront.
Another great downtown hotel is the Sutton Place Hotel Halifax.
A giant thank you to Parks Canada and Tourism Nova Scotia for hosting my visit – but as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Further reading about Nova Scotia
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Bridge Sex Position – How to Do the Bridge Sex Position
On November 14, 2021 by Cody Pierce With 0 Comments
- Sex and Realtionships
If you are looking for a major end to penetrative sex—like the arching your back, I ought to have you ideal TF now kind—you have to have to know about the Bridge position. Indeed, that Bridge placement exactly like what you’d do in yoga, but with sexual intercourse. You lie on your back, retaining your shoulders on the bed, and increase your hips with your knees unfold about hip distance aside. Set your weight on your feet and shoulders whilst your lover kneels in between your legs to accomplish through peen or dildo, arms, mouth or toy. It is a video game-changer.
What tends to make the Bridge posture so wonderful?
“While some intercourse positions are excellent for heat-up—the much more personal ones with much more kissing, cuddling, and eye contact—the Bridge placement is finest when your associate or both equally of you are prepared to finish. Which is mainly because it allows for deeper and additional aggressive thrusting for any penis-obtaining spouse or spouse with a penetrative item like a dildo,” suggests Aliyah Moore, PhD, Resident Certified Sex Therapist at SexualAlpha.
Appears kinda challenging. Why do it?
Perfectly, it’s pretty much the identical as a main workout, so sure, thighs and abdominal muscles will be engaged. But in tiny doses, so truly worth it. “It is good for people with compact penises, or companions with vastly unique heights. It lets for deep penetration and inside stimulation, and also can make it uncomplicated to manually encourage the receiving partner’s clitoris or penis,” says Shannon Chavez, Licensed Psychologist and K-Y’s Sex Therapist.
And it is outside of visually incredibly hot. If you’re boosting your hips to push nearer to your partner’s penis/dildo/mouth/toy/fingers, it’s a rather evident tell that you want far more of them.
How to make the Bridge even better
Add pillows
“Add props to enhance pleasure. Start with pillows that can be placed underneath the base of the obtaining companion, which will elevate the hips and enhance strain, friction, and sensation to enhance their pleasure likely,” claims Chavez.
Use extravagant lube
“Use a stimulating lubricant like K-Y’s Rigorous Enjoyment Gel beforehand to maximize the depth of sensations,” says Chavez. You can also experiment with all types of CBD elixirs or other arousal gels.
Enjoy with toys
“If you want to deliver this situation to the future level, use your clit or bullet vibrator for additional powerful sensations,” states Moore.
Some versions, if you will…
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How we choose the right fertilizer
On November 12, 2021 by Cody Pierce With 0 Comments
- Home Improvement Tips
The plants that we we grow need some essential nutrients. Primary, they get these from the soil to grow and give us wonderful flowers and delicious fruits. Many times, however, the soil does not contain enough nutrients to meet their needs. This situation we need to apply fertilizer, to keep them healthy and strong.
Fertilization is one of the most important cultivation tasks, along with watering, pruning and plant protection. Talking about fertilizer for plants, we are referring to natural or chemical substances. These contributes to the rooting, growth, flowering and fruiting of plants. Using fertilizer on our plants, we enrich the soil with nutrients. Also. it will replenish the elements that are absorbed during the cultivation of plants.
Especially when we have potted plants on our balcony or in our yard, the need of fertilization at regular intervals is even more imperative. So let’s see in detail what are the basic types of fertilizer, when we need to put fertilizer on plants and how to choose the right fertilizer.
The basic types of fertilizers
There are a variety of fertilizer that we can find in the market. These vary depending on their origin and form. Depending on their origin, fertilizers are divided into:
Organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers come from the decomposition of plant and animal residues. They are approved for use in organic farming, which is why they are often referred to as, organic fertilizers. They can be characterized as manure, compost, seaweed fertilizer, and others that are commercially available.
Organic fertilizers have the advantage that they are environmentally friendly. They also contain organic matter that improves the natural properties of the soil. In addition to providing plants with nutrients, they also improve the ability of the soil to retain water and nutrients.
Chemical fertilizers
This type of fertilizers result from the synthesis of chemical elements through various chemical reactions and are the largest category of fertilizers used by growers. Chemical fertilizers have the advantage that they are lower in cost.
They also offer many possibilities to growers, due to their varied composition, at all stages of cultivation. Examples vary from rhizome and plant growth to fruit set and fruit production.
Organochemical fertilizers
Organochemical fertilizers are a combination of chemical and organic fertilizers. They contain both chemical elements and an amount of organic matter. In other words, organic fertilizers are relatively cheaper than organic fertilizers, have a varied composition and are suitable for many crops, while improving soil characteristics.
What types of fertilizers are there?
In how we choose the right fertilizer, we say depending on the form. You should know that there are granular and crystalline fertilizers that are in solid form. But also you can find fertilizers in liquid form:
Granular fertilizers
These are fertilizers in the form of granules. Granular fertilizers are usually absorbed more gradually by the soil and the root system of plants. In granular fertilizers, each grain contains proportionally all the nutrients of the fertilizer. There are also mixed or blend fertilizers, which have a granular form but in which the raw materials are simply mixed.
Crystalline fertilizers
These are fertilizers in powder form. Crystal fertilizers are supplied in solid form and are water soluble, ie they dissolve very easily in water and are absorbed directly by plants through watering.
Fertilizers in liquid form
Liquid fertilizers are dissolved in water and applied through the irrigation system during watering or by spraying the foliage of the plants. In fact, they are very common in amateur formulations, as because they are water soluble we can very easily apply them with a watering can. Liquid fertilizers have the advantage of immediate absorption especially through sprays, when there are problematic soils.
Elements contained in a fertilizer and numbers on the label
In each fertilizer, either chemical or organic, on the label on the package, three basic numbers are indicated. These indicate the percentage (%) content in the three basic nutrients, in order: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Nitrogen as a fertilizer for plants promotes rich vegetation, rapid growth, higher height, larger leaf area and intense greenery on the leaves. The addition of phosphorus to plants contributes positively to a number of important functions, such as rapid growth of a strong root system, formation and good growth of flowers and creation of quality fruits and seeds.
The addition of potassium to the plants helps to create quality fruits of the crops, both in size, color and taste, while offering greater resistance of plants to adverse conditions of frost, strong winds, drought.Fertilizers may contain other nutrients that are lower in content such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and boron.
Magnesium and iron help to green the leaves and ensure rich vegetation. Calcium significantly enhances the consistency of the fruit so that it does not soften easily, increases the size of the fruit and improves their quality. Finally, boron and zinc are very important for the flowering and fruiting stage and contribute significantly to improving overall production each year.
How we choose the right fertilizer for plants?
The choice of the appropriate fertilizer depends on many factors such as the type of crop, the soil in which we grow, the growth stage of the plant, the composition and form of the fertilizer, what function of the plant we want to contribute, as well as the economic its cost.
Especially for professional crops, before proceeding with the selection of fertilizer, it is important to do a soil analysis so that we can accurately determine the type of fertilization and the amount of fertilizer that our field needs. Below we list some key features that will help us in choosing the right fertilizer.
Fertilizer to improve plant growth
If we want to help the growth of plants, we use a fertilizer with a high content of nitrogen (N). To enhance the rooting, but also the flowering of the plants, we use fertilizers with high content of phosphorus.
If we want to improve the production and fruiting of the crop, both in quality and quantity, we choose fertilizer with high content of potassium.
Basic fertilization in vegetables and trees
As initial (basic) fertilization in horticultural crops and fruit trees, we usually use granular fertilizers. This is because they are slower to release, meaning they release nutrients over a longer period of time.
They usually contain all three basic nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In these cases, the fertilizer can be spread throughout the field or placed only at planting sites to reduce costs.
Low cost lubrication
When we want to reduce the cost of fertilizer in relation to the content of nutrients, we usually choose chemical fertilizers. We usually find them in granular form, that are generally cheaper.
Fertilizer for cultivation soils problem
Growing plants in degraded soils, it is necessary to use ecological granular fertilizers. This is the way to improve soil characteristics and their nutrients are more easily absorbed by plants. Also, in degraded soils, leaf spraying (foliar spraying) with nutrients with liquid or water-soluble fertilizers is offered.
Fertilizers for immediate absorption
In case we want immediate absorption of the nutrients, like in the case of calcium to treat the dry top of the tomato or boron for the fruiting of the olive. You should have in mind to choose liquid or water-soluble crystalline fertilizer. The type of these can be applied foliarly by spraying.
Fertilizer for a garden with vegetable
For our vegetable garden, we choose ecological fertilizers. These ones are environmentally friendly and help in the production of good quality fruits.
Fertilizer for pot flowers
For ornamental plants that we have in pots, we choose chemical crystalline or liquid fertilizer. This type dissolves in water and it has good absorption by the plants, without the risk of excessive fertilization.
A secret for the application of fertilizer
Fertilizer provides nutrients that help plants grow. However, there are some cases where we avoid putting fertilizer on plants. One of them is immediately after transplanting, as the plant needs time to adapt.
In addition, we avoid applying fertilizer to plants that are not irrigated. Also,in conditions where the plants are vulnerable. Examples are in periods of very high temperatures or the ones of very low temperatures and frost.
What is Vietnam famous for? 9 Reasons to visit Vietnam!
On November 5, 2021 by Cody Pierce With 0 Comments
- Travel and Holidays
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If you love to travel then Southeast Asia really is an unmissable destination with an array of experiences to offer – but if you could also pick one, which would it be? For me, it has to be Vietnam, as this long slither of a country offers a huge amount of diversity that will impress even the most experienced tourist. But what is Vietnam famous for? What to see in Vietnam that makes it an incredible and unique destination?
Bordering China, Laos and Cambodia, Vietnam has over 1,000 miles to explore, with coastline running along almost all of it. Ruins, beaches, rice terraces, spectacular landscapes and some of the most beguiling cities on earth can all be discovered within Vietnam’s boundaries.
It also has the crown for the world’s cheapest beer for its locally brewed Bia Hoi that is freshly made every day and contains no preservatives. These are just a few facts about Vietnam that draw tourists from all corners to this buzzing country.
So, what is Vietnam famous for?
Below are 9 reasons why Vietnam really is an unmissable destination in Southeast Asia and why you should plan a trip there as soon as possible. After all the travel inspiration you will find a section with practical info to help you plan your trip to Vietnam.
What is Vietnam famous for?
We start our list of what Vietnam is known for with history, of course, but our inspiring facts about Vietnam also include nature, culture and delicious food. Be ready to start dreaming of your trip to Vietnam
1- History is everywhere in Vietnam
Vietnam has a fascinating history that can be seen in exquisite buildings from the Nguyen Dynasty in Huế, to the grim Hoa Lo Prison that was built in Hanoi during French colonial times.
Not only that, but there are several sites from the Vietnam War, like the Cu Chi and Vinh Moc tunnels that you can still visit. Central Vietnam has a demilitarized zone known as the DMZ where there are several monuments and museums to visit built on the land where the battles were fought.
After visiting the War Remnants Museum and Ho Chi Minh City Museum, take a half-day or even the whole day to join one of the tours about the Vietnam War and its sites around HCM City. You can book your tour in advance via GetYourGuide, below are a few options.
2 – The uniqueness of Huế and Hoi An
Central Vietnam has some of the most exquisite architecture that the country has to offer, much of it in and around Huế and Hoi An. The city of Hue surrounds the forbidden city at its center and houses elaborate mausoleums for its past emperors in the countryside. It even has an abandoned water park complete with a dragon pool and waterslides.
Hoi An is amazing in a totally different way, the streets of this ex-trading port are lined with traditional wooden houses along the Thu Bon River. It lights up on the 14th day of every lunar calendar month when lanterns are lit with candles and floated down the river to bring luck and happiness. Read Love and Road Hoi An travel guide here.
3 – Vietnam karst bays
It’s impossible to look at any photos of Vietnam without coming across the eternally famous Ha Long Bay. This picture-perfect seascape is dominated by green limestone karsts with tiny fishing villages in their shadows.
For a less-touristy experience try Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba Island which offers the same landscape for a cheaper price. If you want to see incredible views of the karsts on land, then head to Ninh Binh where wide rivers run through grassy rice fields at the bottom of stunning valleys.
4 – Vietnamese food
Even against all the competition with the incredible dishes from its neighbors, Vietnamese food still really stands out. The most delicious savory dishes include so many types of noodles, banana blossom salad, stuffed pancakes, fresh spring rolls, and tasty banh mi (filled baguettes).
It’s also one of the best places in the world to get caffeinated, with deliciously dark Vietnamese coffee that is blended with everything from coconut to egg for a sumptuously rich experience. You can even take these skills home with you as there are some fantastic cooking classes available in the cities.
5 – Vietnam traditional northern landscapes and rice terraces
The rice terraces of Bali are full of backpackers, but if you travel to Vietnam you might get one all to yourself. Any journey you take in the Sa Pa district in the North is bound to be beautiful and it’s one of the best places to meet indigenous people too.
Be inspired and read Love and Road 2-days trekking in Sapa guide here.
Adventurous types will love the Ha Giang loop which is a stunning 3-4 day motorbike journey that begins and ends at the province capital of Ha Giang.
6 – Vietnam incredible caves
You might not know this one, but Vietnam is famous for its incredible caves. Vietnam is home to Son Doong, the world’s biggest cave that can be found within the emerald-covered expanse of Phong Nha Kẻ Bàng National Park in the North. While that one is expensive to visit, there are many other smaller caves to explore in the region that have so many beautiful formations hidden inside of them. Two of those are the Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave that can be found within the same national park.
7 – Vietnam beaches and sand dunes
The length of Vietnam means that it’s blessed with so much coastline! There are beautiful beaches all along it, especially near Hoi An, Mui Ne and Nha Trang. Near Mui Ne you can find incredible red and white sand dunes that are best enjoyed at sunrise and sunset.
If you take the journey over the Hai Van Pass between Hue and Hoi An, you’ll get a beautiful birds-eye view of the golden curves of several beaches surrounded by lapping sea.
8 – Vietnam’s buzzing cities
There’s something for everyone in Vietnam’s cities, whether it’s the sexy sleaze of booming Ho Chi Minh City or the constant hubbub of Hanoi’s tiny traditional streets. Whether you’re in the north or the south, there is so much fun to be had in the chaos.
In Central Vietnam, the city of Da Nang has a bright yellow dragon bridge that breathes fire at the weekend, followed by water that is sprayed all over the gathered spectators.
You will find all the must see in Vietnam’s big cities here:
9 – The Mekong River
We arrived at the 9th fact about Vietnam, and although it’s our last topic of the list it’s one of the top reasons to visit Vietnam.
Laos is the Southeast Asian country famous for the Mekong River but it actually finishes in the South of Vietnam. The sprawling tributaries that spill out into the South China Sea are the perfect place to explore traditional life.
Watching the sunset over the Mekong is truly an unforgettable experience and pictures do not do it justice. No wonder Vietnam is famous for the Mekong Delta and all the incredible activities you can have there.
Some of the best experiences you can have at the Mekong Delta are listed below:
There so much to see and do in Vietnam, that this list could go on and on. These are just some of Vietnam highlights and there is plenty more to find! Whichever part you choose to explore in-depth, or if you traverse the length of breadth of Vietnam, it’s bound to be a trip that stays with you for years to come. It has certainly been the case for me and I still think about the delicious food even now.
So now let’s jump to our Vietnam travel tips.
How to travel to Vietnam – travel tips
Now that you are dreaming of visiting Vietnam, here are a few things you need to think of when planning your trip.
– When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
There is no bad time to visit Vietnam, but you must be aware that the weather changes from North to South.If you’re planning to travel around, the best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season, which lasts from December to February.
– Vietnam Visa on arrival, do you need one?
Many countries can get a visa on arrival, but you must apply in advance. Here is an article about Vietnam Visas to help you discover if you need to apply for a visa and how to do it safely and from home. Or if you prefer, you can apply to your Vietnam Tourist Visa On Arrival here.
– How to travel to Vietnam and around the country?
Vietnam’s main cities are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, both have busy airports connected to many international destinations. Use Skyscanner or Kiwi.com to find the best flights to Vietnam.
You can travel in Vietnam by train, bus and flying. To search and book your tickets, we recommend using 12Go or Bookaway.
– How to book accommodation in Vietnam?
There are plenty of options of accommodation in Vietnam, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. The trick here is to read all the reviews carefully and book only via trustworthy websites. We recommend using Booking.com or Agoda for hotels in Vietnam, they have good offers, cancellation police and sometimes you don’t vene need to pay in advance.
– What are the best shopping destinations in Vietnam?
All the cities in Vietnam have elaborate open-air markets, some are more like a tourist attraction as the museums and mausoleums, others are for locals. And you can find anything from fresh food to souvenirs, homeware and clothes. Here is a dedicated post about where to shop in Vietnam and how to bargain there.
– Don’t forget to buy travel insurance for Vietnam!
It doesn’t matter if you are an adventure traveler or a beach bum, travel insurance is a must when visiting Vietnam. Some of the best travel insurances are World Nomads, SafetyWing and HeyMondo.
If you are in doubt, read our Long-term Travel Insurance Guide here.
That’s it! Now you know what Vietnam is famous for and how to start planning your trip! If you have any questions, drop us a comment below.
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Author: Jen Sizeland
Jen Sizeland is a British writer and producer based in Manchester in the UK. Her travel blog is called Land of Size and it focuses on ethical living and eco-friendly travel. You can connect with Jennifer: on Instagram and Facebook.
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