Whether it be the street food of Vietnam, or the history. The understated and often, overlooked beauty of Vietnam has proven to be a traveller’s paradise on countless occasions. With history etched out in every pore of this beautiful country, its geography presents another dimension of timeless excitement with the outdoor activities it generates. As travellers, the main area of concern is occupied by the inescapable elephant in the room, and that is nothing but money. Vietnam on that aspect, comes all out to soothe one’s flustered heart and give wings to their itchy feet.
Here are 5 primary reasons among many to visit Vietnam.
The People
It is a common belief and reality, that a country is what it is because of its people and there is no dearth of kindness when it comes to the Vietnamese citizens. The tumultuous and erratic history of Vietnam has left its mark on its inhabitants, and it is so admirable to see them rising above and beyond what they have had to suffer. A common narrative amongst travellers has been the interactions that they’ve had with the people of Vietnam. Ask anyone and they’d tell you to localize and make the most of the enriching environment provided by the people of Vietnam.
The Food
Rice noodles, glass noodles, Pho (the world famous noodle soup), spring rolls, banh mi, sticky rice, inexplicably delicious sea food, and the list is never ending. Whether you stick to restaurants or whether you venture out into trying the varied kinds of street food (highly recommended), the Vietnamese cuisine never disappoints. Try the giant seafood filled pancakes, the grilled corn on the cob or the warm banana cake in a coconut milk sauce, and it will remind you why you exist.
The Geography And Countless Adventures
Vietnam boasts of a 3000 km long coastline. A coastline as long as this offers lots of gems of white sand and blue seas. For a beachy experience, holiday goers could head for beach cities of Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and Da Nang, as well as as Cu Lao Cham, Quy Nhon, Ly Son, Con Dao, Phu Quoc, which are lesser known in comparison. One can scuba dive, enjoy snorkelling and wind surfing in these areas as well as the revered La Hong Bay. Vietnam is also home to the world’s biggest natural cave system in Dong Hai.
If one prefers trekking, then they can always visit the hill station of Sapa, famous for its dramatic landscape and beautiful surroundings. Stick to the cities and listen to live music, see traditional dance and water puppet shows or take a cooking class and learn the language. With a vibrant night life, there is everything for everyone.
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Shopping and Coffee
Vietnam also has a very vibrant handicraft industry. Shoppers could buy lots of ethnic jewellery, fashionable clothing as well as marble based memorabilia. In Hoi An you can also get speed tailors to make your suit and dress in just a day.
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Another universe that is solely Vietnamese is the coffee. Being the second largest producer of coffee, Vietnamese take their coffee very seriously. Black coffee, coffee with condensed milk, coffee with coconut milk, coffee with egg yolk, coffee with yoghurt, the variety is endless. Furthermore, the cafes are known to be great social spots of interaction and momentous conversations.
History
How does one ignore Vietnam and its diverse history? One can visit Saigon and visit the emotion inducing war museum and imperial palace. Old war planes can be seen scattered around the city and a visit to the Cu Chi war tunnels can help one acquire an insider’s look at what the war was like for many soldiers. Scattered around the city are war monuments and in Hanoi, one can even visit the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh himself.
The most interesting aspect of history is that it is so extensive, that we only need to look deeper for a greater understanding. Vietnam has a complicated history starting from its native Dong Son culture and spanning thousands of years, influenced by Chinese, Khmer, and Indian cultures, as well as French colonialism. The traces of which can be found in and around every part of Vietnam.
