Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guides for South African Tourists

WHY VISIT VIETNAM?

Splendid Landscapes and Paradise Beaches

 
Scenic view of Lan Ha Bay

Retaining a large number of valuable historical heritages, unique culture of 54 ethnic groups and more than 3000 km of coastline, Vietnam has ideally been a country of tourism that every travel heart desire to visit. 

Tourists coming to Vietnam can relax at the creamy white sand and turquoise water of Nha Trang Bay or Phu Quoc Islands, hop to the mountainous area for ethnic minority discovery in Sapa or just dive into the bustling streets in Hanoi Old Quarters for a couple of drinks and mouth - watering street foods among locals.

 
Will you spend your holiday on this stunning tropical paradise of Phu Quoc Island?

Hearty and Hospitable Locals

Vietnam is rated as one of the top 10 friendliest countries in the world. The indigenous here are super enthusiastic with foreigners, they are willing to give you a hand and would be pleased to carry you on their cars and spend time to tell you about the city.

In particular, a natural smile of them is the closest to friendliness. Whenever you go, for no reason and recognition, they still smile at you, everywhere. For anyone who has set foot in Vietnam, would be happy when they were welcome with such a gorgeous smile and attitude.

A genuine country that always greet international travelers with a smile

Inexpensive Services

Vietnamese cost of living is pretty low, which is the explanation of amazingly cheap service prices in the country. With at least 20 dollars in the magnificent Ho Chi Minh city, a tourist can afford one night in a hostel, plus food and transportation fees.

Wandering in the streets and vibrant markets, you can find lots of souvenirs, handicrafts, etc. with incredibly low - priced. Also, prices for amazing water - based activities like scuba diving, canoeing, kiteboarding, etc. are considered as one of the cheapest in the world.

Low - priced but Detectable Cuisine

According to many travellers' reviews, Vietnam has such sophisticated and delicious cuisine culture that not only becomes a favorite topic of many writers and journalists across the globe but also creates a fascinating culinary journey to many foreigners. Whether visiting any cities or rural provinces of Vietnam, you can have a chance to enjoy the savory and exotic taste of many local specialties from Pho (Hanoi) to Banh My (Hoian) and Hu Tieu (Mekong Delta), etc. Especially, you could try the food when walking on the city’s pavements and the most exciting part is that you only have to spend less than 5 dollars for a full meal.

A foodie adventure through Vietnam will give you a full introduction to Vietnamese cuisine as well as offer you the most flavourful dishes of the North, the Central and the South. An experience that you will never forget.

A delicious bow of Pho is perfect for an empty stomach whether in the morning or at night time

LOCATION

The S-shaped country located in Southeast Asia is neighbors the north with China, the west with Cambodia and Laos, and the east with the Eastern Sea. It concludes three main parts, which are the Northern, Central, and Southern of Vietnam.

Vietnam has a golden percentage of hills and jungles coverage: 75%. In its southern part, flow through the Mekong great river and in the Northern site, the Red River curves gently through the terrain, which is the source of the lives of the local and the country agriculture.

BEST TIME TO VISIT VIETNAM

Northern Vietnam

The North of Vietnam has four distinct seasons, and the area influences the humid subtropical climate. The rainy period in Northern Vietnam does not last for the long term, it alternates the hot waves and sunny day. In Spring and summer, it appears to catch the rain that lasts for days, especially from February to March and from July to August. From April to July, the region bears the hot season.

Vietnam landscapes are easy to be recognized by the evergreen paddy fields

Due to the easy - going weather: the rain is not so severe and the hot season is manageable, tourists can arrive in the Northern Vietnam year - round. But from August to February next year, the weather is mild and refreshing, which is the best time to visit since tourists can enjoy the sunny day with lush green paddy fields and join the local traditional festivals.

Northern mountainous areas like Sapa will get chilly in December & January which can experience heavy mist and light snow.

Central Vietnam

Hearty Central Vietnam's ancient port in Hoi An

Central Vietnam hit difficulties since the area influences the most severe weather in the country. Rainy season can last for weeks and a high possibility to cause the flood. The dry season takes places month by month, lead to severe drought. Despite this fact, Central Vietnam still worth - visiting where owns numerous cultural heritages, and stunning natural views. This region is home to the UNESCO World Heritage of Hoian Ancient Town, the former royal capital of Hue, the world's biggest cave of Son Doong and the long stunning coastline of clear blue water and white soft sand.

From March to August, bright sunny days occur, which is the best period to contemplate the scene and lie down on the smooth white sand.

Southern Vietnam

Sail along the web of canals under the mangroves' shade

Two main seasons that take place in Southern Vietnam are the rainy season and the dry season. The area bears the rain from May to October, in which the peaks are between July and August. Dry season happens from November to May next year. Among that, the period between March and May is considered as the hottest of the year which the temperature can hit 40°C. From November to February, tourists can enjoy sunny days with serene ambiance and have opportunities to take part in the country's biggest festival: Tet. In general, the weather in the South is quite, hence visiting the area is available around the year.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES FOR A PERFECT HOLIDAY IN VIETNAM

 

In the North

 

Street Food and Water Puppet Show in Hanoi 

The enchanted ancient capital of Hanoi brought tourists the most delicate cuisine and traditional art that has been formed throughout the 4000 years of the country's foundation. Wander through endless alleys or lightening streets, where are crowded with motorbikes and pedestrians on the pavements; tourists can find many eateries, stalls, and vendors to tuck into tasty snacks or substantial meals.

 

Among the savory dishes found, you must try Pho, Bun Cha (vermicelli with grilled pork), Bun Thang (vermicelli with chicken broth), Cha Ca La Vong (crispy turmeric - marinated fish served with herbs) or Banh My since nowhere in the world can deliver the taste of the ancient capital's cuisine as delicious as its own Motherland.

 

Cha Ca La Vong - A signature dish of Hanoi cuisine

 

Traditional art can be really interesting, visit the Water Puppet Theater in 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District for the unique form of art from northern Vietnam. Puppet Show is the traditional art dated back to the 11th century, during the performance, tourists can witness the history of the country, the folk tales, and legends in the most exhilarating way.

 

The puppet show is the perfect choice for a cultural exploration in Hanoi

 

Overnight Cruise on Halong Bay

Halong Bay is the stunning architecture of nature, which has over 1900 limestone karst and islands scattered in a vast area on the Gulf of Tonkin. The bay was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site twice in 1994 and 2000 and recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. 

 

Book for an overnight cruise in Halong Bay to enjoy the natural breath, contemplate the breathtaking views, and take part in amazing beach sports, cave discovering and more. Futhermore, you will get the chance to contemplate the spectacular sunrise over the bay which promises to be one of the best moments in Vietnam.

 

 

Boat Trip in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is the pride of the country when possessing such spectacular views of mountainous ranges and curved rivers, which is no inflation to compare to a place from fairy tales. In 2017, Ninh Binh became more accessible to the world when its beauty was filmed in blockbuster Kong: Skull Island.

 

On a wooden sampan boat rowed by wooden paddles, tourists will flow slowly on the soft water to contemplate breathtaking views, which can be said as the “great gift” from Mother Nature. Enjoy the trip while heading to the provinces' best - visiting places, such as Tam Coc, Trang An caves, Dinh Le Temples, etc.

 

Riding a boat in Ninh Binh is a spectacular experience

 

Local Market Exploring in Lao Cai (Sapa)

Local markets in Lao Cai are the attractions that cannot be missed in the Vietnam travel bucket lists whenever visitors arrive in Sa Pa. Roaming around the markets early in the morning, the idyllic scenery of the morning sun shines, and the colorful traditional brocade clothes would open tourist’s eyes of the conventional trading style.

 

When walking through the souvenir stalls and shops, no one can stop being attracted by the interesting artifacts, textiles, exclusive pieces of jewelry that stand for the culture of highland’s minority tribe. Many fairs scattered on the land of Lao Cai, such as Muong Hum, Y Ty, Phung Linh and the most well - known fairs of all – Bac Ha fair. Bac Ha market located 100km to the east of Sa Pa tourist area and is ranked as one of the 10 most famous fairs in Southeast Asia.

 

Minor ethnic people wearing their colorful traditional clothes

 

Trekking Mai Chau - Pu Luong   

Mai Chau and Pu Luong has created one of the best trekking routes in Vietnam, welcoming many domestics and foreigners to mingle with the heavenly nature. Tourists who had chosen the destination must be nature lovers and have much interest in tribal culture. Both of the destinations are unique and fascinating with the poetic beauty, broad green rice paddle fields, and terraces, natural reservation, the richness of tribal cultures and diversity of typical cuisine.

 

Trekking Mai Chau – Pu Luong, tourists will pass through many local stilt villages of the remote areas, like Don & Hieu village, Kho Muong village and be able to join the local’s life, markets and have plain but delicious traditional meals with them.

 

Peaceful landscape in Pu Luong

 

End of the exciting tours in the North, we continue to head to the central where to hold great cultural value and spectacular landscapes.

 

In the Central

 

Bana Hills and the Golden Bridge Visit

New - rising attraction - the Golden Bridge on Ba Na Hills

25 km to the southwest of Da Nang, Bana Hills is a beautiful mountain - top retreat, which has an alluring attraction to every tourists. At the tourism gem in Central Vietnam, appear the castles that intimated exactly the same as the deluxe architectures of the European. More than that, with an entering ticket, tourists are available to travel by cable car, visit the Debay Wine Cellar, admire the Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden and free to entertain with more than 100 games at Fantasy Park, etc.

 

Among all the fantastic features of Bana Hills, stand out the Golden Bridge - a stunning architecture that spread its fame worldwide. The bridge is distinctive and breathtaking when supported by two giant hands that built from the mountain edge. Visiting Bana Hills, one day isn’t enough to catch off the specialties, so to enjoy the resort best, you better arrive early.           

 

Eco Tour in Hoi An and Cooking Class

 

If you have visited all the famous spots in Hoi An ancient town, then a fascinating eco tour is an excellent suggestion for you. At the outskirts of Hoi An, visitors will not only have an opportunity to admire the poetic natural scenery but also relax with eco - tourism exciting activities. A trip to nature will form the love of you to the other side of Hoi An - rustic, genuine and simple. Flowing on a coracle boat along the lush Cam Thanh nipa palm forest, you will utterly immense in the fresh ambiance of the rural.

 

 

In addition, you will have a chance to attend the cooking class, which you will be instructed to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. You will first start with a visit to the local market to buy ingredients, but that is not all. When you are purchasing, try some bargaining skills and learn the basics of Vietnamese shopping vocabulary.

Cooking class in Hoian - A must - try activity

Bicycle to Tra Que Village & Farming Activities

Situated 2 km to the northeast of Hoi An ancient town, Tra Que village is best - known for diverse kinds of vegetable and herbs cultivation. For tourists who are tired of a noisy and bustling urban life, this is the ideal destination to dive in genuine, peaceful life and attach directly to nature. Riding on a bike for a short time through the dreamy view of rice paddies and villages of the countryside, tourists will reach the town and get started with agricultural activities. The locals would be willing to show you how to grow plants, fertilize, sow seeds, etc. It is amazing if you could apply to your own garden, isn’t it? 

 

Be a farmer for 1 day in Tra Que village - Best things to do for group travel and family with kids

 

Shopping in Hoi An 

When it comes to Hoian, tourists cannot forget the images of the colorful lanterns and the flamboyant yellow color of the old buildings that has become the symbol of the town for a long time. In addition to the value of unique culture and antique architecture, Hoi An also owns many traditional handicrafts such as silk weaving, wood carving and pottery making. The town is now a famous travel destination in the central of Vietnam offering a wide range of fascinating experiences, including shopping.

 

If we look closer, Hoi An is always busy with trading, even since the 15th century when it was a bustling port. In the present days, Hoian Old Quarter is an ideal shopping heaven for tourists with an array of stores selling all kinds of stuff from traditional crafts to lovely souvenirs. You can find handmade leather, high quality silk products, rattan items and lanterns in Hoian with elegant designs and sophisticated details. This is also the best place to get your clothes made with the skillful tailors and fine textiles. You can manage your own design, choose your textile and let the rest of the work for the tailors.

 

 

Souvenirs are massively displayed

 

Beach Break in Hoi An

It seems like the alluring Old Quarter of Hoi An takes all the attention, which makes people forget Hoi An also keep itself many paradise beaches. The most mentioned beach of all must be Cua Dai – a beautiful white sandy beach with clear blue water. An Bang beach is a competitor when owning calm beaches and spacious white sand. If you are searching for places far from people reach, then canoeing to Cu Lao Cham (Cham Islands) for the pristine, as clear as mirror beaches and quite an ambiance. Furthermore, travelers can entertain when snorkeling, go boating, sailing, go fishing, etc. at the gorgeous beaches.

 

Calm beaches and spacious white sand - a recipe of happiness

 

After having many interesting experiences in the Central of Vietnam, proceed to the lively Southern part with the city that never sleep of Ho Chi Minh, the prosperous Mekong Delta and the paradise island of Phu Quoc.

 

In the South

 

Boat Trip in the Boisterous Mekong Delta

 

The South of Vietnam is distinctive with vast lush green rice paddy fields and dense river systems that receives the great contribution from the Mekong river. To experience the unique features of the rural, tourists would pick Ben Tre – a province located 80 km away from Ho Chi Minh city as their first step. This laid - back region is well - known for spacious tropical fruits gardens, exceptional cuisine, producing items from coconut and islets touring.

 

Transferring on a hand - row sampan will offer tourists the feeling of calm, peaceful, and the fresh ambiance of the countryside. When booking a boat tour, you will be taken to the islets to enjoy the local cuisine, their traditional art performance, and purchasing lovely handmade items.

 

 

A Visit to the Bustling Floating Markets

The floating market had become a culture in the dense river area in some Southeast Asian countires, which tourists shouldn’t miss. In southern Vietnam, Can Tho Province, Cai Rang floating market spreads its fame throughout the country for being the most vibrant and biggest one.

 

Every day, local people gather and move around the market on wooden sampans to exchange merchandises, which specialty is various kinds of juicy tropical fruits. Not only fresh fruit sold but also are the delicious local dishes; you will never forget the moment floating on a small boat and enjoy the bowl of aroma noodle soups that just sold on a local wooden sampan. Interestingly, though you are in the bustling atmosphere, surprisingly, you can feel that the ambiance here offers the pleasure and relaxation sense.

 

Selling fruit on the river? - Why not?

 

Ho Chi Minh City Exploring by Vespa

Like a giant ant nest that crowded with busy moving ants, Ho Chi Minh city in daylight carries thousands of subtle motorbikes that continuously pour out to the avenues, highway, and streets. Observing the massive transportation, many tourists cannot help themselves blend to the strong flow.

 

Assign for the Vespa Adventures tour, you can experience driving on the motorbike or seat behinds the drivers and transfer to many favorite eateries, entertaining haunts that scattered everywhere in the city. Along the drive, communicate more with your local driver to understand more about the city and feel the rhythm of Vietnamese dynamic urban’s life.

 

Come along and ride with us through the rushing streets

 

Cu Chi Tunnels Discovery

Located 70 km away to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh city center, Cu Chi Tunnels was named the “underground city” during the Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The tunnel is an extensive tunnel network, which has multiple usages: a resistance base, defense system, shelters for Vietnam soldiers, a warehouse, kitchens, offices, hospitals, etc.

 

Tourists visiting Cu Chi Tunnels, not only allowed entering safe paths of the underground maze but also enjoy the scent cuisine, play shootings with real guns, taste potatoes, cassava and tubers with salt and sesame, and attend many more exciting activities.

 

Let's go underground and relive the war

 

Beach Break in Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc – a pride on the map of Vietnam, is optimum for a paradise beach vacation, sightseeing, cultural learning, and exploring the pristine nature. Tourists come to the islands expected no more but lying down the smooth white sand and immense in the clear blue sea. Though there are tourism areas with stunning buildings that offer entertaining activities, such as Vinpearl land Phu Quoc, Vinpearl land Safari, you can always splash in the water of untouched beaches.

What can be more satisfying than lying on this beach?

Relaxing on the beaches as beautiful as heaven, there are many exciting beach activities available, which are at reasonable prices, such as snorkeling, canoeing surfing, kayaking, sailing, sailing, fishing, etc. When the curtain of the night gently drops down, it is a perfect time to join the extravagant night market inland.

 

TRANSPORT WITHIN VIETNAM

Tourism in Vietnam has never before blossom as this success, which is the absolute fact of the investment in transportation. The government so far has given their best effort to operate many kinds of transports and routes as tourists locally and worldwide convenience. If your journey is hopping from places to places, you should put these ways of transferring below into consideration.

Flight 

Vietnam has international and national airport available in 21 over 63 provinces and cities, which scatter from the north to the end of Ca Mau cape. Transferring by plane is recommended to an over 300-km journey due to significant time - savings. Base on the fact, it only takes about 2 hours two move from Ha Noi to Ho Chi Minh city while other options take days to arrive.

Take a flight is the fastest and safest way to travel between 2 long - distance destinations

Train 

With the over 2600 - km system of railway that snakes from Ho Chi Minh city to the Chinese border and average speed is 40 km/h, the train is a safe means of transport to take if put aside time issues. Vietnam trains are in good condition and have full necessary services: food and drink delivery, air- conditioner, toilet. Especially, as far as you move to the north of Vietnam, the scenes are more spectacular, which is perfect for contemplating and shooting some beautiful photos.

A privilege when travelling by train is to enjoy the stunning landscapes - Train through Hai Van Pass

Bus 

In all three regions, existing bus companies that operate the routes to most of Vietnam provinces. Bus with air - conditioner and bed is also available. Traveling by bus is the favorite choice to who travel in the short and medium distance, it is because of the low price and less time taken than going by train. If one negative thing about the bus is it is not 100 percent safe, especially transferring at night in the mountainous area.

Colorful sightseeing bus in Hanoi -  A fascinating way to explore the city

Motorbike

In Vietnam, we say that every home has at least one motorcycle. Yes! Motorbike is the most common means of transport at this country and tourist who want to try riding motorcycle, can hire it at many agents in the city, price is from 100.000 – 150.000 VND (from 5 - 7 USD). Traveling by motorbike brings comfort and a sense of adventure. Motorbike is appropriate to go long distance and move around the city. One thing you have to make sure is to check the engine carefully before getting started.

For adventurous people - motorbike is the best way to explore the beauty of Vietnam

Bicycle 

A way that is safe and friendly to the environment, bike is an option whenever moving around the city slowly or ride in pleasure to the countryside. Many hotels are available with bicycles hiring; the cost is about 50.000 – 100.000 VND (from 2-5 USD). The best biking routes in Vietnam are in Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Hoian and Mekong Delta. All provides a free and easy way to explore the destination with great view of the landscapes and peaceful local life. 

Biking in Mai Chau among greenery paddies and peaceful villages

CULTURE AND ETIQUETTES

Vietnam is so famous for its people-friendliness, so when you arrive in Vietnam, you can see people smiling to you for no reason. As a fact, they would be easy - going with foreigners and willing to provides you information and helps if you get trouble. In general, forbidden or cultural boundaries to visitors when arriving in Vietnam don’t really exist, but still, you should concern about these subjects:

Tipping

In many countries, tipping values 10 percent over the total price and is a must thing to do, but in Vietnam, people consider the issue differently. Tipping in Vietnam is optional. You can tip much as you want or do not need at all. People here will not judge you if you won’t, they will be easy to the tipping issue. If you still confuse about this matter, check out this article for the detailed tipping guides in Vietnam.

Dress Code

Since the country develops in tourism and economics, many foreigners had come and influenced their culture to the country, also is dressing issue. Wear as comfortable as you concern. Thus, there are something you shoul keep in mind.

• Bring light and airy clothes as the tropical climate influences the country. If you have intention to visit the northern mountainous areas of Vietnam from Dec to Feb, remember to bring warm clothes as the temperatures drop significantly due to the high elevation. 
• Wear proper cloth, long sleeves, long pants and take off your hat when you in sacred places like temples, pagodas or visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum.

Greetings

When you meet a Vietnamese for the first time, you should do this to show your friendliness:

• Say hi and smile gently.
• Shake hands is also an excellent way to greet.
• Don’t hug or kiss the local.
• Take off your shoes when entering a local house.

DO'S AND DONT'S

• Don’t do intimate action in public, Vietnamese can be very annoyed to see that.
• Don’t raise your voice and attitudes; it is exceptionally unrespectful.
• Do bring a map or install google map.
• Do learn basic Vietnamese or bring translation devices.
• Do ask first if you want to take a photo with indigenous or their merchandises.

VACCINATIONS

It appears some certain health risks in Vietnam, as well as the countries in Asia. The nation used to bare rabies, jaundice, typhoid, malaria badly but recently, it does not seem to have high impaction on Vietnam. For this reason, vaccinations are not necessary and not officially required by the authority to travelers in the nation. Despite the fact, there are some diseases tourists should acknowledge due to its high infection:

• Malaria: One of the most infectious disease. Unfortunately, vaccination for this illness has not been found. The condition is spread through female Anopheles mosquito. Within two weeks, victims will have a high fever, joint pain, sweating, and chills. Patients who hit the problems or the same symptoms, should see the doctor soon to have appropriate treatment. Preventing solutions are mosquito nets, repellents, and insecticides.
• Traveler’s Diarrhea: Many tourists had caught the disease, and the leading cause is from food. Symptoms are stomachache, diarrhea. Since it is not a thread, victims do not need to see the doctor; you can use probiotics 2-3 days before the tour to avoid the disease. Especially, be aware of food safety and hygiene.
• Rabies: An acute viral disease from the central nervous system. It infects both human and animal. Vaccination is a must since it is fatal. The best way to deal with the problem is to avoid it from the beginning, do not contact or wander around with animals, especially in the rural.

Unluckily, if tourists hit any of the diseases above or other health problems, you should go to the area hospitals or clinics. In big cities, hospitals are armed finely and provide careful cares; services are thorough. Although in rural provinces, hospitals and clinics are available, its standard is pretty low, and medical devices are not appropriately prepared. They can treat simple diseases like fever, cold, diarrhea, etc. If there is any sign that victims do not get better, they shall move the patients to a more qualified agent.

Above are just some basic information to help you to know more about Vietnam as well as to prepare well before your trip. This country is so much more than this so grab your backpack and come to explore and experience all the amazing things in this beautiful land by yourself.

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