The 6 reasons to go to Vietnam
Vietnam, the 'Land of the Rising Dragon' is surprisingly diverse. Mountain treks, ildyllic beaches, green rice fields, burgeoning towns and warm people in leaf hats - you'll fall under its spell during your trip to Vietnam.
- 1Cultural heritage
- 2Enjoying daily life
- 3A motorbiking adventure
- 4Food too good to be true
- 5Neverending smiles
- 6Breathtaking countryside
1. Cultural heritage
Vietnam's rich, cultural heritage can be seen in Hue, the My Son Sanctuary and the ancient town of Hoi An, among others. Wherever you go, the Vietnamese will have tales to tell. Villas, pagodas, temples...they're all imbibed with local culture and traditional beliefs.
2. Enjoying daily life
If you head off the beaten track in Vietnam, you'll have some wonderful experiences. You can use local agencies to organise amazing tours or venture out by yourself to villages where the welcoming Vietnamese will give you a taste of their everyday life.
3. A motorbiking adventure
Whether you want to revisit your youth or try a scooter for the first time, Vietnam is the place to do so. A great way to explore Vietnam is on two wheels. Whether you're touring the Central Coast of Vietnam or on a northern mountain road trip, going by motorbike will plunge you into Vietnamese life.
4. Food too good to be true
Vietnamese cuisine is varied, healthy and delicious! You'll have all the time you need to eat - meal times in Vietnamese culture are important and convivial. Each region in Vietnam has its local delicacies so don't be afraid to try them all. Hue is one place where you'll eat really well. And, before you know it, you'll be an expert chopstick user.
5. Neverending smiles
The Vietnamese are a friendly people and you'll notice how much they smile. Smiling is part and parcel of their culture and one of the reasons why they make you feel so at home. They give off a real feel-good factor.
6. Breathtaking countryside
From Ha Long Bay to Mekong, Sapa's peaks to Phu Quoc's sandy beaches, the scenery is unspoiled and contrasting. Vietnam's landscape is so diverse you may think you're moving through different countries.
Discover the destination
Why go to Vietnam?
Culture shock, an awakening of the senses, absolute escapism, and varied and breathtaking landscapes await during a trip to Vietnam. A word of warning however to those who are searching for hidden paradises: Vietnam attracts a lot of tourists.
We advise you if...
- If you want to experience culture shock and need to get away from it all
- You'd love to cruise on the legendary River Mekong
- You dream of sailing on Along Bay
- You don't want to have to choose between the sea and the mountains
- You want to rediscover the atmosphere of ancient Indochina
- You're attracted by unique culinary experiences that can't be found anywhere else on the globe
- You feel reassured by following established routes
When to go in Vietnam?
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The best time to visit Vietnam is the dry season, which lasts from October until April. There are also differences in climate between the north and the south of the country. The winters are cold and misty in the north, while the south enjoys hot, humid weather almost all year round. Head for the north between September and November, when the temperatures are pleasant, while the best time to visit the south is between December and April. Leave in search of a unique civilization set in a superb landscape.
What to see in Vietnam?
Top places to discover.
See all places
Prepare your departure to Vietnam
Here's some useful information for your trip to Vietnam. Whether it's tips or addresses, you'll find many of your questions answered here.
What documents do you need to travel to Vietnam?
You'll need a current passport that is valid for six months after your visa expiry date. You don't need a visa if visiting for less than 15 days. Longer stays in Vietnam require a visa.
Health advise
Vaccinations are not obligatory but Hepatitis A is highly recommended. You may also want to get innoculated against Hepatitis B, Rabies, Typhoid and Japanese Encephalitis. Doctors also advise taking an anti-malaria treatment.
Once there, make sure you use an insect repellent and avoid drinking tap water.
The Vietnamese Emergency Services are on 115.
Language
The Vietnamese language is a tricky one as pronunciation varies between the north and south of Vietnam. However, it's the only South East Asian country to use a Latin-based alphabet! Learning to pronounce words and use different tones is, to put it mildly, a 'learning curve' for Brits hoping to master the language!
Vietnam has 35 ethnic minorities, each with its own dialect.
Time difference
GMT +7
BST +6
Phone and internet connection
You'll find internet cafes everywhere during your trip to Vietnam. Wi-Fi is widely available.
To call abroad from Vietnam you need to dial 00 followed by the country code - 44 for the UK, after which you leave out the first '0' and dial the remaining numbers.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 volts so compatible with the UK. You'll need an adapter for 2-pin plugs but many modern, hotels and hostels use British standard 3-pin plugs.
The Embassy of Vietnam's UK address is: 12-14 Victoria Rd, London W8 5RD Telephone: +44 20 7937 1912, website: http://www.vietnamembassy.org.uk
The British Embassy in Vietnam's address is: British Embassy Hanoi, Central Building, 4th floor, 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi. Telephone +84 4 3936 0500. There's also a Consul in Ho Chi Minh City.
