Essence lists must-try things to explore Viet Nam

Danielle Pointdujour, editor from Essence, a monthly magazine for African-American women between the ages of 18 and 49, has recommended things to explore the ancient wonders of Viet Nam.

Typically, globetrotters flock to countries like Thailand and Cambodia on their Southeast Asian journeys, but these days Viet Nam has started to truly grab the world’s attention.

 Viet Nam has something for every type of traveler and budget. The magazine advises them to go in the spring or fall.

Book a room in the heart of the city at hotels like the Park Hyatt Saigon or escape the crowds and head to the coast to spend a few nights at one of the country's most instagrammed hotels, the Intercontinental Da Nang.

In addition, foodie lovers will rejoice in the flavorful (and affordable) foods they will find throughout the country, including the ubiquitous Vietnamese dish, Pho.

Essence advises travelers that temples are great, but if you're looking to experience something a bit outside of the norm, head to Ho Thuy Tien, an abandoned waterpark located just outside the central Vietnam city of Hue. The park’s signature giant three-story-tall dragon aquarium makes for great photos.

If you do nothing else on your trip to Vietnam, you must go to Da Nang and experience the famous Golden Bridge.

Supported by two massive stony hands emerging from the mountains, the bridge soars 3,280 ft. above sea level in the Ba Na Hills. A cable car connects to nearby gardens that add to the already spectacular experience.

 The number of foreign holidaymakers to Viet Nam in the first four months of 2019 is estimated at nearly 6 million, a 7.6% increase from the same period last year, according to the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism.