We understand your question: “Why only 10?” These 10 factors are an excellent place to start when describing what many tourists appreciate most about Vietnam, but the list could go on (and on). Some of the highlights might come as no surprise to you (hello, street food). All of these are compelling arguments for beginning your next vacation planning in Vietnam.
The incredible local food
Being humble about it is pointless. Right here, you may find the world’s healthiest, freshest, and craziest delicious food. Get ready to roll and dip delicious bites with your hands and get lost in bowls of mouthwatering noodles. Vietnamese food is of such a high caliber that there is fierce competition on the sidewalks. Finding your favorite foods, whether they be smokey bun cha, crunchy banh mi, or hot pho, is worth the trip in and of itself.
The warm, hardworking people
Many Vietnamese people are eager to try, albeit not every one of them will wind up being your new closest buddy. You’ve never encountered a people as jovial, devoted, and flexible as the Vietnamese. We are tough individuals who place a high priority on our relationships with friends and family. Enjoy our smiles and hospitality wherever you go while taking your time to learn about some of the 54 ethnic communities that make up our country.
The diverse destinations
The fact that no two places are alike makes traveling in Vietnam special. Our three largest cities are completely dissimilar from one another. While the northern highlands experience harsh winters, the southern islands enjoy warm weather all year long. Even locations that are only an hour apart frequently have characters and appearances that are decades apart. A huge part of the fun is having so many interesting areas to explore and select from.
The addictive coffee culture
Coffee is a tradition, a religion, and a social glue all rolled into one in Vietnam. We enjoy getting together on the street and having long coffee conversations. Because of this, the nation is home to thousands of cafés, ranging in style from hip to colonial. We enjoy using coffee in inventive ways as well. In the summer, try a cool coconut coffee, and in the winter, a rich egg coffee. Just beware: Many visitors get dependent on our unique beers!
The second-to-none scenery
Perhaps you’ve heard of Sa Pa’s misty terraced valleys and Ha Long Bay’s romantic karst-studded seascapes, but did you know Vietnam is home to even more impressive sights? You may camp, climb, and explore Son Doong, the largest cave in the world, for days. Vietnam also has stunning beach dunes in Mui Ne, roaring waterfalls in Cao Bang, and spectacular mountain vistas in Ha Giang (be sure to pack your camera.)
The history around every corner
You don’t have to travel far in Vietnam to find artifacts from a previous era. They can be found at eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as scattered throughout the countryside and tucked away in the cities. History buffs will find Hanoi’s capital to be a gold mine since the Old Quarter is packed with historic pagodas, gates, and homes. The former imperial city of Hue in the middle of Vietnam is littered with the tombs of feudal monarchs and their abandoned palaces.
The scenic motorcycle rides
Being on two wheels for some reason restores a feeling of youth and vitality. Certainly, that is how it appears to us. Until you’ve viewed our lanes and countryside from the back of a bike, you haven’t truly experienced Vietnam. Take a motorbike after dark for a romantic ride along the shores of our lakes and rivers, or rent a bicycle and explore like a local early in the morning through emerald rice terraces.
The energetic, youthful cities
Vietnam’s developing towns are endlessly fascinating, especially if you’re a foodie, photographer, culture enthusiast, or a combination of the aforementioned. They have more fine layers than a mille-feuille. Parks are a good place to start, temples are a good place to get lost in, alleys are a good place to rest, sidewalks are a good place to eat, cafés are a good place to hide, and rooftop bars are a good place to end. The largest metropolis in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, is constantly evolving.
The authentic adventures
It’s enjoyable to be lost once in a while in a new location. In Vietnam, you’ll find yourself in a different universe with new adventures that will test you in all the finest ways just a few hours outside the cities. The diverse settlements and breathtaking scenery in Vietnam’s northern mountain ranges will appeal to adventurous tourists. You can go canyoning at Datanla Waterfall in Da Lat, try rock climbing in the crags in Huu Lung, or go caving for the first time in your life in Phong Nha. Why not?
The safest place to visit
Everyone has some minor concerns regarding road health and safety, especially after 2020. Fortunately, Vietnam has shown that it is capable of responding to any health emergency with prompt action and a strong sense of community. Vietnam handled each outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic so expertly that the nation had extended stretches without transmission, allowing everyone to connect, unwind, and travel safely—which is ultimately what we all want to be doing.
