vietnam travel guide reddit Vietnam is a beautiful and diverse country that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, or vibrant nightlife, you will find it in Vietnam.
But how do you plan your trip to this amazing destination? Where should you go, what should you do, and what should you avoid? To help you answer these questions, we have compiled a Vietnam travel guide based on the experiences and recommendations of real travelers who have shared their stories on Reddit. Here are some of the most useful tips and advice that we have found.
How to Get to Vietnam
There are many ways to get to Vietnam, depending on where you are coming from and what your budget is. The most common way is to fly to one of the major international airports in Vietnam, such as Hanoi (Noi Bai), Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), Da Nang, or Nha Trang. You can find cheap flights to Vietnam from many countries in Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. You can also use websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare prices and find the best deals.
Another option is to travel to Vietnam by land or sea from neighboring countries, such as China, Laos, Cambodia, or Thailand. You can take a bus, train, or boat across the border, but make sure you have the right visa and documents before you do so. You can also rent a motorbike or car and drive yourself, but be aware of the traffic rules and road conditions in Vietnam.
How to Get Around Vietnam
Once you are in Vietnam, there are many ways to get around the country. The most popular and convenient way is to use public transportation, such as buses, trains, taxis, or Grab (a ride-hailing app similar to Uber). You can also book tours or transfers with local agencies or online platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide. These options are usually safe, comfortable, and affordable.
Another way to get around Vietnam is to rent a motorbike or bicycle and explore the country on your own. This can be a fun and adventurous way to see more of the local life and scenery, but it also comes with some risks and challenges. You need to have a valid driver’s license and insurance, wear a helmet and protective gear, follow the traffic laws and signs, and be prepared for unpredictable weather and road conditions. You also need to be careful of scams and thefts when renting or parking your vehicle.
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Where to Go in Vietnam
Vietnam is a large and diverse country that has something for everyone. Depending on your interests and preferences, you can choose from a variety of destinations and attractions in Vietnam. Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam:
- Hanoi: The capital city of Vietnam and a cultural and historical hub. You can visit the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and many other landmarks and museums. You can also enjoy the street food, coffee culture, nightlife, and shopping in Hanoi.
- Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most scenic places in Vietnam. You can take a cruise or kayak around the bay and admire the thousands of limestone islands and caves. You can also visit Cat Ba Island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, or Quan Lan Island for more activities and nature.
- Sapa: A mountainous town in northern Vietnam that is famous for its rice terraces, ethnic minorities, trekking trails, and homestays. You can hike or bike through the stunning landscapes and villages, and learn about the culture and traditions of the local people.
- Hue: A former imperial city in central Vietnam that is known for its historical monuments, such as the Citadel, the Tombs of the Emperors, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Perfume River. You can also explore the countryside, the beaches, and the cuisine of Hue.
- Hoi An: A charming town in central Vietnam that is renowned for its well-preserved ancient town, its lanterns, its tailor shops, and its food. You can walk or cycle around the old streets, visit the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, the Museum of Trade Ceramics, and other attractions. You can also take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River, or relax at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach.
- Da Nang: A modern city in central Vietnam that is a gateway to many attractions in the region. You can enjoy the beaches, the bridges, the Marble Mountains, the Son Tra Peninsula, and the Ba Na Hills. You can also visit nearby places like My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features ancient Hindu temples, or Cham Island, a marine park that offers diving and snorkeling opportunities.
- Nha Trang: A coastal city in southern Vietnam that is a popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. You can swim or sunbathe at Nha Trang Beach or other beaches like Bai Dai or Doc Let. You can also try activities like surfing or kite surfing or jet skiing or parasailing or scuba diving or snorkeling at Mun Island or Hon Tam Island. You can also visit attractions like Vinpearl Land or Po Nagar Cham Towers or Long Son Pagoda or Thap Ba Hot Springs.
- Da Lat: A hill station in southern Vietnam that is famous for its cool climate and its flowers and fruits. You can visit the Dalat Flower Gardens or Valley of Love or Xuan Huong Lake or Datanla Waterfall or Linh Phuoc Pagoda or Crazy House. You can also enjoy activities like hiking or biking or camping or rafting or zip-lining or canyoning in Da Lat.
- Ho Chi Minh City: The largest city in Vietnam and a commercial and cultural center. You can visit the War Remnants Museum or Reunification Palace or Notre Dame Cathedral or Central Post Office or Ben Thanh Market or Cu Chi Tunnels. You can also enjoy the food or coffee or nightlife or shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Mekong Delta: A region in southern Vietnam that is known for its rivers and canals and islands and floating markets. You can take a boat tour or a bike tour around the delta and see the local life and scenery. You can also visit places like Can Tho or Vinh Long or Ben Tre or Chau Doc or Phu Quoc Island.
What to Do in Vietnam
There are many things to do in Vietnam that will suit your taste and budget. Here are some of the most popular activities that you can try in Vietnam:
- Eat: Vietnamese cuisine is one of the most delicious and diverse in the world. You can find a variety of dishes that are influenced by different regions and cultures. Some of the most famous dishes are pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), nem ran (spring rolls), banh xeo (crispy pancake), cao lau (noodle dish), com tam (broken rice), bun bo hue (spicy beef noodle soup), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), cha ca (fish with herbs), mi quang (noodle dish), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), banh khot (mini pancakes), xoi (sticky rice), che (sweet soup), etc. You can find these dishes at street stalls, markets, restaurants, or hotels. You can also join a cooking class or a food tour to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine.
- Drink: Vietnamese coffee is one of the best things to drink in Vietnam. You can find different types of coffee that are brewed with different methods and ingredients. Some of the most common ones are ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk), ca phe den da (iced black coffee), ca phe trung (egg coffee), ca phe sua chua (yogurt coffee), ca phe cot dua (coconut coffee), etc. You can find these drinks at cafes, shops, or vendors. You can also try other drinks like tra da (iced tea), nuoc mia (sugarcane juice), sinh to (smoothie), nuoc dua (coconut water), bia hoi (fresh beer), ruou de (rice wine), etc.
- Shop: Shopping is another fun thing to do in Vietnam. You can find a variety of products that are made locally or imported from other countries. Some of the most popular items are silk, lacquerware, ceramics, embroidery, paintings, jewelry, wooden carvings, bamboo products, coffee beans, tea leaves, spices, fruits, etc. You can find these items at markets, shops, malls, or online platforms like Shopee or Lazada. You can also bargain for lower prices at some places, but be respectful and polite Vietnam is generally a safe and friendly country to visit, but there are some things that you should avoid or be careful of when traveling in Vietnam. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Scams: Like in any other tourist destination, there are some people who may try to scam you or rip you off in Vietnam. Some of the most common scams are taxi scams, cyclo scams, shoe-shine scams, street vendor scams, massage scams, etc. You can avoid these scams by using reputable companies or apps, agreeing on a price before using a service, checking your bills and change carefully, avoiding unsolicited offers or invitations, and being assertive and confident.
- Theft: Theft is another risk that you may face in Vietnam, especially in crowded or touristy areas. Some of the most common thefts are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, phone-snatching, etc. You can avoid these thefts by keeping your valuables close and secure, not flashing your money or gadgets, being aware of your surroundings, and not resisting or chasing the thieves if they do snatch something from you.
- Traffic: Traffic is one of the biggest challenges that you may encounter in Vietnam. The roads are often busy and chaotic, with many vehicles and pedestrians sharing the same space. The traffic rules and signs are not always followed or respected, and accidents are frequent. You can avoid traffic problems by using public transportation or reputable drivers, wearing a helmet and protective gear if you ride a motorbike or bicycle, following the traffic laws and signs if you drive yourself, crossing the street carefully and confidently, and being patient and flexible.
- Pollution: Pollution is another issue that you may face in Vietnam, especially in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The air quality is often poor due to the emissions from vehicles and factories. The water quality is also not very good due to the waste and chemicals from agriculture and industry. The noise level is also high due to the honking and construction. You can avoid pollution problems by wearing a mask or a scarf if the air is smoky or dusty, drinking bottled water or boiled water if the tap water is not safe, using earplugs or headphones if the noise is too loud, and choosing eco-friendly options when possible.
- Culture Shock: Culture shock is a natural reaction that you may experience when traveling to a different country with a different culture. You may feel confused, frustrated, overwhelmed, or homesick when you encounter unfamiliar customs, behaviors, languages, or values. You can avoid culture shock by doing some research before your trip, learning some basic words and phrases in Vietnamese, being respectful and open-minded, asking questions and seeking help when needed, and finding ways to cope and adapt.
Conclusion
Vietnam is a wonderful country that has a lot to offer to travelers of all kinds. Whether you are looking for nature, culture, food, or adventure, you will find it in Vietnam. But to make the most of your trip, you need to plan ahead and be prepared for some challenges and surprises along the way. That’s why we have created this Vietnam travel guide based on the tips and advice from real travelers who have shared their stories on Reddit. We hope that this guide will help you have an amazing and memorable experience in Vietnam.
If you have any questions or comments about this guide, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and help you with your travel plans.
Thank you for reading and happy travels! 😊
