Vietnam Country Profile
Welcome to Vietnam
Vietnam is an exhilarating country to travel. Vibrant street life, exquisite food and epic landscapes await you here. A nation on the move, Vietnam balances cool urban culture with traditional values. In the cities, ancient pagodas squat just around the corner from sleek rooftop bars; and in the countryside, life still follows the rhythms of the rivers and the rice harvest. This contrast between old and new Vietnam is a big part of its appeal. Another great reason to visit Vietnam is its diverse natural beauty. The capital of Hanoi is your gateway to the treasures of the north: spectacular mountains and bays studded with karsts. Smack in the centre, up-and-coming Danang gives you easy access to photogenic riverside towns, national parks and long, sandy beaches.
In the south, Ho Chi Minh City will entice you with its captivating streets (just watch out for those motorcycles).Nearby, the water world of the Mekong Delta as well as islands big and small, are just waiting to be explored.
Vietnam Highlights:
Fabulous Food
If there is one characteristic that unites Vietnamese food, it’s freshness. The Vietnamese love their food, and all across the country, markets are bursting with the abundance of sea and soil. Plucked the same morning, feathery herbs, plump vegetables, colourful fruits, and flapping-fresh proteins are just waiting for a skillful cook to transform them into something magical. These beautiful ingredients are combined with a symphony of delightful textures and flavours. Simply put, it’s one of the world’s healthiest and most mouth-watering cuisines
Timeless Culture
If you’re a culture seeker, the central cities of Hue and Hoi An are treasure troves, as is Hanoi, the country’s graceful capital. Outside the cities, many elements of Vietnamese culture trace back to cycles of wet rice cultivation. Old and new, side-by-side, is what makes Vietnamese culture so compelling. Vietnam inherited its cultural wealth from thousands of years of history, sprinkled with a handful of outside influences. The Vietnamese have a strong sense of pride in their traditions.
Blissful Beaches
Sun, sand, and saltwater: Vietnam is home to countless inviting beaches — some are well-known, others completely hidden. The islands of Con Dao and Phu Quoc are famous for inviting water and pristine shores. If you enjoy activity and nightlife mixed into your beach holidays, the coastal towns of Da Nang and Nha Trang will spoil you with five-star resorts, golfing and watersports. Vietnam also offers countless remote beach destinations, such as Quy Nhon, Con Dao and Phu Quoc, where you can have sublime shores all to yourself.
Striking Scenery
Vietnam is chock-full of forested peaks, thundering waterfalls, and breezy coastline, so it’s no wonder the country is luring more and more nature lovers. While you’ll find plenty of pulse-pounding activities here, including spelunking, canyoning, and trekking, there’s no shortage of leisurely ways to enjoy Vietnam’s natural wonders. Areas such as Phong Nha and Ha Long Bay offer equal opportunities for relaxation and adventure in pectacular natural settings.
Changing Cities
Vietnam’s vibrant urban centres are growing fast. Here you’ll find international restaurants alongside cheap-as-chips street food, ancient pagodas across the street from five-star hotels, and glittering shopping malls around the corner from wet markets. Hanoi is a city of lakes, brimming with historical and cultural treasures. Da Nang is a coastal metropolis on a fast track to becoming a hub for technology and tourism. Ho Chi Minh City is home to uber-cool rooftop bars, trendy co-working spaces, and colonial-chic cafes. Don’t forget to hop on a scooter at least once to truly feel the pulse of urban Vietnam.
Award-winning Experiences
From beautiful golf courses to amazing wellness retreats, Vietnam’s tourism products are continually lauded among the world’s best. It’s easier than ever to plan an indulgent holiday in Vietnam around these awardwinning experiences. Vietnam’s long coastline is home to countless stunning beach resorts, as well as top-tier golf courses that makethe most of the country’s diverse natural beauty. All new wellness resorts are springing up in the highlands and while Vietnam’s adventure destinations continue to win rave reviews from travellers. Come and see for yourself.
Getting Around:
Trains
Vietnam’s Reunification Express takes around 36 hours from Ha Noi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at main cities along the way.
Motorbike
Motorbike tours are a great way to see Vietnam and get up close with local life in the cities. Always wear your helmet.
Flights
The easiest way to see lots of Vietnam, domestic flights are reasonably priced. Check Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air.
Taxi
Reputable taxi companies operate widely in most Vietnamese cities, and many ride-sharing apps work here too.
Buses
You’ll find reliable opentour buses travelling the length of the country. Many of these have overnight options for night time travel.
Bicycle
In small towns such as Mai Chau, Hoi An and Hue, you can get everywhere you want to go by pedal power. Cycle away!
Weather:
Vietnam is home to several distinct climate patterns from north to south. From December to March, North Vietnam has cool weather. April brings sunny skies until the monsoon rains arrive in June. Central Vietnam has lots of sunshine most of the year, but November and December can be wet and overcast. Southern Vietnam is always warm, and temperatures soar mid-year. You can expect daily downpours from June to August’
NORTH
The northern region has cool and misty winters, with cold nights in the highlands.
CENTRAL
March and April are great months to see Central Vietnam before the summer heat.
SOUTH
Southern Vietnam has a wet monsoon but the weather remains warm year-round.
Culture & Etiquette
Blend in and follow the local customs by learning these everyday tips.
Tipping
You are under no obligation to tip in Vietnam, especially not at street-side eateries and small restaurants.
Dress Code
Most Vietnamese are modest dressers, even on the beach. Always cover up when visiting religious sites.
Saving Face
As a general rule, keep your cool, and avoid loud arguments and public displays of affection.
Taking Photos
Many Vietnamese like to have their picture taken, but always ask first.
Easy Phrases
‘Xin chào’ is the Vietnamese salutation used for both ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’. Thank you is ‘cam on’.
