Vietnam: A travel guide to a country with a magnificent history – from Halong Bay to Ho Chi Minh City is written by Josephine Neckelmann.
Vietnam has a proud history and great hospitality
Vietnam is a travel destination that combines scenic beauty, rich history and world-class cuisine. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the idyllic rice fields of Sapa, Vietnam offers beautiful Vietnam a wealth of experiences for every traveler.
The Vietnamese people are known for being hospitable and welcoming. No matter where you travel in the country, you will experience a warm welcome and a genuine interest in helping and sharing their culture.
When you get a good chance to talk to a local, you will quickly sense a proud people.
You must have in mind, when visiting the country, the Vietnamese have fought for their independence against foreign powers for centuries. Vietnam has been invaded several times by great powers such as China, France og USA, but has always managed to preserve its unique culture and national identity.
It is nothing short of impressive how, despite their dramatic history, they still manage to be a positive and helpful people.
Whether you dream of bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh, idyllic rice fields or crystal clear bays like Halong Bay, Vietnam will welcome you with open arms.
City contrasts: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a charming mix of French colonial architecture, small street kitchens and lively markets. A stroll around the old quarter reveals narrow streets lined with stalls where you can sample the famous Vietnamese coffee or a bowl of steaming 'pho'.
At the opposite end of the country lies Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The city was given its current name in 1975 after the end of the Vietnam War as a tribute to the leader Ho Chi Minh, who was one of the most important figures in Vietnam's struggle for independence.
Today, many still use the old name, Saigon, especially for the city's central districts, where modern skyscrapers meet historic buildings that bear witness to the city's dramatic past.
Visit the War Remnants Museum for a moving insight into the history of the Vietnam War or experience the vibrant nightlife on Bui Vien Street. Another fascinating thing about the city is the many shops that sells posters and pictures from a time when Vietnam had to recruit women for the military.
These historical works of art provide a unique insight into the country's resistance struggle and demonstrate the strength possessed by the Vietnamese people.
Nature experiences: From Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta
For nature lovers, Vietnam is a true paradise. Halong Bay, which is UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its limestone cliffs that rise majestically from the emerald green water.
A boat trip here is an unforgettable experience, where you can explore small caves, swim in the warm water or simply enjoy the sunset from the deck. Many also choose to go kayaking between the rocks, which gives a very special feeling of being in the middle of the grandeur of nature.
Further south offers Mekong Delta at floating markets and labyrinthine rivers where you can experience authentic life on the water. A day trip here often includes a visit to local fruit farms and traditional villages.
The Mekong Delta is the lifeblood of millions of Vietnamese who depend on the river's resources. Here you can see boats laden with colorful fruits and experience how the locals still live in close harmony with nature.
Many of the villages in the delta are only accessible by boat, making the visit a special experience where you get an insight into a lifestyle that has existed unchanged for generations.
In addition to Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta, Vietnam also offers breathtaking mountain landscapes in northern Sapa, where the green rice terraces stretch as far as the eye can see.
Here you can put on weight hiking through mist-shrouded mountains and visit minority villages where the population still lives according to ancient traditions. In short, Vietnam is a gem for nature lovers seeking adventure, beauty and authenticity.
Vietnamese Food: An Explosion of Flavors
No trip to Vietnam is complete without diving into it. local cuisine. The food is known for its freshness and balance between sweet, sour, salty and umami. Vietnamese food is an experience in itself, with every bite telling a story about the country's culture and traditions.
Besides the classic pho, try 'banh mi', a French-inspired baguette with a Vietnamese twist, and 'bun cha', a Hanoian dish of grilled pork and rice noodles. Another popular dish is 'goi cuon', fresh spring rolls with shrimp, herbs and rice noodles dipped in a tasty hoisin sauce.
In central Vietnam, the spicy dish 'bun bo Hue' is a must, a strong and aromatic noodle soup with beef, lemongrass and chili. In Hoi An, you can enjoy 'cao lau', a unique noodle dish that can only be made with water from the city's ancient wells.
Many Vietnamese dishes are based on fresh herbs, rice and fish sauce, which gives a very special taste experience. If you want a authentic food experience, you can visit the local street kitchens where you can watch the food being prepared from scratch and enjoy a delicious dish at an affordable price.
Weather: When to travel to Vietnam?
Vietnam has a tropical climate that varies from north to south. Generally, there are two seasons: rainy season (monsoon) and dry season.
- North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay): The best time to visit is from October to April when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. Summer (May to September) can be very hot and humid with heavy rains.
- Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue): The driest period is from February to August, while the rainy season lasts from September to January. Typhoons can occur during this period.
- South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc): The dry season runs from December to April, while the rainy season typically runs from May to November. The rain often comes in short, heavy showers.
To get the most out of your trip, it is recommended to plan your trip during the dry season, especially if you want to experience beaches and mountainous areas without the risk of heavy rain.
Vietnam can do it all
Vietnam has so much to offer as a travel destination. If you are a backpacker on a budget, Vietnam is a great place to start. If you want to delve into history, there are not many places in the world where history is as vivid as here.
Should the whole family go? bike ride between rice terraces and enjoy a few days on the beach – or is it the hectic atmosphere of big cities and shopping for the big gold medal that draws?
Regardless, the answer is the same: Have a nice trip to beautiful Vietnam.
Top 10 things to remember when traveling to Vietnam
- Sail through the majestic limestone cliffs of Halong Bay
- Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter and enjoy a Vietnamese coffee at one of the small cafes
- Get French-Vietnamese specialties at Hanoi's best restaurants
- Take a food tour of Ho Chi Minh City and taste your way through the street cuisines
- Walk through the rice terraces of Sapa and experience life in minority villages
- Visit the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An and enjoy its colorful lanterns
- Experience the unique floating market in the Mekong Delta
- Relax on Vietnam's beautiful beaches, such as Phu Quoc or Da Nang
- Take a motorbike tour along Hai Van Pass to experience Vietnam's natural beauty
- Talk to the locals – the Vietnamese are incredibly hospitable and have exciting stories to tell
Did you know: Here are the top 7 best nature destinations in Asia according to Booking.com's millions of users
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