Visit Vietnam: Top 15 Unforgettable reasons

Considering a trip to Southeast Asia? There are many powerful reasons why you should visit Vietnam. As a safe and welcoming country, it is one of the few travel destinations that encompasses incredible scenery, a deep and heroic history, and a vibrant culture. It’s a nation where emerald rice paddies climb misty mountains, ancient traditions are practised in bustling city markets, and the resilience of its people shines through in their warm smiles. The beauty of nature is one of the major draws for people who visit Vietnam, but equally important are the opportunities to get to know the friendly local people.

There are so many fascinating reasons to visit Vietnam, and travellers will never feel short of unique experiences across this beautiful country. From the mountains in the north to the deltas in the south, every moment offers something new, whether it’s navigating the chaotic harmony of Ho Chi Minh City’s streets or finding serene peace in a rural village. This guide outlines the top 15 reasons to visit Vietnam on your next holiday. Let’s explore why so many people choose to visit Vietnam each and every year for an unforgettable adventure.

1. Breathtaking landscape

If you have the opportunity to discover the hidden charm of Vietnam, you will be surprised by the intense beauties of some top-listed World Heritage Sites, namely Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Hoi An Ancient Town…

The 1500 islands and islets in Ha Long Bay form a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. If you are a photographer or a nature lover, you will rack up piles of satisfying pictures of different subjects.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is of high conservation value as one of the largest areas of intact forest habitat remaining in Vietnam. As part of a continuous forest block with the neighbouring Him Namno Biodiversity Conservation Area in Laos, it forms one of the largest areas of forest on limestone karst in Indochina. The presence of tall lowland forest, which is regionally threatened as a habitat type, in the National Park increases the area’s conservation value.

Some of the non-heritage sites will astonish you even more. Dalat is picturesque with many French-style villas; Sapa is misty and romantic, just like a girl waking up in the morning; and Vietnam’s long coastline brings seemingly endless scenic sea views, leisurely and private sunbathing, or a simple stroll along the beach.

2. Friendly and hospitable people.

Most clients travelling with Paradise Travel send feedback on their trip experience, highlighting their deep impression of the friendliness and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. According to travellers, Vietnam has a precious treasure: its people. You are warmly welcomed by local people from North to South, whether or not you are familiar with them.

Ethnic minority people in Sapa always consider you as a friend, even if you are on your first visit to their home with a local guide. People in Hue are royal-like in attitude but welcoming, while Hoi An people are known as honest. Local farmers in the Mekong Delta always welcome you into their families with enthusiastic smiles.

3. Affordability

There is almost a place for every budget if you travel to Vietnam. Many budget travellers choose Vietnam on their list of destinations. There are plenty of hostels and guest houses in most cities at prices below 30 US$/ room/ night. And even high-end adventure travellers often enjoy experiencing the local street food, which is both delicious and cheaper than in many other countries. Although Vietnam is suffering from high inflation, with prices rising monthly, it is still a more affordable destination than many other nations.

4. Memorable travel experience

A unique travel experience has to suit your tastes. Are you looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience? Do you want to be like the local people? Trek to ethnic minority villages around Sapa to photograph the terraced fields, experience a home-stay here and enjoy the mountain atmosphere and lifestyle. Watch the sunrise or sunset while you are cruising the Thu Bon River in Hoi An. Paddle your kayak on Ha Long Bay to feel the magnificent beauty of thousands of islands and islets. Beyond the scenery and people, the excellent services available here will add more pages to your trip diary as reasons why you should visit Vietnam.

5. Coffee

Caffeinate up with the best coffee in the world. Vietnam is the 2nd leading producer of coffee worldwide, and this stuff is good – strong, rich, and grown in the coffee plantation 20 feet away. Enjoy a cup of black coffee or iced coffee with condensed milk and watch life go by on a corner of the street- you will never forget Vietnam. For those who would like to take some coffee home, visit Café Mai (79 Le Van Huu, Hanoi) or Highland Coffee (26 Le Loi, Ho Chi Minh City).

6. Tasty and exquisite cuisine

Pho noodles, Spring rolls and Bun Cha might be familiar to you, as they may be available in your country. But Vietnamese food goes beyond that and varies by region with different types of fresh vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood. Culinary adventurers are fond of exploring the foods available on the street, whereas high-end customers often take meals in luxury colonial restaurants. Honeymooners are inspired by dinners in the caves, tasting delicious menus at candlelit tables.

Explore more: The Ultimate Guide: 20 Best Vietnamese Dishes You Must Try

7. Traditional festivals

Thanks to its long history, rich tradition and Buddhist influence, Vietnam has festivals organised all year round- many of which are unheard of in the West and fun to learn about. Tet holiday, for example, is an ideal time to see how families celebrate their love for their ancestors and each other. Tet should not be mistaken for or called the Chinese New Year, which may even be an insult to some nationalists. It resembles the Lunar New Year in many ways, but is modified with a Vietnamese feel in it.

For example, in the countryside, people stay overnight and make Chung cake – over a bit of fire and some end-of-year gossip. In Hai Phong, the buffalo fighting festival is a well-known occasion: the winning buffalo will be killed and presented to the village god. Even public holidays in Vietnam are worth joining: come to Vietnam on the 2nd of September and you will see nationwide parades. The whole street will be lit by the red flags, and fireworks will take over the sky at night. Check our events page to see what events you can join on your next trip.

8. World-famous beaches

What is more relaxing than spending time in the blue water under the shining sun? Let the waves of Da Nang, Nha Trang or Mui Ne relieve all the stress of the busy day-to-day life. Vietnam has several of the world’s top beaches listing. Most of them are safe to swim and there are opportunities for water-sport activities as well.

In Nha Trang, for example, you can do kite-running and windsurfing. In Da Nang, enjoy one of the world’s beach resorts – a romantic getaway for couples and families alike. In Mui Ne, enjoy the quiet with some added wildness while planning for your seafood dinner venture. For beach fans, Vietnam should be on your list.

9. Floating Markets in the Mekong Delta

Navigate through the floating markets in the Mekong Delta. The river town of Can Tho boasts some of the most popular floating markets, but they can be found all along the Mekong. As crowded, bustling, and chaotic as street markets, the floating markets of the Mekong are truly an experience to witness.

10. Cu Chi Tunnel

Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnel network just north of Ho Chi Minh City. The famed tunnels were successfully utilised by the Viet Cong during what the Vietnamese call the “American War.” Many of the tunnels were bombed during the war, but the Cu Chi network is one of the best preserved and most stirring. The famed Ho Chi Minh Trail is also nearby and accessible for exploration.

11. Exceptional Safety

For families, solo travelers, and first-time visitors to Asia, safety is a top priority. Vietnam is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, with very low rates of serious crime against tourists. You can walk through bustling city streets late at night or explore remote villages with a sense of security and welcome that is truly reassuring.

Emergency numbers in Vietnam:

Police: 113

Fireman: 114

Ambulance: 115

12. World-Class Cave Exploration

Beyond its general landscape, Vietnam is home to some of the most epic cave systems on Earth, centred in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. You can explore the otherworldly Paradise Cave, take a dragon boat to Phong Nha Cave, or, for the ultimate adventure, join an expedition to Son Doong Cave—the largest cave in the world.

13. The Thrill of the Open Road

For many, the ultimate way to experience Vietnam is on two wheels. The country is a world-famous destination for motorbiking, offering legendary routes like the stunning Ha Giang Loop in the north and the iconic Hai Van Pass near Da Nang. Riding a motorbike gives you unparalleled freedom to discover hidden waterfalls, remote villages, and breathtaking viewpoints at your own pace.

14. Rich Arts and Traditional Crafts

Vietnam’s culture is expressed beautifully through its traditional arts and crafts. In Hoi An, you can watch artisans craft colorful silk lanterns. In villages near Hanoi, you can see intricate lacquerware being made. From the conical hats worn by farmers to the detailed textiles woven by ethnic minority groups in Sapa, you have countless opportunities to witness ancient traditions and buy a truly meaningful souvenir.

15. A Journey Through Architectural Time

 

Vietnam’s long and complex history is etched into its diverse architecture. You can wander through the elegant, tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi’s French Quarter, stand in awe of the ancient Imperial City in Hue, explore the mystical ruins of the Champa Kingdom at My Son, and admire the perfectly preserved merchant houses of Hoi An’s Ancient Town.

Your Unforgettable Adventure Awaits

The 15 compelling reasons we’ve explored are just the beginning of what awaits you when you visit Vietnam. This is a country that constantly reveals itself in new and surprising ways, where every step unveils another layer of its captivating story.

Whether you’re cruising through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, getting lost in the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, trekking through the terraced rice fields of Sapa, or feeling the pulse of history in Hanoi, you are participating in a journey that is both deeply personal and universally enchanting. The true magic of Vietnam lies not just in its famous landmarks, but in the countless small moments in between: the friendly smile from a street food vendor, the organised chaos of a city intersection, and the profound tranquillity of a rural sunrise.

While it can be a challenging destination for first-time travellers due to language barriers and unfamiliar customs, it is precisely these challenges that make the experience so authentic and rewarding. The highlights mentioned are merely an invitation—a starting point for your own unique adventure. Right now, as the afternoon sun casts long shadows over the ancient temples and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, the soul of Vietnam is waiting to be discovered.

Through carefully crafted tours or your own independent exploration, you can experience the culture, beauty, and spirit of this incredible country with ease and depth. There has never been a better time to start your journey and uncover the magic of Vietnam for yourself.