Located near the Gulf of Thailand, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Southeast Asia is Vietnam. It offers numerous mesmerising views with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit. From kayaking to relishing delicious food, Vietnam has something to offer for every kind of traveller.
Are you planning an international trip? If yes, then Vietnam can be a great choice.
Book Flights
How to Reach by Air
There are several flight options available for Vietnam; you can pick between direct connections and those with layovers. It has four international airports, Hanoi (North Vietnam), Ho Chi Minh City (South Vietnam) and Phu Quoc being the most popular.
Places I Visited in Vietnam
Hanoi
My first stop was Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. This city is famous for its Train Street where a train brushes past you. One can enjoy that experience while sipping special Vietnamese coffee. There are many coffee shops and varieties to choose from but my personal recommendation would be coconut coffee. We stayed around Old Quarter Road which is the most preferred location for tourists.
You can visit the Night Market (try to go on weekends) and St. Joseph’s Cathedral, among other places.
If you want to enjoy a luxury cruise experience with a breathtaking view then you should definitely visit Ha Long Bay. It will cost you anywhere from INR 12,000–22,000 depending upon which cruise you choose.
Phu Quoc
The next stop was Phu Quoc, which I got to know through Instagram. And thank goodness for that because it’s nothing short of a paradise. The views here are as mesmerising as those encountered in the Maldives or Thailand but since this place has not yet been commercialised, you will have a much better experience.
We were in Phu Quoc for three nights. The most popular place to stay here is in the Doung Dong area. It is very close to the airport and is also the center of the island.
There’s a restaurant on Sao Beach called Paradiso. It’s on the leftmost side where you’ll find tranquillity and no large crowds. They have a good drinks menu and provide beach chairs, along with washrooms and shower facilities. They charge around INR 400 for one beach chair.
If you’re interested in history, you can go to the Phu Quoc prison, which is near the beach.
The next day, I bought a package from a local tour company called John’s Tours, which included a trip to four islands plus a cable car ride.
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)
Also known as Saigon, this city is in the south of Vietnam and has an unforgettable vibe, from skyscrapers to streets beaming with colours.
HCMC is also famous for the War Remnants Museum, which is a must-visit for history buffs.
Food, Beverages, and Activities
Several activities like kayaking, swimming, boat rides to visit the caves, squid fishing, and pearl farming can be tried in Vietnam.
In terms of food, there are limited options for vegetarians, and even the vegetarian food you do end up finding might sometimes be cooked in fish oil. So, while placing your order, please inform the restaurant staff about your food preferences and enquire if they’ll be able to make arrangements accordingly.
When in Vietnam, getting coffee is a must! The caffeinated beverage here is popular for all the right reasons, one of which is that you can find more than 50 kinds of coffee!
Are you excited to explore Vietnam? We hope you book your tickets soon.
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