Vietnam is one of the unseen treasures of Southeast Asia and a destination that is on many foreign tourist’s bucket lists. A combination of stunning mountains and lush green rainforests is contained within 58 Vietnamese Provinces that cover a total of 331,700 square km and a population of more than 96 million reside in this tropical paradise nation.
Obtaining a Visa
Don’t just assume that you’ll get a visa on arrival; this might be the most common approach, but there are long queues at the airport and you will lose out big time on the exchange rate. Better to enlist the help on an online visa service, who will deal with everything on your behalf for a small fee.
Hanoi
Of course, you simply must spend some time in Hanoi, a vibrant northern city that experiences 4 seasons throughout the year, so be prepared for showers if you go between May to October. The capital city that is home to more than 8 million people is growing at an alarming rate, as the country develops at an alarming rate.
Crossing the Street
While you might be used to pedestrian crossings where traffic dutifully stops when the lights are in your favour, this is most definitely not the case in any Vietnamese city. You literally take your life in your own hands when crossing a busy street and the oncoming motorcyclists judge your movements and take avoiding action. It might sound nightmarish, but the system seems to work and that’s the most important thing.
Street Food
Vietnam is up there with Thailand for tasty street food and they probably have as many varieties as their Thai neighbours, with chicken, pork (and insects), all with rice, of course. Yes, there’s a chance you’ll fall ill (avoid lightly cooked meat) but you would miss out on some amazing food!
Dishes to try:
- Pho – Very much the national dish, Pho is a hearty soup that is usually consumed in the morning, but trust us, it’s great at any time of day!
- Bun Cha – Barbequed pork and noodles.
- Goi Cuon – Freshly made spring rolls filled with seafood, noodles and vegetables.
- Cha Ca – Found mainly in Hanoi, this is white fish cooked in a palm butter, with spring onions and it is one of our favourites.
- Cha Gio – This is a dish for special occasions and the deep-fried spring rolls are very tasty. You will find this dish at street parties, social gatherings and restaurants.
Local Money
The dong is the local currency and there are thousands to a single US dollar; the good news is there are no coins to deal with, although the notes can be a bit confusing – watch the 50,000 and the 500,000 notes, as they look similar and that extra zero makes all the difference! It’s easy to think you’re a millionaire in Vietnam, and like any other country, you should be careful with money and keep your valuables in a safe place.
Saigon
Now called Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Saigon has much to offer the tourist and this is the biggest city in Vietnam, which is located in the south. Check out the amazing French colonial architecture in District 1, which is more than a little impressive, while there are a number of museums dedicated to the Vietnam War and also when under French control, which gives you a unique insight into this colourful culture. While accommodation in rural areas might be a bit basic, a luxury boutique hotel in Saigon is very reasonably priced and this will be one of the highlights of your visit. If you are into rooftop bars, Saigon has more than its fair share and a lively night scene is easily found with the many young tourists that stay in this city while in the south of the country.
Beaches in Vietnam
Nha Trang Beach is well-known to be one of the best and this is a big attraction for travellers that wish to take a few days rest from sightseeing and relax on golden sands. All forms of watersports are available here and you can even take your scuba PADI and experience the wonders of the diverse marine life. Click here if you have jet lag issues when flying long haul.
One thing that really does stand out is the warmth and friendliness of the local people and you will encounter many smiling faces while touring the colourful nation of Vietnam.
It is advisable to check with the Vietnamese government regarding Covid-19 entry requirements, which may be in force. The tropical countries do not seem to have been affected as much as the rest of the world and if you are planning your 2021 holiday in Vietnam, it should be a memorable experience.
from Feedster https://www.feedster.com/travel/a-guide-to-exploring-vietnam-what-you-should-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-guide-to-exploring-vietnam-what-you-should-know
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