So, you are thinking of finally making that trip to Vietnam? What is your plan once you get there, and what exactly does this relatively visited country in Southeast Asia have to offer? Perhaps the Vietnam motorbike tours got your attention, as did the cooking classes and boat rides. Whatever has piqued your interest, this piece has been carefully written to ensure you do not miss out on anything.
When Should I Visit Vietnam?
We will begin with the optimal times to visit to ensure you get the experience of a lifetime. The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate that has regional variations. We recommend visiting between November and April, as this is the dry season in the north.
If you want to visit the south, your window will be open from December to May. One thing to remember, however, is that every region comes with microclimates; hence, we recommend doing proper research into the weather patterns before you make your trip.
How Do I Get There, and Do I Need a Visa?
When it comes to transportation, Vietnam is very well connected to major airports. The primary gateways in HoChi Minh City are the Tan Son Nhat International Airport and the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Most major airlines can provide direct flights to these airports, but you could also opt for budget carriers to get you much cheaper connections in nearby countries.
A visa is necessary to enter Vietnam as a foreigner, and getting one will depend on your nationality and the reason for visiting. Some countries allow you to apply for it online, while others will require you to get it directly from the nearest embassy or consulate. We recommend paying keen attention to the visa requirements to allow you to have an easy time on entry.
4 Places to Visit While You Are in Vietnam
Tourism numbers in Vietnam go high up to over 10 million, and the number keeps on rising every year. It is a suitable travel destination for families, friends, students, and even the elderly. So, where do you go if you find yourself in Vietnam?
- Halong Bay
This is one of the country’s most iconic regions, where you can check out more than 50 caves, and it has over 2000 islands. The name is derived from ancient Vietnamese to mean dragon tail because of the dramatic, beautiful landscape resulting from the sparkling water in the bay.
The best way to get around here is by boat during the day. They are affordable, going for about $30, including lunch cooked onboard. You could cover a lot of ground within a day, but we recommend multi-day tours as you will get more time to enjoy the magical islands and secret beaches. The more you explore, the better. After all, it’s not considered one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders for nothing.
- Mui Ne
This coastal town is located in Southeast Vietnam and receives an increasing number of tourists every year. Here, you get to enjoy stretches of sandy beaches and a warm climate. If you enjoy water sports, you could take up windsurfing and kite surfing, not to mention the several hotels, bars, and restaurants nearby that offer tasty cuisines.
Sledging on dunes is another activity you could engage in in Mui Ne. There are red dunes just on the outskirts, which makes for the perfect place to enjoy the sunset over sparkling blue water.
- Ho Chi Minh City
This is also the largest city that serves as a commercial and economic hub, and there are fascinating cultural relics here. If you are visiting to explore the rich culture and food, then this is the one place you wouldn’t want to miss. There are stalls, food, and crafts along every street, and the locals are quite proud of their cuisine, culture, and city. You will most certainly feel the energy and vibrance of Vietnam.
The best museums are also found here, and they are not just the best in Vietnam but the whole of Asia too. One in particular is the War Remnants Museum – this beautifully curated museum showcases the bravery of Vietnamese soldiers in the 20th century. Outside, you will get to explore the war vehicles, planes, and tanks used to battle.
- Hoi An
It is pretty diverse here, with a variety of nationalities that reside in the city as a result of when it served as a port. There are French colonial terraces, ornate Japanese bridges, and ancient temples, in addition to the beautiful scenic canals.
The picture-perfect location is around two kilometres from Hoi An and comes with a variety of clean beaches that will charm each individual differently. Most people visit for the garments, and some of the stores have been passed down from generation to generation, thus offering a rich cultural heritage. We guarantee that you will certainly be impressed with what you see once you get there.
Takeaway
Vietnam isn’t short of attraction sites; the world’s largest caves, and prehistoric landscapes, among other things there are considered some of the top tourist destinations in the world. Your age or reason for visiting doesn’t matter as you will undoubtedly have a wonderful time.
