The Vietnam Experience
Quick answer: The Vietnam experience combines one-of-a-kind heritage, breath-taking natural beauty, superb food and friendly people. From the Mekong River delta and Ha Long Bay to street-food tours and local wine, Vietnam is a place where nothing is quite what it seems, and its surprises will make you want to come back again and again.
Vietnam offers plenty of thrills: motorbiking up the Hai Van Pass, kitesurfing on the tropical waters of Mui Ne and hiking the hills around Bac Ha and Sapa. Once the adrenaline wears off, you can unwind in some of the country’s best spas, from temples offering traditional treatments to massage salons run by local families.
Adventure and Relaxation in Vietnam
- Hai Van Pass: a classic motorbike route along the central coast.
- Mui Ne: tropical waters popular for kitesurfing.
- Bac Ha and Sapa: hill country made for hiking.
- Spas: temple treatments and family-run massage salons.
A Culinary Delight: The Food Side of the Vietnam Experience
Vietnamese food is simply amazing, with subtle flavours and a huge variety of dishes to feast on. You will find street-food tours and cooking schools all over the country.
Each region is known for its own traits:
| Region | Known for |
|---|---|
| North | Soups influenced by Chinese flavours |
| Central coast | Herbs and complex cooking techniques |
| South | Renowned spices |
One of the best experiences is spending time with villagers at the market, trying local dishes and seeing everything the stalls have to offer.
Visiting the Mekong River Delta
The Mekong River delta is best known as the “rice bowl of Vietnam”. It is full of stunning emerald rice paddies, and the fertile lands around it showcase Vietnam’s natural riches. Floating communities live on the river, surrounded by tropical fruit, buffaloes and amazing birdlife.
Places to See Along the Mekong
- Cai Rang Floating Market: known for the area’s largest trade in coconuts and exotic fruits.
- Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve: protected by UNESCO, where the river system meets the South China Sea.
- Thua Thua area: narrow canals flowing past agricultural villages renowned for coconut palms, wine and whiskey.
- Ben Tre: a real delight if you are looking for a calm, peaceful retreat.
- Religious landmarks: the Cai Be Cathedral and the Cao Dai Temple.
Visiting Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a natural wonder listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, and a must-see on any trip to Vietnam. It offers the beauty of northern Vietnam’s rural villages and the chance to sail past more than 2,000 limestone islands.
From Halong city you can board a Chinese junk and cruise among the islands while hearing local folklore, including legends of dragons and secret treasures. Along the way you will find grottoes and caves, before stopping at a fishing village to learn about local customs and try the local cuisine.
Vietnam’s Wine
Visiting during the Vietnam holidays is an exceptional opportunity to tour the vineyards and taste the local wines. Because so much fruit is grown in the region, the market is divided between fruit wines and grape wines.
A local grape wine called Vang Dalat (Dalat red wine) has become very popular with locals for its taste and relatively affordable price. It is made from a blend of red grapes and fermented mulberry juice. Close behind are Cardinal and Chambourcin, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
- Vietnam has 15 famous wine producers.
- Together they produce two million litres a year.
- The largest winemaker in the country is the Da Lat winery.
Little Things to Know About Vietnam
The People
Vietnamese people are very friendly to tourists. Befriend a local and share a meal, and they may well insist on treating you, refusing your money and feeling honoured to eat with you. Making a new friend here is easy.
The War
Many visitors arrive thinking about the war. Visit the museums and educate yourself about it, but remember that 70% of the population was born after the war and prefers to look forward. Acquaint yourself with its horrors, then move on, as they have.
Safety and Etiquette
As daunting as it may seem at first, Vietnam is quite a safe place to travel. That doesn’t mean being careless, so keep your belongings close as you would at home. Learn a few words such as “hello” and “thank you”, and remember to smile, whether you are buying from a local merchant or just walking down the street.
Keep in mind, too, that behind Vietnam’s wonders many people live on very low incomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Yes, Vietnam is quite a safe place to be. Use common sense and keep your personal belongings close, as you would at home.
What are the must-see places in Vietnam?
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than 2,000 limestone islands, and the Mekong River delta, including the Cai Rang Floating Market and Ben Tre, are two highlights.
Does Vietnam produce wine?
Yes. Vietnam has 15 famous wine producers making two million litres a year, and Vang Dalat (Dalat red wine) is a local favourite.
What adventure activities can you do in Vietnam?
Motorbiking the Hai Van Pass, kitesurfing in Mui Ne and hiking around Bac Ha and Sapa are all popular.
Final Words
There is no place like Vietnam. Its economy is still developing, but the country is changing. Come with an open mind and you will get the most out of the Vietnam experience: its natural wonders, beautiful towns and enticing rural villages, its amazing cuisine and exquisite wine. Remember that nothing is what it seems, and be ready to learn about a new culture as you travel.
Author Bio
Aside from primary area of interest and expertise in business consulting with Vietnam tours, Ian could be tagged also as a passionate sports fan, nature and photography enthusiast, always trying to keep up to date with tech innovations and development, with a particular interest in trying to master the fine art of Social intelligence.
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