Visiting Vietnam

Beautiful landscapes, a diverse culinary scene and wonderful traditions–what more could you ask for from a South-East Asian holiday destination? If you’ve been itching to visit Vietnam or want to learn more about this fantastic country, then here’s everything you need to know.

Reasons to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is filled with unique attractions, but here are the top reasons why you should consider visiting for a holiday.

1. There are some outstanding natural landscapes for you to journey through if you love hiking.
2. The locals are incredibly friendly and are always welcoming. Whether it’s inviting you out for a drink or giving you a sample of their street food masterpiece, you’ll always feel included in Vietnam.
3. There’s a vast range of beautiful and intricate architecture to explore.
4. The food in Vietnam is legendary among foodies and there are countless variations on the many dishes that originate from Vietnam such as pho noodles and banh mi.
5. Vietnam is also no stranger to its war history, so if you’re interested in experiencing a slice of the past, there are several museums and ware sites to visit.

Attractions in Vietnam

Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi is arguably one of the most iconic scenes in Vietnam. A tall orange pagoda surrounded by reflective waters and greenery is a breathtaking site, but Cao Dai Temple is equally as stunning with its glorious architecture and tall towers. If you’re the adventurous type, then Son Doong Cave is a great place to travel to for its jaw-dropping natural formations and the Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spectacular destination surrounded by lush green landscapes. Finally, we can’t forget the seascape of Halong Bay, one of the world’s most enchanting sea views. Tall cliffs covered in green, beautiful turquoise waters and dozens of traditional boats gently swaying through the waters–it’s an unforgettable sight.

Food in Vietnam

Vietnamese food has slowly spread across the world, but getting to try it in the original country is something truly special. There’s the banh mi sandwich, a South-East Asian take on the sub, and banh xeo, a cheap and delicious pancake made with egg, meat and vegetables. We also have to recommend every variety of pho, the classic Vietnamese noodle dish and also goi cuon, translucent spring rolls packed with vegetables and meat. We have to recommend trying these dishes in different parts of Vietnam if possible because each region has its own special way of preparing them.

Staying in Vietnam

Staying in the country is relatively cheap even if you stay at a rather nice hotel. There are some high-end options in the main cities like Hanoi, but if you do a bit of research you’ll find plenty of unique accommodation experiences around the outskirts of the main cities. You’ll also find lots of cheap hostels if you’re looking to save money on accommodation.

Vietnam Travel Tips

Here are a couple of our top tips for travelling in Vietnam.

• It can be rather overwhelming to manage the currency because of the large numbers, so do try and get used to the values as soon as possible.
• You may encounter scams in Vietnam, so try and avoid tourist hotspots and any deals that seem too good to be true.
• Getting connected to the internet is cheap in Vietnam, so invest in a SIM card if you want to access road maps and bookings.
• If you’re going to travel long distances across Vietnam then an overnight bus is the most economical option.