Vietnam Vacations

Vietnamese culture finds its roots in Buddhism and Taoism, much like the spiritual fabric of China. It also bears the historical imprint of communism that emerged in the mid-20th century under Ho Chi Minh’s leadership.

Communism emphasizes collective values and community over individualism. This influences Vietnam's family-oriented society, with multi-generational homes, fostering solidarity within families for the greater good.

It's a culture where prayer is as common as breathing. You'll witness locals lighting incense sticks, bowing in reverence, and seeking guidance from higher powers for good fortune and prosperity. Strolling through the streets, you'll find it hard to miss the small, ornate altars in Vietnamese homes. These are not mere decorations — they're ancestral altars, a testament to a belief that ancestors bring blessings and protection.

Language diversity, with English, French, and Chinese spoken in cities, mirrors Vietnam's historical interactions with the world, especially the impact of French colonialism. Learning a few basic Vietnamese greetings like "xin chào" (hello) and "cám ơn" (thank you) can make your interactions with the locals even more immersive.

As a traveler, you might be lucky to visit during the spring, when Hanoi hosts the enchanting Pagoda Festival. The city transforms into a whirlwind of colors, traditional music, and the delightful flavors of street food.

Tết, the Lunar New Year, is another unforgettable experience. It's a time when the nation lights up with fireworks and the joyous sounds of laughter. Families gather to welcome the new year, sharing sumptuous feasts and exchanging warm wishes, creating an atmosphere that's both exhilarating and heartwarming.

Vietnamese people welcome travelers with open arms. You'll meet locals who will treat you like an old friend, sharing their stories, respecting you, and ensuring you have a happy time in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a great place to visit, and the best time depends on what you're into.

If cultural festivals pique your interest, visit Vietnam during the spring months from January to April. Festivals like the Perfume Pagoda Festival in Hanoi take place during April and May. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year is celebrated at the end of January or early February. Hanoi can get extremely humid between February and April — pack sunscreen and light, breathable outfits to beat the heat.

If you'd rather skip the festivals, autumn from August to September is an ideal time for a visit to the larger cities. The weather is splendid, with the scent of blooming milk flowers and lush green rice fields filling the air. You can savor a steaming bowl of delicious noodles in the lively atmosphere of the floating market in Can Tho.

For those seeking adventure, the months from February to May are perfect for trekking in the northern mountains or enjoying the beaches. During this time, the weather is refreshingly crisp and less humid, with clear blue skies and a cool breeze.

Central Vietnam might experience floods, so be sure to check the current conditions before planning your trip. March is a great time to visit here, with bougainvilleas adorning the streets and opportunities to rent a bike and explore the roads.

If you're drawn to vibrant urban life and picturesque countryside, visit Southern Vietnam from April to August.

Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, or urban adventures, Vietnam offers something unique for every traveler throughout the year.

Vietnam has diverse weather — pack accordingly based on the region and season you plan to visit. Also, while it's safe to enjoy street food, be cautious with tap water and ice in drinks.

The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), as it's used for day-to-day transactions. You can haggle with the shopkeepers for the best price of a product.

In Vietnam, streets are often named after the types of goods or products you can purchase there. For example, you might come across "Silver Street," where you can find a variety of silver jewelry, or "Bamboo Street," known for its bamboo products. This naming tradition helps shoppers find what they want while immersing themselves in the local culture and commerce.

Vietnam's music scene resonates with the soul, especially with mesmerizing performances by students at the music academy and the exploration of the captivating world of Minh Duong and Dori Sadovnik.

Vietnamese people appreciate you respecting the local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering someone's home. Speaking of shoes, gifting shoes to a friend is seen as bad luck because shoes symbolize separation or moving away from a relationship, making it an unlucky gift.

Food

Be it a local restaurant or a family-owned eatery, Vietnam's culinary diversity shines through. Pho, a fragrant noodle soup with fresh herbs, and Cơm Tấm, broken rice with grilled meats and savoury sauces, are popular choices throughout the day. Don't miss goi cuon, rice paper rolls with fresh herbs and shrimp, served with peanut sauce. For a delicious mix of smoky and herbal flavours — try bo la lot, with beef or pork wrapped in fragrant betel leaves and grilled to perfection.

Breakfast options include banh mi, a French-inspired pork sandwich, bun moc, a noodle soup made with pork meatballs, or a hearty bowl of pho. Bun, featuring cold vermicelli noodles with grilled meat and herbs, is perfect for a quick lunch. Dinner offers an array of choices, from fresh rolls packed with shrimp and herbs to bun cha, a savoury combination of grilled pork and vermicelli.

Drink

Vietnamese beverages offer you a range of options to complement your culinary adventures. Vietnamese coffee is served with a small metal drip filter that slowly releases the rich, aromatic brew into a glass containing sweetened condensed milk. The result is a bold and robust coffee with a touch of sweetness. It's the perfect companion to your morning or afternoon endeavours.

If you're looking for a sweeter coffee option, try creamy coconut coffee. This delectable drink combines the intense flavour of Vietnamese coffee with the creamy richness of coconut, often having coconut chunks for an added layer of texture.

You can also indulge in an egg coffee that features a frothy egg yolk whisked with condensed milk and robust Vietnamese coffee. The result is a velvety, indulgent beverage that's often likened to liquid tiramisu.

A favourite among both locals and tourists, boba tea is a delightful concoction of tea or fruit-based beverages with chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom. It's a refreshing, playful drink with a range of flavours to choose from.

You can also enjoy a cold glass of delicious beer starting at 15,000 VND (about US$0.90) to unwind and socialize with locals and fellow travellers alike.