Discovering Vietnam: Where Culture, Cuisine & Charm Collide
Discovering Vietnam: Where Culture, Cuisine & Charm Collide
Vietnam is a country that captures the heart with its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. Whether you're navigating the buzzing streets of Hanoi by Jeep, drifting through limestone caves in Tam Coc, or simply unwinding at a stylish rooftop pool, Vietnam offers a rich and rewarding travel experience for every kind of explorer.
From carefully selected boutique accommodations to immersive local tours and unforgettable foodie adventures, this guide offers insight into how to experience Vietnam beyond the usual tourist trail — with a few helpful tips to make your journey even smoother. If you're planning your first visit or looking to return with fresh eyes, let this be your starting point to uncovering the magic of Vietnam.
Accommodation
Vietnam offers a range of options to suit every preference, from budget-friendly to luxurious accommodations, including hotels, bungalows, and apartments. There’s truly something for everyone. Some properties feature Kids Clubs, while others have designated adult-only areas or complete resorts. Wide Eyed Tours recommended excellent 4-star properties that may not be widely recognised but offer all the necessary amenities with a touch of authentic charm. For instance, Classyc Hotel in Hanoi is centrally located and stylishly designed, complete with a fantastic rooftop pool and bar. Hue’s Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa requires a longer taxi ride to town (see tip below), but it boasts stunning surroundings. Keep in mind that room types can vary across the same category, so thorough research is recommended. Some rooms are notably larger and include outdoor showers in addition to indoor ones. Views also differ, with some rooms overlooking the pool while others offer more privacy.
Touring and activities
For a true authentic experience, back of the bike / vespa tours offer a fabulous way to explore the cities. A highlight is travelling the limestone caves and rivers of the Tam Coc by human powered (by foot) boats and a stroll down the street of Ninh Binh. I loved this quaint town which is sometimes referred to as Halong Bay on land; the scenery is spectacular. Exploring Hanoi by Jeep is another incredible adventure, with the opportunity to meet locals who share their traditional methods of rice and noodle making, as well as floor mat weaving. The basket boat ride through a secluded waterway, away from the tourist crowds, was an absolute deligh
Food
A trip to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its local cuisine. From Michelin-starred restaurants to street-side food stalls and home-cooked meals with local families, you’ll get a true taste of what Vietnam has to offer. For the adventurous, the Foodie Tour in Ho Chi Minh City is a must—explore bustling streets and quiet alleys on the back of a scooter while tasting and learning about the local dishes. If you’re vegan, be sure to confirm that your meals are free from fish sauce and eggs.
Tips
-Download the Grab app, which is similar to Uber. You can pay with cash or link it to your credit card. This eliminates the hassle of negotiating with taxi drivers and allows you to ride scooters at a fraction of the already low cost. For example, a 10 minute scooter ride would cost approx 75 cents or perhaps $2 in a vehicle.
- Many ATMs only allow withdrawals of up to VND 3,000,000 at a time. While the machine may let you enter higher amounts, repeatedly trying to withdraw more could risk your card being swallowed by the ATM.
- For elderly travelers or those with mobility issues, it’s advisable to check with Wide Eyed Tours about whether showers are over the bath or walk-in. Additionally, many areas have cobblestone or uneven surfaces, so requesting rooms near amenities may be a good idea. Lastly, be aware that stairs often lack handrails, so it’s worth inquiring about accessibility options if a client has mobility concerns.
- Happy hours in Vietnam are often quite lengthy—I've seen some lasting from 2 PM to 9 PM every day! No complaints there :)