Ah, Vietnam – quite possibly one of our favourite countries in the world. Buzzing cosmopolitan cities with British Colonial, French and Chinese influences, white sandy beaches stretching for miles, dense humid jungles with an endless amount of caves, waterfalls and wildlife to discover, stunning temples and pagodas, and the food – did we mention the delicious, mouth-watering food?
Vietnam is a country that so many people keep going back to – because there’s something new to discover every time. Whether thats little known island paradises coming to life, a new foodie hotspot, or the biggest cave system in the world, Vietnam keeps on giving.
With fantastic connections by bus, train and plane, Vietnam is easily travelled – even in just a few short weeks. Exploring is best done by bike or scooter – be sure to jump on, say a quick prayer, and then wish for the best – in this country there’s no rules!
Cities We’ve Visited to Date
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, Vinh
VIETNAM FACT FILE
Affordability
Vietnam is one of the most affordable countries to visit in South East Asia. From accommodation, getting around, eating out and even tours – everything is reasonably priced.
Connectivity
Staying connected in Vietnam is easy, with most accommodation and restaurants and cafes offering free wi-fi. You can also pick up a SIM card from vendors in most tourist areas, or even at the airpot if arriving by air. Vinaphone is a great provider and you can pick up a sim card with data for as little as 100 000 VND.
Communicating
Vietnamese is a tricky language to pick up – as it’s a tonal based language, the slightest mispronunciation of a word can result in an entirely different meaning. Fortunately most locals involved in the tourism industry speak enough English that you can get across what you’re after, but it’s worth picking up some basic phrases.
Getting Around
The easiest way to get around the larger cities is by rickshaw, but be sure your driver knows exactly where you want to be taken and a price is agreed on. You can also hire scooters on the cheap to get around the less busier towns (or the big cities, if you’re a daredevil!). Long distance buses and trains get you around the country for a really good price.
Read MORE about our adventures in Vietnam!
Vietnam is one country where you definitely have to give a cooking class a go – the Ms Vy – Taste Vietnam Cooking Class in Hoi An is a class with a difference. Read about my experience making Vietnamese cuisine in this article!
My Favourite Places to Eat in Hoi An
Hoi An in my opinion is the foodie capital of Vietnam. If you’re planning to eat your way around this little gem of Vietnam, check out this article for my recommendations on where to eat whilst you’re there!
Quy Nhon: Getting off the Beaten Track in Vietnam
Wanting to get off the beaten track in Vietnam? It’s still entirely possible! You just need to head to Quy Nhon, the biggest little town in Vietnam that everyone seems to miss!
