If you are looking to spend some time in a diverse and beautiful country, populated with welcoming people who can prepare outstanding dishes, search no more. The land of your dreams is most certainly Vietnam.
There is so much to be seen and experienced in Vietnam, and for your first trip, you’ll manage just to scratch the surface. Whatever you choose to do while visiting this magnificent country, will be an incredible and unique experience. The text below will provide you with some ideas, so you can start planning your next trip to exotic Vietnam.
Meet the locals
The most valuable resource this country has to offer is its people. They are warm, welcoming and ready to help. Thanks to this type of mentality, you can easily meet a lot of new people who will be happy to spend some time with you and show you around. Stay for a few days in a homestay, to truly indulge in local life and learn about everyday routines of the average Vietnamese resident.
Ride a bike through the rice paddies
If your goal is to relax and enjoy fresh air, rent a bicycle and take a ride through the bright green rice fields. While enjoying the beautiful countryside, you’ll come across local children, farmers and herds of buffalo. A good way to stay fit and see local culture.
Ride a buffalo
Available in places such as Hoi An, Sapa and Mai Chau. The locals will be more than happy to teach you how to properly ride a buffalo, so you can finally cross out this item off your bucket list. Not a skill for the resume, but one to certainly enjoy!
Get yourself a Pho at every stop
Pho is the traditional dish made differently in every city, so make sure to try as many as you can. Made with pork, beef or chicken. Some of them will be very hot, some will have plenty of vegetables, some with dark soups, sometimes a clear one. Wash it down with beer to put out the fire in your mouth if you stumble upon a bowl of spicy one.
Pay a visit to Hanoi’s train street
This part of Hanoi,a narrow residential street close to the train station, is not that crowded with tourists, and makes for a great walk. You’ll get a chance to look at the biggest trains you’ve ever seen, but keep in mind that just two of those will pass daily. In case you want to take a train and go somewhere else, make sure to buy a ticket at least half an hour before the schedule since Vietnamese trains may arrive early.
Don’t miss Beer Corner
Relax on tiny plastic chairs while sipping cold Hanoi beer and looking at passers by. This experience should be one of your priorities once you arrive in Hanoi. Consider seeking an advice from a travel agency, such as 1000 trees, who will help you find a hotel and engage in life-changing activities whilst in Vietnam. In case you already know where to find the Beer Corner, sit there for a couple of hours, and enjoy the cheapest beer in the world.
Indulge in an infinity pool
On top of the buildings or somewhere in the mountains far away from the urban jungle, Vietnam’s infinity pools have been placed at the top of guidebook recommendations. For anyone wishing to completely relax while having an uninterrupted view over the Nha Trang city, My Khe beach or maybe Vinh Phuc mountains with a visit to one of these luxurious swimming pools with a view is a great option.
Visit a rural market
If you’re not one of those who are faint of heart, make sure to roam through a local market and see the local offering. You may have difficulties recognising half of what they offer. You’ll see big chunks of raw animal meat, but be prepared to stumble upon some unorthodox animals displayed for sale, such as dogs. This is a part of Vietnamese tradition, so try to act cool. Its a good place to learn a lot about their cuisine and everyday life.
Final thoughts
There is so much more Vietnam can offer to an adventurous traveller, and driving a Vespa or jumping off a boat in Halong Bay are just a couple of possibilities. Make sure to plan your stay in this beautiful Asian country, so you get out of it as much as you can. Don’t travel with a tight schedule. Relax, enjoy and let Vietnam unveil in front of your eyes. Once you get infected by its beauty, you’ll be eager to visit it again and stay longer.
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