Vietnam is one of many people’s favorite places to travel in Southeast Asia, and these travel facts in Vietnam will prove why the country has so many beautiful sights and things you must experience that you definitely won’t regret!
There are so many things to do when traveling in Vietnam, that you can really create an itinerary that works for you. You can spend time in big cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, or relax on beautiful Vietnamese islands like Con Dao or Phu Quoc.
From culture to people, Vietnam is definitely packed with must-see interesting facts while you’re in Vietnam!
- Vietnam has the most beautiful beaches in the world
Vietnam boasts over 3000 km of coastline, which means it has some of the best beaches in the world! Most people may have not explored yet the beauty that Vietnam has, so we want to make sure you know about the hidden paradise in Vietnam!
Phu Quoc Island has some great beaches, with fine white sands, snorkeling, and lots of fun bars and restaurants that line the palm-fringed shoreline.
- Mouth-watering Vietnam cuisine
Vietnam is worldwide known for having some of the most interesting food tastes in the world. They use 5 main flavor pallets: sweet, salty, spicy, sour and bitter. This is a page of experiences you must try when traveling to Vietnam.
- Chaos Road travel
Be alert at all times on the roads. When crossing the street on foot, move at a slow and steady pace with eyes contact. Never stop and step back suddenly since the motorist watching your pace from a far and measure their own speed. Just walk slowly and traffics will flow around you.
If you’re planning on travelling as a passenger on a motorbike, please wear a good quality helmet and make sure your medical insurance is comprehensive. It’s illegal to be on a motorbike without a helmet.
If you wish to drive cars or ride motorbikes in Vietnam you will need to present your international driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Don’t use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or in place of a fine in the event of a traffic offense.
Driving cars or riding motorcycles when your blood alcohol concentration is more than zero is illegal. This is enforced rigorously.
Metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi. Always make sure the driver identifies themselves before setting off. If you book a taxi online or through an app, make sure the details of the vehicle and driver match those provided by the company.
- The biggest cave in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to the world’s largest cave, located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Son Doong Cave boasts a large river flowing inside it, and it’s completely separate ecosystem.
- Amazing Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful UNESCO heritage sites in Vietnam. Ha Long Bay is essentially a large bay located outside of Ha Long city, home to many canals and islands, and will probably be the best Instagram photo spot during your Vietnam vacation. There are many boat tours and diving options all over Ha Long Bay!
- Vietnam’s weather is warm every year
Packing for a trip to Vietnam can be a bit hard, as the climate varies so much depending on when and where you go. When the weather is not ideal in one area, it must be great in another. While Hanoi is cold enough to bring a coat from December to February, this is an excellent time to visit Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta.
From April to October, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoon, provide comfort relief to the heat. Travel to very remote areas may be affected by the rains, but overall they should not interfere with your trip. The summer months and up to November are the perfect time to visit Ha Long Bay, as for the blue sky and the water is warm enough for swimming.
In terms of weather, northern Vietnam is at its loveliest from September to December, when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity. The hottest months in Ho Chi Mink City are April and May, although there is generally a decent breeze. The central highland town of Da Lat is moderate all year round, earning it the reputation “City of Eternal Spring”.
- There are a lot of coffee spices in Vietnam
In fact, Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world. Vietnamese drink a lot of coffee, making coffee-addicted tourists super happy! The coffee trade in Vietnam is a tough market to work with, but you’ll find coffee around the country that’s consistently fresh and delicious.
You should try the filter coffee in Vietnam. You will be truly amazed at its delicious taste.
- Rice is the main ingredient of every meal
In fact in Vietnam, this should come as no surprise to anyone who wants to fill their stomach, you will get rice with most meals.
Rice is served with everything in Vietnam, whether you’re dining at an expensive restaurant or dining with street food!
- Busy trading at the floating market
Southern Vietnam is famous for their floating markets, where you are taken by boat through the shops. They are definitely a staple in Vietnam!
While you’re at the floating markets, be sure to bargain with the shops for the items you like. Since this is half the fun, and can definitely save you some money!
- Balut – Fertilized Duck Embryo is a delicacy in Vietnam
Fertilized duck embryo is a very popular type of street food in Asian countries, especially in Vietnam. The word Balut is originated in the Philippines, while balut in Vietnam is called “Hột vịt lộn”/”Trứng vịt lộn”. A balut looks like a normal duck egg on the outside but has developing bird embryo inside for about 18 days.
There are 2 popular types of balut in Vietnam, one is of a duck egg and the other is of a squail egg. Rarely do people have chicken balut in Vietnam simply because chicken meat has a higher economic value than duck meat, and people tend to sell the chicken instead of selling the fertilized eggs. In addition, chicken eggs nowadays and mass-produced in industrialized factories, which means the chicken eggs are not fertilized. Many people prefer chicken eggs over duck eggs due to their versatility. Duck eggs are said to have a slightly stronger smell than chickens, and as a result, people turn to selling fertilized duck embryo in Vietnam for a higher market value.
