There is nowhere quite like Vietnam for travelers. The country offers so many options that it can be difficult to plan a first visit. It spans an area that includes everything from tropical beach paradises to rugged mountain trails. You can enjoy modern city nightlife, bustling traditional markets, and ancient cultural sites. Here’s our advice on where to go for your first Indochina tour in Vietnam.
Spend 1-2 days to explore the capital city
The best of Vietnam starts in Hanoi. The capital city is easy to reach with direct flights flying into the city from all over Europe, Asia, and Australia. Hanoi is the perfect introduction to Vietnamese history, and culture with all the amenities of a modern, vibrant city.
Ancient sites like the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Hoan Kiem Lake preserve cultural traditions. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and various museums like the National Museum, Women’s Museum, and Military History Museum are full of insights into ancient and modern Vietnamese history.
In between attractions, you can wander the never-ending laneways and the city’s Old Quarter shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs, and enjoying local cuisine. Hanoi’s food scene is a blend of tradition and innovation. There’s the famous Pho, rice noodle soup, and Banh Mi sandwiches that show off the blend of local and French influences. Food can be sampled everywhere from street-side food stalls to upscale restaurants.
Ha Long Bay Cruise-a must for the first time traveler
Hanoi is the gateway for Halong Bay, the biggest must-visit destination in Vietnam. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its towering limestone karsts, and emerald waters. Cruises of the bay are usually 2 to 3 days long, and take you out to explore the hundreds of islands, caves, and beaches.
Cat Ba Island, Tuan Chau Island, and Ti Top Island are just a few of the famous stops you can visit. You can disembark to lounge on beautiful beaches like Ti Tov Beach and Soi Sim Beach, swim in the clear water, or hike the islands’ interior.
Visit Hoi An Town in central Vietnam
The city’s Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asia trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Hoi An in central Vietnam has a unique charm distinct from the northern and southern regions. Don’t miss the Hoi An Lantern Festival that takes place during the full moon every month.
The narrow streets, ancient houses, temples, and pagodas show the blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture that are part of Hoi An’s multicultural history. The most iconic landmark is the Japanese Covered Bridge that was built in the 16th century by Japanese Traders. You can take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River to see the quaint scenery.
End with Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect final stop on a tour of Vietnam from north to south. The former capital remains the largest city in the country and is the jumping-off point for exploring the Mekong Delta. In Ho Chi Minh City you can see significant sites of modern Vietnamese history.
Reunification Palace commemorates the end of the Vietnamese War. The history and legacy of the war are also preserved at the War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels used by guerilla fighters.
Enjoy Vietnamese local cuisine
Eat local in Vietnam to experience the full range of traditional cuisine. Northern Vietnamese food focuses on simplicity that allows the natural flavor of seasonal ingredients to come through. Central Vietnamese food aims for a balance between spicy, sour, and sweet flavors. Southern Vietnam embraces the bold taste of tropical ingredients. Together, it makes for a culinary adventure of new things to try.
Pho noodle soup and Banh Mi sandwiches are the most well-known. Other dishes like Bun Cha, grilled pork noodles, and Banh Xeo, a pancake made with coconut milk also shouldn’t be missed.
Coffee culture is very strong in Vietnam. Vietnamese Iced Coffee is a strong coffee sweetened with condensed milk. Egg coffee is a unique local drink made with a frothy topping of egg yolks beaten with condensed milk. Coconut water and sugarcane juice are refreshing non-caffeinated beverages, and lotus tea is a healthy and relaxing drink perfect for quiet moments.
Sum up
There’s a good chance that your first Vietnam tour will not be your last. The country has so many different experiences to offer travelers that you will never run out of new things to try there. On a first visit, hit the key highlights in north, central, and south Vietnam to get an overview of why it is such a popular tourist destination. Our tours are expertly crafted for a wide experience that will never make you feel rushed. Contact us anytime for more information.
The article Where to visit in Vietnam for the first time? first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
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