Traveling to Vietnam can be an amazing experience! With its rich history, diverse culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Visa: Make sure to check the visa requirements for your country before traveling to Vietnam. Some nationalities may require a visa to enter the country.
- Weather: Vietnam has a tropical climate, with a monsoon season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Plan your trip accordingly, keeping in mind the weather conditions of the regions you'll be visiting.
- Destinations: Vietnam offers a variety of destinations to explore. Hanoi, the capital city, is known for its centuries-old architecture and vibrant street life. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south is a bustling metropolis with a rich history. Other popular destinations include the beautiful landscapes of Halong Bay, the ancient town of Hoi An, the imperial city of Hue, and the scenic beaches of Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Island.
- Cuisine: Vietnamese cuisine is renowned worldwide for its fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and flavorful dishes. Don't miss the chance to try iconic dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and fresh spring rolls.
- Culture: Take the time to immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture by visiting local markets, temples, and historical sites. Learn about the country's rich history, from ancient dynasties to colonial rule and the Vietnam War.
- Transportation: Getting around Vietnam is relatively easy, with options including buses, trains, domestic flights, and taxis. Consider renting a motorbike to explore cities like Hanoi or Hoi An, but make sure to prioritize safety and wear a helmet.
- Language: While Vietnamese is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple, and dressing modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Health and Safety: Make sure to drink bottled water and take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever. Be cautious when crossing the busy streets, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Souvenirs: Bring home some souvenirs to remember your trip, such as traditional handicrafts, silk products, lacquerware, or coffee beans.
Overall, Vietnam offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights that are sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler. Enjoy your journey!
THINGS TO DO
FOOD
CULTURE
NATURE
Travel around Vietnam, and you'll find that tastes and dishes vary from North to South. In the capital, locals may lunch on bún chả with slices of pork belly, while the Saigonese wolf down bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) rolled with greens and dipped in sweet-and-sour fish sauce. In the former Imperial City, meaty bún bò Huế is a breakfast favourite, while in Hội An, you can’t beat a bowl of toothsome cao lầu noodles for a quick snack. From simple home cooking to addictive street eats to modern Vietnamese dining, it would take a lifetime to eat your way through all this delicious diversity.
NATURE
CULTURE
NATURE
One thing is for sure, Vietnam is a country of diversity. If you love nature, you’ll have countless appealing destinations to choose from. Long-distance cycling and motorbike trips are ideal for soaking up views of gaping mountain passes and sun-drenched rice fields. Vietnam offers water babies excellent scuba-diving in Nha Trang, kite-surfing in Mui Ne, and sparkling beaches in Phu Quoc and Con Dao. Cruise and kayak through majestic Halong Bay, or test your legs in the epic cave systems of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. For a romantic stay, plan a riverside retreat in the Mekong Delta or head to the forests of Dalat. When it comes to enjoying nature in Vietnam, the list is truly exciting, and possibly endless.
CULTURE
CULTURE
CULTURE
Vietnam inherited its cultural wealth from thousands of years of history, sprinkled with a handful of outside influences. Through it all, the Vietnamese have a strong sense of pride in their traditions and way of life. The central cities of Hue and Hoi An are treasure troves for culture lovers, as is Hanoi, the country’s graceful capital. Outside the cities, many elements of Vietnamese culture trace back to cycles of wet rice cultivation, from harvest festivals to table manners. There are countless ways to immerse yourself in the fabric of Vietnamese life, including cooking classes, craft workshops, temple tours, musical performances, museums visits and more.
CITIES
ADVENTURE
CULTURE
While Vietnam’s countryside casts a serene spell, its cities have an appeal all their own. Get a taste of urban Vietnamese culture by spending a few days in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Here you’ll have world-class dining alongside cheap-as-chips street food, ancient pagodas next to five-star hotels, and glittering shopping malls around the corner from bustling markets. Hanoi is a city of lakes, and its historical and cultural treasures will charm those with a penchant for the past. Ho Chi Minh City has an irresistible energy, and is home to uber-cool rooftop bars, trendy coworking spaces, and colonial-chic cafes. Don’t forget to hop on a scooter at least once in your visit to truly feel the pulse of urban Vietnam.
BEACHES
ADVENTURE
ADVENTURE
The pure joy of getting sand on your toes, sun on your skin and saltwater in your hair is never far away when you’re in Vietnam. There are countless beaches to choose from – some well-known, others completely hidden. Vietnam’s islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc are famous for having the most inviting water and pristine shores. If you enjoy a bit of activity and nightlife mixed into your beach holidays, the coastal towns of Da Nang and Nha Trang offer just that. Need an escape from the world? Humble Quy Nhon is a well-kept secret. Even more remote? Set your sights on Cham Islands or Tam Ky in Central Vietnam. See the stories below for more beach-y inspiration.
ADVENTURE
ADVENTURE
ADVENTURE
Adventure in Vietnam comes in many forms – from the breathtaking mountain passes of Ha Giang, to the wondrous caves of Phong Nha, to the windswept waves of Mui Ne. If you’re an adventure seeker, you find an astonishing variety of experiences to choose from here. In fact, you’d probably need several trips just to cover the basics. If it’s your first time in Vietnam, a few of the country’s most highly rated outdoor adventures include motorbiking over the Hai Van Pass, hiking Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and rock climbing in Ha Long Bay. Whether you enjoy scuba diving or spelunking, canyoning or cycling, Vietnam will tempt you with affordable adventures in some truly photo-worthy destinations. Don’t forget to check out our events calendar for a list of upcoming marathons.
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
Wellness is a way of life in Vietnam. If you’re seeking to reconnect, re-balance, and restore during your holidays, you’ve come to the right place. Take your pick of tranquil wellness resorts in Da Nang and Nha Trang, step into a few yoga or meditation classes in Hoi An, or do a full detox at a mountain retreat in Da Lat. Even in Vietnam’s most energetic cities, countless day spas offer professional massages and therapies at surprisingly reasonable rates. Healthy eating is pure pleasure in Vietnam. Here, ingredients are pulled fresh from the land and sea, and prepared in exquisite, nourishing meals. For a deeper journey into mindfulness, the ancient city of Hue beckons with Zen houses, peaceful pagodas, and uninterrupted serenity.
FAMILY
WELLNESS
WELLNESS
Vietnam is an unforgettable country for family travel. A wide variety of incredible destinations and interesting activities ensure memories made here will last a lifetime. For a relaxing break, head to seaside destinations such as Da Nang and Phu Quoc, where you can spread out on the sand, eat in seafood markets, and ride boats at sunset. For a more stimulating time, the parks and streets of Hanoi offer youngsters a special view of local life in Vietnam. Strolling the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, boating in beautiful Ha Long Bay, and cycling the lush valleys of Mai Chau are just a few fantastic activities families can experience together. Worried about getting around? Affordable flights, private tours, and upscale resorts are accessible across the country, making it easy to plan hassle-free holidays.
LUXURY
WELLNESS
LUXURY
