When you think of bucket list travel destinations, Vietnam is a country that surely deserves one of the top spots! With its incredible history, wonderful culture and plethora of positive vibes, Vietnam attracts travellers worldwide and manages to keep its serene charm alive even in the busiest of tourist seasons.
Here are the top reasons why you should travel to Vietnam!
Here are the top reasons why you should travel to Vietnam!
Adventure
1. DO A ROADTRIP
|
Vietnam is one of the best countries in the world when it comes to the roads, with amazing landscapes offering so many options for roadtrip enthusiasts. There are plenty of road trips focusing specifically in the North. Another amazing option is to travel from up North down to the South or vice versa. You’ll find everything from mountains, wild jungles, beautiful valleys, to upbeat cities and serene untouched rural areas. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself into the essence of Vietnam, both geographically and culturally. For longer, multi-day off road adventures check out Cuong's. Professional service and years of experience make Cuong the best in the business.
To get a raw Vietnam experience yourself, you can also check out https://www.tigitmotorbikes.com/ to rent a decent motorbike that’ll be your companion throughout your journey in Vietnam. |
2. EXPLORE GIGANTIC CAVES IN THE ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF ASIA
|
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in central Vietnam is home to the most spectacular caves, including the biggest cave in the world, the Son Doong Cave. Phong Nha is one of those last few unexplored places on Earth and the local village is engulfed by some of the most incredible sights, culture and friendly people for those looking to feel an overall sense of wanderlust happiness when you travel to Vietnam. To make sure you get the best jungle & caving adventure tour in Vietnam, make sure you choose https://oxalis.com.vn/ Oxalis Adventure is the pioneer of adventure tourism in the area and offers many tours that are unique and rewarding.
Do it with – Oxalis Adventure |
3. TREKKING WITH THE TRIBES
|
When you travel to Vietnam, you shouldn’t miss visiting Sapa – the heart and the soul of North West Vietnam, also one of the most ethnically diverse parts of the world. Sapa offers plenty of treks and cultural journeys for adventure seekers and it’s best to do it with the best in the business – ETHOS. We allow you to create your own Vietnam travel experience and offer various amazing tours such as journeys that allow you to visit a minority home in Sapa and spend some time (cook, eat, workshop) with the locals to know about the traditions and cultures; exciting motorbike rides and thrilling treks around Sapa etc. Visit: http://www.ethosspirit.com
Do it with – ETHOS - Spirit of the Community Where to do it – locations around North Vietnam |
4. GO SANDBOARDING ON THE SAND DUNES OF MUI NE
|
Mui Ne is often considered as one of the best sandboarding destinations in the world. The ideal time to zoom down the gorgeous sand dunes is at sunrise as the sand’s temperature is perfect. Mui Ne has some massive and beautiful sand dunes and even with little to no experience, you’ll have one of the most fun adventure experiences of your life while travelling in Vietnam. Just rent out a board and practice on the smaller dunes before heading to the big boy dunes.
Where to do it – Mui Ne, Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam |
5. FEEL THE THRILL OF CANYONING
|
Imagine abseiling, swimming, hiking, sliding and jumping down waterfalls! When you travel to Vietnam, make your way to Dalat and learn the unconventional art of canyoning. You’ll be offered half day tours and also some hardcore tours for the more experienced folks. This is one adventure experience in Vietnam that is simply great fun. Experience the natural beauty by canyoning in Vietnam like never before with Dalat Adventure Tours.
Where to do it – Dalat, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam |
6. EXPLORE MYRIAD ISLANDS WHEN KAYAKING
|
What better way to explore the many lakes and waterways of Vietnam than by kayak? Kayaking in Lam Binh is a fantastic way to explore the breathtaking beauty Northern Vietnam. Kayaks go where other big boats cannot. Paddle through islets; visit hidden caves, lagoons, unspoiled islands and floating fishing village. The forests that line the shores of this great lake are still home to a great array of rare and unusual wildlife. If you're lucky, you make get the change to see Francois’ langur as well as other primates, wild cats and a plethora of rare birds.
Where to do it – Tuyen Quang Province |
Culture
7. ENJOY LIFE WITH A PRIVATE CRUISE ON THE MEKONG DELTA
|
Mango Cruises give you an unforgettable private cruising experience when you travel to Vietnam and visit the magnificent Mekong Delta. With a perfect blend of high quality private sampans, in-depth local knowledge/experience, and convivial staff & crew, travellers get to have a magical cruise through the Mekong region’s serene water that is yet to be tapped by commercial tourism. You will be staying on a traditional sampan overnight, so whilst it’s a cruise we consider it an amazing accommodation as well. Check out http://www.mangocruises.com/en/ and book your private cruise in Vietnam right away!
Where to do it – Mekong Delta |
8. DO SOME FRUIT & VEGETABLE SHOPPING AT A FLOATING MARKET
|
Yes, you read that right, a floating market! When you travel to Vietnam, be sure to check out the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho. Cai Rang Floating Market is the largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta. Starting each day at around 04:00 and runs until 10:00, meaning that you’ll have to get an early start of the day if you want to visit. While floating down the river, you get a glimpse of life along its shores. You’ll pass vibrantly painted boats anchored along the shore, merchant vessels carrying loads down the river and houses built on stilts over the water.
Where to do it – Can Tho, Vietnam |
9. VISIT THE MOST UNUSUAL HOLY CITY ON THE PLANET
|
Tay Ninh is a busy town on the Mekong Delta where you’ll find the Cao Dai Temple. Caodaism is a Vietnamese hybrid religion. It fuses Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism, occult and Islam with the ultimate goal to attain freedom from the cycle of life and death. Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and even French novelist Victor Hugo are revered by the sect. The temple’s towers resemble a church, but once you get closer inspection, you’ll see sword-brandishing gods, swastikas, a Communist red star and an Orwellian all-seeing eye. If you’re a day tripper from Saigon, you must visit this place at noon to witness the unconventional praying ceremony. This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual and beautiful experiences you’ll have when you travel to Vietnam.
Where to do it – Tay Ninh, Vietnam |
10. LIGHT A LANTERN AND ENJOY BEING PAMPERED BY TOP TAILORS IN THE COOLEST TOWN IN VIETNAM
|
Every full moon you’ll find yourself surrounded by the most astonishing array of colorful lanterns. The colours of the lanterns are bright and the designs are traditional. The locals can enjoy this festivity with the locals and together witness the incredible sight of thousands of lanterns afloat on the river. Hire a sampan boat to get the best view. For a meager amount of money, you can buy a lantern and set it afloat too. In Hoi An don't miss the Precious Heritage museum by Rehahn or get some beautifully tailored clothing at one of amazing tailors that can be found throughout the city. Bebe Tailor or Mr Xe are two of the top service providers.
Where to do it – Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam |
11. EXPLORE THE ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURE OF VIETNAMS 54 ETHNIC MINORITY GROUPS
|
The most efficient way to preserve tribal culture is to value it outside of their community, to create a sense of pride for their heritage and ancient customs. The Ethnology Museum is a fantastic resource for anyone wanting to explore and learn more about the huge diversity present in Vietnam. With exhibits of clothes and full reconstructed architecture, this museum offers interest for all the family. The Precious Heritage museum by Rehahn is another fantastic place to see stunning photos, read stories and see and costumes from some of Vietnam's many ethnic groups.
Where to do it – Hanoi and Hoi An, Vietnam. |
12. TAKE PART IN CRAFT WORKSHOPS WITH THE HILLTRIBES
|
The smell of hot wax is one familiar to every Hmong batik artist. They are masters at creating intricate patterns made from wax and a tjanting tool - a tool made of wood with a small metal receptacle at the end for holding the hot, melted wax and the nib through which the wax flows. Batik is used to decorate pleated skirts and other articles of dress and you can learn it too.
With other craft workshops available, there is something for everyone and these classes make ideal activities when the weather isn't great. Where to do it – Sapa, Vietnam |
Food
13. LET YOUR TASTE BUDS FALL IN LOVE WITH THE LOCAL FOOD
|
XO Foodie tour is the original Vietnam street food tour and was recently voted one of the top 9 food tours in the world by Forbes magazine. As well as this incredible way of seeing the country, there are many local delicacies and signature dishes of Vietnam absolutely worth indulging in. The taste varies from region to region. We recommend you to try the following dishes, when you travel to Vietnam:
|
History
14. UNDERSTAND VIETNAM’S INCREDIBLE PAST THROUGH MUSEUMS
|
There are few countries around the world that have an extremely touching and powerful history. Vietnam is surely one of the top ones on that list of countries. For a deep insight into the past of Vietnam, make sure you visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum has various informative exhibitions, and explains Vietnam’s past through pictures & artifacts. The War Remnants Museum presents more gruesome and graphic photographs – a reminder of the atrocities that the locals earlier faced. The chilling fact is that Vietnam’s rough times were not too long ago.
Where to go – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
15. SQUEEZE INTO THE HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT UNDERGROUND TUNNELS
|
It seldom happens that you get to experience something so moving and inexplicable. The Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam is a complex network of underground tunnels that was built as part of a defense strategy during the French Colonial Period and was later operated for sheltering and supply of arms during the American war. You can have this experience any day of the week between 7:00 AM & 5:00 PM.
Where to go – Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
16. HAVE YOUR MIND BLOWN AWAY AT THE IMPERIAL CITADEL
|
The Hue Imperial Citadel was constructed in 1804 and was home to the Nguyen Dynasty – Vietnam’s last royal dynasty for 143 years. The entire complex boasted of 148 buildings, which were severely damaged during the French Colonial period and the Vietnam War. This included the emperor’s palace, the giant gates, temples and even pagodas. When you visit the citadel, you’ll find that only 20 of the 148 buildings in the complex survived the harsh times in the past. This is surely a must visit spot when you travel to Vietnam.
Where to go – Hue, Vietnam |
17. FEEL THE CHILLS AT AN ANCIENT PRISON
|
While historical museums in Hanoi are mostly rather propagandist and perhaps superficial, Hoa Lo Prison can be a good fit to catch up on the city’s back story. Despite many modern renovations, it offers visitors a real sense of the past. Head to the gloomy rooms and see former prison cells, which witnessed the incarceration of the US pilots, including Senator John McCain and more importantly, the inhumane practices that many Vietnamese nationalist leaders and revolutionaries suffered from during the French colonization period.
Where to go – Hanoi, Vietnam |
Relax
18. GRAB A BEER, CHILL OUT AND ENJOY THE BEACH LIFE
|
Many beaches in Vietnam are drop dead gorgeous. The overall vibe is perfect for unwinding when you travel to Vietnam. With a range of accommodation, cheap beer and delicious food, your trip to Vietnam wouldn't be complete without spending quality time at the beach. Phu Quoc island is a must visit. It has some of the most beautiful beaches and a very welcoming aura overall. You can do activities like kayaking, snorkeling to see the amazing coral reefs and swim amongst the colourful fish.
Where to go – Quy Nhon, Ninh Thuan and Phu Quoc, Vietnam |
19. ENJOY THE LARGEST ISLAND IN AN AREA SAID TO BE A MODERN WONDER OF THE NATURAL WORLD
|
Every traveller to Vietnam seems to want to visit the iconic Halong Bay. The most popular way of doing so is via the Halong Bay cruises but these tours are very expensive and don’t offer much freedom for real travellers. Luckily there is another way to visit this UNESCO Heritage site by travelling to and staying on Cat Ba island. From rock climbing to sailing in the bay, Cat Ba Ventures offer local expertise away from the crowds.
Where to go – Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam |
20. TAKE A BOAT TRIP THROUGH ANCIENT CAVES AND GROTTOES
|
Trang An complex possesses two ecosystems which are mainly limestone mountain ranges and wetlands. With a great natural and cultural value, the area has about 500 plants, 73 bird species, 41 mammals, 32 reptiles and 48 watery grottoes which are interspersed with 31 beautiful valleys and historical relics, particularly, archaeological relics dating from 3,000 to 30,000 years ago. Archaeologists and geologist have confirmed that the area of Trang An and Hoa Lu was formerly an ancient sea dating back to 250 million to 300 million years.
Where to go – Ninh Binh, Vietnam |
Nature
21. EXPERIENCE THE WILD SIDE OF VIETNAM
|
From the lofty mountains of the north all the way to the white sand isles of the south, national parks dot the landscape of Vietnam. Limestone peaks fall over meandering rivers and snaking caverns twist into dense jungle canopy. This is nature at its best in Southeast Asia.
The best national parks are Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng, Cát Tiên, Côn Đảo, Ba Be and Bạch Ma. |
22. TAKE IN THE CLEAR WATER OF THE CHAM ISLANDS
|
A cluster of eight islands laying 2 hours by boat off the coast of Hoi An are the Cham Islands. Hon Lao is the largest, the only inhabited island, and the one that is the most active. A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the islands boast extensive forests, water coconut palms, rice paddies, coral reefs and marine life. Ideal for beach bums, visitors can scuba dive or snorkel the pristine waters, lounge on white sand beaches, or explore the islands on foot.
Where to go – Quang Nam, Vietnam |
23. FEED WILD CROCODILES IN THE SALT MARSHES OF THE MEKONG DELTA
|
Embark on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh to the Can Gio Mangrove region for your chance to explore the wildlife and learn about the history of this UNESCO designated space. Touring the mangrove and salt marsh forests by boat gives ample opportunity for spotting wildlife along the way like crocodiles and colorful birds. Then head to monkey island for your chance to see dozens of wild monkeys in their natural environment!
Where to go - Province of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. |