Vietnam is simply…epic! From the World Heritage Site and truly spectacular, Ha Long Bay in the north, to the amazing rice fields and floating markets of the Mekong Delta in the south, it’s a country filled with wonderful people, amazing food, breathtaking destinations and so many unforgettable experiences!
And with some of the best beaches, most stunning waterfalls, incredible caves and vibrant cities in all of Asia, if it’s not already on your ‘must go’ list of places, it should be!
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
A must see is Vietnam’s capital city in the north, Hanoi, which lies on the bank of the Red River. It’s dotted with beautiful lakes, ancient temples and pagodas and has a buzz that makes Bangkok seem sleepy! A great way of experiencing the heart and soul of Vietnam is by taking a rickshaw ride around the Old Quarter, getting lost in the narrow bustling streets, indulging in some of the local street food and sampling some of Asia’s best nightlife.
Halong Bay is a must see for everyone who goes to Vietnam. Venture deep into the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, cruise on a traditional junk boat that will meander through the towering limestone islands topped with rainforest.
Kayak through the calmest waters, and roam around some of the most impressive caves in Vietnam. Spend the night on a stunning island or even stay out on the boat overnight and wake up to the sun rising over the limestone cliffs.
Northwest of Hanoi is Sa Pa, known for its spectacular views and dramatic rice terraces. This region is home to the highest mountain in Indochina, Mount Fan Si Pan and can be conquered in a couple of days. The climb up the mountain should then be followed by trekking adventures to tiny villages in the middle of the mountains where you can stay with local tribes overnight, known as a ‘homestay.’ Vietnamese families are incredibly hospitable and are known for taking amazing care of travellers by providing them with homegrown foods and comforts throughout their stay.
Further south you can take in more Vietnamese culture by visiting the old capital Hue. Take a visit to the Imperial Citadel to see fascinating ruins of temples and pavilions. Then take a dragon boat down the Perfume River to the stunning Thien Mu Pagoda.
Next on your list should be putting on your chef’s hat and signing up for a traditional Vietnamese cooking class to discover the secrets of preparing their local foods. In Hue you’ll find some of the best cooking schools in all of Asia.
Experience one of the world’s great journeys over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, which connects Hue to the wonderful Hoi An. The mountain paths name refers to the mists that rise from the sea that sit along the Beautiful mountaintops. Travel over the pass by train, motorbike or bus.
Arguably one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam is Hoi An. With a rich and colorful history built on hundreds of years of trade between the Chinese, Portuguese and Japanese, Hoi An is now a World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most beautiful and unique destinations.
Join a traditional Vietnamese fishermen in a handmade bamboo basket fishing boat and try a spot of crab fishing, take a bike ride through the rice fields, or just relax on the beautiful beach.
Previously known as Saigon, the largest city and former capital of Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. Take a visit to some of the many fascinating museums here and you’ll learn a lot about Vietnam’s incredible history. Check out the War Remnants Museum or crawl through some of the amazing underground tunnels at the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you’ll see how the local people lived during the wars. Then take a day trip out the Mekong Delta, where you’ll visit a local homestay, ride in a canoe through winding rivers and shop at some of the many floating markets.
Before You Go
Before you go to Vietnam you’ll likely need a visa. As the rules change occasionally, it’s best to check with your local Vietnamese Consulate at least a month before you go. At the moment, some nationalities including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway can enter Vietnam without a visa for a maximum of 15 days.
Other nationalities may have to apply for a one month visa at a Vietnamese Consulate in advance, before arriving in Vietnam. If you are booking your trip to Vietnam as part of a tour, some companies such as VietnamIntro can provide you with a Visa Invitation Letter that you print and take with you to Vietnam. This would allow you to fly in and collect your visa on arrival, which needs to be paid for in cash when you arrive at a cost of $45USD.
The official currency of Vietnam is called the Vietnamese Dong. US dollars are also accepted in most places throughout Vietnam. It’s best to wait until you get to Vietnam to exchange your money into Dong, as you’ll get a better exchange rate than at home. All across Vietnam, there are plenty of money exchange stations and ATMs available. Visa and MasterCard debit & credit cards are widely accepted.
Although Vietnam is an extremely safe country to travel, having travel insurance for your trip is a must. Look for a travel insurance policy that will cover you for loss or theft of your personal belongings, missed flights and medical issues and emergencies.
Regardless of what you have to do to get there, one thing’s for sure: once you get there, Vietnam will leave you in awe.
Featured photo by Nhi Dang
