Vietnam has been consistently voted as one of the best destinations for budget and boutique travelers in recent years. With a vast number of eye-opening landscapes, yummy cuisine to taste and friendly people, it will take you weeks to discover it all. However, if your holiday is time limited, here are six best things you should do once visiting the country.
1. Taking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
Being hailed as the masterpiece of nature, Halong Bay is a treasure of Vietnam which is unlike any other places of interest in the world. With thousands of towering islands and islets rising from the emerald water, this is no surprise that Halong Bay is always on top of traveler’s bucket list. Although there are several ways to visit this World Heritage site, taking an overnight cruise is the best way to enjoy its breathtaking grandeur.
With the inclusions of the entrance fee, efficient and smooth transfer, gourmet cuisine, energetic activities in most picturesque islets and grottos, and beautiful floating living space, an overnight cruise is not only convenient and family-friendly but also the best value for money. No forms of vacation in Vietnam can offer such a comprehensive experience like this, therefore, it is undeniable that going on an overnight Halong Bay cruise is one of the best experiences once traveling to Vietnam.
2. Trying all food you could
Not only being famous for numerous beautiful scenic spots and historical sites, Vietnam is also known as heaven of mouth-watering food. Located in the tropical region, the country is blessed with a rich and diverse source of plants, vegetables, and other types of ingredients. Besides, the differences in culture and geography among the North, the South, and the Centre make its cuisine become even more exotic and diversified.
Each region in the country has its own delicacies to be proud. To name a few of them, Vietnamese Noodles (Pho) and Kebab Rice Noodles (Bun Cha) are special dishes that food lovers should not miss when setting foot in Hanoi. Meanwhile, Hoi An is extremely well-known for its Cao Lau – an exclusive noodle dishes, Chicken Rice (Com Ga), and Quang Noodles (Mi Quang). The country’s largest metropolis – Saigon is famed for its special Nam Vang Noodle Soup (Hu Tieu Nam Vang), hot pots (Lau), Sizzling Cake (Banh Xeo), etc.
3. Shopping at Ben Thanh Market
Located in the prime location of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is the busiest shopping place in the city. This is an extremely interesting destination not only for locals but also for expatriates. Somebody said that “Discovering an Asia market is never a boring job”, and you can test the reliability of this statement by making a shopping tour around this bustling market. Although Ben Thanh Market is the oldest market (built in 1870) with the most ancient architecture, it is also the most modern one in Saigon. This is a place that you can find almost everything, from the most common to rare, from budget to luxury. Going inside the market, you will be overwhelmed by the astonishing variety of clothes, food, jewelry, souvenirs, electronics, utensils, and so on. Ben Thanh Market was listed among 15 best open markets in the world voted by USA Today.
4. Cycling around Hoi An
Cycling around Hoi An – the ancient city on the banks of Hoai River is one of best experiences for those who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of industrial cities. From April 2014, Hoi An residents were encouraged to travel by bicycle in order to create a “smokeless city”. From that time onwards, it is estimated that more than 4,000 locals in Hoi An travel by bike. Once setting foot in Hoi An Ancient Town, tourists will easily find many bike rental spots, where you can rent a bike whole day at a reasonable price, around 2 dollars. Cycling around this small but beautiful town, travelers can enjoy the pure air, the slow pace of life, and the tranquility that other places cannot offer. This is the best place to slow down, release all stresses, and prepare for upcoming important events or the next stressful job in your life.
5. Trekking in Sapa
The truly natural place with vast terraced fields, majestic mountains, impressive waterfalls, innocent eyes of lovely children, and hospitable locals are ones you can expect from a trip to Sapa. With regards to Sapa tourism, the best way to explore its splendid nature as well as get closer to the colorful lives of the natives is a trekking tour. The most favorite trekking routes of foreign travelers in Sapa include Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho (visit H’mong people), Lao Chai – Ta Van (visit H’mong and Dzay Ethnic Minority Group), Ta Phin – Ma Tra (visit the Red Dzao), and climbing to Fansipan peak (admire the splendid of the nature).
6. Drinking Bia Hoi with locals in Hanoi
Bia Hoi, or draught beer, is a favorite drink of Vietnamese, especially on steamy summer days. Taking a stroll around some streets in Hanoi, you will easily see that Bia Hoi stores are teeming with Vietnamese men and women alike. This is not just an iconic Vietnamese drink but is also the special culture of the country. Why is Bia Hoi so popular? Well, because it not only fresh and cheap but also the way Vietnamese foster their relationship with their colleagues, families, and friends. There are many places for enjoying Bia Hoi, but the best place for both enjoying the bustling nightlife in Hanoi and sipping a glass of Bia Hoi is “Bia Hoi Corner” at the crossroads of Ta Hien Street and Luong Ngọc Quyen Street. With only around 20 cents for a glass of beer, your visit to Vietnam will be more complete.