Is Vietnam Worth Visiting In 2024? Best Things To Do & Places To See
Is Vietnam worth visiting in 2024 on your Southeast Asian adventure?
As someone who has explored the length of the country, I want to tell you there are so many reasons to visit Vietnam.
Whether you’re planning a vacation to Vietnam, or adding it to your Southeast Asian backpacking route, I’ve got you covered. I’ll go over some of the best things to do, where to stay and other things of interest. Vietnam, from north to south, is also a long, thin country so I’ll also talk about the best time to visit as well.
I’ll also go through some FAQs and by the end of this post, you’ll know for sure if Vietnam is worth a visit or not.
Is Vietnam Worth Visiting In 2024?
Vietnam is absolutely worth visiting in 2024! From the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay to the beautiful lanterns in Hoi An, there is something for everyone in this diverse and colourful country.
Vietnam is a destination full of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and world-famous cuisine, it’s no wonder this country is one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. It’s also home to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Ha Long Bay.
The national parks offer stunning limestone mountains and striking rice terraces are perfect for nature lovers. There are many amazing hikes as well as the chance to visit one of the largest cave systems in the world.
Cosmopolitan cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh offer an educational, urban experience making Vietnam an interesting destination for those interested in history. From ancient dynasties to the Vietnam War, history buffs can get their fill from the many museums and war sites in the country.
If that’s not enough, you can also relax on one of Vietnam’s beaches. There is over 3,000km of coastline and nearly 3,000 islands so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to your beach needs.
With so much to see and do, it is obvious that Vietnam is well worth visiting.
What Is Vietnam Known For?
Vietnam is known for its diverse culture, friendly people, stunning landscapes and motorbikes! Roughly 86% of the population own a motorbike so don’t be surprised when you see one flying past you, even when you’re on the sidewalk!
Vietnam is also known for its cuisine. From its vibrant street food scene to its upscale restaurants and everything in between, you will enjoy delicious, balanced food made from the freshest ingredients!
The coffee in Vietnam is also world famous and is made with sweetened, condensed milk! And you simply cannot miss the chance to sample egg coffee. It’s tastier than it sounds!
Of course, for some of us, Vietnam is probably the most famous for the Vietnam War. The war between communist North Vietnam and the U.S.-supported South Vietnam lasted nearly 20 years. Even though those traumas haven’t been forgotten, they now form part of Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Best Things To Do In Vietnam
Vietnam isn’t a particularly huge country which is why the number of incredible tourist attractions is astonishing.
The country’s interesting history and number of natural attractions make Vietnam quite a diverse destination with so much to see and do!
Check out this list of the best things to do in Vietnam during your visit.
1. Explore Ha Long Bay
The emerald waters of Ha Long Bay are dotted with majestic limestone pinnacles making it an unmissable place to visit in Vietnam. The UNESCO site is best explored by boat and you can book anything from day trips to multi-day tours.
There are around 2,000 little islets in an area of 1,500 km squared but there’s more to see and do if you have the time. You can explore numerous cave systems, visit fishing villages and try your hand at some rock climbing or diving.
I recommend at least one night out on a boat tour. This way you get to see more of the breathtaking scenery whilst combining the trip with some other activities such as kayaking, cooking classes and fishing.
➡️ Check Out The Best Ha Long Bay Boat Tour Here!
2. Sample World Famous Vietnamese Cuisine
You can’t visit Vietnam without tasting the incredibly delicious food! Even the coffee in Vietnam has a unique twist (if you haven’t tried egg coffee yet, you’re missing out!)
I’ve heard people mention the food in Vietnam many times but I never expected it to be so good. When I was in Thailand and thinking Thai was my favourite cuisine, other travellers would tell me the food in Vietnam was better! That was quite a statement!!
So which food should you try? Definitely try a ‘banh mi’ (baguette) from a street vendor and eat as much pho (soup) as you like. Do not worry if you’re unsure how to eat your food when it arrives. This happens quite often and your server will explain. You’ll never know which part of the dish you need to dip, wrap or just eat normally!
The best way to try as many food varieties as possible is to take a food tour. Preferably by a local. This way you get to avoid all the touristy restaurants and enjoy the real flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.
➡️ Check Out The Best Ho Chi Minh Food Tour Here!
3. Walk along the Golden Bridge
You may remember the Golden Bridge in Vietnam exploding onto your social media accounts a few years back. Made to resemble a giant pair of hands holding a gold scarf, the Golden Bridge had us all dreaming of visiting Vietnam.
Walking along the Golden Bridge is quite a cool experience and you’ll be treated to some magnificent views across the mountains. You do need to get there early as it is one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam for tourists and locals.
The bridge is located at Ba Na Hills and is easily accessible from Da Nang, Hoi An or Hue in central Vietnam. Located high in the mountains, Ba Na Hills is a resort similar to a Disney theme park and is constantly growing every year.
You’ll not only see the Golden Bridge but also flower gardens, castles and the longest cable car in the world.
➡️ Check Out The Best Golden Bridge Tour Here!
4. Admire The Beautiful Lanterns of Hoi An
Hoi An is probably the most beautiful little town in Vietnam. We absolutely fell in love with this ancient town and it’s not difficult to see why.
You can spend the whole day wandering around the old town (I recommend renting a bike) with its many little temples, bridges and shops but it’s at night when the magic happens. The streets are lit up with hundreds of beautiful colour lanterns and are a truly magnificent sight!
After exploring the old town I recommend taking your bike for a ride into the countryside to see a different side of Hoi An.
Whilst in Hoi An you can also take cooking classes, make your own lanterns, ride a basket boat and even spend some time at the beach!
➡️ Check Out The Best Hoi An Lantern-Making Class Here!
5. Soak Up The Sights, Sounds & Smells Of Hanoi
From the year 1010, Hanoi was Vietnam’s capital city for 800 years until the Nguyen Dynasty moved it to Hue. Hanoi was re-established as the capital in 1945 and has seen a period of rapid urbanisation whilst maintaining its ancient charm.
You can really feel Hanoi’s blend of old and new and this makes the capital an intriguing and interesting place to explore. From Gothic French structures like St. Joseph’s Cathedral to Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake, there is so much to admire in this charming but hectic city.
When you’ve finished admiring the architecture, wandering the Old Quarter and checking out the murals why not dive into Hanoi’s thriving coffee culture?
While there are many coffee shops in Hanoi for you to sample I recommend Giang Café – the birthplace of the delicious egg coffee!
➡️ Check Out The Best Hanoi Vintage Jeep Tour Here!
6. Learn About Vietnam’s History In Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is the other major in Vietnam. ‘HCMC’ as they call it, is more cosmopolitan and is also the biggest city in Vietnam.
Founded in 1698 Ho Chi Minh is very much a modern city with plenty to do. There are beautiful parks, colonial French buildings, a vibrant food scene and plenty of museums waiting to be explored.
You can also see many remnants of the Vietnam War in Ho Chi Minh. None more so than at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Tours of the tunnels will explain all about the from the Vietnam point of view! You’ll also see things like the traps they used and get to go into parts of the tunnels themselves which is a great photo op.
➡️ Check Out The Best Cu Chi Tunnels Tour Here!
7. Trek Through The Mountains Of Sapa
If you’re visiting northern Vietnam then you must make a stop in Sapa. This small town is famous for its beautiful scenery with layered rice terraces nestled between mountains, ready for you to take on with your hiking boots.
The best treks are done with a local guide, usually with a member of a local ethnic group which you’ll see often in the town. Treks in Sapa can be done in one day but I recommend an overnight homestay to explore further into the mountains and get a taste of life with your local guide’s family.
Other things you can do in Sapa include exploring Sapa town, riding on the Tam Tron Pass on a motorbike and hiking up Fansipan Peak.
➡️ Check Out The No.1 Rated Ethical Sapa Trek Here!
8. Chill On The Beautiful Island Of Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s largest island is actually located closer to Cambodia’s coast than its own. Even so, Phu Quoc is a popular beach escape for locals and tourists alike.
The beaches in Phu Quoc are wild and unspoilt while the water is clear and warm so you can unwind for a few days on a little island getaway.
To see more of the island, just rent a motorbike and explore the waterfalls and fishing villages before relaxing in a chilled beach bar for sunset.
➡️ Check Out The Best Phu Quoc Day Trip Here!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam is March if you plan to travel the length of the country. Temperatures in the north will be warming up and the skies should be clear for you to travel north to south or vice versa.
In places like Hanoi and Sapa in northern Vietnam, the weather is similar to Europe. The cold months of November to March soon warm up from April to October. The hottest months are from May to August but the humidity is also quite high.
Southern Vietnam is warm all year round and has two main seasons. The dry season is from November to April and this is a great time to visit Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc. The rainy season lasts from May to October but even though the rain is heavy and short-lived (2-3 hours on average) the humidity is still bearable.
A great time to visit Ha Long Bay would be the transition period between seasons. This is either around May or October, give or take a few weeks. The weather would be pleasant, not too warm and dry. This is also a great time to grab a bargain during the low season.
Due to the length of the country, Vietnam can be visited all year round. However, July and August are peak travel months and prices can rise up to 50%. If you can stand the crowds though, Vietnam is still worth visiting at this time as your dollar will probably still go further here than in many other destinations.
We visited in early March and the weather was great although there was still a little chilly at night (by Southeast Asian standards) and a bit of rain in Hanoi. I know people who have visited in July and other months and never heard a bad word about the weather.
Where To Stay In Vietnam
Here are just a few highly recommended hotels in Vietnam. These are the options that offer excellent comfort and facilities without breaking the bank. Which is the only way I know how to travel!
➡️ Solaria Hanoi Hotel – This boutique hotel is located close to Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of Hanoi. Solaria is a four-star hotel with helpful staff and large comfy beds at an affordable price. The rooftop bar, with its magnificent views, is not to be missed especially during happy hour! There is also a spa for those who want to be pampered after exploring the city.
👉 Check out the latest prices for the Solaria Hanoi Hotel here!
👉 Alternatively, this hotel in central Hanoi is an excellent budget option
➡️ Au Lac Legend Hotel – Auc Lac Legend, in Ho Chi Minh City, is stylish and elegant. It is located just outside of the centre so you don’t need to worry about the chaos of HCMC coming through your windows at night. One of the most popular features of this hotel is the rooftop bar and pool area – a wonderful setting to watch the sun go down.
👉 Check out the latest prices for the Au Lac Legend Hotel here!
👉 Alternatively, this top-reviewed hotel in HHCMC is an excellent option!
➡️ Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An – The staff at this super affordable hotel in Hoi An really go out of their way to make sure you have an excellent stay. The Cozy Savvy is beautifully styled and located just 10 minutes from the old town (shorter if you take their bikes.) With a rooftop pool, spa, gym and a delicious breakfast, it’s difficult to see a better hotel that gives more bang for your buck.
👉 Check out the latest prices for the Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel here!
👉 Alternatively, this charming homestay is right next to Hoi An Old Town!
FAQs: Visiting Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most visited countries in Asia but there are still plenty of questions being asked about the country. Here are some of the most asked questions from those looking to visit.
Is Vietnam safe?
Is Vietnam a safe place to visit? I would yes, absolutely! Vietnam is known to be a safe and friendly place to travel. Exploring Southeast Asia, in general, is safe and easy, and Vietnam is no exception.
Vietnamese people are friendly and helpful but you should always keep your wits about yourself and use common sense when out and about. Just as you would at home or in any other country.
Vietnam is a reasonably open-minded country that is very adaptable to change. Solo, female and LGBT travellers should have no problem with safety and most have a trouble-free and enjoyable visit.
The most common problem for travellers is the odd scam by locals. For example, tourists can sometimes be made to pay higher prices for souvenirs at the markets. If you’re unsure, or they’re unwilling to shift on their high price then walk away.
Is it expensive to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in the world. In fact, its reputation for being one of the cheapest places to travel is one of the many reasons why so many people visit.
Essentials such as hotels, public transport and food are very affordable which is why Vietnam is so popular with backpackers. A decent hotel room in Hanoi can often be found for less than $20 per night. Street food is also delicious, fresh and (you’ve guessed it) cheap!
Public transport is also very reasonably priced and even flights are relatively cheap. If you use an overnight bus you pay to get to your destination as well as a night’s accommodation! 12Go is a great site to plan and book your routes.
That’s not to say you can’t find luxury in Vietnam. The country’s natural beauty is the perfect setting for luxury eco-lodges and spas. There are also award-winning golf courses and you can check Ha Long Bay in style on a luxury cruise.
How many days do you need in Vietnam?
How many days you need in Vietnam really depends on what kind of trip you’re on and your budget. You can have a great trip and experience many of Vietnam’s highlights in 10 to 14 days. This is the recommended time for most travellers.
If you’re lucky enough to have longer then you can truly immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. You can explore more of the islands and go on multiday hikes or just chill out in the city’s excellent cafes.
Everyone has different time restrictions but you’ll find Vietnam is well worth visiting if you have a minimum of 10 full days. This is the best amount of time to get a real taste of what this country has to offer.
Are there any reasons NOT to visit Vietnam?
If you’re looking for reasons not to go to Vietnam, then you won’t find many. Most travellers (me included) love Vietnam but there is always going to be that odd person who will give the place an unfavourable review.
Here are a few things that may not completely turn you off, but you should still consider.
👉🏼 Food: One of these gripes is the cuisine choice. Vietnamese food is delicious and pretty much my favourite, or near the very top of the list. A lot of people would agree with this statement. However, some people feel that it’s not varied enough and there aren’t enough international dishes on offer. I personally found the food varied with plenty of international options if I wanted!
👉🏼 People: While Vietnamese locals are generally known to be friendly, they sometimes get a bad rep for being unwelcoming and unhospitable. You may read somewhere that the Vietnamese attitude towards foreigners is negative but we didn’t experience this at all. We only met friendly, smiling faces and many helpful locals on our trip and we met other travellers who said the same.
👉🏼 Traffic: Travellers also mentioned the crazy traffic. Motorbikes are everywhere making it difficult to cross the road or even the sidewalk. My advice – take it slow and easy and go with it. The same can be said of Malaysia, India, Indonesia etc. Pretty much all of Asia has crazy busy traffic!
Wrapping Up: Is Vietnam Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking for a rich, cultural experience that’s also affordable, then yes! Vietnam is certainly worth visiting!
It was one of our favourite stops in Southeast Asia and we cannot wait to return! I still dream about the amazing food and I’m forever looking for any kind of Vietnamese restaurant in the UK!
While it may not get as much attention as places like Thailand, Vietnam is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations to visit.
So if you’re looking for your next vacation idea, or want to visit as part of your Southeast Asian route, you should definitely plan a trip to Vietnam. The friendly people, delicious food and affordable prices definitely make Vietnam worth visiting in 2024!
