Vietnam is a beautiful and fascinating country located in Southeast Asia, known for its rich culture, friendly people, and stunning natural scenery. If you are considering a trip to Vietnam, you will find a wealth of attractions and experiences to enjoy. Here are the top ten reasons to visit Vietnam and some of the best cities and sites to explore.
- The Food: Vietnamese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its fresh, flavorful, and healthy ingredients. Try some of the delicious street food in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or indulge in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes like pho and banh mi.
- Rich History: Vietnam has a rich and fascinating history, with many historical sites and museums to explore. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels or the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City to learn about the country’s history during the Vietnam War.
- Natural Wonders: Vietnam boasts stunning natural landscapes, from the towering mountains of Sapa to the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Take a boat tour of the bay, hike in the mountains, or relax on the beach in Nha Trang.
- Adventure: Vietnam offers plenty of adventure opportunities for the thrill-seekers, such as trekking, kayaking, and rock climbing. Visit the majestic rice terraces of Sapa or explore the caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park.
- Cultural Diversity: Vietnam is a diverse country with many different ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions and customs. Visit the Hmong villages in Sapa or the Cham villages in Nha Trang to experience the local culture firsthand.
- Vibrant Cities: Vietnam’s cities are bustling and vibrant, with plenty of street life and attractions to enjoy. Visit Hanoi, the capital city, to explore its ancient temples and narrow alleyways, or Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city, for its modern skyscrapers and lively nightlife.
- Affordable: Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination, with plenty of affordable accommodations and activities to enjoy. You can easily find good quality street food for just a few dollars, and many attractions are free or low-cost.
- Friendly People: Vietnamese people are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature, making it easy for travellers to connect with locals and immerse themselves in the culture.
- World Heritage Sites: Vietnam is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Halong Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi.
- Shopping: Vietnam is a shopper’s paradise, with many markets and shopping centres offering a variety of products at affordable prices. Visit the Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or the Hanoi Night Market for a unique shopping experience.
In conclusion, Vietnam is a destination that has something to offer everyone. From its rich culture and history to its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant cities, Vietnam is a must-visit destination. Whether you are a foodie, adventure-seeker, or history buff, you are sure to find something to love in Vietnam.
Vietnam’s cities
Vietnam is home to many vibrant and exciting cities, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are some of the top cities to visit in Vietnam:
Hanoi
The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, is known for its rich history, ancient temples, and bustling street life. Visitors can explore the narrow alleyways of the Old Quarter, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, or enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
Ho Chi Minh City
The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant metropolis with a modern skyline and a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums and historical sites, enjoy the nightlife, or shop at the many markets and shopping centres.
Hue
Located in central Vietnam, Hue was once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can explore the Imperial City, the Royal Tombs, and the Thien Mu Pagoda, or take a boat ride on the Perfume River.
Hoi An
A charming and picturesque town on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is known for its ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the old town, shop for silk and handicrafts, or relax on the beach.
Da Nang
A modern and rapidly developing city on the central coast of Vietnam, Da Nang is known for its stunning beaches, bridges, and skyscrapers. Visitors can visit the Dragon Bridge, take a cable car to Ba Na Hills, or explore the Marble Mountains.
Nha Trang
A popular seaside resort town on the south-central coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and water sports. Visitors can go diving or snorkelling, visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, or take a boat trip to nearby islands.
Dalat
A mountain town in the central highlands of Vietnam, Dalat is known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and colonial architecture. Visitors can explore the flower gardens, visit the Crazy House, or go hiking in the surrounding mountains.
Each of these cities offers a unique and unforgettable experience, making Vietnam a destination worth exploring.
Must visit places in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the must-visit places in Vietnam:
Halong Bay
One of the most famous natural wonders in Vietnam, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters, towering limestone cliffs, and thousands of islands and islets. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the bay and visit some of the caves and grottoes.
Hoi An
Ancient Town: A beautifully preserved ancient town in central Vietnam, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its charming lantern-lit streets, colourful old houses, and riverside restaurants. Visitors can explore the town on foot, shop for silk and handicrafts, or take a cooking class.
Hue Imperial City
A former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its magnificent citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas. Visitors can explore the ancient palace and temples, take a boat ride on the Perfume River, or watch a traditional music and dance performance.
Sapa
A mountainous region in the northwest of Vietnam, Sapa is known for its terraced rice fields, misty mountains, and vibrant ethnic culture. Visitors can go trekking in the rice fields, visit the local villages of the Hmong and Dao people, or relax in a hot spring.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is known for its vast network of caves and underground rivers, including the world’s largest cave, Hang Son Doong. Visitors can go caving, hiking, or take a boat ride in the park.
Ho Chi Minh City
The largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyscrapers, historical sites, and vibrant street life. Visitors can visit the War Remnants Museum, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, or enjoy the nightlife and shopping.
Mekong Delta
A vast region in southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is known for its fertile lands, floating markets, and rural scenery. Visitors can take a boat tour along the Mekong River, visit the fruit orchards and rice paddies, or explore the traditional villages.
These are just a few of the many amazing places to visit in Vietnam, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Unique experiences in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a range of unique and unforgettable experiences for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and relaxation. Here are some of the top unique experiences to have in Vietnam:
Street Food Tour
Vietnam is known for its delicious street food, with countless vendors serving up pho, banh mi, and other local favourites. A street food tour is a great way to sample the different flavours and learn about the culinary culture of Vietnam.
Trekking in Sapa
The mountainous region of Sapa in northern Vietnam is known for its stunning scenery, including terraced rice paddies, misty mountains, and traditional ethnic villages. Trekking through the rice fields and meeting the local Hmong and Dao people is a unique and immersive experience.
Overnight on a Halong Bay Junk Boat
Spending the night on a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay is a truly magical experience. Watch the sunset over the emerald waters, enjoy a seafood dinner, and sleep in a comfortable cabin while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the bay.
Homestay in the Mekong Delta
Staying with a local family in the Mekong Delta is a unique and authentic way to experience the rural way of life in Vietnam. Visitors can help with farm work, cook traditional meals, and learn about the local culture and customs.
Motorbike Tour
Renting a motorbike and touring through the Vietnamese countryside is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. Explore the winding mountain roads, visit remote villages, and take in the stunning scenery along the way.
Lantern Making in Hoi An
Hoi An is famous for its colourful lanterns that light up the streets at night. Visitors can learn how to make their own lanterns at a traditional lantern-making workshop and take home a beautiful handmade souvenir.
Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry is a traditional form of Vietnamese entertainment that dates back over a thousand years. Watching a water puppet show is a unique and enjoyable way to learn about Vietnamese culture and history.
These are just a few of the many unique experiences to have in Vietnam, each offering a glimpse into the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of this amazing country.
Vietnamese food
Vietnamese cuisine is a delicious and diverse combination of flavours, textures, and ingredients that reflect the country’s long and complex history. Here are some of the key elements of Vietnamese food:
- Fresh herbs: Vietnamese dishes often include a variety of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, basil, and lemongrass. These herbs add brightness and flavour to dishes and are often used as garnishes.
- Noodles: Vietnamese cuisine includes a variety of noodles, such as rice noodles (pho), egg noodles (mi), and glass noodles (bun). Noodles are often served in soups, stir-fries, and salads.
- Fish sauce: Fish sauce is a key ingredient in many Vietnamese dishes, providing a salty and savoury flavour. It is made from fermented fish and is used in marinades, dipping sauces, and dressings.
- Rice: Rice is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, often served alongside dishes or used as a base for dishes such as rice porridge (congee) or rice paper rolls.
- Meat and seafood: Vietnamese cuisine includes a variety of meats and seafood, such as beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, and fish. These are often marinated and grilled, stir-fried, or served in soups.
- Vegetables: Vietnamese cuisine features a variety of fresh and pickled vegetables, such as carrots, daikon, cucumbers, and bean sprouts. These add crunch and texture to dishes and are often used in salads and spring rolls.
- Spices: Vietnamese cuisine includes a range of spices, such as chilli peppers, garlic, ginger, and star anise. These add heat, depth, and complexity to dishes.
Some popular Vietnamese dishes include:
- Pho: A flavorful noodle soup made with beef or chicken, herbs, and rice noodles.
- Banh mi: A sandwich made with crusty bread, meat, pate, vegetables, and chili sauce.
- Bun cha: Grilled pork served with vermicelli noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce.
- Goi cuon: Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and vegetables.
- Com tam: Broken rice served with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables.
Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful and exciting fusion of flavours and ingredients, making it a must-try for foodies and travellers alike.
How to get to Vietnam
Vietnam is a popular travel destination in Southeast Asia and is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. Here are some of the ways to get to Vietnam:
- By air: Most travellers arrive in Vietnam by air, with flights available from major cities around the world. The two main international airports are Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Other airports in Vietnam include Da Nang International Airport and Cam Ranh International Airport.
- By land: Travellers can enter Vietnam by land from neighbouring countries, such as China, Cambodia, and Laos. There are several border crossings, including the Friendship Pass between China and Vietnam, the Moc Bai Border Gate between Cambodia and Vietnam, and the Nam Can Border Gate between Laos and Vietnam.
- By sea: Vietnam has several ports that receive cruise ships, including Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Travellers can also take a ferry from Cambodia to Phu Quoc Island or from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City.
Once in Vietnam, travellers can get around by plane, train, bus, or taxi. Domestic flights are available from major cities, with several budget airlines offering affordable fares. The train system in Vietnam is extensive and provides a comfortable and scenic way to travel between cities. Buses are also a popular option for budget travellers, with many routes available throughout the country. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available in the cities and can be convenient for short trips or airport transfers.
Overall, getting to Vietnam is relatively easy and offers a range of options to suit different budgets and travel styles.