Why travel to Vietnam?
A Vietnam trip is unlike any other place on the planet – an utterly beguiling country that offers sublime natural beauty alongside a fascinating history. Decades on from the lengthy and devastating war, those planning Vietnam travel will be enlivened by its energetic, resilient and buoyant culture that is as intriguing as it is welcoming.
Five places to visit in Vietnam
No matter what time of year you travel to this beautiful country, there’s a wealth of places to visit in Vietnam and rich history to uncover. From the majestic Halong Bay, to the bustling old quarter of Hanoi, to the natural wonder of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - it’s time to escape on your Vietnam travels! Here are five suggestions to add to your itinerary.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a place where old and new live in harmony. A teeming hub of commerce and culture, Vietnam travellers will marvel at the diversity of bustling marketplaces and glitzy boutiques, high-end restaurants and tiny food stalls, and soaring developments next to age-old neighbourhoods.
There’s something for everyone in Ho Chi Minh City. Spend a sombre morning at the War Remnants Museum, take in the architectural beauty of the French Quarter in District 1, enjoy a tasty afternoon snack at Ben Thanh Market and then round out your day by exploring the abandoned corridors of the Reunification Palace.
Halong Bay
A favourite place to visit in Vietnam for all travellers, there’s a serene majesty about Halong Bay that leaves a lasting memory. Emerald green water is punctuated with the majestic peaks of thousands of limestone islets. It’s a such a breathtaking destination that UNESCO named it a World Heritage site way back in 1994.
Be aware that as one of the most popular locations for a Vietnam trip, Halong Bay is usually packed with tourists year-round, especially at the height of summer. Still, there are plenty of attractions to put a smile on your face, from kayaking, swimming and hiking to drifting around the bay on old-fashioned junks.
Hoi An
Swaying lanterns, tottering timber shopfronts and a host of Chinese, Japanese and European architectural gems. Welcome to Hoi An, a once-bustling port city stationed on the Thu Bon River, and an essential stop on your Vietnam trip.
Leave the lively bars and late-night parties in Hanoi – here you’ll be able to meander through atmospheric streets and soak up the quaint beauty of this melting pot of a city. Snap a picture of the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, get a tailor-made outfit from one of the many proprietors in town like Miss Forget Me Not, and then satisfy your tastebuds by trying Hoi An’s signature dish, Cao Lau, at one of its world-class restaurants.
Hanoi
If experiencing a hotbed of activity 24/7 is more your style when it comes to your Vietnam travel guide, then head to Hanoi – where a sea of motorcycles zip along wide boulevards, sophisticated restaurants and bars spring up on every corner, and there’s an endless supply of swanky malls, boutiques and warehouses.
After you’ve taken in the hustle and bustle, retreat to old-world Hanoi, where street vendors peddle their wares and crumbling colonial buildings radiate a fading grace of French heritage. Hoan Kiem Lake is the place to be for a morning tai chi session, or try your hand at Vietnamese cuisine with a local cooking class at Hanoi Cooking Centre.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
If you really want your Vietnam travels to leave an impression years after you’ve departed its shores, then make sure you visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. You can thank Vietnam’s unpredictable – and powerful – weather over millions of years for carving out this incredible assortment of caves, rivers and mountains.
Visitors can spend an entire day or more here just taking in the sights, but there’s a clear reason it’s the country’s top adventure destination. Test yourself on a variety of hiking trails or hire a tour guide to show you the best spots. Take to the rivers for a relaxing afternoon of kayaking or explore the world’s largest cave system at Son Doong. Cycle the countryside lanes and watch as farmers and villagers go about their daily tasks.
Arts and culture on your Vietnam trip
If you’re a history buff with a keen interest in the Vietnam War, there’s no better place to visit than the Cu Chi Tunnels – once a hideout and transportation channel for the Viet Cong.
If taking in the visual splendour of Vietnam is more your preference, make sure you stop along the Mekong River Delta or visit stunning Sapa, a hillside station surrounded by sweeping mountains and cascading rice terraces.
And for those who simply want a place to relax and unwind on their Vietnam trip, there’s nowhere like Nha Trang on the south coast – renowned for its sublime setting, buzzing nightlife and abundance of resorts.
Vietnam travel advice
While Vietnam is a dazzling country full of friendly locals, incredible destinations and some of the finest food you’ll ever enjoy on your travels, there are safety tips you need to be aware of.
Road travel is arguably the biggest risk, with accidents common in Vietnam. Many locals get around on scooters and motorbikes. Be aware of the dangers of road travel and take care when crossing the street.
Weather conditions can also quickly turn sour in Vietnam, especially if your Vietnam trip coincides with the rainy season between June and November. Be aware that floods, typhoons and other severe weather events can arrive quickly and disrupt your travel plans.
Safety advice: When can I travel to Vietnam from Australia?
The good news for Vietnam travel advice is that there are no longer any border restrictions to thwart your trip. However, COVID-19 is still circulating in the country, and public health measures like wearing face masks and social distancing differ between provinces. Follow the latest directives from the local health authorities on your Vietnam trip.
To reduce the risk of an unexpected event ruining your Vietnam travels, make sure you obtain adequate travel insurance before you depart. Not only does it cover you for unforeseen COVID-19 related scenarios, you will also be protected in case of sudden cancellations, lost luggage and personal effects, and rental car accidents.
Enjoyed our Vietnam travel guide and ready to prepare for your next trip? Next, learn what to expect at the airport.
