8 things nobody tells you about travelling Vietnam
Vietnam is a true traveller´s paradise. Especially budget travellers and backpackers love the country in South East Asia for various reasons. The culture and the incredible landscapes are one of the many reasons why Vietnam is on any travelling bucket list. The pictures of the bright green rice fields and the famous Ha Long Bay are widely spread. But yet, there are some things that every traveller should know before going to Vietnam. Most of these things can only be found out during the route through the country – therefore this guide is all about what you need to know about Vietnam but what nobody is telling you.
Get ready!
Number 1: many stops on the typical route can be skipped
The first thing nobody tells you about travelling Vietnam concerns the route through the country. When touring through Vietnam, travellers usually follow a certain route which either leads you from North to South or vice versa. The route follows along the coastal line and includes all the highlights of places and attractions the country has to offer. And yet, some of these so-called highlights can be skipped. While some cities and places are really worth a stop, others are more or less a waste of time. Especially if you are travelling for a limited time, it is good to know, what attractions are worth it and which are not.
The following stops along the typical Vietnam route can be disappointing:
- Phong Nha National Park
The Phong Nha National Park is located in the Northern Part of the country and famous for its nature. The area is home to many impressive caves which is the number 1 tourist attraction. While the caves can be spectacular the rest of the area is quiet. If you are not a fan of tiny caves and a tour on a boat, then you can easily skip the Phong Nha National Park on your route through Vietnam.
- Da Nang
Da Nang is a Vietnamese City located directly at the coast in the middle of the country. It is most known for its beaches and its history with the French. Da Nang is the only city in the middle of Vietnam which has an airport and is therefore often used as a transfer point to different places in the country. Some travellers enjoy the beaches along the coast while others take the opportunity to visit the famous Bà Nà Hills. The area can be quite attractive to explore, but it is not necessary to plan to spend some nights in the city.
- Nha Trang
The city of Nha Trang is best known as a famous destination for Russian tourists. Even the street signs are written in both Vietnamese and Russian. If you are not planning to spend your time in a touristy hotel and at the beach, then Nha Trang can be deleted from your list. On a sunny day, a beach day might seem like a good idea but apart from that, the city hasn´t much to offer.
Surely, that´s what nobody tells you before travelling Vietnam, but now you know better.
Number 2: the North of Vietnam is most attractive
What really makes the country special and what really amazes the travellers is the Northern part of Vietnam. There you will not only find the bright green rice fields everybody is talking about but as well the traditional culture and some of the best sightseeing attractions. The city of Hanoi is a great place to start exploring the North. For those travellers, who want to have the true experience, a motorbike tour through the very North on the Ha Giang Loop is the best option. This is for those, who would like to have a deeper experience and see Vietnam off the beaten path.
Number 3: the rice fields are everchanging during the year
Most travellers know the famous Vietnamese pictures which seem to appear on every travel account on Instagram. Green fields everywhere you look. But be aware, that this can turn into a huge disappointment once you actually visit the city. Because the rice fields are only green during special seasons. One of the best times to witness the green paradise is from late August until the end of September. With the end of the rainy season, the locals start to harvest the rice and the green fields turn into a brownish, muddy landscape.
Do you want to know where you can best see the rice fields? Check out What to skip in Vietnam and what to do instead.
Number 4: the communication can be quite difficult
When travelling South East Asia, there can always be difficulties in communications. Most places, especially in the main tourist areas, the locals have a solid level of English language skills. But here is one thing nobody tells you about travelling Vietnam: the communication can cause problems. While the large cities, such as Hanoi or Saigon, are very international and it is fairly easy to communicate, other places can be more difficult. Especially on occasions such as on the night busses, the locals can´t speak English neither understand it. For some travellers this issue can lead to discomfort and insecurity. Not knowing if you are on the right bus and if this is your stop to get out – just to name some examples.
Please note: this is a perspnal experience and may not be the case for everyone
Number 5: the food is absolutely amazing!!
The Vietnamese cuisine is getting more and more attention. And yet, it is not as well-known among travellers as it should be. Because the Vietnamese food is actually one of the best reasons to visit the country. The variety for any taste makes it special and unique. Both vegetarians and omnivores can enjoy a big choice of different meals without missing out on anything! In cities like Saigon, you can visit a food market. Local restaurants offer meals for under 1$ and the famous Bahn Mí (a traditional baguette with egg or meat and vegetables) can be bought next to the street and takes you to absolute food heaven! This sounds a little over the top for you? Get on the plane to Vietnam and see for yourself.
Number 6: the motorbike is the best way to explore the country
If you have been travelling South East Asia before, this is not news for you: the motorbike is the number 1 means of transport. But in Vietnam, exploring on a motorbike is the best choice for any traveller. You can choose between doing the whole tour through the country on a motorbike or driving smaller routes.
Exploring Vietnam with your own motorbike
A popular option is to buy a motorbike at the beginning of your trip. This is only reasonable if you plan to spend one month in Vietnam. Motorbikes are fairly easy to buy and sell at the end of your travels. Exploring on your own motorbike gives you it all the freedom necessary to fall in love with Vietnam. You can totally skip on the night busses and the hassle and drive at your own pace. You will not only get to see much more but as well connect with the locals on a whole different level.
Renting a bike for smaller routes
If you feel not ready for touring the whole country with a motorbike, this does not mean you have to waive the experience. Vietnam has to offer two particular routes which you can do on a motorbike. The first one is the Ha Giang Loop in the North. On this route, you can as well choose to go with a guide or let the guide be your driver. This allows even travellers who do not feel secure to drive themselves to get the experience. Another route is the Hải Vân-Pass. A scenic street between Huê and Da Nang. It takes one day and gives you a little taste on driving through the beauty of Vietnam!
Number 7: there is a dessert in the middle of the country
Most certainly, you would not expect a dessert in Vietnam. And yet here it is on the list of things nobody tells you about travelling Vietnam.
And this is considered to be one of the best places to visit. Close to the small village of Mũi Né, you will find two giant sand dunes: the red sand runes and the white sand dunes. Both being a complete contrast to the rest of the landscape, it is a true spectacle.
Come for sunset or rent a quad and enjoy some unforgettable moments in the small Vietnamese dessert.
Number 8: Vietnam always holds an unexpected surprise
And last but not least on the list of things nobody tells you about travelling Vietnam: the unexpected surprises. This can be meant both negative and positive. Vietnam is always ready for a new surprise. On one hand this could mean an unexpected place with a beautiful view or one the other hand an obstacle on your trip. Vietnam leaves nobody without a lesson. And that´s exactly what makes the country to what it is – a country with culture, heart and beautiful surroundings!
Enjoy your trip and always keep the 8 things that nobody tells you about Vietnam in your mind!
