Just a few years ago, Vietnam was hardly present on the list of popular travel destinations. Many associated the country with the long-gone war or thought of a backward, communist dictatorship. But this tiger state is completely different and is teeming with tourist highlights. The following five reasons show why a trip to Vietnam should not be missing from any to-do list.
Vietnamese cuisine is unique
What the alternative scene in Berlin and elsewhere is desperately trying to install is omnipresent here and as old as the country itself: innovative
cuisine
that is mainly prepared on the street and in front of the guests. Thanks to the advantageous exchange rate between the euro and the Vietnamese dong, the dishes are extremely inexpensive. Vietnamese food is tasty and usually contains everything needed for a healthy lifestyle. In addition to pasta and rice, coconuts, bamboo shoots and lychees are among the classics of this cuisine. Chicken is also very popular.
Vietnam is the perfect country for hipsters
While travel tourism already contributes eight billion dollars to the global economy, some spots on earth have been almost spared by visitors from all over the world. Others, on the other hand, suffer from overtourism. Vietnam undoubtedly belongs to the first category. Here the good restaurants are still visited by the locals, on the beach there is not one parasol next to the other and instead of bucket drinking there are great parties on every corner. Many feel-good products are available from their own production and digital nomads can find affordable accommodation and a high quality of life in Vietnam.
No one can compete with this nightlife
Thirty percent of all employees worldwide say that they would forego income for additional travel. Among “Generation Y” and “Generation Z”, as many as 39 percent say that they would turn down a job if it prevented them from traveling. Nightlife in the cities is a central part of any stay abroad. This shows how free a country is and how much its inhabitants celebrate their lives. Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, has always been the party metropolis par excellence. Neon signs visible from afar point the way to trendy clubs and locations.
Vietnamese culture is exciting and “different”
Even today, only 27 percent of Germans feel comfortable booking a trip via the Internet, in contrast to 44 percent of the French and as many as 87 percent of Indians. In doing so, they may miss
out on real highlights
. The Vietnamese culture is refreshingly different and at the same time very exciting, especially for inhabitants of the Western world. Breathtaking temples such as the One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi and the Cao Dai Temple invite you to marvel. In addition, there are the festivities of the Tet festival or the typical clothing with the Asian
cone hat
.
Hospitality is very important here
As a Western visitor, you are still rather exotic in Vietnam. Accordingly, there is a lot to discover and the inhabitants are equally hospitable. You should not be afraid to make some excursions away from the capital Hanoi. In any case, guided tours in the jungle open up completely new perspectives and promise breathtaking experiences.
Holidays in Vietnam: The best tips
Journey
- Airports:
- Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport, HAN): In the north of the country.
- Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport, SGN): In the south.
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD): In the center of the country.
- Visas: Tourist visas can be applied for online as an e-visa or organized on arrival (Visa on Arrival).
Best time to visit
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay): October to April, when the weather is cool and dry.
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): February to May, when the weather is pleasant and dry.
- Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta): November to April, the dry season.
Activities and sights
- Ha Long Bay: A cruise through the impressive limestone formations is a must.
- Hanoi: Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Hue: Visit the Imperial City and the Imperial Tombs along the Perfume River.
- Hoi An: Enjoy the well-preserved old town and beautiful beaches.
- Da Nang: Relax on the beaches or visit the Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills Amusement Park.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Explore the bustling city life, Cu Chi Tunnels, and colonial architecture.
Important telephone numbers
- Police: 113
- Fire brigade: 114
- Ambulance: 115
- Tourist Police: +84 4 3825 0484 (Hanoi), +84 8 3829 8571 (Ho Chi Minh City)
- German Embassy in Hanoi: +84 24 3843 0245
- German Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City: +84 28 3829 2455
German Doctors
- Family Medical Practice Hanoi: 298 I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, +84 24 3843 0748
- Family Medical Practice Ho Chi Minh City: Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Blvd, District 1, +84 28 3822 7848
Important words with translation
- Hello – Xin chào
- Thank you – Cảm ơn
- Please – Xin vui lòng
- Yes – Vâng
- No – Không
- Sorry – Xin lỗi
- Where is…? – Ở đâu…?
- How much does it cost…? – Bao nhiêu tiền…?
- Emergency – Trường hợp khẩn cấp
- Doctor – Bác sĩ
- Hospital – Bệnh viện
Holidays
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Tết (Vietnamese New Year): variable (January/February)
- Hung Kings’ Temple Festival: 10th day of the 3rd lunar month
- Labour Day: 1 May
- National holiday: September 2
Opening hours
- Shops: Usually Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Supermarkets: Usually daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Restaurants: Lunch from 11:00 to 14:00, dinner from 18:00 to 21:00.
- Banks: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
NUDISM
- Not common: There are no official nudist beaches or facilities in Vietnam. Nudism is not practiced and could be considered offensive.
Post / Stamps
- Post offices: In all major cities and towns. Main post office in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Stamps: Available at the post office and in some kiosks.
- Costs for letters and postcards to Germany: Standard letter up to 20g: approx. 20,000 VND; Postcard: approx. 15,000 VND
Safety
- Crime: Vietnam is considered relatively safe. Observe the usual precautions as in any tourist region, especially against pickpocketing and in crowds.
- Emergency number: 112
Current
- Voltage: 220 Volts
- Sockets: Type A, C and G. Adapters for European plugs are recommended.
Tip
- Restaurants: Tipping is not mandatory, but is welcome if the service is good (5-10%).
- Taxis: Round up the amount
- Hotels: 20,000-50,000 VND per day for cleaning staff
Customs
- Allowances: Personal belongings are duty-free.
- Alcohol: A maximum of 1.5 liters of spirits above 22%, 2 liters of wine below 22% or 3 liters of beer.
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
- Other items: Value up to 10,000,000 VND duty-free.
