Rich culture, lush mountains, golden sand beaches - today we are travelling to one of the fascinating emerging tourism destinations in the world, Vietnam! A part of the new Vietnamese economy is tourism in Vietnam. Surprisingly enough, in 2019, 18 million international arrivals were received in Vietnam, up from 2,1 million in 2000. However, some of you might ask me, “But where is Vietnam?”. Vietnam is bordered by China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west. The nation shares maritime borders with Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is also worth mentioning the fact that Vietnam is the 13th most populous nation in the world, with a population of 92.6 million people. Vietnamese is the language that is being used in daily life among locals, while English is increasingly becoming popular as the tourism industry in the area spreads with high dynamics, and some French is also used by individuals. The spreading of French languages to these areas are densely linked with the colonization of the French army back in the day. Now that we have talked about the basics and answered your question of “where is Vietnam?” it is about time we move on to our topic, which is 11 Reasons why you should travel to Vietnam right now! In this blog post, we will be talking about a lot of things, including the flights, safety and a lot more! So, wait for us, Vietnam, because we are on our way!
1. One of the few remaining examples of communism
Apart from liberalism and conservatism, socialism is one of three main political philosophies developed in the 19th century. There are many types of socialism; however, unfortunately, there is no common concept that encapsulates them all. The government is formally referred to as the “Socialist Republic of Vietnam”, and just when you thought it could not get more complicated, let me tell you that Vietnam is still not a fully communist country. The economy is capital-based and is one of the world’s fastest-growing at present. However, the political power of the country is kept by the Communist Party of Vietnam. As such, “Communist by name and imperialist by nature” is often referred to as this beautiful Asian country. And the main indicator of it, surely, is the Vietnam flag. The Vietnam flag depicts a five-pointed yellow star on a red backdrop. The flag is an emblem of the French and communist leadership's fight against supremacy in the region. In short, despite its troubled history, the star on the flag embodies the national pride of the country.
2. Vietnam visa
A Vietnam visa is required at three international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang for most foreigners to enter and exit Vietnam. The Vietnam visa is a type of travel document which is issued by competent Vietnamese authorities and grants permission to travel to Vietnam. An electronic visa (E-visa) is one of the forms of visas granted through an electronic system by the Vietnamese Immigration Department to foreigners. The Vietnam visa is valid for a single entry for a period of 30 days. Foreigners entering Vietnam are expected to comply with Vietnamese law.
3. Vietnam Airlines
Before travelling to Vietnam, I think it is very important to have an understanding of Vietnam Airlines, especially if you are willing to travel to neighbouring countries or to fly around Vietnam. Over 20 years of growth at a double-digit average growth rate, Vietnam Airlines has spearheaded Vietnam's aviation industry-one of the world’s fastest expanding domestic markets. Vietnam Airlines strives to attain 5-star status and become a major airline in Asia, positioning itself as a global carrier with a globally recognized brand distinguished by traditional Vietnamese culture. Vietnam Airlines links the world's major cities to mesmerizing travel destinations in different Asian countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, with an average of 400 flights a day.
4. Is it safe to travel to Vietnam?
A lot of people ask me, “Is it safe to travel to Vietnam?” and let me tell you one thing: Absolutely! One of the most friendly and safe places to travel not only in Asia but all around the world is Vietnam. Typically, visitors warn of over-aggressive street sellers, bad-minded tour operators and reckless driving. However, one can escape these issues with a level head and wise preparation. Display a lot of jewels or bringing your purse everywhere with you are some of the things you might want to avoid during your time in Vietnam. In Vietnam, violent crime is exceedingly rare, but petty crime is more evident. You are a possible candidate if you have a backpack or if you have a handheld camera around your neck.
5. When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
I would not be mistaken if I said that there is never a bad time to visit this magnificent place! Vietnam has a tropical monsoon environment, with May to September dominating the south or southwestern monsoon and October to April dominating the northeast monsoon. So, when is the best time to travel to Vietnam, though? Basically, it depends on which areas of Vietnam you choose to travel to in order to find out just the best time to travel to Vietnam, whether you are prepared to be stuck in a regular downpour or do not like fierce temperatures and high humidity.
6. Hanoi
Now that we talked about the best time to travel to Vietnam, let us talk about where to travel in Vietnam! Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is just a crazy city that everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime, but that’s all part of its beauty. With its fascinating combination of French and Sino-Vietnamese cultures, it’s one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing cities. Many that visit this lively capital should be ready for what is waiting for them. There is plenty of Asian charm on display in the old town quarter, though history lovers can make a beeline here simply to see the several magnificent museums that will literally blow your mind even if you are not a big fan of museums! So, make sure you visit this beautiful capital city of Hanoi during your time in Vietnam.
7. Hue
If you were wondering where to travel in Vietnam, then pack your bags and head to the city of Hue! The Colonial Citadel of Hue served as the capital of Vietnam's Nguyen dynasty for nearly 150 years until World War II. The Purple Forbidden City, a place reserved solely for the royal family, was at the very heart of these protected walls. During the Vietnam War, the immense Imperial Citadel was also a defensive keep since it lies very close to the demilitarized zone dividing North and South Vietnam.
8. Nha Trang
There are thousands of tourists visiting Vietnam for its infamous resorts. So, if you want to rest and feel true Asian hospitality during your time in Vietnam, then head to Nha Trang. Nha Trang is the most popular seaside resort town in Vietnam, situated along the country's second most gorgeous bay. With good and tidy sand and smooth ocean water with moderate temperatures, it has lovely beaches that will guarantee just a perfect experience for you. The town is more vibrant and metropolitan in nature than other beach resorts such as Mui Ne and Phu Quoc and has around 300,000 inhabitants. It is also Vietnam's base for scuba diving.
9. Mekong Delta
In southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is the area where the Mekong River enters the sea and empties into it. It is a very fertile and green region covered with rice fields, providing nearly half of the overall agricultural production of Vietnam. Life in the Mekong Delta gradually centres around the water, and all villages are mostly accessible by water rather than by road. So, if you want to see Asian Venice during your travel to Vietnam, make sure to go south.
10. My Son
But where to travel to in Vietnam to feel the depth of the region’s history and culture? Interestingly enough, the Chan people of Vietnam started constructing scores of Hindu temples near the village of Duy Phu more than 1,600 years ago. And currently, a range of these temples are standing under the shadow of Cat's Tooth Peak and surrounded by a green valley that will literally leave you speechless. Almost all of the temples, collectively known as My Son, are now partly or fully destroyed, but it still does not affect the experience negatively. Thanks in part to its secluded location and the absence of visitor facilities, visiting my son is like going back in time. And experience for a lifetime that you will never be able to forget!
11. Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue
And last but not least, with seven stories, the Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue is Vietnam’s tallest pagoda. The pagoda overlooks the Perfume River and is used as the old imperial capital's unofficial symbol. Under the reign of the Nguyen Rulers, the temple was constructed in 1601. The original temple was designed quite literally, but it was redeveloped and extended with more complex features over time.
