HA NOI (VNS) — An online community for study abroad and student travelers written by college students around the globe, College Tourist is managed by the US magazine USA Today. It said that Ha Long Bay, Ha Noi and Hoi An are among the 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Southeast Asia.

Ha Long Bay in Viet Nam's northern coast is one of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia with its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological values, the College Tourist said.

"The bay features thousands of giant limestone karst islands in various sizes and shapes. In 2011 the magnificent landmark of Viet Nam was declared as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of The World," they said.

College Tourist also recommended Ha Noi as it is "everything you'd expect from the capital of Viet Nam: it's noisy, crowded, busy and motorbike-clogged but still the city has its own charm".

"The best place to experience Ha Noi is in the Old Quarter, a tangled maze of streets. Each street is named after the merchandise they sell."

The ancient town of Hoi An has a tranquility and timelessness that attracts visitors from all over the world, it said.

"The charming little town is packed with picturesque wooden houses, pagodas, street-side cafes and hundreds of tailor shops." — VNS