Vietnam & five reasons why you should be in a hurry to get there

Vietnam – South East Asia’s most overlooked destination is waiting for you, and here are five reasons why you should be in a hurry to get there.

The price is nice

One of the biggest challenges for travellers is always the expense, but Vietnam suits our pockets just fine. Feel like treating yourself to a five-star hotel? It’ll cost you about the same as a hostel in most European countries. But if hostels are your thing, then you’re really in luck! $5 will get you a comfortable room for the night. You’ll probably be surprised to know that most developed areas in Vietnam also have free Wifi – bonus! All things considered, you should be able to get by for about $15/£10 a day.

Food, glorious food

Eating in Vietnam is an adventure in its own, and you don’t need to be foodie to appreciate it. You’re in for a colourful and aromatic fusion of Chinese and French flavours that’ll blow your taste buds’ minds. The best part? You can grab it all on the go – Vietnam is the new street food capital of the world. If there’s one dish you absolutely have to try, it’s Bánh Mì. While Bánh Mì is basically a sandwich, there’s nothing basic about this meaty, spicy, tangy revelation on a baguette.

The natural wonders

Rice fields on terraced in sun

Vietnam is a photographer’s paradise. Impressive mountain ranges, lush rolling hills and tropical forests to your left, with white sand beaches and turquoise bays to your right – it’s hard to believe you can find all this in such close proximity. Wondering which ones to prioritise? Hanlong Bay is a must. Take a boat tour through the 2000 forested islands that rise up from the emerald water as high as skyscrapers. There’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world.

Tourist Junks At Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Activities galore!

Diving on holiday

From diving and spelunking to spa treatments and temple tours, Vietnam has a draw card – or five – for everyone. Go diving with bamboo sharks, eagle rays and nudibranchs aplenty, shop until you drop in some of the largest markets in the world or explore the ancient Buddhist temples and ornate museums. In need of some R & R? Soak up some sun at one of the many beaches, indulge in some pampering at a spa or hop onto a boat tour for a gentle sunset cruise. An activity that’s not to be missed is a trip to Paradise Cave. Deep in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, you’ll be able to do a 7km tour through the cave system’s unbelievable cathedral chambers and swim in the underground river which is lit by natural sky lights high above.

A cultural jewel

Rice field in valley in Lang Son, Vietnam

Despite its troubled past and buzzing tourism trade, Vietnamese culture and tradition remains very much alive and well. You’ll find fields in the countryside still being worked by bison, people still brewing their own traditional beer, and best of all – the time-honoured festivals celebrating their heritage, mythology and the seasons. A favourite for travellers is the Mid-Autumn Festival, which fills the streets with dancers and parades, and the sky with thousands of lanterns.

Your hosts

Fruit Vendor In Hoi An, Vietnam

Vietnam just wouldn’t be the experience it is without the people. Happy, generous, helpful and hospitable, getting to know the locals is reason enough to add Vietnam to your bucket list. Stop in at a café for a coffee that blows Starbucks out the water and be welcomed like an old friend. The people you meet will definitely be one of your fondest memories of your visit.

Beautiful Landscape

Vietnam is a beautiful place to visit with endless things to do and see. To discover more about this magical destination or to book a holiday to Vietnam contact Direct Traveller today.