10 Reasons Why You Must Visit Vietnam
26/02/2024The Vietnam’s reinvention as Southeast Asia’s most exciting tourist destination has long since been complete. The country is now a hotspot for foodies, beach bums and thrill-seekers alike after wars for the larger part of the 20th century. Hanoi is the capital, has managed to retain its old-style feel despite an economic boom. Hanoi Old Quarter is a riot of delectable food stalls, markets and labyrinthine streets. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city, serves up a more modern edge. While the UNESCO-protected town of Hoi An has kept its charm despite the swathes of tourists. Vietnam’s natural wonders, from Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta via the beaches of Da Nang, make it truly magical.
Nowadays Vietnam is a safe tourist destination and is one of the country that encompass incredible scenery, deep and heroic history. The beauty of nature is one of the major reasons to visit Vietnam. Other important reasons are opportunities to get to know local people and their unique culture. There are so many reasons to visit Vietnam and people who visit Vietnam will never feel short of fascinating travel experiences across the beautiful country. The Time Journeys show you 10 Reasons Why You Must Visit Vietnam
1. Vietnam is safe destination
If you are wondering, “Is Vietnam safe to visit? This is normal to have some questions about safety before setting foot in a new country. Vietnam is considered one of the safest destinations in the world to travel to or live in. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) in 2023, Vietnam ranked 41st on the Global Peace Index out of 163 countries and territories, with a notable 7th rank in the Asia-Pacific region. Here are some specific reasons why Vietnam is known for its safety:
Political Stability: Vietnam enjoys a stable political environment, which contributes to the overall Vietnam safety ranking.
Low possibility of terrorism: The country has a low risk of terrorist activities, providing a safe environment for visitors.
Non – discrimination: Vietnamese society embraces diversity without discrimination based on nationality, skin color, race, or ethnic origin. The characteristics of Vietnamese people, known for their friendliness, hospitality, and forgiveness, contribute to a harmonious atmosphere.
Low natural disaster risks: The country experiences little risk from earthquakes, volcanoes, or wildfires. Still, it is essential to note that heavy monsoon rains and occasional typhoons may impact low-lying areas.
Overall, Vietnam offers a safe environment for travelers and residents alike, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a worry-free and memorable experience.
2. Vietnam offers the breathtaking natural landscapes
Vietnam has many hidden gems to offer travelers. Part of this allure comes from Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes. From the far North to the deep South, there are so many opportunities to make you surprise.
Vietnam offer you unique and diverse natural scenery. From the selected Top geoparks in the world at Dong Van Karst plateau, Non Nuoc to the majestic landscapes created by a combination of mountains, rivers, lakes, bay and the sea at Ba Be, Ha Giang, Ma Pi Leng from the terraced fields created, Karst plateaus, deep green valleys, winding roads, by the hand of man at Mu Cang Chai, Sapa to the primaeval forests, melaleuca forests, mangrove forests. Besides the magical Ha Long Bay, Complex of Hue Monuments, and romantic, charming Hoian, there are other must-see destinations to consider when planning your adventure. The Magic Land of Mekong Delta. You also should not miss the largest known cave passage in the world, only discovered in 2009, the Son Doong Cave in Central Vietnam. Da Lat is too cute to miss with all of its French styled villas bordering pine forests and strawberry gardens.
Moreover, with a long coastline, visitors can soak in the moment of sunrise or enjoy the peaceful moment of sunset. A system of bays, islands and archipelagos will not disappoint you with the fascinating landscapes. Several of the world’s top beaches like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Quy Nhon,Phu Quoc island and Lang Co are located here, with many other undiscovered beaches safe for swimming just waiting for you to find them!
If you are a lover of natural scenes, Vietnam is a place just for you. Notice at 08 Must to see UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam.
Vietnam UNESCO World Heritage Sites stand as remarkable testaments to the country’s incredible historical, cultural, and natural identity. The diverse and alluring charms of Vietnam can make it difficult for you to decide where to visit on your next trip to the S-shaped country. If that’s the case, Join with The Time Journeys on a captivating Vietnam travel journey to explore these revered destinations, where time-honored traditions, architectural marvels, and stunning landscapes intertwine.
*** Cultural 5
– Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi (2010)
– Citadel of the Ho Dynasty (2011)
– Complex of Hué Monuments (1993)
– Hoi An Ancient Town (1999)
– My Son Sanctuary (1999)
*** Natural 2
– Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago (1994, 2000, 2023)
– Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park (2003, 2015)
*** Mixed 1
– Trang An Landscape Complex (2014)
3. The incredible local food
Vietnam is one of those places where you can plan your whole trip around delicious eats. Meals feature a combination of five fundamental tastes (ngũ vị): sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and spicy. The distinctive nature of each dish reflects one or more elements (such as nutrients and colors), which are also based around a five-pronged philosophy. Vietnamese recipes use ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander, Saigon cinnamon, bird’s eye chili, lime. Traditional Vietnamese cooking has often been characterised as using fresh ingredients, not using much dairy or oil, having interesting textures, and making use of herbs and vegetables. The cuisine is also low in sugar and is almost always naturally gluten-free, as many of the dishes are rice-based instead of wheat-based, made with rice noodles, papers and flour.
Come to Vietnam, You can find the healthiest, freshest, most insanely delicious food on the planet right here. Prepare to roll and dip scrumptious bites with your hands, and lose yourself in bowls of noodles that make you swoon. Vietnamese are used to eating to such a high standard that the competition on the sidewalks is fierce. Discovering your favourites — whether steaming pho, crunchy banh mi or smoky bun cha — is itself worth the trip.
4. Vietnam’s bustling Traditional Markets
Vietnam markets are bustling areas that offer a wide selection of products for shoppers and serve as spots for local immersion. Vietnam offers many opportunities for tourists to penetrate into local life.
The most favorite and appreciated way is to visit traditional markets. From the big cities to the remote rural areas, you can find a lot of market as weekend markets, flea markets, fish markets, flower markets, night markets, fruits markets and even floating markets on rivers in the Mekong Delta area. Each market wins the hearts of tourists for a distinct and unique beau
What are the popular types of Vietnam market?
In Vietnam, you can find a variety of markets that cater to different needs and preferences. The Time Journeys introduce you some popular types of Vietnam markets:
– Day Market: Day markets in Vietnam are bustling, open-air markets that operate during daylight hours. They are common in both urban and rural areas and offer a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, meat, fish, household items, and more.
– Night Market: These are lively Vietnam markets that come to life after the sun sets. They are popular tourist attractions and can be found in many cities and towns across Vietnam. Night markets offer a diverse array of products, including street foods, local handicrafts, souvenirs, and entertainment options.
– Specialized Market: These Vietnam markets focus on specific products or themes. For example, you can find markets specializing in flowers, electronic goods, sea food market, textiles, antique items, etc. These are often frequented by enthusiasts and collectors looking for unique items or deals.
– Floating Market: Floating markets are held on boats or rafts along waterways. Local traders sell directly from their boats, and buyers can approach them from another boat or from the riverside. Floating Vietnam markets offer a fascinating glimpse into the local riverine lifestyle and are renowned for their vibrant atmosphere and the variety of fresh produce and local products available.
– Markets in Highland Areas: Vietnam’s highland areas, such as Dalat and Sapa, are known for their unique markets that cater to the ethnic minority communities living in these regions. You can find traditional crafts, textiles, fresh produce, and unique local products while exploring the traditions and crafts of ethnic minority groups.
5. Best coffee in the world
Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world. Second to rice, coffee is Vietnam’s largest exported commodity and accounts for over 18% of global coffee exports.
Vietnamese coffee is the rocket fuel that keeps the country buzzing. You’ll find cafes on every street in every city, from trendy cafes molded by the creative class, to retro institutions that have evolved over decades, to pavement cafes draped around and across the sidewalks. In each one you’ll be enveloped by nattering locals nursing their favourite brew. That’s why you’ll find thousands of cafes — from cool to colonial — all over the country. Try a refreshing coconut coffee in summer or a creamy egg coffee in winter. Just watch out: Many travellers become addicted to our distinctive brews!
*** 05 fantastic Vietnamese coffee – The Must to try
– Drip-filter coffee – Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà phê đá)
The Traditional Vietnamese coffee is Vietnamese iced coffee, also known as cà phê đá or cafe đá (Vietnamese: cà phê đá, literally “ice coffee”).
Cà phê đá is made using medium to coarse ground dark roast Vietnamese-grown coffee with a small metal Vietnamese drip filter (phin cà phê). After the hot water is added, the drip filter releases drops of hot coffee slowly into a cup. This finished cup of hot coffee is then quickly poured into a glass full of ice making the finished Vietnamese iced coffee.
A popular way to drink Vietnamese coffee is cà phê sữa đá, which is Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk. This is done by filling up the coffee cup with 2-3 tablespoons or more of sweetened condensed milk prior to the drip filter process
Feel free to sweeten your drink with condensed milk (you’ll find that many locals do), or mix it with ice. A cold cà phê sữa đá on a hot day is a quintessential Vietnamese coffee
– Egg coffee: An egg coffee (Vietnamese: Cà phê trứng) is a Vietnamese drink which is traditionally prepared with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk and robusta coffee. The drink is made by beating egg yolks with sugar and coffee, then extracting the coffee into the half of the cup,followed by a similar amount of egg cream, which is prepared by heating and beating the yolks.
– Yoghurt coffee (Sữa chua cà phê)
A Yoghurt coffee like coffee with yoghurt was originally. It’s served with various toppings. From fresh mango to fermented rice – and even coffee. It likes an odd combination, but the rich yoghurt pairs amazingly well with a drizzle of black coffee – just stir and sip.
– Coffee smoothie (Sinh tố cà phê)
Coffee has even found its way into smoothies. Popular juice shops perk up creamy blends of fresh fruit with a touch of Vietnamese coffee, sometimes tossing in yoghurt or cashews. In caffee shop, you can try coffee blended with banana and avocado or others fruits (sinh tố cà phê bơ và chuối) ect… Taste a coffee smoothie will get your caffeine fix and vitamins at the same time.
– Coconut coffee (Cà phê sữa dừa)
If you start to overheat while exploring, why not try an iced coconut coffee? More of a scoop-able ice cream than a drinkable coffee, coconut coffee or cà phê cốt dừa, is at once a pick-me-up, fill-me-up, and cool-me-down. The barista will blend traditional drip coffee with coconut milk, fresh milk, and condensed milk. The finished product is spooned into a glass and serve as a refreshing treat. The coffee grounds the flavour with the coconut giving the drink a fun tropical twist, kind of like a coffee cocktail.
6. Hospitable and friendly people
Vietnamese people are renowned for being welcoming hosts to tourists from around the world. They go above and beyond to make sure their guests feel at home by offering food or drink and showing genuine kindness
For tourists, the Vietnamese have a good attitude, they are very welcoming. Not only merchants who seem happy to sell their goods, but also passersby or children who meet foreign tourists often have a cheerful smile. It is hospitality that makes visitors feel welcome in Vietnam.
In case tourists get lost on the way, they will receive directions enthusiastically from Vietnamese people, although some people may not be very fluent in English, they still find a way to express themselves or therefore directly accompany tourists to the place they want to go. How wonderful!
7. Beautiful beach and Resorts
Vietnam’s seaside is a gift that Mother Nature granted this S-shaped country with a coastline of 3400 km. Vietnam has so many beautiful and poetic beaches along the country’s coastline, there are still so many hidden pristine beaches that are not popular with tourists. They really are the hidden gems! The beaches, the islands in Vietnam are also very enchanting with crystal clear, limpid water and the breathtaking beaches.
Sand, surf and plenty of sunshine—a seaside getaway has everything that both parents and kids need for a fun-filled vacation. The Top 10 Best Beaches in Vietnam
***In The North: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba island
*** In the Central: Lang Co Bay in Hue, My Khe Beach in Danang, An Bang Beach in Hoian, Quy Nhon Beach
*** In the South: Nha Trang Beaches, Mui Ne Beaches, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc island, Con Dao island
8. Mysterious places for adventurers
If you are an adventure traveler, looking for things that are out of the convention while enjoying picturesque landscapes, Vietnam is your destination to visit. Though Vietnam sounds more associated with idyllic landscapes, rich culture, and diverse cuisine, it doesn’t mean the country lacks strenuous and thrilling activities for adventure seekers. Enhance your pleasure with multiple Vietnam adventure tours from moderate treks in Sapa to hard treks in Mai Chau, awesome kayaking experiences in Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island, and a motorbike ride in Ha Giang loop, to explore Floating market along Mekong Delta or explore below the sea by diving. These is the top 10 adventurous thing to do from North to South region of Vietnam which will blow your mind.
– Trekking & hunting cloud in Sapa
– Ride through Ha Giang on a motorbike
– Join Vietnam trail marathon in Moc Chau
– Caving in Son Doong and Hang En
– Visit Bach Ma National Park
– Canyoning in Da Lat
– Discover Can Gio mangroves forest.
– Kitesurfing in Mui Ne
– Explore Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho
– Scuba diving in Phu Quoc
9. Vietnam is a cheap country to travel to ?
Vietnam is fast becoming one of South East Asia’s most popular countries. It’s not only the delicious food, rich history, paradise beaches, culture, bustling cities, incredible landscapes and friendly people that draws people to Vietnam. It’s may that international flights to Vietnam can be expensive, but the cost of travelling, or living there, is extremely low. Vietnam is an incredibly cheap country to travel to. Visiting this remarkable country feels like you’re discovering a new country everyday
*** The transportation
Coming to Vietnam, tourists will have plenty of transportation choices, from public means like buses, trains, and taxis to private ones like motorbikes and cars. It is convenient to travel around Vietnam.
Tourists can take the Bus, Train, Taxi, Motorbike, Private car rental, domestic flight. (Costs for transportation are for reference only. Depending on vehicle means, seat class, distance, brands, and more, there may be differences)
*** The Accommodation
Vietnam not only has luxury hotel but also has cheap hotels. The costs of hotels are always competitive. Cost from budget to mid-range to luxury accommodation.
– Budget accommodation: If you are looking for a bed for a night, no need a luxury services, you can use hostel dorm or homestay are budget and friendly. Cost is around 150,000 to 400,000 VND/ 1 night.
– Mid-range accommodation: If you are looking for a comfortable and located in good location in the center. The room rates range around 550,000 – 1,100,000 VND/ 1 night for 02 pax includes daily breakfast.
– Luxury accommodation: The cost of accommodation depending on how many stars you want to experience. There are thousands of luxury hotel, international hotel and luxury resort to spend their money on. The cost is around 2,400,000 – 15,000,000 VND/ 1 night includes daily breakfast. And even more for elite private beach resorts or five-star hotels in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
*** Food and Drink costs
Vietnamese food is unique, tasty, and cheap: a bowl of Pho only costs you 40,000–50,000 VND, and you can get a cold beer for just 10,000–20,000 VND. An indispensable part of Vietnam travel costs is the cost of food.
The food in the restaurants: If you want to have a comfortable seat, a relaxed atmosphere and good services. The mid-range restaurants are a good choice for you. There are a lot of local restaurants to Western, Chinese and Asian food in Vietnam. The price of restaurants are slightly higher than street food. Price is around 60,000 – 200,000 VND/ 1 dish.
Street food and local food markets: Coming to Vietnam, visitors can find attractive food stalls on almost every corner in nearly every city. Vietnamese street food is mouthwatering yet still reasonable. By paying 15,000–60,000 VND, tourists can enjoy some of the most delicious dishes like Banh Mi, Pho, spring rolls, and grilled meat.
Vietnamese Coffee: Vietnamese coffee is some of the tastiest coffee you will find! Usually, tourists can enjoy traditional coffee for 20,000–30,000 VND. Special versions like egg and tiramisu coffee are higher, about 30,000–50,000 VND.
Beer and other drinks: Visiting Vietnam in the summer, tourists should look for Bia Hoi (fresh beer), which is cheap and fresh: only 10,000–20,000 VND for a large glass. Bottled local beers are reasonable, too. It is only 15,000 to 30,000 VND. Other beverages like juices and bubble tea only cost roughly between 15,000 and 60,000 VND.
10. Lots of festivals and celebrations
Vietnam boasts a diverse culture with a long history and vibrant ethnic colours. Therefore, there are numerous festivals that are waiting for you to take part in. Vietnamese people have the tradition of worshipping not only the Buddha, Saints but also national heroes and people who have made contributions to the lives of locals, along with ancestors. From the North to the South of Vietnam and in almost every month of the year, visitors could immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, especially in the spring. There are many festivals loved by tourists such as Tet – Lunar New Year which takes place on the first day of the lunar year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Ghost Festival,…..Top Traditional Vietnam Festivals and Public Holidays in Vietnam
1. Tet Holiday – Vietnamese New Year
2. International Women’s Day
3. Tet Han Thuc – Tet of “Banh Troi – Banh chay”
4. Anniversary of Hung King’s death
5. Reunification Day
6. International Labour Day
7. Vietnam Independence Day
8. Mid-Autumn Festival
9. Liberation Day of Hanoi, the capital
10. Vietnamese Women’s Day
11. Vietnamese Teachers’ Day
12. Doan Ngo Festival
