Top 10 Essential Experiences in Vietnam
If you aspire to be an adventurer, Nam represents the ideal location for your pursuits! Continue reading for our comprehensive list of ten remarkable experiences in Vietnam.
A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
If you aspire to be an adventurer, Nam represents the ideal location for your pursuits! Continue reading for our comprehensive list of ten remarkable experiences in Vietnam.
Vietnam, known officially as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, ranks as the easternmost nation in Southeast Asia, attracting numerous tourists from across the globe, particularly backpackers.
Hanoi is the historical capital of Vietnam, a vibrant city with a rich legacy that spans thousands of years, shaped by the influences of various cultures.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, officially adopted its current name after the reunification of Vietnam post-Vietnam War. Therefore, Ho Chi Minh City is rich in modern historical significance, with reminders of its past found at every turn. For those interested in learning about Vietnam’s reunification period, there are various monuments, museums, and sites related to the Vietnam War, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, alongside the dynamic, contemporary aspects of the city.
Hanoi serves as the dynamic capital of Vietnam and stands out as one of the prominent cities in Asia. While the city is undergoing rapid transformations common to many Asian metropolises, those seeking to discover its historic essence will undoubtedly find it in Hanoi.
Vietnam is a nation with a profound and complex historical narrative that has increasingly drawn global visitors since the end of military conflicts in the 1970s.
Nha Trang has established itself as one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in Vietnam. For those who appreciate the sea and sand, it is undoubtedly an excellent choice. This region of Vietnam is now a significant stop on the tourist circuit, attracting a substantial number of both domestic and international visitors. Consequently, Nha Trang features a vibrant nightlife scene, distinguishing it from some of the quieter resort towns in the country.
The first time I traveled to Vietnam, I only visited Hanoi and Saigon. I relished both cities; however, I regretted missing out on the stunning beaches. I made it my mission to return and discover Vietnam’s pristine coasts, and indeed, I did. Transitioning from house sitting into the luxury hotel scene allowed me to find the top beaches and the best beach resorts in Vietnam. Here’s what I found:
Gone is the era when Vietnam evoked only images of rice fields, floating markets, and conical-hat-wearing workers. This Southeast Asian powerhouse has today become a destination known for its majestic natural beauty, pristine beaches, unexplored ecological reserves, and delectable cuisines.
Wrapped around the east coast of mainland Southeast Asia like a mythical Naga serpent, Vietnam naturally lends itself to overland travel. Its two biggest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), are divided by 1100km of rice paddies, tropical jungles, historic townships, and sandy beaches. Most people create an itinerary that encompasses both of these vibrant hubs.
The allure of Vietnam has captivated many travelers seeking stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, bustling cities, and some of the warmest hospitality globally.
The challenge for travelers lies not in deciding to visit Vietnam but rather in determining how to navigate the plethora of remarkable experiences available. Should you commence your journey in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)? Might you exchange the urban excitement for the serene beaches and culinary delights of Phu Quoc Island? Should you immerse yourself in the historical tapestry of various competing empires or embrace the vibrant, modern iteration of Vietnam that has emerged following its tumultuous past?
Regardless of your preferences for this trip, recognize that it is impossible to experience everything in a single visit, embracing this limitation as an invitation to return. Here are 15 essential activities destined for your Vietnam itinerary.
With its rolling emerald landscapes, perfect beaches, and vibrant cities, Vietnam is a magnet for visitors seeking an incredible travel experience. This country is rich in attractions, making it essential to plan your trip around the places you absolutely cannot miss. Your itinerary will influence whether you begin in the cultured streets of Hanoi in the north, the energetic atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City in the south, or opt for the laid-back beaches of tropical Phu Quoc.
You can’t visit Vietnam without going a little wild. Though its two powerhouse cities – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City – draw plaudits for their awe-striking museums and enlightening historical monuments, the country truly sparkles when you step into one of its national parks.
Whether you choose to live like royalty or scrimp on a shoestring in Vietnam, you’re going to have a memorable trip. Once you’ve covered the cost of getting here, you can explore for less than US$40 a day, staying in dorms and enjoying local cuisine such aspho(noodle soup) andbanh mi(baguette sandwiches), or splurge on heritage hotels, adventure tours, and banquet dining.
The rich and varied cuisine of Vietnam often sneaks under the radar, but any visitor will tell you that the food here is some of the best in Asia. Vietnam’s chefs look north towards China and west towards Thailand for influences, meeting somewhere in the middle.
Adventures abound in Vietnam. You can climb the heights and scuba dive the lows, immerse yourself in culture, or just kick back on the sand, confident in the knowledge that a fantastic meal is waiting for you at the end of the day. However, there are things to know before you go, to avoid pitfalls in paradise. These are our top tips.
Breathtaking landscapes appear at every turn in Vietnam. From the window of a trundling train, you’ll witness an endless patchwork of impossible-green rice paddies. In Halong Bay, a horizon studded with incisor-like limestone islands makes for an ethereal sight. From Mui Ne in the deep south, where you can marvel at the Sahara-esque scene of wind-sculpted sand dunes from the basket of a hot-air balloon, to the stupendous karst mountains of the far north, Vietnam offers a bewitching array of superlative landscapes.
Vietnam might not have the reputation of its Southeast Asian neighbours when it comes to leaning palms and turquoise waters, but its 3400km of coast hides its fair share of resplendent beaches – not to mention the handful of tropical, coral-ringed islands bobbing off shore. Whether you’re looking for a stretch of sand near one of the country’s buzzing cities, a spot suitable for families, or a quiet cove to escape the crowds, here’s our pick of the best beaches in Vietnam.
Thanks to its stunning beaches, historic sites, breathtaking mountain hikes, and irresistible cuisine, Vietnam draws travelers from all over the globe.