Traveling to Vietnam can be one of the most magical trips of your life. The country is beautiful, the prices are reasonable, and the possibilities are endless.
Moreover, the nation is an undiscovered gem in South East Asia, so you’d be among the first to discover its hidden gems and hideaways.
Even though you’re an international traveler, you won’t feel like an outsider. Everyone is extremely friendly as long as you respect their cultural norms.
Vietnam is a family-friendly place, so if you travel with family, you can travel worry-free! So what are the experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss out on?
Food
The thing you absolutely cannot miss out on in Vietnam is the food. Whether you travel to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, stay away from familiar international restaurant chains.
Instead, head out onto the streets to find the freshest, most delicious fare you’ll ever ask for. Of course, don’t forget to explore the traditional food as well when you travel there!
Keep an eye out for the seafood stalls in the Old Quarter; they offer some of the freshest food you’ll eat. Also, since it is a tropical country, make sure you check the weather for every destination you travel to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.
So, if you’re traveling to Thailand after Vietnam, make sure you check the online weather in Thailand too.
Halong Bay Cruise
One of the most beautiful parts of any Vietnam tour is the cruise on Halong Bay.
Located in northeast Vietnam, it can easily be reached via Hanoi. You can book your tickets before you go, or you can even book them once you’re there.
Though there is a language barrier, they try their best to communicate with you. Additionally, there are always apps, including Google Translate, that help with talking.
Usually, you are taken by bus to Halong Bay, where you are shifted to a boat.
The cruise takes a few hours and includes the most gorgeous views of the open ocean.
Most tour operators drop anchors somewhere blue and allow passengers time to swim or kayak. Make sure to ask your tour operator about these options when you board.
Hanoi, Old Quarter
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is a must whether you’re traveling with friends or family.
Historically, each street in the Old Quarter used to be dedicated to one type of manufacturing or commercial business.
Currently, it is bustling with cultural experiences and local hotspots. If you’re a history buff, this is likely going to be the highlight of your whole trip.
When planning to explore the Old Quarter, earmark time to explore the famous Weekend Night Market.
While the things on sale aren’t the most unique, the atmosphere of the Night Market in Vietnam is electrifying.
There are many street performers, innovative food stalls, cultural performances, and more. There is truly something for people of all ages.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Even in an underrated place like Vietnam, Phu Quoc is an undiscovered treasure. One of the largest islands in Vietnam, this picturesque beauty is both culturally and historically important.
History and culture buffs would love to spend days exploring everything this island has to offer. One thing that really sets Phu Quoc apart is an unexpected product – fish sauce.
The fish sauce produced in Phu Quoc in Vietnam is one of the few products that have the coveted European Union Protected Designation of Origin status.
It shares this status with culinary stalwarts like Prosciutto di Parma ham and Grana Padano cheese. Anyone with the remotest interest in food shouldn’t miss out on the factory tours where you can see the fish sauce-making process.
Phong Nha National Park
While the entire country of Vietnam is filled with beautiful landscapes, Phong Nha National Park is a wonder. A UNESCO world heritage site, it is also popular among cavers for its numerous caves available to explore. Dotted throughout, these caves provide a truly unforgettable Vietnam travel experience.
Don’t miss Hang Eng, which is number three on the list of the world’s biggest caves.
The park also features mountains that were formed 400 million years ago, making them the oldest karst mountains in all of Asia.
There are also numerous underground rivers that you could follow along for hours. Make sure you choose a reputable tour operator before you get lost in the intricate cave systems.
