Vietnam is thriving with unique experiences and attractions, ranging from breathtaking landscapes to adrenaline adventures. The popular southeast Asian country is overflowing with culture and the friendly locals are sure to charm you straight away. Despite its recent bloody history, Vietnamese people are welcoming and friendly. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie or sports lover, Vietnam has plenty to offer and will definitely help you tick a few off the bucket list.
Getting your visa for Vietnam
The majority of travellers tend to fly into either Hanoi or Saigon airport. These two hubs have regular international flights as well as a number of domestic flights, making it easy to travel within Vietnam. Da Nang also has a large international airport in central Vietnam. When choosing where to fly into, Saigon airport can sometimes offer more budget flights but it will mostly depend on where you want to start your journey.
Before arriving in Vietnam, you’ll need to have your travel visa already arranged. If you haven’t taken care of your visa, you run the risk of being refused entry and having to head back home. Vietnam’s relatively recent E-visa system helps to take the hassle out of arranging a visa and can be done simply. Evisa-Vietnam.com can help arrange either your E-visa or Visa on Arrival. Simply head over to the easy to use service for more information about what you need and clear costs. Take the stress out of buying your visa and concentrate on planning your Vietnam adventure.
1. Cycle through Hue
The imperial city of Hue is home to several impressive royal complexes. Including the citadel, royal tombs, markets and temples. Pedal your way through the city and along the Perfume River. Hue is a great city to explore by bike and bicycles can be rented easily and cheaply throughout the area.
2. Take a boat down the Mekong Delta
Cruise along the Mekong Delta on a cargo boat and soak up the beautiful surroundings. Explore Vietnamese culture and a way of life that hasn’t changed for centuries with rice paddies and stilted villages. If you’re looking to spend a night on the river, book a cruise from Cai Be to Can Tho.
3. Find Vietnam’s best Pho in Hanoi
Pho is a renowned Vietnamese dish. A staple in most diets, the easy to make and delicious meal is made using stock, beef, noodles and herbs. You can also find vegetarian alternatives made with tofu and vegetable stock. Hanoi has several restaurants with incredible Pho’s, Pho Thin on Loc Duc is particularly popular.
4. Try a cup of Weasel coffee
If you are a coffee fan, you’ll likely come across a cup of Weasel coffee in Vietnam. Weasel coffee is produced by using civets, a type of weasel-like animal, who eat and pass coffee beans, resulting in a uniquely tasting coffee. For an immersive experience, head to one of Da lat’s Weasel coffee farms such as Trai Ham Da Lat Weasel Coffee Farm.
5. Go canyoning
This one’s for the more adventurous types, canyoning in Vietnam’s countryside is a unique and unforgettable experience. Da Lat has a number of canyoning tours that include repelling down waterfalls, floating and zip lining into rivers. Tours can be booked directly through your hotel or hostel and transport to and from your accommodation is included.
6. Spend a night on a boat in Halong Bay
A night spent in one of the world’s natural wonders is a must-do while in Vietnam. The World Heritage Site is picture perfect and has several junk boat tours available. The tours include kayaking and swimming through the emerald green waters.
7. Have a drink on a rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City
There’s no better way to see a city than from a rooftop with a drink in your hand. Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon has several rooftop bars that offer panoramic views of the city as well as delicious cocktails and drinks. Popular rooftop destinations include Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar and Chill Sky Bar Saigon.
8. Take a cooking course in Hoi An
Vietnamese food is delicious and flavoursome. Find out how to make your own Vietnamese dishes and take a part of the country home with you. Hoi An has some fantastic cooking classes available where you can learn and try out some local dishes. If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan cooking classes, Karma Waters teaches you how to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes suitable for your diet.
9. Travel by train along the coast
A romantic and charming way to see the country, Vietnam’s Reunification Express stretches from Saigon to Hanoi and is a beautiful way to see the coast. Take the scenic route and get the opportunity to interact with Vietnamese locals.
