Vietnam is one of the most complete destinations in Southeast Asia today. An exotic country in Indochina with tasty cuisine, unique culture and fascinating nature. The country offers many possibilities! Be it the capital Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, ancient Saigon or the Mekong Delta.
When to travel to Vietnam?
The best time to travel to Vietnam is during the dry season, that is, from October to April, in the months when the rains are less frequent. At the end of January the Tet festival is celebrated, which is a time of great tourist influx.
What to see in Vietnam?
Ha-Long Bay
In northern Vietnam, near China, we find one of the most enchanting landscapes in the world: Ha-Long Bay, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 and considered one of the new 7 wonders of nature.. Sailing among the limestone rocks jutting out of the sea is one of the best things to see in Vietnam. An unforgettable postcard image for social media from the deck of the ship.
Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam is colorful and vibrant. A constant bustle of people in traditional markets, artisan neighborhoods, street food stalls ... but also spaces for tranquility around the temples and pagodas or Buddhists or Hoan Kiem Lake. With a heritage of more than a thousand years, in Hanoi we can also find neighborhoods with centuries-old architecture where the Chinese, French and Southeast Asian influence can be appreciated.
Thang Long Imperial City
One of the most interesting places to see in Vietnam is the imperial city of Thang Long, royal residence and political center for no more and no less than 13 centuries. It was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2010 and currently only some structures and buildings remain.
However, in the past Thang Long was walled and housed palaces, fortresses and a forbidden city that served as the private residence of the emperors. When the capital moved to Hue many of the buildings were demolished and during the French colonial rule towards the end of the XIX part of the complex was converted into a residential area.
Mekong Delta
The most popular region in Southeast Asia is the Mekong Delta, which encompasses Vietnam and Cambodia. Located in the south of the country, the Mekong Delta is one of the most unique places in the country full of rice fields, water labyrinths, humble houses on stilts and barges that are at the same time modest floating homes.
Ancient Saigon
Ho Chi Minh or Old Saigon is one of the most vibrant cities to see in Vietnam and the most densely populated in Southeast Asia. In its streets Vietnamese tradition mixes with Western modernity. Like Hanoi, it has beautiful French-influenced colonial architecture and wide boulevards, full of people. Very interesting is a visit to the hectic Ben Thanh market where you can buy food, flowers and even frogs.
Hoi An
For a long time it was the most important port in Vietnam as it connected Asia with Europe during the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries on the trade route. Today, Hoi An is one of the loveliest and most historic seaside towns to see in Vietnam. Chinese, Japanese, Dutch or Portuguese have passed through here, attracted by the incredible commercial activity and beauty of this river port.
Today it is one of the most popular tourist centers in Vietnam so it still retains that air of a multicultural town that once made it so famous. Among the places that are most worth visiting are: the central market of Hoi An, the Japanese covered bridge, the Quang Cong temple, dedicated to the famous and some of the traditional houses and shops that mix the Vietnamese style, with the European, Japanese or Chinese.
Safe to travel to Vietnam?
Although Vietnam is considered one of the safest Asian countries, it is always necessary to take certain precautions. The main incidents that occur to travelers here are related to medical problems and theft of luggage. Therefore, it is necessary to take out travel insurance that has these coverages.
Vaccinations to go to Vietnam
To go to Vietnam there are no compulsory vaccinations but tetanus, typhoid fever, Hepatitis A and B, and malaria are recommended. However, you should always consult the recommendations of the International Vaccination Center.
Payment methods and money
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong but dollars and euros are usually accepted. In some establishments they add a surcharge to any operation made with a credit card and in rural areas, they only accept cash. Damaged bills may not be accepted in shops and restaurants.