10 reasons to visit Vietnam

1. The delicious food

From the smoky barbecue flavours of Cao Lau to the sweet and savoury Bun Cha, and of course the famous noodle dish Pho, there are so many delicious local specialities for you to tuck into across the whole country. There’s only one way to find your favourite and that is to try them all!

A steaming bowl of beef Pho

 

2. The spotless beaches

Vietnam is well known across the globe for having some incredible beaches, and with over 3000 km of coastline they are certainly not hard to find. Whether you go to the serene Hoi An, the beautiful Ha Long Bay or the bustling Nha Trang (to name a few!) is down to your personal preference. Either way, if you long for the sand between your toes and the sea spray in your hair then Vietnam is a great choice of holiday destination.

Beach on the Cham Islands

 

3. The range of weather

As Vietnam is such a long country, the North and the South are considerably different in terms of weather. If you fancy a cold break, head to the Northern mountains of Sapa or the city of Hanoi around December to February. If you are seeking warmer climates then head further South to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. If you like the best of both worlds like myself and want a more consistent warm temperature then simply stay central in Hue or Hoi An.

The freezing mists of Sapa

 

4. Relaxation

Is your holiday a well-needed break from your busy every day life? Do you need some time to relax and put your feet up? Well then there is plenty of opportunities for leisure. Sunbathe on the beach, go for a slow bike ride across town or just kick back and relax in a hammock with a fresh coconut or local beer in hand. You can even treat yourself by having a massage or visiting a spa. Time to chill out and enjoy your time off.

Who wouldn’t want to take a leisurely bike ride through fields like these? – Hoi An

 

5. Countless activities

For all you adventure seekers out there, don’t worry I haven’t forgotten you, there’s plenty for you too. Kayak across the beautiful Ha Long Bay through the blue waters and around the huge limestone karst formations. Grab a head-torch and explore the mysterious caves in Phong Nha; zip line across the river to the Dark Cave and enjoy a natural treatment of the mud bath that you will find at the end of a dark rocky tunnel. Climb a mountain such as Mount Fansipan in Sapa, Vietnam  or explore an abandoned waterpark in Hue. Go on, adventure awaits!

The Paradise Cave, Phong Nha

 

6. The shopping opportunities

Got a few pennies to spend or gifts to buy? Then Vietnam has a whole variety of items to purchase. Check out the local night markets for gifts of local tea and coffee, paintings, sculptures, handmade clothes, crafts, jewellery and delicious street food. Do not forget to put your haggling skills to the test, as you can barter for anything and everything here. If you fancy something more unique then head to Hoi An, the land of custom-made clothing. There are hundreds of tailors to choose from so you can get shirts, dresses, suits, winter coats, shoes and more all within your budget. You can quite easily leave this small town with a whole new wardrobe tailor made to your liking!

Beautiful lanterns for sale in the old town of Hoi An

 

7. The history

If it’s history you’re interested in then Vietnam has a whole host of opportunities for you to visit its more prominent sights and to learn about some of its tragic past. Go and visit the Cu Chi tunnels which the Vietnamese used during the Vietnam War. You can even go in some of the dark claustrophobic tunnels they used, but have widened for tourists to enter. Look around the Ho Chi Minh museum in Hanoi to gain an insight into the life of Vietnam’s most famous man. If you are looking for something more upbeat then there are hundreds of temples across the country, beautifully ornate buildings and tourist sights to see. The Japanese Bridge in Hoi An and the Imperial city in Hue are two of the more famous ones.

The Japanese bridge

 

8. Choices of transport

It’s not always about the destination, sometimes the journey itself is more spectacular. Vietnam is fairly easy to get around with many options of transportation, however, it is most well known for its motorbikes. The two major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are packed full of bikes you can rent yourself or ride pillion with a driver. One of the most popular routes (made famous by Top Gear) is the Hai Van Pass. This route lets you enjoy breath-taking views from the curving roads through the mountains, over the valleys below. Alternatively, trains can also give you great views throughout the day. However, night trains are common, so you can get some sleep and wake up in an entirely new town.

A view along the Hai Van Pass

9. The kindest people

 

I will tell you this, the locals of Vietnam are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. From the hospitality of staff in hotels and guesthouses to the locals selling food and handmade items on the street, everyone seems to have a permanent smile on their face. Even if you offer a ridiculously low price while haggling they will smile, laugh and politely shake their head. You can’t help but feel welcome all across the country.

This lovely lady sold me the best mango I have ever had – floating market, Can Tho

 

10. The stunning views

If you haven’t noticed by now, Vietnam is truly beautiful. So if I haven’t yet convinced you to make this stunning country your next destination then maybe these views will.

Imperial City, Hue

 

Huge Buddha at Vinh Trang temple, My Tho

 

The Huc Bridge over Hoan Kiem lake, Hanoi

 

Sapa town reflected on the lake

 

Sunset at the Mekong Delta

 

The not so famous sister of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay

 

Cat Cat waterfall, Sapa

 

Are you going to Vietnam soon, or thinking of going now? Let me know in the comments! Also if you enjoyed this post hit me with a like and go check out my other posts.