Top vacation spots in Vietnam under French time

Speaking of vacation locations in Vietnam, people would think of Nha Trang, SaPa, Da Lat...But have you ever wondered how these places looked like hundreds of years ago? were they the same as what you see today?

1 - Sapa (in Lao Cai province)

Sapa (pronounced as Chapa in French) was used by the French as a resort location since 1915, the name Sapa comes from Chinese Mandarin means "sand" which refers to a sand field where people opened marketplace

In 1920 when the railway line Hanoi - Lao Cai was completed, Sapa became summer capital of north Vietnam and a popular resort station of the French colonial authorities. Nearly 3000 French villas were estimated in Sapa

2 - Tam Dao (in Vinh Phuc province)

Tam Dao resort in Vinh Phuc

Tam Dao was known to the French in 1904 when they found Silver Waterfall at an altitude 912m above the sea level. The French authorities decided to build a town in order to make it a hill resort.

It is estimated there were up to 163 villas with European architecture were built in Tam Dao, in only a few years Tam Dao became a famous hill resort for the colonial authorities

According to records, Tam Dao climate was very pleasant, suitable for the summer vacations from June to September when the heat in north Vietnam was at peak

3 - Do Son beach (in Hai Phong)

Unlike other popular resort sites in Vietnam during 1900s, Do Son was one of the few places known before the French came to Indochina.

Under feudalism, Do Son had been on the map of the British and Dutch maritime experts arriving at Annam for trade under the name Batsha (Batshaw). In fact, this is the location of a small fishing village in Son today.

In The Travel and Discovery published in 1688 by William Dampier, residents of Do Son not only went fishing but also worked as navigators for foreign merchant ships to trade in the north of Vietnam.

However until the French colonial authorities urgently built the resorts for the officials the potential of Do Son were fully exploited. Along with Sam Son it became of the most beautiful beaches in Indochina at that time.

4 - Sam Son beach (in Thanh Hoa province)

Sam Son used to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Indochina in early 20th century. After being put into pilot operation in 1905 and 1906, it was devastated by a tropical storm, leading to a afterward terrible malaria.

However Sam Son soon recovered it's reputation and attracted a lot of tourists by the clean, cool sea air, smooth sandy beach.

5 - Da Lat (in Lam Dong province)

In 1897, Dr. Alexandre Yersin suggested to the governor of Indochina Paul Doumer select Lam Vien Plateau as the ideal resort land for the French in central Vietnam. Since then, the city of Da Lat began to be built in the style of European architecture.

Until 1940s, Da Lat stepped into it's golden time, the reason was because the French in Indochina could not return home due to the world war II was going on.

Dalat quickly became a "Little Paris" - the summer capital of the entire Indochina Federation - where the French came to enjoy moderate temperate like home

Best mountain resort areas in Vietnam

Tam Dao mountain resort

Located in the tropics, Vietnam is hit by unbearable hot winds in summer, everybody wants to get away from the harsh heat. These are some destinations where there are beautiful scenery and fresh air that you can choose to "hide the sun".

Sapa - Lao Cai province

Sapa is an ideal destination for visitors at any time of the year. This town has a subtropical climate so cool and fresh. Come walk along the winding streets, behold the beauty of rice terraces on mountain sides, one also has a chance to immerse themselves in the stories that are filled with local identity and enjoy ethnic cuisines.

Da Lat - Lam Dong province

Da Lat is also known as the city of flowers, fog city or "Paris of Vietnam". At an elevation 1.500m above the sea level, surrounded by mountains and forests, Da Lat inherited a mild and balmy climate year round. This is where visitors come to admire the works of European architecture and numerous beautiful landscapes.

Ba Na hill - Danang

Along with the Marble Mountains and Son Tra peninsula, Ba Na is one of the most beautiful mountain in Da Nang. This range of mountains has a temperate climate with an annual average temperature of 15-20 degrees Celsius. A journey by cable car to conquer a series of scenic places is the attractions of Ba Na.

Tam Dao - Vinh Phuc province

Located at an altitude of 900m, the town of Tam Dao (Vinh Phuc ) has a cool and fresh climate with 4 seasons in one day. Guests can relax at leisure in the resorts or visit famous scenic spots located around the mountains as Tay Thien Pagoda and Temple, Tam Dao National Park ...

Mau Son mountain, Lang Son province

As a high mountain located in the northeast province of Lang Son, Mau Son is famous for beautiful scenery and produces like Tuyet Son tea, six spur chickens, wild lemons, flavoured frogs, grilled pork...Besides the cool air, usually less than 16 degrees C, Mau Son is the summer destination not to be missed

Moc Chau plateau - Son La province

Moc Chau Plateau invites visitors to the blue sky, the green tea plantation stretches an endless colors, the dairy cows grazing leisurely, meandering streams, cool air and beautiful dances in spread skirts.

Ba Vi national park - Hanoi

Ba Vi is famous for diverse ecosystems, landscapes and cool climate. It is not just the ideal retreat but also a "golden destination" to join the adventures exploring the forest and learn about flora and fauna life in the region.

Dong Van highland - Ha Giang province

Perched over 1000m altitude, Dong Van highland - top northernmost place of Vietnam that has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark because of the unique geological structure. For tourists, this is where you can explore the many beautiful landscapes as well as learn the unique culture of ethnic minorities.

Bach Ma national park, Hue city

At the height of 1,500 meters and near the sea, Bach Ma mountain has most pleasant climates in the highlands of Vietnam in particular and Indochina countries in general. The resort on the mountain was built by the French in the 1930s. Guests do not forget to explore the natural beauty of Bach Ma National Park.

Phia Oac peak, Cao Bang province

Located on an altitude of nearly 2,000 m, Phia OacOac is like a paradise for tourists interested in explorations. Coming to this place one not only enjoys the cool air (always less than 15 degrees Celsius), but also explore a series of abandoned villas built during French colonial times along with paranormal stories.