The complete travel guide to Vietnam | The best travel guide to Vietnam (2023)

Vietnam has become the number one tourist destination in Southeast Asia in recent years, with an estimated 18 million international visitors in 2019. This number is expected to increase, and for many good reasons. The country is famous for its colorful history, diverse cultures and typical natural landscapes.

If you plan to visit, an illustrated guide will come in handy. This article contains all the important information so that you won't have to spend a lot of time searching for information on the Internet and browsing various websites. We have done a lot for you and we are very proud of this extensive article as it is an invaluable resource for anyone thinking of visiting Vietnam.

Part I Tourist Visa

1.Do I need a visa to go to Vietnam?

Vietnam offers visa waiver to tourists from 13 countries andElectronic VisaGuests from 80 countries. Travelers can also apply for a visa upon arrival online or in person at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

2.visa waiver

Vietnam offers a 14-day visa waiver for citizens of the following countries13 countriesHave a valid ordinary passport. See the full list of visa-free countries below.

• Belarus,Denmark, Finland, french, german, italian, japanese,Norway,Russia, South Korea, Spain,Sweden,and Great Britain.

*A minimum of 30 days is required between two visa-free visits. You must have a printed copy of your return ticket.

Exemptions note:

The above exemption is valid until December 31, 2025.

Professional advice:People of all nationalities traveling directly to Phu Quoc can visit for 30 days without a visa. Upon arrival in Vietnam, all you need to do is present your exit ticket.

3. Electronic Visa Requirements

The e-Visa is one of several visas offered by the Vietnamese Immigration Department to foreigners entering the country. YesValid for 30 daysSosingle entryJust. Cost25 $For card payment and requiresthree working daysto deal with.

You can enter Vietnam with an eVisa at any of the country's eight international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, as well as seven seaports and 14 land crossings.

From March 15, 2022, the e-Visa is available to the following citizens80 countriesSee the full list below:

Vietnam eVisa requirements:

• Passport valid for six (6) months
• Photo in .jpg format of the full passport data page
• Passport photo in .jpg format (4 x 6 cm, white background, no glasses)
• A valid international credit or debit card
• Email address for support purposes
• Temporary address in Vietnam
• Your entry and exit dates and entry/exit/airport points

How to apply for the Vietnam e-Visa:

step 1: Prepare the necessary materials

step 2: Openofficial websiteVietnam eVisa application

Step 3:Upload your .jpg image (passport details page and passport photo) and complete the required fields on the form.

Phase 4:Pay the $25 e-Visa fee using any available payment method. Copy the code from the provided documentation.

Step 5:You will receive an email regarding your eVisa application within three business days. Use the code in your file to find your e-Visa online. For security reasons, please download and print two copies of your e-Visa.

Professionalsuggestion:Tourists with an e-Visa do not have to queue at the visa desk upon arrival. You can go directly to the immigration desk at the point of entry.

3.Vietnamese visa on arrival

If you wantmultiple entryThe guest's stay will continueover 30 days, you may need to apply for a visa on arrival. You will need:

• One 4x6 passport photo (white background, no glasses)
• the whole housevisa application
• Passport or other identity document valid within six (6) months from the date of your intended visit to Vietnam
• Pay the visa fee ($25 per person for single entry, $50 per person for multiple entries)
• Approval letter from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate (if you are collecting your visa at the airport)

If you are near a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, you can submit your application, passport, photo and visa fee in person.

If you are in a hurry or the Vietnam embassy is far from your location, there are reputable online services that can provide you with a valid letter of approval for the fee. Bring this letter to the visa office on arrival along with your visa application form and other documents. At the counter at the airport upon arrival.

Find the latest entry requirements, visa proceduresHere

second part. best time to visit

There really is no right or wrong time to visit Vietnam as there are varying degrees of sunshine and rain throughout most of the year. Vietnam has over 2,000 miles of coastline and three different weather systems. When it comes to weather, you might think that the country has three separate tourist destinations.

In Hanoi and the north, it is hot and humid from May to October, and cool and dry from November to April. In central Vietnam, the weather is hot and dry from January to August, with temperatures reaching 30°C. September, October and November usually have heavy rains. The southern region is generally hot and dry from November to April, slightly hot and humid from May to October, with more precipitation in June, July and August.

1.Climate by region and season

North End (Sapa, Bac Ha, Mu Cang Chai and Ha Giang)

The weather in Sabah and the north-west region is divided into two seasons: the rainy season lasts from April to September, and the dry season lasts from October to the end of March. December and January can be very cold, especially at night.

The best time to visit the north-eastern part of the country is during the dry season, from October to April. December and January can be cold. Try to avoid traveling during the rainy season from May to September.

HokuetsuHalong Bay, Cuc Phuong, Mai Chau i Ninh Binh)

Northern Vietnam, including the capital Hanoi, has summer and winter. The latter is generally cool but mostly dry from November to April. The coldest months are January, February and March with average temperatures of 17-22°C.

Summer lasts from May to October. The weather is hot and humid, and this is when the region receives the most rainfall. July to September are typically the wettest months where severe weather can prevent cruise ships from sailingHalong Bay.

**Central Vietnam (**Da Nang, Da Lat, Hoi An, Hue, Nha Trang and Quy Nhon)

Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue are hot and dry from mid-January to late August. During this time, temperatures typically rise to the mid-30s. Precipitation increases in winter, with the wettest months being October and November.

Hue is generally cooler than Hoi An, especially early in the year. The coastal city of Quy Nhon has similar weather patterns to Hoi An, but has a slightly longer dry season due to its proximity to the southern system.

Located in the central highlands, Da Lat is humid from June to October. From November to May it is drier, and from December to January it is cooler.

Nha Trang, the southernmost seaside resort in central Vietnam, has a long dry season from January to September. The rainy season lasts from October to December, with rainfall in October and November accounting for about 50% of the annual rainfall.

South Vietnam(Ciudad Ho Chi Minh, Phu Quoc y Con Dao, Delta del Mekong, Phan Thiet y Mui Ne, Ho Tram i Long Hai)

Temperatures remain constant throughout the year, usually between 25 and 35 °C. The climate is divided into two seasons: wet and dry. The latter starts in November and ends in April or early May. From late February to May, the weather becomes warmer and wetter. The rainy season runs from May to November, with June, July and August receiving the heaviest rainfall.

On the southern tip of the island, Phu Quoc and Con Dao often have sunny days, so both islands can be enjoyed all year round.

third part. Holidays and special events

1.Tet Nguyen Dan - Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Tết is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture. It is also known as Vietnamese New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year or Tet. It is a shortened form of Tết Nguyên Đán, a Sino-Vietnamese term meaning "first feast of the first morning".

Tết marks the arrival of spring and usually occurs from late January to mid-February. As many people return home to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, the bustling city disappears, becoming almost a ghost town.

Visiting Vietnam can be an exciting time, but it is also the busiest time of the year. Celebrations will certainly have a big impact on your travel plans. Markets and malls became more crowded and hotels were booked up. Popular beaches and tourist attractions like Hoi An attract more tourists than usual.

If you decide to go to Vietnam during Tet, there are many advantages. Now is a great time to learn about Vietnamese culture and traditions. Public stages are spread across the country, offering free performances, music and entertainment. Flowers bloom in the streets and alleys, and people are filled with a festive atmosphere. Locals are becoming more sociable as they focus on ensuring happiness for their families and businesses in the coming year. They believe that what happens on New Year's Day will set the pace for the rest of the year.

However, it can be very noisy. Fireworks will be set off all over the city and people will ring gongs, bells and firecrackers to ward off evil spirits that bring bad luck. The orgy usually lasts three days, but in some areas it can last longer than a week. The first day of the Chinese New Year is usually spent with family, the second day with friends, and the third day with teachers and temple visits.

Traveling during this holiday season may encounter some difficulties. Buses and trains sell out in advance, so travel plans can't wait until the last minute. Museums, malls and other commercial facilities may be closed for up to five days, which may affect travel plans. Make sure you have something to do and stay busy.

Professional advice:Plan ahead as hotels and domestic flights can be fully booked. Please note that guide and transportation fees often increase during this period due to high demand.

Vietnamese Tet Date:

• 2020:January 24-28
• 2021:February 11-15
• 2022:February 1-4

2. Festival Hue

It is a big celebration held every two years in Hue City, where you can enjoy various games, cultural events and performances for more than a week. It was established in 2000 to preserve traditional customs dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty. Since then, observations have been made every two years in April, May and June. During this period, there will be special exhibitions such as Hue Poetry Festival, Ao Dai Fashion Show, dialogues with percussion music, etc., as well as sports activities such as boating, kite flying and chess. There are also film screenings, street performances and art exhibitions.

In addition, various ancient landscapes from the Nguyen dynasty are recreated, giving tourists a glimpse into Vietnam's feudal era. Some typical activities include the Xa Tac dedication ceremony, the Nam Giao dedication ceremony, and the elegant Royal Hue music, which was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003.

3. Mid-Autumn Festival

This magical holiday is celebrated on the 14th and 15th of the lunar month. Also known as Harvest Festival, Full Moon Festival and Children's Day, it features various activities such as lion dances, children holding paper lanterns, and food stalls selling sticky rice, mooncakes, fruit and sweets. On the night of the festival, families build altars to their ancestors on which they offer offerings to commemorate the full moon.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is best celebrated in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where locals take the festivities to the next level. Many lantern parades, street performances and art exhibitions take place here. Children are encouraged to participate in drawing, coloring and writing competitions, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the covered Japanese bridge and brightly colored paper lanterns that line the banks of the Thu Bồn River.

fourth part. bypass Vietnam

Vietnam is a twisting country that winds 1,025 miles along the eastern coast of Indochina. Perhaps that is why ingenious forms of transport are so fascinating. Bicycle rickshaw pedalscycleFrom thrilling motorcycle taxi tours, the transport range is as wide as anywhere else in the world.

If you want to travel around the country and stay in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you have many transportation options. The most important question, which one to choose? Well, the answer depends on your time, budget and sense of adventure.

If you're short on time, it's worth traveling by plane from north to south. If you plan to visit more distant tourist destinations such as the Northern Highlands, the best option is to hire a taxi or train. If you're on a budget but have the time and patience, the bus system will suffice. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you might want to ride a motorcycle!

1.Vietnam by plane

Vietnam has more than 20 airports. This is quite a large number for a relatively small country. The reason for this is that most runways built during the Vietnam War were converted into airports during peacetime.

To date, most international flights land in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with daily arrivals from Central Asian cities. The most flights are in Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Singapore and Seoul. Some international flights also go to Da Nang and Nha Trang.

Major international airlines include Vietnam Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Jetstar Airways and AirAsia.

Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, VietJetAir, Jetstar and VASCO operate domestic flights.

Many tourists travel north from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and then fly the other way to explore Vietnam. It will only take two hours, but if you use other means of transport, the journey can take days, weeks or even months.

There are also good connections to other major cities. Whether you want to fly from Can Tho, Da Nang, Da Lat, Haiphong, Hue, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang, flying to these areas from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is easy as domestic flights are plentiful.

2.take a train to Vietnam

Vietnam has 1,600 miles of railway lines, and one of the main lines, called Reunification Express, allows you to fully experience the amazing beauty, people and history of this country. This railway line runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It has many stops, including popular tourist destinations such as Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang. But keep in mind that the entire journey takes over 40 hours! Also, trains are usually more expensive than buses, but the comfort is worth it.

Book overnight trains to spend most of your journey in air-conditioned berths. There are several classes on Vietnamese trains, but try to choose the highest class you can afford. For overnight cars, hard and soft berth cars are available with six and four berths respectively.

Vietnam is currently improving its railway system, but even today you can be sure that traveling by train is one of the best experiences you can have in this Southeast Asian country. Be sure to buy tickets in advance, especially in peak season.

Another option is to sign a service contract with a private company that pairs more luxurious carriages with standard trains. Many tourists prefer it when traveling from Hanoi to Lao Cai in the northern highlands. Several companies including Fancipan, Chapa Express, Sapari Trains and Hotel Victoria operate luxury private carriages called Victoria Express. While the Victoria carriages are considered the most comfortable on this route, travelers no longer need to book the Sapa Victoria hotel to board the Victoria Express train.

3. Vietnam by bus

If you have a lot of time and convenience is not your priority, exploring Vietnam by bus is a great option. Most cities have bus lines, but a word of warning: traveling the country's rough roads may not be for everyone. For example, a 172 km bus journey from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City would take approx.8 hours.

For tourists and those on a budget, the best bus option is a private vehicle called an "open tour" bus. Fares are cheap and cover all major destinations. You can buy an 'open' ticket and ask the driver to stop at anything of interest on the Hanoi-Saigon road. However, some people prefer to stay flexible by buying individual tickets on the fly.

Open tour buses are better than domestic buses because they are air-conditioned and run at fixed times with a limited number of passengers. State buses can be the exact opposite, so be careful. Check the private bus companies before purchasing your tickets, and be sure to pack snacks and drinks along the way.

4. Vietnam by boat

Ferry services take you to the main islands. One thing you definitely can't miss is a boat tripHalong Bay– Main directions of Vietnamese ships. Dozens of private boats ply the turquoise waters, guiding tourists to admire the island's magnificent karst formations. You can choose between day trips and night cruises, choosing from a wide range of boats, from the most basic to the most luxurious.

The charming city of Hue also offers boat trips, and local families try to earn a few dollars by hanging out. Offers lunch, fishing and snorkelling to nearby islands from Hoi An, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.

You can also take a river trip along the Mekong Delta on a private company boat. For visitors to Vietnam and Cambodia, a popular route connecting the two neighboring countries is the speedboat trip from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc.

5. Motorcycle or motorcycle Vietnam

For the more adventurous, motorbike or scooter rentals are available in most major cities. You can also find motorbike rentals, especially in Da Lat. Please check your bike thoroughly before leaving and remember that there are helmet laws in Vietnam.

If you are not ready to ride your own bike, you can choose Easy Rider Adventures in Da Lat. This is a very popular tour company so watch out for imitators. They offer tours, custom tours, and multi-day tours.

6.Local transport in Vietnam

You have three options: taxi, bike or xe om. Metered taxis are cheap by international standards. However, dodgy taxis still roam the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Hire taxis only from reputable companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun.

Thecyclo is a three-wheel bicycle taxi. They first appeared during the French colonial period after a failed attempt to introduce rickshaws. This form of transport is dying but still available in some major cities. Cyclists usually hang around markets and major hotels. Remember to negotiate the price before going anywhere.

Thex omis is a motorcycle taxi. Literally translated, xem means motorcycle and om means hug, so now you probably know how it works. Getting around is fine as long as you travel light and don't carry too much luggage. There are plenty of xe omdrivers hanging around bus stops, hotels and street corners. Like riding a bike, negotiate the fare before getting in the car.

Part 5 Best places to stay in Vietnam

When it comes to accommodation in Vietnam, affordable luxury counts. You can enjoy comfort and convenience in Indochina that you would normally pay for a set of cookies in major US and European cities. For just over $100 you can be treated like royalty! If you are planning a visit, choose a deluxe room, you can be sure that it is worth the price.

Most of the major hotel chains are located in the country. In fact, the average hotel rating is between 4 and 4.5 stars. HeThe end of the moveSoSheratonWe have hotels in Hanoi and Saigon. To havehotelu IntercontinentalSoHiltonain Hanoi. there is onePark HyattSoHotel Nikkoin Saigon. Accorhas, the leading French hotel group in the worldMercure HotelSoSofitelHotels in Vietnam. There are also some excellent individual companies, such asCarabellaand Rex from Saigon idaewooHanoi.

Check out our mini e-book for more information to help you choose the hotel that best suits your needs and preferences...

Download the full list of 51 luxury guesthouses in Vietnam

Part VI. Top destinations/attractions in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country of stunning natural beauty, and its islands and beaches are considered some of the best in Southeast Asia. It is a land of cultural complexity and its cuisine is perhaps the most luxurious** in the region. **More than 20 years have passed since the country was officially unified, during which time it has done an excellent job of healing ethnic problems. Wound. Today, this proud country is an excellent tourist destination. You can't go wrong, it's exotic and immersive!

1.Hanoi

Hanoi is full of history and culture, especially in the Old Quarter, the tourist hub of the city with its bustling shopping streets, vibrant nightlife and some of the best local food in the country. If you plan to visit, here are other places you should not miss:

• Thang Long Imperial City
• Water Puppet Theatre
• Ho Chi Minh's Tomb
• Hoan Kiem Lake and Jade Mountain
• Targ Dong Xuan
• Bawi National Park
• Hanoi Opera House
• Literacki Hall of Fame

2. In sec

This charming city combines culture with breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to a variety of ethnic groups and has developed rapidly in recent years. What was once a sleepy mountain village is now a popular tourist destination. Try to find homestay in one of the villages or, weather permitting, climb Fansipan, Indochina's highest mountain. Check out this list of fun things to do in Sabah to spice up your itinerary...

• Visit quaint tribal villages on foot.
• Take a walk around Sa Pa Lake
• Admire the majestic and romantic Cascada del Amor
• Ride the cable car to Fansipan High School
• Marvel at the green rice terraces of the Muong Hoa Valley
• Enjoy stunning views of Thac Bac (or Silver Falls) waterfall.
• Enjoy traditional weaving at Cat Cat or Ta Phin Village

• Feel the hustle and bustle of Sabah Market
• Take photos amidst the colorful views of Ham Rong Gardens
• Explore history and culture at the Sa Pa Museum
• Get off the beaten track and visit authentic villages along the Muong Hoa Valley
• Overnight in one of the private accommodation in the remote villages of Ban Ho or Thanh Phu
• Go green by staying overnight at one of the ecolodges near Sapa: Topas Ecolodge, Utopia Lodge
• Visit one of the colorful ethnic markets near Sa Pa: Coc Ly Market every Tuesday, Can Cau Market on Saturday, Muong Khuong and Bac Ha Market on Sunday

3. Ha Long Bay

No trip is complete without visiting the northern regions of VietnamHalong BayDeclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the towering limestone islands of Halong Bay are a spectacle of ethereal beauty. No wonder it's a major tourist destination in northern Vietnam.

WholeHalong BayOr sometimes called the Gulf of Tonkin, it covers an area of ​​about 1,500 square kilometers. Experts say it took about 500 million years to formHalong Bayto 1969 islands and islets of karst limestone. People have inhabited this area since time immemorial without causing any damage to the wonders of nature. The majestic views certainly add a unique cultural value to this unique place.

things to doHalong Bay

• Sign up for a day trip, or better yet, a boat trip with an overnight stay on a traditional wooden boat
• Canoeing through karst formations, visiting fishing villages and hidden lagoons
• Wake up early to watch the sunrise with a Tai Chi class on the terrace
• Caving exploration at Hang Sung Sot
• catch squid at night
• Take in a bird's eye view of the scenery from the seaplane
• Visit Cat Ba Island and explore one of the caves (Hospital Cave, Trung Trang Cave)
• By bike to Yuehai village
• Enjoy the peaceful environment of Lan Ha Bay
• See the cave of Our Lady on Bon Hon Island
• Head to Monkey Island and stay at the secluded Monkey Island Resort

4. Hoi An

Located on the central coast of Vietnam, the city of Hoi An is popular for its well-preserved old town criss-crossed by canals. The city is a melting pot of history, and its architecture clearly reflects the fusion of different eras and styles, from French colonial buildings to Vietnamese subway houses, wooden Chinese temples and Japanese covered bridges with iconic pagodas.

Attractions in Hoi An

• Explore UNESCO heritage sites including the ancient city of Hoi An
• Take amazing photos on Japan's iconic Covered Bridge
• Enjoy culinary delights in popular restaurants.
• Sunbathe on An Bang beach
• Get on your bike and explore the city roads and countryside.
• Improve your haggling skills at Hoi An Central Market
• Visit the Museum of Commercial Ceramics

(Video) AMAZING 10 Must-Visit Destinations in VIETNAM (Travel Guide)

• Enjoy a day of diving and snorkeling at Lao Cham Island
• Enjoy a special cup of tea at the Reaching Out Tea House
• Take a cooking class at Sabirama Cooking School
• Take a walk around the Lantern Market
• Sit back and learn how silk lanterns are made in a local home.
• Have a coffee or a cold drink at Faifo Cafe with panoramic rooftop views
• Next: visit my son's holy place for half a day; spend a full day in Ba Na Hills exploring the popular Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills attraction complex with round-trip cable car transfers; walk in Kep National Park

5. Nha Trang

Located on the south-central coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang is a paradise for tourists. This resort town offers miles of white sand beaches set against green hills, many beautiful islands, many historical sites and long hours of pure relaxation. In addition, there are many other addictive activities that will leave you asking for more!

If you are wondering what to do in Nha Trang, check out the list below.

• Take part in adrenaline-fueled water sports, diving and snorkeling
• Embark on a cruise to neighboring islands
• Head to the heavenly beaches of Doc Let or Bai Dai
• Visit the Ponagar Cham Temples and the 19th-century Long Son Pagoda.
• Check out the longest overseas cable car in the world, the Vinpearl cable car
• Visit the Vinpearl Amusement Park and spend a whole day of unparalleled fun for the little ones.
• Visit Yangwan Ecological Park, a wonderful nature park just a stone's throw from the city center.
• Relax in the Thap Ba hot spring and mud bath
• Explore the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam
• If you like photography, be sure to visit the Do Dien Khanh Gallery
• Explore the area by bike or boat
• rafting on Cai river

6. Da Lat

Known as the "City of Spring" for its mild climate, Da Lat has long been one of the most popular holiday destinations in the central highlands of southern Vietnam. Many call it "little Paris", and there is even a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower in the center of this mountain town. It is also the favorite place for newlyweds in the whole country, which is why it is called "The City of Flowers" and "The City of Lovers".

Da Lat is famous for the variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables grown in the farmlands. It is equally known for its pristine natural attractions, beautiful landscapes and ethnic towns. There is sure to be something for everyone, but here are a few things you should try when visiting this extraordinary place...

• Explore the Summer Palace of Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam
• Visit Da Lat Railway, one of the oldest railway stations in Vietnam, famous for its Art Deco architecture.
• Admire the offbeat fairy-tale architecture of Hằng Nga Guest House, also known as the "Mad House"
• Take the cable car up to the Truc Lam Pagoda with its traditional Asian architecture
• Meet over 100 monks and nuns at Truc Lam Pagoda, a Zen monastery
• Admire the stunning views from the top of Langping Mountain
• Spend a few hours hiking to Pongour Falls

• Stroll through the exquisite flower displays of Dalat Gardens
• Head out of town to visit Langping Mountain and Elephant Waterfall
• Go to an ethnic K'Ho village, experience local life, Vietnamese coffee and enjoy fresh coffee from a local farmer/owner
• Learn how weasel and coffee go together at Trai Ham Da Lat Weasel Coffee
• Find cute gifts and haggle for the lowest prices at Da Lat Night Market
• Follow a quiet lane through pine forests, coffee plantations, and persimmons to Mount Pinhart for scenic views of Lake Tranlin.
• Hit the road on two wheels to Lake Lac

7. Miasto Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly referred to as Saigon, is famous for its French colonial monuments, including the 19th-century Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral, built entirely from materials imported from France. From the cheapest guesthouses to world-class hotels, from the tastiest street stalls to the most elegant restaurants, from bustling markets to the best boutiques, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling commercial and cultural metropolis. .

Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Climb through the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Taste the flavor of a bowl of pho
• Visit the Garan Temple, the oldest temple in the city.
• Enjoy a romantic dinner on a Bonsai River cruise
• Visit the War Remnants Museum
• Visit the Reunification Palace
• Visit the central offices designed by Gustave Eiffel, famous for the Eiffel Tower
• Have a cup of coffee at Tao Dan Park
• Have a drink and enjoy the nightlife on Pham Ngu Lao Street or Bi Wen Street

• Visit the history museum with artifacts dating back 4,000 years.
• Prayer at Notre Dame
• Admire the magnificence of Kodaiji Temple
• Climb the Bitexco financial tower
• Take amazing photos at the Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
• Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most elegant temples in the city.
• Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum
• Explore the Museum of Fine Arts
• Admire the candy-colored Seven Pools Church
• Immerse yourself in shopping and dining at Ben Thanh Market
• Shop like a local at Binh Tay Market
• Head to an organic farm on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about herbs and choose ingredients for your cooking class.

8. Delta Mekong

The Mekong Delta is Vietnam's "rice bowl". It is a water world with vast rivers, canals, swamps and floating markets. You will also find ornate Khmer pagodas, Buddhist temples and communities surrounded by rice fields. Boats are the main means of transport, and tours of the region usually start in Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho, a bustling city in the center of the delta.

• Embark on a sampan cruise in My Tho. No matter where your cruise starts, the cruise will take you to Long Island (Con Tan Long), Turtle Island (Con Quy) and Unicorn Island (Con Thoi Son).
• Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda and the Bat Pagoda
• Visit Cai Be Fruit Orchard, the largest orchard in the Delta.
• Visit a floating market and experience everyday life on the Mekong River.
• Hop on your bike and ride the quiet paths of the innermost village in the Mekong Delta
• Try a bowl of noodle soup at the Cai Rang Floating Market
• Come to the Tra Su Cajuput Forest to see what the wetlands are like
• Visit the traditional silk making process at Tanzhou Silk Village
• Birdwatching in Tram Chim National Park
• Climb Mount Sam and enjoy the view from the top of Cambodia on one side and Vietnam on the other.
• Go bolder to Dongtan Snake Farm, nicknamed "Kingdom of Snakes"
• Visit Hon Phu Tu - Father and Son Island at the Cave Pagoda Strait

Part VII. what to eat in vietnam

Vietnam may have a varied landscape, but all its cuisine is characterized by a balance of aroma, acidity, sweetness and fishy taste. As with other Asian cuisines, it's all about achieving the perfect combination: sweet and salty, fresh and fermented. Another noteworthy feature of Vietnamese cuisine is that it is not complicated in any way. In fact, most common foods can be prepared and cooked at the curb, just like in a good restaurant. It's the simplicity, fresh ingredients and subtle nuances that vary from region to region that make the food stand out and keep visitors coming back for more.

In the north, noodle soups and fries have a strong Chinese influence. The further south you go, the more flavors from neighboring Cambodia and Thailand become available. In the south, the tropical climate spawned more paddy fields, herb gardens, coconut trees, and breadfruit. Food is often sweeter: savory foods have more palm sugar, and pho broth is sweeter.

It's hard to talk about Vietnamese cuisine without mentioning French influences. Clearly, colonization had a lasting impact on the entire country, land, people, and taste. Perhaps the most distinctive is the banh mi, which refers to the French baguette used to prepare this delicious Vietnamese sandwich. The locals, however, take the sandwich to a whole new level and make it their own with fish empanadas, sardines, roast pork, cilantro, chili pickled carrots, and other fillings.