Why Vietnam?
Vietnam was recently named as the fifth fastest growing tourist destination in the world. In fact, the country is becoming a favorite tourism destination in South East Asia.
When someone talks about Vietnam, you might automatically think of a tradition of emperors and ancient myths, cultures that are thousands of years are still alive, colonial history and the full embrace of the modern worlds, iconic landscapes, mystic temples, very rural and charming cultures, green rice fields, beautiful beaches, incredibly friendly people, affordable and amazing delicious cuisine.
Travelling to Vietnam is perfectly suited for all travelers from all walks of lie looking for something a little different where, you can combine nature, culture, history, adventure and beach holidays easily in every travel budget. The new and old development wind go all in pair from the windswept peaks of the far north to bustling streets of Hanoi to Saigon, lazy bends of the Mekong river, quite rural countryside to UNESCO heritage sites such as Halong bay, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, Hue, Hoian and so on. Vietnam holidays leave travelers riveted at every corner for an unforgettable holiday experience. All are also excellent reasons to start dreaming and planning your next holiday in Vietnam.
We strongly believe that travel is a personal thing, so you deserve a fully personalized trip, custom-made, just for you. Let our hand-picked local experts help you to create your very own journey in the country we’re proud, just to enjoy your trip in a unique real local way. Below is some of the great things about Vietnam that we think you’ll love.
Exquisite Cuisines
No point in being modest about it. You can find the healthiest, freshest, most insanely delicious food on the planet right here. Prepare to roll and dip scrumptious bites with your hands, and lose yourself in bowls of noodles that make you swoon. Vietnamese are used to eating to such a high standard that the competition on the sidewalks is fierce. Discovering your favourites — whether steaming pho, crunchy banh mi or smoky bun cha — is itself worth the trip.
The warm, hardworking people
Like many other neighbor countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a precious treasure: its people. Everywhere you go, you will be welcomed by smiles and kind helps from the locals- whether they know Vietnamese or not. People from Hue, for example, are famous all over the country for their royal-like attitude: elegant and sweet. Those from Hoi An, on the other hand, are known for being honest. If you have time to spend in the Mekong delta of Vietnam, you will even be more surprised and inspired by the way you are received by local farmers. Take your time to learn the stories of some of our 54 ethnic minorities, and enjoy our smiles and hospitality wherever you go.
The diverse destinations
One unique aspect of travelling Vietnam is that no two destinations are alike. Our three major cities are totally different from each other. We have chilly winters in highlands up North but it’s balmy year-round on the islands in the South. Even destinations that are an hour apart are often decades apart in character and appearance. Having so many distinct places to explore and choose from is a big part of the fun.
The addictive coffee culture
In Vietnam, coffee is a tradition, a religion, and a social glue in one. We love meeting up on the sidewalk and chatting for hours over coffee. That’s why you’ll find thousands of cafes — from cool to colonial — all over the country. We like being creative with coffee too. Try a refreshing coconut coffee in summer or a creamy egg coffee in winter. Just watch out: Many travellers become addicted to our distinctive brews!
The second-to-none scenery
There are no matches to Niagara Falls, Sydney Opera House or the Grand Canyons. However, Vietnam is a truly hidden gem that only those visiting the country themselves will be able to tell. To put it correctly, Vietnam is not short of World Heritage Site: Halong Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang caves, Hoi An Ancient Street and Cham Islands are all recognized for their intense beauty. Maybe you’ve heard about the dreamy, karst-studded seascapes in Ha Long Bay and the misty, terraced valleys in Sa Pa, but did you know Vietnam is home to more dramatic sights? In the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, you can camp, climb, and explore for days. Vietnam also boasts breathtaking mountain scenery in Ha Giang, thundering waterfalls in Cao Bang, and striking sand dunes in Mui Ne (be sure to pack your camera.) Da Lat, for example, is too picturesque to miss. French style villas sitting next to a pine forest, bordered by strawberry garden- you feel like Europe but the market scenes speak otherwise. Keo pagoda in Thai Binh province also exemplifies well the no-name beauty of Vietnam: feel the serenity of a religious place, situated amidst greeneries of paddy farms. Whether a must-see site or an off-the-beaten-path attraction, you will not be disappointed.
The history around every corner
In Vietnam you don’t have to go far to find treasures from another time. They’re sprinkled all over the countryside and tucked away in the cities, as well as in eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The timeless capital of Hanoi is a gold mine for history lovers, with ancient pagodas, gateways, and houses layered in the fabric of the Old Quarter. In the centre of Vietnam, the former imperial city of Hue is strewn with the tombs of feudal kings and their forgotten palaces.
The scenic motorcycle rides
There’s something about being on two wheels that makes one feel young and alive again. Or at least, that’s how it seems to us. You haven’t really experienced Vietnam until you’ve seen our alleys and countryside from the back of a bike. Explore like a local by hopping on a bicycle and go for an early morning ride through emerald rice paddies, or take a motorbike after dark for a romantic ride on the banks of our lakes and rivers.
The authentic adventures
Every now and then, it’s nice to get lost in a new place. In Vietnam, just hours outside the cities you’ll find yourself in another world, with new adventures that will challenge you in all the best ways. Intrepid travelers will love the ethnic villages and spectacular views in Vietnam’s northern mountain ranges. Try rock climbing at the crags in Huu Lung, sign up for canyoning at Datanla Waterfall in Da Lat, or have the caving adventure of a lifetime in Phong Nha. Why not?
Affordability
Vietnam is a well-known destination among budget travelers. Though the price is climbing monthly at a daunting rate, it is still much cheaper than travelling in other continents. There is almost every price for every wallet: a 5 star resort in Da Nang will cost you an equivalent amount to a 3 star hotel near JFK airport. For lower end market, there are a plenty of hostels and guest-houses in most cities. Food costs even lower and street foods are among the best in the world. That says, even in biggest metropolitan areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can get by a day with $15.
Fast and Easy Immigration Process
Applying for a visa to Vietnam seems stressful at first- why would you need a visa to Vietnam while you are granted free 30 day entry to Thailand and Ecuador? Vietnam requires you anyway, and to alleviate the pain, the process has been made quite easy. Besides visa at the embassy, Vietnam visas can also be granted upon arrival. All you need to do is to apply online for your approval letter via a number of online travel companies, which are plentiful on the net. The visa letter will be emailed to you after 2 days. If you leave close to the embassy, it will take only about a 3-5 working days.