Vietnam Should Be Higher on Your Travel List and Here’s Why

Asia, and particularly Southeast Asia, has seen a massive boom in tourism over the last decade or two. Firmly on the map as a favourite of backpackers, this region’s tourism industry is going from strength to strength.

However, not all destinations in the area are equally popular. Vietnam, in particular, ranks quite low at number 9, joining India, Taiwan and Japan as the region’s most unpopular tourist destinations. As a way of comparison, Thailand, the region’s second most popular destination after China, attracted 26.5 million tourists in 2013, compared to Vietnam’s 7.5 million. Considering both countries have similar attractions, it’s particularly surprising that Vietnam isn’t on more people’s travel lists.

Why Is Vietnam Not As Popular?

Vietnam has often been compared to Thailand – the Thailand of 10-15 years ago, that is. While gaining in popularity, Vietnam’s tourist infrastructure is yet to develop fast enough to really bring in the crowds, especially when compared to other countries in the region.

Another factor is the bad press that Vietnam has received from travellers annoyed by overly persistent vendors, and being ripped off.

To avoid trouble, remember that vendors tend not to give change, not because they’re trying to rip you off, but because the dong (the local currency) is extremely weak, rendering most change worthless, particularly for tourists. If you’re worried about losing money this way, try to pay with the exact change. At the end of the day, it’s a good idea to remember that Vietnam is still extremely cheap, and that you as a tourist are very well off in comparison to the average citizen.

Another good strategy is to learn a little Vietnamese before you go. Being able to communicate, as well as being able to firmly say ‘no’ in the local language is highly useful and will make for a much better experience.

Why you should ignore the bad press

There are many reasons to visit and fall in love with Vietnam. The incredible things to see and do far outweigh any inconveniences you may experience while there, and you’ll be left wondering why more people don’t rave about it.

Culture and history

Home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Vietnam has a fascinating history and culture to explore. The country dates back 4,000 years when the ancient Vietnamese people founded their first nation. From its ancient past, to colonial influences and the impact of the Vietnam War, the country has many stories to share. Some of these places of cultural and historical importance include:

• Hue Citadel – The Imperial City from the Nguyen dynasty was once the capital of Vietnam. The walled fortress houses the High Noon Gate, the Purple Forbidden City and various tombs, monuments, and temples.
• Hoi An Ancient Town – This beautifully preserved port and fishing village on the coast of the South China Sea has Chinese, Japanese and Western influences reflected in its architecture. It is also called the Venice of Vietnam because of its narrow canals.
• Cu Chi Tunnels – A huge network of underground tunnels near Saigon used during the Vietnam War. Visitors can crawl through parts of the tunnels.
• Halong Bay Carnival – Vietnam has a number of interesting festivals, but one of the most popular is the Halong Bay Carnival. Halong Bay is also a UNESCO Heritage Site, and the carnival celebrates the culture and traditions of the area.

Amazing Landscapes

From pristine beaches, untouched island paradises, sand dunes, and deltas, Vietnam has some incredible landscapes to take your breath away. Thanks to its relative unpopularity as a destination, these areas are not overrun with tourists and are still unspoilt. You can choose to simply relax on the beaches or get active with one of the many up-and-coming adventure activities, such as mountain biking, trekking or water sports.

Some natural attractions that shouldn’t be missed are:

• Halong Bay – Not only one of the most popular places in Vietnam, it is also one of the most beautiful. In fact, it was recently voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World. The beautiful bay with its iconic rock formations has many islands and caves to explore, including Sung Sot Grotto (Cave of Surprises) and the Heavenly Cave.
• Sapa Terraces – The gorgeous hills of Sapa are lined with rice terraces and French architecture, stilt villages and mountains. It is a peaceful place for an escape to nature.
• Phu Quoc – A recent discovery, the island of Phu Quoc, off the coast of mainland Vietnam, is a true island paradise. With its untouched nature, friendly locals and incredible protected marine life, it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy a truly remote beach experience.

A Foodie’s Heaven

Food in South-East Asia already has a high reputation, but Vietnam will more than exceed your expectations. Besides the familiar pho, noodle soups and spring rolls, be prepared for a culinary overload, and countless new discoveries. There’s no need to spend excessive dollars at gourmet restaurants either – Vietnamese street food is second to none, not to mention easy on the wallet.

Visiting the large markets, with their endless array of fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables is sightseeing in and of itself. You can also learn more about the complex layers of flavour in Vietnamese cuisine by taking a cooking class from a cooking school like Hoi An’s Green Bamboo. It’ll certainly be a gastronomic experience you won’t forget.

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Vietnam has many more draw cards, not least of which is its welcoming locals and positioning as a budget-friendly destination. With all these factors in its favour, it’s only a matter of time before Vietnam climbs up the ladder of tourist popularity and becomes firmly established as a must-see destination. For now? Head over there ASAP before the crowds get there first!

Make sure you make the most of your experience in Vietnam and avoid potential scams by learning the language. To find out about online or face-to-face Vietnamese classes in your area, contact us today!