It is not easy to encompass the peculiar balance of elements that make Vietnam such a unique place. Vietnam is a land of contrasts, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern marvels. Indeed, every corner offers a unique mosaic of sights, sounds, flavors and scents waiting to be discovered.
Here are 10 “insider” reasons that made our visit to Vietnam definitely worthwhile and unforgettable.
Ready to fall in love? Let’s start!
1. Nature alone is a good reason to visit Vietnam
If we think about Vietnam, the first thing that comes to our mind is the green color. Whether in a chaotic metropolis or in the Northern mountains, you’ll always be surrounded by infinite shades of dazzling green.
Vietnam abounds with countless species of plants, trees and bushes, from Banana trees to Bamboo forests, from Jackfruit trees to rice paddies. Flora is just everywhere and decorates each corner and landscape with its majesty.
2. Astonishing landscapes
Vietnam is the dream-place for travelers who love both stunning views and landscape diversity. From North to South, the country offers a mix of awe-inspiring natural and artificial wonders (or a combination of both). Starting from the Bai Tu Long Bay and its “alter ego” on land Trang An, to the collection of stone-carved Buddhas at the Marble Mountains and the beautiful beaches of Na Trang, the psychedelic rush of Ho Chi Minh city nights and the magical lanterns of Hoi An. Add a close-to-infinite number of pagodas as further decoration of all this beauty!
3. Vietnamese Cuisine
We don’t know where to start about Vietnamese food. We wouldn’t exaggerate if we said that Vietnam has one of the best and most diverse cuisines in the world. Vietnamese food is for sure among the top reasons to visit the country. During their stay, travelers give up the ambition to taste all the different Vietnamese dishes, as soon as they find out that every single village has its own set of soups, rolls, sandwiches, preparations and ingredients (or even coffee!).
From the world-famous Phở to the more local gems like Cao lầu, each dish is an explosion of flavors. The Vietnamese have cunning skills of blending fresh herbs, spices and the most varied ingredients. Not mentioning the ever-present delicious fish sauce! Nature, too, contributes to such an overwhelming variety of food, providing the most amazing fruits possible. We could write a whole book about how life-changing is to experience Vietnamese food!
4. Local people are definitely a reason to visit Vietnam
The people of Vietnam are famous for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets or rural villages, you’ll encounter smiling faces and welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture and make you feel at home.
There is a feeling of quiet respect and kindness very hard to find elsewhere, combining a touch of home friendliness with a strong sense of duty. We had long conversations with our guides, regardless of their age, location or English level and we found out so much about their lives and the country’s history.
5. Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage
Among the reasons to visit Vietnam, we must mention its incredibly rich history and culture. From ancient traditions rooted in Confucianism and Buddhism to the influence of French colonialism, the country boasts a tapestry of cultural heritage that is evident in its architecture, art, incense-perfumed pagodas and altars, and daily rituals.
In Vietnam, you can find centuries-old Hindu temples stained by the passage of time, as well as Paris-style opéra theatres, not to mention a whole Forbidden City with remnants of the last Emperor’s dynasty. Some of them are also in the Unesco World Heritage List.
Vietnamese culture is a mosaic of historic milestones, tribes, religions and wars, contributing to the pride that locals feel for their roots.
6. Daily Vietnamese life
Becoming accuomsted to daily life in Vietnam is both easy and hard. Vietnam does not let you slowly acclimate to its rhythm and habits: you just find yourself adopting them without realizing it and just going with the flow, letting all your certainties behind. From eating chili soups early in the morning to crossing the streets trying to survive the hectic traffic, you will be projected into a new world where colors, lights, flavors and sounds blend together in a puzzle of pulsating emotions.
Whether you are gazing at a market stand displaying spiky rambutans, colorful dragon fruits or purple mangosteen or casually walking on a peaceful river bank in the evening, experiencing a novel level of relaxation, Vietnam will never stop surprising you with its vibrant and truest singularity.
7. Tourist safety
One aspect that really makes Vietnam a unique destination is the high level of safety for tourists. Vietnam is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and a welcoming environment. Visitors can enjoy their journey with peace of mind by remembering some basic precautions and keeping an eye on wallets, mobiles and bags, the risk of getting mugged is still present, especially in big cities.
The safety perception applies also to food one can find in virtually any restaurant, homestay, cafè and fast food in the country: we just suggest being a little more cautious about the quality of ice and raw vegetables. Compared to other destinations, we really had to take care of a very small number of aspects while visiting around, allowing us to truly enjoy every moment.
8. Contact with other travelers
Vietnam’s popularity as a tourist destination means you’ll have ample opportunities to meet and connect with fellow travelers from all around the world. Whether it’s exchanging stories in a cozy hostel or joining a group tour, sharing experiences with like-minded adventurers adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your journey, as you have the precious chance to meet new friends with very diverse backgrounds.
9. Country’s Dynamism
Vietnam is a country that is constantly evolving and progressing. From its booming cities to its innovative industries, there is a sense of energy and dynamism that permeates the air. This dynamic atmosphere creates an exciting backdrop for exploration and discovery. While visiting Vietnam, we really had the feeling of a country that will look very different over by the next 10 years, for better or worse. So, we strongly suggest visiting Vietnam soon and maybe going there a second time to appreicate its evolution.
10. General vibes in your visit
There’s a unique vibe in Vietnam that is hard to put into words but is felt by all who visit it. It’s a combination of the country’s history, culture, friendly people, food and unforgettable landscape. Whether you’re strolling through the narrow streets of Hoi An or exploring the chaotic traffic of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be captivated by the special atmosphere that defines Vietnam. You’ll know what we mean once you’re there!
To wrap it all up, there are so many reasons to visit Vietnam. We tried to condense them in only top 10 picks, but the list could go on forever. This country is so unique and we believe that everyone should get a chance to explore it in all its beauty!
If you don’t know where to start, have a look at our 15-Day Complete and Authentic Itinerary! 🙂