Vietnam: A Country of Contrasts
Vietnam stretches 1,650km from China to the Gulf of Thailand, offering dramatic landscapes, complex history, and some of the world's best street food. From the chaotic energy of Hanoi to the laid-back beaches of the south, Vietnam rewards the curious traveler.
Understanding Vietnam
The Lay of the Land
- North: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa mountains
- Central: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang beaches
- South: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc
Why Vietnam Captivates
- Incredible food culture
- Dramatic natural scenery
- Rich, complex history
- Affordable travel
- Warm, resilient people
Best Time to Visit
Vietnam's climate varies dramatically by region:
North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa):
- Best: October-December, March-April
- Avoid: July-August (hot, rainy)
- Winter can be cold and foggy
Central (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang):
- Best: February-August
- Avoid: October-November (typhoon season)
South (HCMC, Mekong, Phu Quoc):
- Dry season: December-April
- Wet season: May-November (afternoon showers)
Hanoi: The Soul of Vietnam
Must-Experience
- Old Quarter: 36 streets named by trade guilds
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Preserved body of "Uncle Ho"
- Temple of Literature: 1070 university, beautiful gardens
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Morning tai chi, evening strolls
- Train Street: Trains pass inches from houses (famous photos)
- Water puppet theater: Traditional Vietnamese art
Hanoi Food
- Pho: Beef or chicken noodle soup (breakfast tradition)
- Bun cha: Grilled pork with noodles (Obama's choice)
- Banh mi: Vietnamese baguette sandwiches
- Egg coffee: Sweet, creamy Hanoi specialty
- Bia hoi: Fresh draft beer on tiny plastic chairs
Day Trips from Hanoi
- Ninh Binh: "Ha Long Bay on land," limestone karsts
- Perfume Pagoda: Buddhist pilgrimage site
Ha Long Bay
The Experience
- 1,600+ limestone islands and islets
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Emerald waters, dramatic scenery
- Caves, floating villages, kayaking
Cruise Options
- Budget (1 night): Basic but gets you there
- Mid-range (2 nights): Better food, cabins
- Luxury (2+ nights): Butler service, private balconies
- Lan Ha Bay: Less crowded alternative
Tips
- Book reputable operators (safety varies)
- 2 nights minimum to enjoy
- Weather can be foggy (winter)
- Floating village visits included
Sapa & the Mountains
Why Go
- Terraced rice paddies (stunning)
- Hill tribe villages
- Trekking opportunities
- Cooler temperatures
Hill Tribes
- Hmong, Dao, Tay communities
- Traditional dress, customs
- Homestay experiences
- Buy crafts directly
Getting There
- Overnight train from Hanoi (romantic)
- Bus (faster, less scenic)
- Private car
Central Vietnam
Hue: Imperial City
- Former imperial capital
- Citadel and Forbidden Purple City
- Royal tombs along Perfume River
- War history (fierce 1968 battle)
- Distinctive cuisine (spicy, complex)
Hoi An: The Jewel
- Ancient town: Lantern-lit streets, UNESCO site
- Tailors: Custom clothing in 24-48 hours
- Cooking classes: Excellent options
- Beaches: An Bang, Cua Dai (developing)
- Full moon lantern festival: Monthly magic
- My Son sanctuary: Cham temples (day trip)
Da Nang
- Modern beach city
- Marble Mountains
- Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge)
- Gateway to Hue and Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Must-See
- War Remnants Museum: Powerful, important
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Viet Cong tunnel network
- Notre Dame Cathedral: French colonial landmark
- Ben Thanh Market: Tourist market, bargain hard
- Jade Emperor Pagoda: Atmospheric temple
Beyond the Sights
- Rooftop bars: City views, modern Vietnam
- Street food tours: Best way to eat
- Motorbike tours: See like a local
- Saigon River cruises: Dinner, sunset
Mekong Delta
The Experience
- Rice bowl of Vietnam
- Floating markets (Cai Rang, Cai Be)
- Sampan boat trips
- Coconut candy factories
- Fruit orchards
- Homestays
How to Visit
- Day trip from HCMC
- 2-day/1-night better
- Boat-focused tours
- Bicycle through villages
Vietnamese Food
Essential Dishes
- Pho: The iconic soup
- Banh mi: Perfect sandwich
- Bun cha: Hanoi's grilled pork
- Banh xeo: Crispy crepes
- Cao lau: Hoi An noodles
- Com tam: Broken rice with pork
- Goi cuon: Fresh spring rolls
- Bun bo Hue: Spicy beef noodles
Regional Differences
- North: Subtle, less sweet
- Central: Spicy, complex
- South: Sweeter, more herbs
Eating Tips
- Street food is safe and delicious
- Plastic stools = authentic
- Point at what you want
- Wet wipes essential
- Coffee culture strong (ca phe sua da)
Practical Information
Visa
- E-visa available for many nationalities
- Visa on arrival (with approval letter)
- Check current requirements
Currency
- Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- 24,000-25,000 VND ≈ $1 USD
- Large numbers (millions common)
- ATMs everywhere
- Cash preferred, cards in cities
Transportation
- Flights: Cheap domestic (VietJet, Bamboo)
- Trains: Scenic Reunification Express
- Buses: Sleeper buses for long hauls
- Grab: Essential ride-hailing app
- Motorbike: Rent only if experienced
Safety
- Generally safe
- Traffic dangerous (look before crossing)
- Petty theft in tourist areas
- Scams exist (book reputable tours)
- Motorbike accidents common
Costs
Very affordable:
- Budget: $25-35/day
- Mid-range: $50-80/day
- Luxury: $150+/day
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Vietnam (2 weeks):
- Hanoi (2-3 days)
- Ha Long Bay (2 days)
- Hue (1-2 days)
- Hoi An (3 days)
- HCMC (2-3 days)
- Mekong Delta (1-2 days)
Northern Focus (10 days):
- Hanoi (2 days)
- Sapa (2-3 days)
- Ninh Binh (1-2 days)
- Ha Long Bay (2 days)
- Hanoi (1 day)
Final Thoughts
Vietnam moves fast—motorbikes, development, change. Yet ancient traditions persist in morning pho rituals, incense-filled temples, and family-run craft villages. The war history is confronting but essential to understanding modern Vietnam. Come with curiosity and patience; leave with stories, flavors, and a desire to return.
Ready for Vietnam? Our Southeast Asia specialists can design an itinerary from Ha Long Bay cruises to Mekong Delta adventures.
