The newspaper said visitors often feel as though they have entered a completely different world from their first days in Vietnam. It highlighted renowned attractions such as Ha Long Bay, vast terraced rice fields, and ancient temples and pagodas, while noting that Vietnam, home to more than 100 million people, is now one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.

According to Le Parisien, Hanoi’s fast-paced atmosphere, with its millions of motorbikes and constant traffic noise, may initially overwhelm visitors. Yet many soon fall in love with the country thanks to the friendliness of its people and the appeal of its local cuisine.

The newspaper described Vietnam as a destination that is difficult to fully experience during a short visit. Covering more than 330,000 square kilometres and stretching from north to south, the country offers remarkable diversity in its landscapes, culture and history. It recommended that travellers spend at least 10 days exploring Vietnam.

Among the destinations highlighted, Hanoi emerged as a paradise for street food lovers. Le Parisien encouraged visitors to try phở (Vietnamese noodle soup), bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) and cà phê trứng (Vietnamese egg coffee) in the Old Quarter, while describing the experience of enjoying a coffee along the capital’s Train Street as one of the city’s distinctive attractions.

Ha Long Bay was described as a “dreamlike” landscape, with around 2,000 tree-covered limestone islands rising through the mist. The newspaper suggested spending a night aboard a cruise to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of one of the world’s best-known bays.

Ninh Binh province in northern Vietnam also received high praise. The French newspaper described it as “Ha Long Bay on land”, where limestone mountains, lakes and rice fields combine to create spectacular scenery while attracting fewer crowds than some of the country’s better-known tourist destinations. It said the area is among the most charming places for nature lovers seeking peace and quiet.

In central Vietnam, the former imperial capital of Hue impressed the newspaper with the scale of its Nguyen Dynasty architectural complex. Le Parisien particularly noted the size of the Hue Imperial Citadel and restoration efforts carried out after the war, which help visitors gain a clearer understanding of Vietnam’s history.

The Tra Que vegetable village in Hoi An Tay Ward, Da Nang, also offers an ideal setting to explore Vietnamese culinary culture through traditional cooking classes.

The journey concluded in Hoi An Ancient Town, which Le Parisien regarded as one of Vietnam’s most romantic and distinctive destinations. The newspaper was especially impressed by the sight of thousands of lanterns illuminating the Hoai River and the historic streets after dark.

According to Le Parisien, the combination of spectacular natural landscapes, historical depth, distinctive culture and diverse cuisine gives Vietnam its unique appeal and is helping the Southeast Asian nation become an increasingly popular destination among international travellers.

French newspaper highlights Vietnam's tourism potential

VOV.VN - Le Figaro, the oldest daily news outlet in France, recently published a documentary titled "Vietnam Panorama: A Feast of the Senses", a 52'35-minute film directed by Eric Bacos which depicts a panoramic picture of the country and people of Vietnam.