Vietnam isn’t just a place you visit. It’s a country that stays with you long after you’ve left. From its buzzing cities to its quiet countryside, Vietnam is packed with contrasts, colour, and character. Whether you’re in it for the food, the history, the landscapes or just a complete change of pace – Vietnam delivers. Here’s why this fascinating country should be right at the top of your travel list.
1. The Food is Out of This World
It’s hard to talk about Vietnam without mentioning the food – and for good reason. The flavours are fresh, bold and unforgettable.
You’ll find street food stalls dishing out steaming bowls of pho for less than the price of a coffee back home. Crisp banh mi sandwiches, sizzling pancakes, grilled meats, fragrant herbs… It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way.
The best part? You don’t have to splash out to eat well. In fact, some of the most authentic meals are found at plastic-table joints on the side of the road.
2. There’s So Much to Learn (and See)
Vietnam is a living history book, and no two days feel the same when you’re travelling across it. From ancient temples and imperial cities to reminders of more recent conflicts, the country has layers of history waiting to be explored.
And thanks to Vietnam escorted tours with expert guides, you can go beyond the surface. Having someone explain the context, the stories, and the significance of each place makes a huge difference. It’s the kind of travel that deepens your understanding – and appreciation – of where you are.
3. The Landscapes are Wildly Diverse
Think Vietnam is just rice fields and scooters? Think again. This is a country where the scenery changes dramatically from region to region.
- Towering limestone cliffs in Ha Long Bay
- Rolling green hills in the north
- White sand beaches along the central coast
- Lush, tropical deltas in the south
You could be trekking in the mountains one week and relaxing by the beach the next. There aren’t many places that offer this much variety in such a compact space.
4. It’s Surprisingly Budget-Friendly
For those who want to travel without burning through savings, Vietnam is a dream. Accommodation, food, transport – everything is incredibly affordable, especially outside the major cities.
It’s one of those places where your money stretches further than you’d expect. You can have a three-course meal, take a guided boat tour, or hop on a night train – all for a fraction of what you’d pay in other parts of the world.
That means more experiences, more memories, and fewer financial regrets.
5. The People are Genuinely Warm and Welcoming
Travelling in a foreign country can sometimes feel intimidating. But in Vietnam, locals are often curious, kind, and eager to connect – even if there’s a language barrier.
You’ll notice it in the small gestures: a smile from a market vendor, someone helping you cross the street, or a cafe owner trying to teach you a new word in Vietnamese. It adds an unexpected layer of warmth to your experience that’s hard to describe – and even harder to forget.
6. It’s Still Full of Hidden Gems
While places like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are well-known, there’s so much more to discover off the beaten track. Think sleepy fishing villages, misty mountain towns, and quiet beaches where you’ll barely see another tourist.
Because Vietnam hasn’t been fully taken over by mass tourism (yet), it’s still possible to feel like you’ve found somewhere special. Somewhere that feels yours, even if just for a little while.
7. The Cities Have Their Own Rhythm
Vietnamese cities are unlike anywhere else. The chaos is somehow calming. The traffic is wild, but it works. The streets are noisy, but also strangely energising.
Hanoi buzzes with tradition and charm. Ho Chi Minh City is faster, flashier, more modern. Each has its own personality – and both are worth experiencing.
Even if cities aren’t usually your thing, there’s something captivating about watching daily life play out in real-time on the sidewalks, scooters and street corners.
8. The Coffee Culture is Next-Level
If you’re into coffee, you’ll be in heaven. Vietnam has its own way of doing things – and it’s addictive (in the best way).
Ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) is sweet, strong, and everywhere. There’s also egg coffee, coconut coffee, and even yoghurt coffee. It’s a ritual, not just a drink – and sitting in a tiny cafe watching the world go by is a joy in itself.
9. There’s Adventure if You Want It – But Also Peace
Some people go to Vietnam to trek, dive, kayak or motorbike across the country. Others come to unwind by a pool, take long walks, or read by the sea.
The beauty of Vietnam is you can do both. It’s flexible. You don’t have to plan every moment. You can be spontaneous, take a detour, or stay somewhere an extra few days just because it feels right.
10. It Changes You (In the Best Way)
Travel has a way of shifting your perspective – and Vietnam does that more than most. It’s a place that makes you think, reflect, and see things differently.
Maybe it’s the history. Maybe it’s the way the locals live so vibrantly. Or maybe it’s just the contrast to what you’re used to. Whatever it is, it sticks with you.
You’ll leave with more than souvenirs and snapshots. You’ll carry the experience with you.
Before You Book Somewhere Else…
If Vietnam’s not on your list yet, maybe it should be. Not just because it’s beautiful or affordable – but because it offers something different. Something real.
It’s a place where every day feels like something new. And isn’t that what great travel is all about?
