Bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia, and a short journey from the rest of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is a great base for anyone wanting to do some traveling before, during, or after their study abroad in Vietnam. Within the country, both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are popular city destinations, whereas Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Hue have scenic and cultural attractions.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon, is big, loud, bustling, and international. Downtown is full of sprawling boulevards and gorgeous historic French colonial buildings. Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History, the War Remnants Museum, or the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. No matter where the hustle and bustle might take you, Ho Chi Minh City will give you a real taste of ultra-modern Vietnam.

Da Nang offers a quieter escape. While it is still a larger coastal city, it is home to a major port, beautiful beaches, and is within 100 kilometers of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Imperial City of Hue, the Old Town of Hoi An, and the My Son ruins. Many of Da Nang’s residents work in agriculture, which provides for a diverse setting of city, mountains, farms, and — of course — magnificent marketplaces.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam that is situated on the delta of the Red River in the northern region. The city has been ranked as one of the world’s top ten destinations by TripAdvisor in the last couple of years. Here you can sing your heart out at karaoke bars, watch a water puppet show at Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre, and explore the Old Quarter with its temples and pagodas. You’ll find the majority of study abroad programs in this captivating city.