Vietnam Hotels

Once a lesser-known tourist destination, Vietnam has rapidly become one of the most sought-after Southeast Asian attractions in the world. With its rich history, natural beauty, and thriving food scene, one shouldn’t wonder why.

Culture buffs will be fascinated by the remnants of Vietnam’s colonial era. Nature lovers will have an amazing time exploring the country’s scenic landscapes. Meanwhile, foodies will have fun laying their taste buds on the distinct flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

How to Go

Three major international airports are serving Vietnam—Noi Bai Airport (HAN), Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), and Da Nang Airport (DAD). Noi Bai Airport is the main entry point if you want to explore Hanoi, the country’s capital city, and the rest of northern Vietnam. HAN is split up into two terminals, where one caters to international flights and the others used for domestic flights.

Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh is the biggest airport in the country and the main entry point in South Vietnam. Like the former, SGN is divided into two terminals, one to serve international flights and one for domestic flights.

The third busiest airport in Vietnam is Da Nang Airport. It is rather smaller than the two, offering fewer but equally reliable international flights. DAD is the main gateway to the central region of the country.

To travel from these airports to their respective city propers, you can either take the bus, taxi, or use a cab-hailing app.

Getting Around

Vietnam is a pretty long country. It’ll take more than a day to journey from Hanoi in the north down to Ho Chi Minh in the south by land. For longer hauls, traveling by plane will save you some precious hours. But for budget backpackers, open tour buses and trains are some good options. If you’ve got plenty of time and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of your comfort, these modes of transportation will help you save bucks.

Taxis are available in major cities in Vietnam. But if you want to take a more adventurous way of getting around—not to mention economical—you can opt for a motorbike or motorcycle rental. Alternatively, cyclos or bicycle rickshaws are also available in some cities.

Top Things to Do

Whether you’re traveling to explore nature, the city, or the food scene, this destination is yours for the taking. What tops our things to do in Vietnam is learning about its rich history. The country has arguably the most evocative story of the past. If you want to get an immersive lesson on the chronicles of Vietnam War, visit the Vietnam Military History Museum and Hỏa Lò Prison in Hanoi, and The War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh.

History is not the only thing that Vietnam is abundant at. Being the easternmost country in the Indochinese Peninsula, you can expect that the country has a lot to offer too when it comes to natural wonders. Some of the nature-lovers’ favorite tourist spots in Vietnam are Halong Bay, a popular attraction known for its emerald green waters and stunning limestone formations, Mekong Delta, a maze of rivers that situates floating markets and villages, and Hang Son Doong, the largest cave in the world.

Vietnam also has a very interesting culture that’s worthy to be discovered. If you want to see more and dig deeper of what this fascinating destination has to offer, we suggest paying a visit to some of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites including The Imperial Citadel in Hanoi, Ho Citadel in Thanh Hóa Province, Complex of Hue Monuments in Hue, and My Son Sanctuary in Quảng Nam Province.

What to Eat and Where

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its robust flavors. A typical meal includes healthy ingredients with a generous amount of herbs, which makes their food simple yet flavourful. Vietnam’s signature dish is called pho. It’s their version of soup made of rice noodles, herbs, meat, and a flavorful broth. Pho vendors can be easily found along the streets, offering child-sized plastic chairs where you can enjoy your bowls like a local.

Another staple Vietnamese food is Banh Mi, a sandwich composed of baguette filled with meat and vegetables. These on-the-go snacks are typically sold in food carts along the street.

And of course, you can’t come and leave Vietnam without having a sip of their famous ca phe. Ironic to the busyness often associated with the country’s city life, having Vietnamese coffee is rather a slow-paced affair. A common way of serving ca phe is with a drip filter and a generous amount of condensed milk.

Nightlife

Vietnam may not be your first thought when it comes to nightlife and partying, but it’s safe to say that the scene is getting better by time. The number of pubs and clubs are growing, especially in famous tourist destinations such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. The best thing about it is that going out at night won’t come costly, as Vietnam brews some of the cheapest beers in the world. If you’re going to Hanoi, try Funky Buddha or Bia Hoi Junction. And if you’re coming to Ho Chi Minh, check out Lush Nightclub and Apocalypse Now.

Where to Stay

There are a lot of great hotels in Vietnam if you know your way in. If you’re planning to explore the northern part of Vietnam, find yourself a place within Hanoi. The three most popular districts here are Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh District, and Tay Ho.

The first one is Hanoi’s city center. Look for Vietnam hotels in Hoan Kiem if you want convenient access to some famous attractions, food, and nightlife. Ba Dinh District, on the other hand, offers a less crowded mid-range hotel stay in the city. And Tay Ho, also known as Hanoi West Lake, is for those who are searching for a quiet retreat with serene views of the lakeside.

If you’re going on a South Vietnam adventure, browse for places within Ho Chi Minh. Three of the best neighborhoods to stay in the city are districts 1, 2, and 5. District 1 is the main commercial hub where all the city action is centered. District 2 is essentially Ho Chi Minh’s affluent neighborhood filled with upscale homes and shops. And District 5 is the city’s Chinatown, perfect for budget-conscious travelers.

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