Did you know that Vietnam is one of the most traveled countries in Asia, leaving countries like India, South Korea, and Indonesia behind (Wikipedia)? Last month, I was fortunate enough to make a trip to this beautiful country.
If I had to describe it briefly, Vietnam perfectly blends nature and urbanization. With a highly cultural society and emerging manufacturing industry, Vietnam has already joined the race to become a major country in Southeast Asia.
If you’re also planning to visit this country in your next international getaway, Vietnam is one of the best options that must be on your list. Keep reading to know more about the destination.
Why Choose Vietnam for Your Next Tour?
Vietnam is budget-friendly, beautiful, filled with leisure, and whatnot. Along with that, here’s why Vietnam is the best destination for you:
Diverse Landscapes :
Are you a beach person or a mountain person? Well, it does not matter, since Vietnam offers both landscapes to you. The country has a big coastline adjacent to the South China Sea and a majestic mountain range. For a coastal experience, you can go for calmness of Ha Long Bay, whereas, for hill stations, you can go for Da Lat.
Rich History and Culture :
There is a rich history and culture even in the sand of this country. If mentioned broadly, Hue Imperial Citadel, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi are some places you can start by visiting.
Affordable Travel:
For budget travel, you can easily plan your vacay with the cost between the budget of $200-$500/head. Of course, the budget may fluctuate with the experience you go for. Hence, if you have that much amount in your bank, Vietnam is waiting for you.
Warm and Welcoming People:
Research online about the people in Vietnam, and you will find only the good about them. The government and people also understand the importance of tourism for their country’s economy. Hence, their tourism infrastructure is amazing.
Exploring Vietnam’s Culinary Wonders
Vietnam’s food is popular around the globe. Here, Asian cuisine is at its peak. Try the underrated Vietnamese noodle meals and various non-veg items if you like. The following are some suggestions from my side:
Cao Lầu:
Cao Lầu is an easily available regional Vietnamese dish. The dish is no less than a mastery of noodles. And the most amazing part is that the noodles are made with rice flour. It means that these rice noodles are gluten-free and will not upset your gut health.
Bún bò Huế:
Another noodle dish famous overseas, Bún bò Huế is popular in three regions of Vietnam. In Thua Thien Hue, this dish is often called “bun bo”. The main ingredients of this dish are Vermicelli, lemongrass, beef, and shrimp paste.
Mì Quảng:
Finding vegan food in Vietnam is a challenge in itself, and Mì Quảng is no exception. This dish contains rice noodles, shrimp, pork, or chicken (sometimes fish or beef), paired with various herbs.
Bún Riêu:
Finally, if you are surrounded by noodles and want a break, you can go for Bún Riêu, a soup. This soup includes fresh-water paddy crabs tamarind paste, fried tofu, rice vinegar, annatto seeds, split water spinach stems, shredded banana flowers, and whatnot.
Bún Thang:
Also known as Hanoi combo noodle soup, Bún Thang is a northern-style variety of noodle soup. If literally translated, Thang means ladder, which symbolizes its nature of various ingredients of the dish.
Hútiu:
The Hútiu was originated in Vietnam but its influence was originally from the Chinese and Cambodian cuisines. This soup has a flavorful broth, flat or thin noodles, meat like pork slices, shrimp, squid, etc., toppings, and garnishing. It is also one of most loved street foods.
How to Plan Your Vietnam Tour
The tour comes with various adventurous and pleasant experiences. Follow the tips below when you start planning your Vietnam adventure:
- Determine Your Travel Style: It depends on you whether you want to have a luxury travel or a humble budget trip. Plan your activities and accommodations accordingly.
- Decide How Long To Stay: To explore Vietnam for the first time, planning a trip for 7-10 days is appropriate. These days, you can have experience in almost all major cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, etc.
- Choose Your Destinations: When you have finally decided how long you want to stay, figure out the places and destinations you want to cover in that time. Create an itinerary.
- Book Your Flights And Accommodation In Advance: It’s better to book your flights and accommodations online to escape the long queues. Also, some online websites also provide you with the comparison of different alternatives with the cheapest options.
- Consider A Guided Tour: It’s true that exploring the destination on your own is an adventure on its own. But when you travel abroad, you must get a guided tour since you don’t know anything about the place.
- Learn Some Basic Vietnamese Phrases: It’s true that Vietnamese people are educated and welcoming, but usually in markets and shops, you might have to use some basic Vietnamese. Even when greeting someone or starting a conversation, learning Vietnamese can help.
- Pack Appropriately: Pack everything that you need and everything to make your travel comfortable. Some basic things are your daily essentials, durable shoes, some cash too, etc.
- Be Respectful Of Local Customs: This is one of the most basic etiquette one must follow on their international trip, yet, a majority of travelers lack it. While the country welcomes you to explore its vibes and environment, you must have basic respect for its customs.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected with all the people you’re traveling with and ensure everybody is with you on the tour.
- Exchange Currency: The currency rates keep on fluctuating, yet, you must not completely rely on digital options. Get some cash handy to pay instantly, where online payment is not accepted.
Conclusion
Vietnam is known for its magnificent nature and delicious food. If you are planning an international trip soon, this country brings some of the best options to you, that too on a budget.
In this article, I gave you almost every detail about how to enjoy the place and what to eat. If you find it helpful, consider sharing with friends and family as well.
