Vietnam Tourism And Travel Guide

Vietnam has incredible experiences on offer at every corner. From the North to the South, each part of the country has a unique culture, climate and landscape, which then reflects in the diversity of the cuisines as well. Historically, Vietnam displays influences from the Chinese in the north, Hindu influences from India in the south as well the after effects of the French colonization in the 18th century. Vietnam is also one of the leading culinary powerhouses from South-east Asia.

Tourism in Vietnam tends to boom between December and February when the weather is a little more well-balanced. For international travellers, the best way to reach is to catch one of the numerous direct flights to Hanoi or any of the other significant airports in the country. Vietnam is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the form of Ha Long Bay due to its numerous ancient limestone towers jutting out of the surface. All in all, there is something incredible here to pique any traveller's interest. The travel guide below should help familiarize visitors with this incredible country. 

By Air:

The best and most efficient way to reach Vietnam is by flying out to any of the 3 prominent international airports, specifically Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Da Nang (Danang International Airport) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport).

By Road:

Vietnam is well-connected by road from only Cambodia and Laos. It is more convenient to reach Vietnam via Cambodia (3 borders) rather than Laos (6 borders).

By Rail:

Not the most convenient way to reach, only two trains travel to Vietnam, either from Nanning or Beijing in China. The Nanning Express has a stopover in Hanoi at the Gia Lam Railway Station.

Spring (March – May):

March and April are the hottest months. Tourism comes to a halt during this period as tropical showers start to gain momentum.

Summer (June – August):

In the summer season there are several climatic changes occurring in Vietnam. Brief showers are experienced, but the weather is quite warm and humid otherwise, making it a good season for tourism.

Autumn (September – November):

Travel to Vietnam is best avoided during this period due to high chances of typhoons and storms occurring.

Winter (December – February):

December in the south of Vietnam includes weather changes that lower precipitation and shoot up temperatures. This is the best time for exploring the coastal towns and entertainment on offer in Vietnam.

Lighting lanterns in Hoi An:

Around the time of the Vietnamese New Year, Hoi An becomes enchanted during the Lantern Festival. Renting a little boat and enjoying the river lit up with lanterns is one of the most popular tourist activities in Vietnam.

Check out Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay:

These inlets are where the unbelievable 1600 limestone rocks have been gradually formed through the push and pull of nature. Ha Long Bay is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cruise the Mekong Delta:

The Mekong River finally reaches Vietnam after 4000 km. The neighbouring countryside comprises of rice paddies, huts and stilted settlements. This is a great way to understand and appreciate the lives of the communities living on the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.

Check out the world’s largest cave:

Quang Binh zone is a jagged region of barely penetrable jungle in Vietnam’s constricted perimeter with Laos. The area is flooded with endless caverns including the Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world.

Northern Vietnamese cooking is heavily inspired by Chinese cuisine, with the most famous dish being Pho. In the south of Vietnam, rice and fish sauce holds prominence. However, the north has a partiality for noodles. Due to the differences in culture between the North and the South, the cuisine also in both parts has distinctive flavours and textures. This is what makes Vietnam a paradise for food enthusiasts. The Ban Mih baguette sandwiches as well as Pho, are heavily influenced by the French colonization of Vietnam in the 18^th century. La vong fried fish, Goi cuon and Ban xeo (crepe) are some of the other popular dishes here.

Visitors tend to get very excited when it comes to shopping in Vietnam. The affordable prices and sheer variety of products on offer make this country a shopper’s dream, especially those that enjoy a good bargain. Some of the most popular items on offer include the made-to-measure national clothing, the 'ao dai' that is created from high quality silk, in addition to jewellery, handicrafts and other clothing items. Additionally local produce like coffee is becoming increasingly popular here due to the plantations present.