Where to go and what to do in Vietnam
Possibly the number one underrated destination in Southeast Asia, travelers are often drawn to magic beaches in Thailand, ancient temples in Cambodia, prosperous Singapore and island-hopping in the Indonesian archipelago, leaving Vietnam completely off the itinerary. Hopefully my article about things to do in Vietnam will convince you to visit.
The stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, abundance of varying cultures and ethnicities, delicious gastronomy and extensive history make this fact a great shame. However, slowly people are changing their traveling habits and Vietnam is receiving increasing numbers of tourists from around the world each year.
Don’t leave Vietnam off your travel bucket list! Let this south-east Asian gem surprise you with the hidden treasures it has to offer and take a trip to Vietnam to experience some of the most breathtaking scenes and dynamic contrasts of lifestyle that you’ll find on the globe.
Before you visit Vietnam
It is very important that you consider the following elements before departing for your very own worry-free Vietnamese adventure:
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Firstly, make sure to get your travel paperwork for Vietnam in order before you get going. This includes getting your Vietnam visa organized, as well as checking your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and for at least a month post-vacation in order to be eligible for the eVisa for Vietnam.
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Remember to get your travel insurance sorted before traveling, to deal with any unexpected accidents throughout your trip.
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Get your Vietnamese Dong currency in a reputable exchange office because changing money in Vietnam can be confusing due to the similarity of some of the bills.
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Finally, take precautions with your safety while traveling around Vietnam. The country has come a long way since the war and is far from what Hollywood makes out, but you should always be aware of pickpockets and unsavory people trying to scam tourists.
What to do in Vietnam and places to see
Ho Chi Minh City
One of the biggest cities in Vietnam has much to offer travelers. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a buzzing metropolis with thriving commerce, a popular cultural scene, and several tourist attractions including some of the best-surviving French colonial architecture and Buddhist and Taoist iconography.
Aerial view of Ho Chi Minh City at night
Hue
A historical capital, Hue consists of a Citadel that has witnessed years of imperial reign during the Nguyen Dynasty. Seated next to the Perfume River, there are endless palaces, shrines, tombs, and monuments to visit.
Hanoi
The booming capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, along the banks of the Red River, is a rich tourist destination with markets, museums, temples, parks, lakes, a beautiful Old City and much more.
The Temple of Literature in Hanoi
Ha Long Bay
While in Hanoi, make sure you visit Ha Long Bay. Meaning ‘descending dragon’, the bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site, dotted with limestone islands in a variety of shapes and sizes, that captures the attention of every traveler for its natural beauty and the array of unique biodiversity.
Cruising along Halong Bay on luxury cruises is one of the most recommended activity. Various choices of cruises are available depends on your budget, time and personal preference.
The magical Halong Bay
Mekong Delta
Additionally, the famous Mekong Delta invites travelers to take a cruise along to see the many boats, floating houses, and markets through the canals and rivers overflowing with an abundance of newly discovered flora and fauna.
Paddle boats in the Mekong Delta
Vacations in Vietnam
If you’re contemplating about booking a Vietnam tour for this year’s vacations, why not check out some of these amazing places to see or if you’re looking for more action, there are hundreds of outdoor activities for travelers to get involved in all over the country.
Visit the Sa Pa winter festival and climb Mount Fansipan aka The Roof of Indochina or if you’re more taken by the beach, take a trip to Phu Quoc or Nha Trang where you can participate in a variety of different activities such as hiking, scuba diving, mudbaths, or simply chill out under the coconut trees.
With such a diverse selection of places to see and things to do, Vietnam is a must on any Southeast Asian trip.
TIP: If you are planning your trip, here’s 10 things to do before your trip to Vietnam. Hopefully it will be useful for you.
TIP 2: Not sure how much money you need in Vietnam? Here you can check how much I spent in 4 weeks traveling around Southern Vietnam.
