Asia Travel Guide
Vietnam Travel Guide
Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, drawing travelers to its lush mountains, bustling cities and golden sandy beaches. There are numerous ancient monuments and colonial structures that have survived its eventful history.
The best time to visit Vietnam is between November and April. This is when the country experiences the least amount of rain.
North Vietnam
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh) has a distinct winter and summer season. The cool but mostly dry winter lasts from November to April, with an average temperature of 17-22 ° C with the coldest months January – March. Summer lasts from May to October when it is hot and humid and the region has the most rainfall. July to September are often the wettest months of the year.
Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue) has hot and dry weather from mid-January to the end of August, with temperatures often reaching mid-30 degrees. During the winter months, rainfall increases with peak levels in October and November, sometimes in the form of typhoons.
South Vietnam
With temperatures remaining constant throughout the year, the climate in the south (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc) is split into two simple seasons, wet and dry. The dry season starts in November and ends in April / early May, with slightly warmer and more humid at the end of February to May. The wet season lasts from May to early November, with the months of June, July and August receiving the most rainfall of the year.
13 Best Places to visit in Vietnam:
1. Ha Giang
Impressive karst mountains, hills and green valleys with minority villages.
2. Hoi An
A well-preserved old trading town, full of picturesque historic houses, pagodas and cafes.
3. Halong Bay
The karst mountains of this bay are one of the most fascinating seascapes in the world.
4. Dalat
Adventure capital, with French villas, pine forests, beautiful lakes and waterfalls.
5. Sapa
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, rice terraces and various hill tribes.
6. Phong Nha
Home to many caves, including the largest cave in the world.
7. Ninh Binh
Known as Halong Bay on land, full of karst mountains, paddy fields, rivers and temples.
8. Hanoi
Numerous museums, historic streets and temples, markets, bridges and a historic citadel.
9. Hue
Once the capital of imperial Vietnam, much of its rich history is well preserved.
10. Cao Bang
The biggest attraction is Ban Gioc waterfall, the most impressive waterfall in Vietnam.
11. Quy Nhon
Relaxed beaches, Champa ruins and an authentic experience of Vietnamese culture
12. Phu Quoc
A piece of paradise for beach lovers, with nothing but palm trees and the sea.
13. Mekong Delta
A unique water world, where boats, houses and markets float on the countless rivers and canals.
Top Must-try Food in Vietnam:
Pho – Noodle Soup With Beef
Banh Xeo – Vietnamese Pancake
Cha Ca La Vong – Grilled fish, often includes shrimp paste or fish sauce, ginger, and chili peppers
Com tam – Broken rice served with fried egg, onions and meat.
Banh Mi – Baguette with vegetables and meat
Bun cha – Fresh noodle with vegetables and meat
Mi quang – Yellow colored rice noodles with grilled meat, vegetables, peanuts and rice paper
Bun dau mam tom – Noodles, tofu and chunks of meat served with spicy stinky purple dipping sauce
Bun bo nam bo – Noodles with slices of beef, lettuce, crunchy peanuts and without broth.
Bun bo Hue – Noodles with meaty broth and piles of beef and pork.
Xoi – Sticky rice
Banh cuon – Rice flour pancakes with a hearty filling of minced pork and mushrooms.
Goi cuon – Fresh spring roll with salad vegetables, a piece of meat or fish/shrimp and a layer of coriander.
Lau – Vietnamese hotpot dish, with a choice of vegetables, mushrooms, meat and fish.
Bun Thit Nuong – Thin vermicelli rice noodles, chopped lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, basil, peanuts and mint
Domestic flights
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the two main international airports with most international flights arriving. Domestic flights are also a good option as many of Vietnam’s highlights are relatively far apart and flights can be very cheap. So you already have flights from 25 euros!
Bus
The bus is often the cheapest option between the various destinations in Viet- nam. Night buses save you a day of traveling and a night in a hotel.
Train
The train is a more comfortable option, but also more expensive. You can take the train on several popular routes, but the night train is also an option. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Car
Driving yourself is not recommended due to the poor condition of the roads and a driver is not expensive. If you are traveling with a group, it is recommended to rent a minivan. Taxis can be found everywhere. An alternative is the App. Grab, comparable to Uber in the Netherlands. Grab scooters are also available for solo travelers.
Motorbike / scooter
A very cool way to travel through Vietnam is on a motorcycle. You can rent one in many places and it only costs a few dollars a day. Please note that you are officially not allowed to drive without a valid Vietnamese driver’s license. The police condoned the policy, but you are not automatically insured.
Cruise
In the Mekong Delta you can take a boat for short distances. You can also go by boat from Rach Gia to the island of Phu Quoc. In Halong Bay, a boat is also inevitable to visit the beautiful bay.
Other options
Renting a bicycle is an ideal way to explore the smaller towns and the countryside. In the cities you never have to walk if you don’t want to. There are plenty of cheap options to get you around. You absolutely must try a cyclo. That’s a bike with two passenger seats.
Before you travel to Vietnam you must already be in possession of a valid visa, e-visa or letter of authorization for a visa on arrival.
You can get this in 3 different ways:
Visa – through any Vietnamese embassy
E-visa – online through the official website of the Vietnamese Immigration Service.
Visa on Arrival – through a local travel agency.
If you are going to Vietnam for less than 30 days, choose an e-visa.
If you are going to Vietnam for more than 30 days, choose a visa on arrival (keep in mind that you have to enter the country via international airport.
