welcome back to wonderfully lost your
home for all things travel today we're
traveling to the beautiful island of
Vietnam full of sparkling beaches
glistening metropolises and striking
mountains this tropical nation has it
all we'll be helping you plan your next
trip to Vietnam from places to visit
foods to eat and things to do we've got
you covered what places should you visit
you're about to book a flight to Vietnam
but are confused as to where to land
there are a lot of places to choose from
if you're looking for an urban Adventure
nature getaway or mountainous Adventure
we've got you covered you can't go to
Vietnam without visiting the capital
Hanoi it's sprawling Beauty and bustling
City Life are the perfect balance
between nature and City Life it'll also
help smooth out your travel plans and
get you better connecting lights and
times filled with local markets and
tourist sites it's the all-in-one
package for a trip to Vietnam it's a hot
spot among photographers you should
definitely check it out if you have a
passion for clicking photos Ho Chi Minh
city is also a great option if you're
looking to stay in a metropolis it's the
largest city in Vietnam and bursting
with activity history and the finest
architecture it's a modernized city with
wartime stories and Legacies and filled
with colonial era architecture and
Heritage you can stay at the noonians
cafe NHC ideal for Budget options
closely located to many of the city's
attractions if you're looking to get
away from The Madness of a city you
might want to stay somewhere close to
the countryside in this case Sapa is a
great option for you in the northwest of
the country it's the perfect spot for
tracking meeting local Villages and
getting an insight into the life of the
locals a great place to stay here is the
Opel house a traditional Cottage of the
locals a stone's throw away from noi is
nimbin a beautiful mountainous region
with deep valleys and gushing Rivers
it's the Pinnacle of Vietnam's natural
beauty and is the ideal location if
you're looking for some place to
disconnect from reality a short two-hour
train ride from Hanoi you'll find
yourself a little Slice of Heaven one of
the best times to visit Vietnam is in
September especially if you want to
catch the rice harvesting season with
great weather and little humidity it's
one of the best weathers to visit the
island April or May is a less green
alternative with great weather and just
as much fun what can you do in Vietnam
home to sprawling Rivers Majestic
beaches and ancient Buddhist sites
there's something for everyone to enjoy
in Vietnam with a breathtaking landscape
and a variety of outdoor experiences to
indulge in whether it's visiting
historical sites or visiting the
peaceful rice terraced Countryside visit
the cow die holy sea spirituality is at
the center of Vietnamese culture and is
home to one of the youngest religions in
the World in tainin located in the south
of the Mekong Delta to delve deeper into
the roots of this fascinating
monotheistic Faith you can pay a visit
to the cow die holy see what appears to
resemble a european-style church with
two distinct bell towers is an ornate
structure with beautiful statues and all
seeing eye and even other religious
symbolism grab a bike and explore one of
the best ways to get around the city and
make the best of the sprawling street
life is to rent a motorbike you can move
around the city or cruise on the
coastline of the Mekong Delta it's super
easy and convenient to rent a motorcycle
and is the perfect way to get around
visit the coffee plantations coffee
lovers are in luck the daklak province
in the south of the central Highlands
has vast grounds of coffee in its
Embrace coffee enthusiasts can make a
trip to the Region's Capital Bjorn ma
from September to December to get a
taste of some of the best varieties of
coffee with the harvesting season in
full swing enjoy the peaceful sea at
keen on if you're looking to get away
from the noise and traffic of the City
Escape to the coastal town of kinon
tucked behind a 10 kilometer stretch of
land lies a sprawling landscape with
Gorgeous white beaches lined with
mountains for a more exclusive and local
experience you can visit kaiko Beach
which is a less developed and even fresh
white sand beach only a short drive from
keen on what should you eat in Vietnam
recently Vietnamese cuisine is a new
craze it's worth traveling to Vietnam
for the food alone filled with spice
zest and a variety of seafood the
flavors are incredibly unique and
generally healthy everyone's heard of
this one but did you really go to
Vietnam if you didn't have a steaming
bowl of Poe the quintessential
Vietnamese dish a steaming broth with
protein and vegetables the world has
been obsessed with this delicacy
recently what better place to eat it
than its birthplace in the mood for a
local snack goikuon is a local delicacy
you absolutely need to try out made with
staple ingredients such as fresh shrimp
delicate vermicelli healthy greens and
tender pork it's a bit tough on the bite
at first but as you tear through the
meat you'll release the flavor of the
fresh produce dip the neatly tied rolls
into peanut mixed with hoisin sauce for
an added gush of flavor Boco is another
local favorite that works for both
breakfast and lunch usually paired with
beef you can have it with nearly any
meat even tofu if you're looking for a
vegetarian option the dish is made of
simmered meat cooked in fish sauce sugar
and water or coconut water vegetables
are added to add an element of freshness
and paired with chunks of bread doesn't
that sound just delicious you can't miss
this one on your trip to Vietnam you'll
find bun mam on stalls all over Vietnam
however surprisingly with different
ingredients and flavors nearly every
time a dish that seems like a friend
collection for anything available at the
supermarket makes for one of the most
delicious local dishes the essentials
stay the same rice vermicelli some form
of seafood and pork with a variety of
greens and Sprouts it's considered to be
the close relative of Poe but with a
distinct flavor of its own a crunchy
Seafood Delight Feast on the Vietnamese
rendition of calamari mushiyan it's
served as a whole squid or sliced in
smaller Loops served with chili or fish
sauce for that added punch of flavor if
you enjoyed this Vietnam travel guide
take a look at our Japan travel guide
If you’re looking to experience a country that will pull you in from all directions with its thrilling sights and stellar adventures, look no further than Vietnam.
With its rich history, diverse landscapes, and tantalizing food, Vietnam will awaken inside of you a storm of excitement and joy, and allow you the unique opportunity to experience a little bit of everything. From raging adventures, to quiet serenity and calm –Vietnam has it all!
As you can probably guess, then, there are few countries that offer as diverse an experience as Vietnam. Depending on what your mood is, you could either take a casual stroll through the streets of Hanoi, or you could witness a breath-takingly beautiful sunset from the Mekong Delta.
No matter what your traveling heart desires, Vietnam has something for you.
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Captivating Cities to Explore
As a travel enthusiast, you certainly get a lot of options to choose from in Vietnam. Although the country may seem small on a map, Vietnam’s diverse landscape contains everything from sandy beaches, bustling streets, to lush and beautiful forests. With that said, here are some of the most famous Vietnamese cities that you should definitely consider adding to your itinerary.
1. Hanoi
The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, is a unique blend of ancient and modern charm. Considered by many to be the pitstop for the quintessential Vietnamese experience, this city offers tourists a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. With its narrow streets, bustling markets, and traditional architecture, you can explore the Old Quarter and relish in the deep-rooted history of the region. Moreover, if you’d like to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Hoan Kiem Lake.
2. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh (or the City that Never Sleeps) is a bustling metropolis, located in Southern Vietnam. If you’ve got a penchant for exploring cultural sites, then Ho Chi Minh City is definitely the place for you. You can visit the wonderfully historic Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum or the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Alternatively, if you’d like to take in a more authentic and contemporary city experience, consider paying a visit to the ever-vibrant Ben Thanh Market, and enjoy the delicious local street food (More deets on that, later).
3. Can Tho
As one of the most readily accessible cities in Vietnam, we’d definitely recommend paying a visit to Can Tho. The largest city in the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is sure to get your adrenaline pumping! Some of the city’s most popular attractions include the floating market, and the rice-paper making village. Fair warning though– if you plan on visiting Can Tho, make sure you do so during December to April to avoid the tropical monsoons.
4. Con Dao Islands
To get to these beautiful islands, you’ll either have to get a flight from Ho Chi Minh or take a short boat ride from Vung Tau. While this may seem like a hassle, believe us when we say, it’ll definitely be worth it!
If you’re looking for a remote location, miles away from all the noise of the city, then Con Dao Islands is the place for you! Nestled at the edge of the country, these islands epitomize tranquility and peace.
Not only can you enjoy a wonderful swim and enjoy fresh and delicious seafood, but you can also explore the nearby forests and see all the diverse wildlife.
THREE DAY CON DAO ISLANDS TOUR!
5. Da Lat
Approximately 300 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh, Da Lat is most notable for its breathtaking flowers. If you’d like to enjoy peaceful strolls and take in marvelous feats of nature, then you should definitely pay a visit to this dazzling city of flowers.
Where Should You Stay in Vietnam?
Now that you’ve set your mind on some particular cities in Vietnam, let’s figure out where you’re going to stay.
1. The Reverie Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel offers the best of both worlds. Not only do you get to enjoy an opulent experience, complete with luxurious hotel rooms, and panoramic city views, but you enjoy access to the rest of the city as well. Although The Reverie Saigon is a bit on the pricier end of the spectrum, if you’re looking to experience impeccable service and a wonderfully sophisticated ambiance, then this is the hotel for you!
2. Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi
If you want to truly soak in some of Vietnam’s deep-rooted history and culture, we’d recommend staying at the Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel. Not only does this hotel exude charm and elegance, but it is well known for its historic Le Club Bar, which has seen a dazzling plethora of famous guests throughout the years.
3. Lustig Hostel, Sa Pa
Let’s face it. If you’re traveling on a budget, chances are you can’t really stay in any of the luxury hotels and resorts that Vietnam is famous for. Fortunately, Vietnam really has something for everyone. A cheaper alternative to a luxe hotel would be the up-and-coming Lustig Hostel, where you can enjoy comfort and ease without making too large of a dent in your pocket.
VRBO OFFERS SOME PRETTY EPIC HOME RENTALS IF YOU’RE FEELING THAT VIBE INSTEAD!
Must-See Sights
This pretty much goes without saying, but there’s a lot to see and do in Vietnam! Here are some must-see sights that you need to check out.
1. Ha Long Bay
If you haven’t paid a visit to Ha Long Bay, you haven’t really experienced Vietnam at all. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a naturally-occuring wonder, these monumental limestone formations dazzle and inspire all who visit. Explore the caves, or if that’s not your thing, then go kayaking and swimming in the bay’s emerald waters.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TWO DAY CRUISE OF HA LONG BAY!
2. Phu Quoc Island
Nature doesn’t get any more beautiful than this.
If you want to relax for a while, and chill on white sandy beaches, then Phu Quoc Island is the destination for you! Not only can you witness beautiful sunsets on the beach, but you can also explore the oceanic life lurking in the island’s waters and dive around reefs.
3. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Nestled in the northern coastal area of Vietnam, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a must-see for any lover of nature. If you’d like to experience what it’s like to live in the Vietnamese countryside, then you should pay a visit. You can prepare a meal with the locals, sleep in a thatched stilt house, or if you’re feeling a little adventurous, trek rice terraces.
4. Sa Pa
Speaking of rice terraces, Sa Pa, a dazzling city in northern Vietnam, is full of them. If you want to fulfill all your cravings for solemnity and beauty, then Sa Pa is the place to come to. Here, you can witness the sun rising over vast arrays of terraced rice fields, as great mountains loom from all sides. You can trek the hills, or visit the famous Fan Si Pan mountain.
Mouthwatering Food You Need to Try
As exciting as it is to explore all the sights that the cities of Vietnam have to offer, you can’t do it on an empty stomach. Luckily for you, Vietnamese food is both delicious, flavorful, and cheap. With that said, here are some Vietnamese dishes that you MUST try!
1. Pho
A quintessentially Vietnamese dish, pho is now starting to gain popularity even outside of Vietnam, and it’s easy to see why. Perfectly cooked rice noodles, floating around in a bowl of steaming hot broth, and medium-rare beef– if that doesn’t scream perfection to you, we don’t know what will!
2. Bánh Mì
Although Bánh Mì is made with baguettes, this sandwich is as Vietnamese as you can imagine. Loaded with a variety of pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, pork floss, pork belly and cucumber, pate and margarine, this sandwich is nothing short of heavenly.
3. Bánh Xèo
Created in the Mekong Delta, this crispy crepe dish is a hassle-free delicacy that you can enjoy as you stroll along the city streets. Made with a rice flour batter, and fried to crispy perfection, Bánh Xèo both sizzles and delights.
4. Cơm Gà
The perfect lunch choice for millions, Cơm Gà– literally translated as “broken rice”– is a feast for the taste buds. A bed of short grain rice, served with a variety of greens and meats, this version of chicken and rice might just be the tastiest you’ve ever had.
Vietnam is a culturally diverse, dazzling place to visit. From its spectacular food to its delightful sights, it’s easy to see why this country is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, or a deep-dive into cultural and historical sites, Vietnam has got it all!
Asian travel on your mind? You’ll love our Japan Travel Guide too!
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