Vietnam Travel Guide (Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Vietnam
List of Places to Visit in Vietnam
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Vietnam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Vietnam
Best Things to Do in Vietnam: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Vietnam
Food and Drink Scene of Vietnam
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Vietnam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Vietnam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Vietnam
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Do’s and Don’ts of Vietnam
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Vietnam
- Health in Vietnam
Getting to Vietnam: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Vietnam
Where to Go Next from Vietnam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful Southeast Asian country that attracts millions of tourists every year. From the bustling cities to the serene countryside and stunning beaches, Vietnam has everything that a traveler could want. The country has a rich history, vibrant culture, and mouth-watering cuisine that makes it a perfect destination for both adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the best places to visit in Vietnam, food and drink scene, where to stay, and tips on how to make the most of your Vietnam trip.

List of Places to Visit in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with a rich history and diverse culture, and there is no shortage of beautiful places and attractions to visit. Here is a list of must-visit places in Vietnam:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam.
The Imperial City Hue: A complex of palaces and temples, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hue was once the seat of Vietnam’s emperors.
Cu Chi Tunnels: An extensive network of underground tunnels that played a crucial role in the Vietnam War.
Hoi An Ancient Town: A beautifully preserved 15th-century trading port with Chinese, Japanese and European influences.

Natural Attractions of Vietnam: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Halong Bay: A picturesque bay dotted with limestone Islands.With its scenic seascape views and majestic caves
Sapa: Nested among lush greenery and towering mountains of the northern region, Sapa is a truly picturesque destination with terraced rice fields and waterfalls.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts towering limestone cliffs and magnificent underground caves.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vietnam

Vietnam is the perfect destination for adventurous travelers who love hiking and biking. Here are some hiking and biking routes that we recommend in Vietnam:

Mai Chau Valley Trek: A peaceful and scenic trek that takes you to Mai Chau Valley, passing by traditional villages and rice fields.
Hai Van Pass: A scenic coastal road through central Vietnam with stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
Ho Chi Minh Trail: The historic Ho Chi Minh trail offers a challenging and fascinating adventure route with stunning views.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam: Activities and Tours

Vietnam has many activities to offer, and there is something for everyone. Here are some of the best activities and tours:

Cooking Classes: Learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes from expert chefs in cooking schools spread around Hanoi and Hoi An.
Boat Trips: Halong bay boat trips are very scenic and provide an opportunity to explore beautiful limestone caves and relax in the sunshine.
Water Sports: With a long coastline, Vietnam has some of the best opportunities for water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vietnam

A week-long itinerary in Vietnam can cover some of the must-visit destinations:

Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7
Hanoi	Halong Bay	Hue	Hoi An	Da Nang	Nha Trang	Ho Chi Minh City

Food and Drink Scene of Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is considered one of the best in the world, and there is no doubt that traditional dishes are amongst the tastiest and most flavorsome in Asia. We recommend the following dishes to try:

Must-Try Dishes

Pho: A classic noodle soup with a flavorful broth and rice noodles.
Banh Mi: A crunchy Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with meat, vegetables and sauces.
Spring Rolls: Light and crispy fried or fresh rolls filled with vegetables and noodles.

Local Beverages

Coffee: Vietnamese coffee is world-renowned, and its taste is unique, with condensed milk creating a rich and creamy texture.
Freshly squeezed fruit juices: Vietnamese fruit juices are a must-try with a wide variety of tropical fruits to try such as dragon fruit and jackfruits.

Where to Stay in Vietnam: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Vietnam has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget hostels and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort: Located in Da Nang, this luxurious retreat has stunning beach views and beautifully designed rooms.
Hanoi Rocks Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Hanoi with clean and comfortable dorms and private rooms.
Villa Song Saigon: A boutique hotel located in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a serene and beautiful location with a colonial-style villa.

What to Buy in Vietnam: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Vietnam has plenty of souvenirs and local products that tourists can buy to take home as a memory. Some of the popular souvenirs include:

Silk Products: Vietnam is known for its quality silk, and visitors can find many markets selling silk clothing and souvenirs.
Vietnamese Coffee: Vietnamese coffee makes for a perfect gift and can be found in many shops and supermarkets.
Vietnamese Conical Hat and Handicrafts: Conical hats are traditional hats made of palm leaves that make a perfect souvenir, and the country is also known for its beautiful lacquerware and ceramics.

Local Culture and Customs of Vietnam

Vietnamese people are friendly and welcoming, and it is essential to respect their customs and culture. Some cultural tips to keep in mind while in Vietnam include:

Greetings: Vietnamese people often greet each other with a bow or slight nod while pressing their hands together; this is called “Namaste”.
Shoes: It is customary to remove shoes while entering someone’s home or temple.
Dress Code: Dress modestly, and it is essential to wear appropriate clothing while visiting temples, mosques and religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

The best time to visit Vietnam is during the dry season from December to February, which is when the weather is dry and comfortable, with clear blue skies and cool temperatures. Avoid visiting during the rainy season from May to October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vietnam

Do:

Bargain: It is customary to bargain in the markets and shops.
Try the Street Food: Vietnam is famous for its street food, which is affordable and delicious.
Carry Cash: Most restaurants, shops, and markets do not accept credit cards, so carry cash.

Don’t:

Don’t show Public Affection: Public displays of affection are not socially acceptable in Vietnam.
Don’t Agitate the Traffic: Traffic is chaotic and dangerous in Vietnam; it is essential to follow traffic rules and regulations.
Don’t Talk about Politics: Political discussions can be sensitive in Vietnam, so it is best to avoid them.

Safety and Health

Safety in Vietnam

Vietnam is generally safe and friendly, but like any other country, it is essential to take precautions and stay alert while travelling. Avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables safe.

Health in Vietnam

It is essential to take necessary precautions while travelling to Vietnam to avoid any health issues. Some precautions to follow are:

Drink bottled water or boiled water.
Take mosquito repellent and use it to prevent mosquito bites.
Protect yourself against the sun and heat.

Getting to Vietnam: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Vietnam

Noi Bai International Airport - Hanoi
Da Nang International Airport - Da Nang
Tan Son Nhat International Airport - Ho Chi Minh City

Bus Stations Near Vietnam

Moc Bai International Checkpoint- Bus from Cambodia
Lao Bao International Checkpoint- Bus from Laos

Other Options

Vietnam has a vast network of buses and trains that are affordable and convenient for travel within the country.

How to Get Around in Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is quite affordable and easy. The following are the most common transportation options:

Motorbikes: Motorbikes can be rented in most major cities, and it is the easiest and cheapest way to get around.
Taxis: Taxis can be found in all major cities and towns.
Buses: Buses are affordable and reliable and can get you from one city to another.

Where to Go Next from Vietnam: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Vietnam is located in an exotic part of Asia, and there are many destinations that visitors can explore nearby. Some of the popular nearby destinations are:

Cambodia: Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a popular destination.
Thailand: Thailand’s many islands and beaches are just a short flight away.
Laos: The former French colonial capital, Luang Prabang, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a country that has something for everyone, from its rich cultural heritage to the stunning natural beauty. The food and drink scene is exceptional, and there are plenty of activities to keep visitors occupied throughout their trip. With the information provided in this comprehensive Vietnam tour guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip and make the most out of their Vietnam experience.