7 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Vietnam

Vietnam /ˌvjetˈnæm/ - a small country you might never have heard about. You just know that somewhere they’re talking about “the cheapest country in the world”, “street food heaven” or such. Some claims that it is a must to have a Vietnam trip at least once in their life. And some even makes it their second home. 

But really, what’s so great about visiting Vietnam? And here, you might consider 7 reasons why you should not travel to this country. 

1. There are too many World Heritage sites and famous destinations. 

From tangible natural heritages such as the well-known Halong Bay, the gorgeous Hoi An, the exotic Sapa; to many other intangible cultural heritages, along with plentiful highlight spots in town spreading from the North to the South, it surely takes a pretty long time to cover the whole things. You’d better not go there, because you will soon realize that you really need to lengthen your trip.

Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An ancient town

2. A good stomach is required to try a wide ranges of street food. 

If you are not a food lover, you might cross Vietnam from your list. As true as they say, Vietnam is a food heaven. You might get addicted to Pho - the famous beef noodle soup, or Bun Cha - the tasty grilled meat with noodle, Nem - the popular spring roll, and lots of scrumptious dishes I cannot list all here.

Read more about the must-try Vietnamese food.

3. You will get tanned by the tropical sun. 

You’d better think twice before moving to Vietnam for a while. Be prepared to be burnt by the tropical sun. Vietnam offers a lot of white sandy beaches where you can lie on, breathe in the nature and see the stunning sunrise and sunset. Think of how your skin will turn from white to a bit bronze and brown when you just want to stay there all day long. 

4. You might be invited to join a lot of strange traditional festivals. 

Do you know that traditional festival has become a significant part in the culture of Viet Nam? The country has festivals mostly all year round like Tet holiday (Lunar New Year), buffalo fighting festival, love festival, and lots of temple festivals across three regions. So if you are not party animals, and don’t want to savour the festive atmosphere, just stay home and relax. 

5. And certainly, you can’t find any place or anything in Vietnam to have money to burn. 

It’s very cheap to visit Vietnam, either you go on a luxury tour, or you’re just a truly backpacker. All the expenses, even the total cost of your trip and the extra money spending for shopping are affordable and sometimes, ridiculously cheap. Yes, I mean much cheaper than in other continents. If you wish to spend more money on your trip, Vietnam might not be an ideal choice. 

6. You will have to spend time returning again and again. 

The fact is that the number of travellers who come to Vietnam and admit they will visit Vietnam for the second time is growing steadily (33% - according to survey conducted by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), May 2015). Not to mention that many of them are not about to return to their home country. So visiting Vietnam makes sense that you will surely love to visit it again. 

7. If you never see it, then you never have to miss it so bad. 

Yes it’s obviously! If you don’t come to Vietnam, there is no chance you can be in love with this tiny country. You will not know about the bustling city - a.k.a “the cheapest city in the world” - Hanoi (according to TripAdvisor), you will not know about the peaceful Hoi An ancient town and the story behind its lanterns. And because once you’re here, you will miss every corner to bits. 

Are you ready to change your mind?

10 Things You Must Do Once in Vietnam

Vietnam is quite possibly a spectacular travel destination if you know it right. At some points, travelers love the fact that Vietnam never leaves them with a lack of activities to do next. Here are the top 10 things you’d better do during your stay in Vietnam. Check it out! 

1. Take a cyclo trip around the chaotic Hanoi 

A short cyclo trip around the city

Have you ever taken a cyclo around the intriguing Hanoi? It will be a perfect way to see the pace of life in this bustling city. During your trip, you can have a glimpse of the crowded streets, the narrow alleys, the busy atmosphere of a pre-metropolitan, and its people. It might just cost you 2-3 USD/ 1 hour. 

2. Eat the scrumptious Pho 

The authentic beef noodle soup - Pho bo

Vietnam is widely known for its abundant and colorful cuisines which caught the eyes of a vast number of travelers. One we can name here is Pho - a must-taste dish you should not miss in your life if you have one foot on Vietnam. Pho is quite prevalent in Hanoi and always charismatic for anyone who has given it a try. Its taste won’t do you any wrong. Its taste might make you stay. 

3. Cruise in the wonderful Halong Bay 

Cruise around the exotic Halong Bay

You might hear about Halong Bay - a World Natural Heritage site which is famous for its incredible landscape with tremendous caves and islets. Relaxing on a cruise wandering around the most exotic corner of the bay and the surrounding area, you can catch all the gorgeous views, all while enjoying your time with friends and family. 

4. Trek at the amazing Sapa 

Stunning Sapa in yellow

Sapa is an all-time fantastic place for trekking. The yellow terraced fields, the colorful hill tribes cultivating on the mountain, the lush paths… you will see all those things on the way passing through the ethnic people’s village and experiencing every amazing route. You can also enjoy homestay to live like a local for few days. That could be one of a kind! 

5. Homestay in ethnic family 

Homestay in Mai Chau

This is an exhilarating activity you can take part in when you visit places in the north region of Vietnam like Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang etc. Staying, eating, talking all in their house like a truly member of their family. It absolutely brings you an unforgettable experience and get to know more about unique ethnic minority culture. 

6. Jeep crawling in Mui Ne Sand dunes 

Jeep heads to Mui Ne sand hills (sources: 24 hours in Mui Ne)

Taking in the gorgeous views of White sand hill and Red sand hill stretching along to the horizon is best done by jeep. You can choose to head out on a guided tour, or rent your own Jeep to start the adventure your own. Along the way, you will immerse in cool breeze, fresh air and the salty flavor of the sea. 

7. Swim in the gorgeous Son Tra beach 

Son Tra viewed from Hai Van Pass

If you want to spend your summer vacation in a romantic place with blue water, white sand, then walk on Son Tra beach, Da Nang. Once you’re here, you might be blown away because of its phenomeno view and more than that, people here are amazing. Whenever you go, you will see Da Nang people with a big smile and treat you as if you are their family. The cost there is extremely cheap. There is no room for any trick or cheat. 

8. Join Floating markets in Mekong River Delta 

Floating markets in Can Tho

Ummm hello, fun! What’s better than sitting on a river boat to a fascinating floating market ? Known as Western region of Vietnam, Mekong River Delta is where most of Vietnam’s rice grown with unique floating market you might have never seen elsewhere, fruit orchards, fishes, national parks and pagodas. Joining floating market, you have a chance to discover the river-culture and meeting up with friendly local people in a green, lush place on earth. 

9. Having meal in Vietnamese family 

Meal at a friend's home (sources: 24 hours in Mui Ne)

Having meal with a local Vietnamese family is definitely an interesting experience - not just because of the amazing food. You will feel a little bit weird to use chopsticks to pick up the food, but when you try, you will certainly like it. Virtually, Vietnamese host is hospitable, so they may invite you some cups of beer. Wait for that! 

10. Speak Vietnamese 

A clip for Danish people to learn basic Vietnamese (sources: Vietnam Rejser)

Language is seemingly always vibrant and new once you visit a country. Vietnamese is much like that, even it’s on top of one of the most difficult languages to learn. Naturally, it will take you quite a long time to get used to, then you might feel a deep sense of excitement to say a full sentence: Toi yeu Viet Nam.

5 Ideal Places for Trekking in Vietnam

Over the last few years, travel has become an essential part as well as a meaningful standard to assess a full life. People tend to travel further and more frequent each year; and nearly two thirds of them want to explore more rather than just stay and relax. One of the most popular and easy-to-join adventure travel is trekking, which is preferred in mountainous countries. 

Given the favorable terrains conditions including plunging highland valleys, giant terraced paddy fields and soaring limestone mountains, Vietnam offers excellent trekking activities, ranging variously from soft-hiking to hardcore trek conquering the highest mountain in the country… So, if you are looking for an exotic spot for your trekking trip in Vietnam, then check out this list of 5 ideal destinations you could consider picking up and ultimately start your journey. 

1. Ham Lon, Soc Son, Hanoi 

Way to the top

Situated just about 40 km away from Hanoi's center, Ham Lon mountain will be a perfect choice if you arrive in the capital and want to combine your city tour with one more day trekking. You can take a short car trip here and start conquering! With around 4 hours trekking, you will be on the top at 462 metres height above the sea level. Ham Lon also fits those who don’t have much time to travel but still want to enjoy the gorgeous beauty of nature. Near, amazing, and adventurous! 

2. Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc  

Also a nearby place to Hanoi, Tam Dao mountain - 900 metres height above the sea level - can be an ideal choice for one-day trekking. The only way to get to the top is basically passing the thick forests. Normally, Tam Dao mountain has 3 peaks, so you can conquer 1, 2 or even all of them. Beside mountain, there are also various beautiful places you can have a short visit to Rock Cathedral, Silver Waterfall, etc. With cool climate and sublime mountain, Tam Dao is extraordinary impressive to everybody which has once been here. 

3. Sa Pa, Lao Cai

Mountain top's view

Located in Northwest of Vietnam, about 360 km from the capital Hanoi, Sa Pa is a well-known destination not only for its sublime landscape and the extraordinary people but also for its being an ideal trekking destination. From Sapa center, you can have short trek to some hill tribe villages nearby such as Cat Cat, Sin Chai, etc. If you intend to go with a longer route, you can opt for Muong Hoa valley, Ta Phin village… One of the most incredible place you should not miss is Fansipan – the highest peak of Indochina at 3143 metres. Take a two or three-day trip trekking to the top of the mountain and you will be definitely blown away of what you are watching. 

4. Cao Bang 

Ban Gioc Waterfall

According to SkyScanner, Cao Bang ranked the 5th out of five incredible trekking destinations in South East Asia. Its extremely rugged topography, evergreen forests, huge cave system and especially the bluish Ban Gioc waterfall have colored the splendid beauty of this Northeast province. It attracts a huge number of visitors coming for trekking as well as enjoy daily life with the amazing Tay, Nung ethnic people. 

5. Ha Giang 

The endless terraced field

The North Vietnam is famously excellent with a lot of amazing trekking destinations. Ha Giang, also known as ‘The land of rocks’, is among the spotlight. Everywhere you go, you will see peaky rocks lying in the ground. It’s seriously essential for trekkers to put on a high-quality sport shoes, pack your luggage tight, and just go. Dong Van Plateau and Lung Cu Flag tower are great places to trek out.