If you haven’t been to Vietnam, you should definitely add it to your bucket list! This traveller’s paradise has got so much to offer, you’ll struggle to fit everything in! Think ancient historical sites, awe-inspiring scenery, and some of the tastiest cuisine you’ll ever try. Interested yet? You should be!
- The FOOD
Any foodies out there? Good – this one’s for you. Vietnam is a haven for food-lovers from all over the world! On every street corner, you’re greeted with a tantalising array of delicious smells. From bubbling bowls of Pho, to freshly baked Banh Mi (tasty baguette sandwiches) and sizzling Bun Cha – barbecued pork patties served with rice noodles. Yum.
- Hoi An: the lantern city
FACT: Anyone who’s been to Vietnam will recommend Hoi An. With its well-preserved ancient city, cut through with canals and a diverse range of architecture including ornate French colonial buildings and old Chinese wooden shophouses – there’s plenty to be seen. But the main reason people flock there is the magical lantern festivals that take place every month. During these festivals, Hoi An really comes to life and even though you’re surrounded by tourists, it still feels like an enchanted city.
- The history
Vietnam has a long and fascinating history, and if you’re a culture vulture, you’ll be glad to know that there are tons of incredible museums and historic sites to explore, mainly in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi. There’s the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels, amongst many others.
- It’s cheap
If you’re travelling on a tight budget, Vietnam (as well as the rest of Southeast Asia) is a great place to visit. Accommodation in a decent hostel will only cost you between £2-£6 per night, a meal at a standard restaurant is around £1.50-£2.50 and public transport is dirt cheap. If you decide to teach English in Vietnam, the average wage is £1,000+ so you’ll be able to live very comfortably and save for your travels, too!
- The landscapes
From the tropical islands of Halong Bay to the rice paddies of Hoang Su Phi to the sand dunes of Mui Ne, Vietnam is home to some of the most beautiful and most varied landscapes in the world. If you venture outside of the bustling cities, you’ll soon see what we’re talking about.
- The culture
The Vietnamese are some of the friendliest people you’ll come across and it’s only polite to observe their cultural norms while you’re visiting. For example, within society, there’s a hierarchy based on age, so the oldest person in the group should be served or greeted first. There are also some fun cultural traditions that you can take part in, like Tet – the Vietnamese New Year celebration that happens in February each year.
- The coffee
Once you’ve tried Vietnamese coffee, you’ll never go back! The general recipe consists of some strong, delicious espresso, a decent helping of condensed milk, and some sugar syrup over a generous amount of ice. It’s dreamy. Coffee-lovers, prepare to never drink a coffee in the same way again!
