Vietnam is a historic nation whose boundaries were only crossed by the most daring travelers until the 1980s. The country is enjoying its time in the sun, as seen by the 12.6 million tourists that visited in 2023—four times more than the previous year. The numbers also don’t seem to be declining anytime soon.
Everyone loves Vietnam, from senior couples to families to friends worldwide to backpacking students. This guide is for you if you are planning to visit Vietnam for the first time and have already booked your trip.
How to Reach from India
Vietnam and India do not have direct flights. Jet Airways, Thai Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and more run connecting flights. Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, and Da Nang Airport in Da Nang are the three airports in Vietnam that handle international flights.
By air, the distance between India and Vietnam is about 3,000 miles. International airlines offer tourists frequent flights from Delhi to Vietnam. It would take about 7 hours and 20 minutes to go directly from Delhi, the capital of India, to Vietnam. Most flights stop at other major South Asian cities like Singapore and Bangkok.
Vietnam Airlines is the nation’s national airline. Many other foreign airlines that operate in Asia, including Singapore Airlines, Air Asia, Air India, Cathay Dragon, Thai Airlines, and China Airlines, connect major Indian cities, including Bangalore and Mumbai, with Vietnamese airports.
How to Travel Around Vietnam
With so many Vietnam tour packages online, traveling around Vietnam is surprisingly simple. Its highly developed public transportation system, among the most affordable in Southeast Asia, connects the most isolated ethnic village in the north to the most miniature fishing village off the south coast.
- Flights: Major international and contemporary domestic airports connect Vietnam to the rest of the globe. There will be airports in every little city, some much larger than others, and new routes will launch at breakneck speed.Â
For instance, as of late 2017, you can now take direct flights from London to the beautiful island of Phu Quoc! Several incredibly low-cost flights between cities (around USD 20), and none lasting more than a few hours, are available.
- Bus: Vietnam’s bus system is relatively large and very effective. Bus travel is inexpensive, generally highly comfortable, and reasonably reliable, whether you opt for more costly touristy open buses or even local public buses.Â
The latter option is unbelievably inexpensive for a cross-country trip, but you incur the danger of riding the bus with many fruits or bags. Traveling from one end of the country to the other for ten hours or longer can cost as little as ten dollars.
- Train: Trains: As you rumble along to your destination, Vietnam’s trains are a terrific opportunity to sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking scenery as you pass by. They are also surprisingly comfy and deliciously nostalgic. With four mattresses in a single cabin, the soft sleeper is the most comfortable alternative.
You can eat, converse, or play cards while sitting comfortably on your bed. For example, a one-way ticket from Hanoi to Hue costs about 77 USD for a soft sleeper, whereas a hard sleeper costs about 30 USD less and is slightly less luxurious, with six berths per cabin.
Things to See in Vietnam
Here are some things to do in Vietnam to ensure a fulfilling trip:
1. Sailing through Halong Bay
Vietnam’s Halong Bay is a picture-perfect destination with emerald green waters and surrounding karst rocks. The bay is known locally as the location “where the dragon descends into the sea.”
Halong Bay boasts an exceptionally diversified natural landscape. Grottoes, wave-eroded caverns, and limestone hills sporadically break the lake’s glistening surface. One of the most excellent things to do in Vietnam is to take a boat down Halong Bay.
2. Cycle through Hue on a tour
This town served as the demarcation point for the North and South during the Vietnam War. In contemporary history, one may tour this medieval town on two wheels by using one of the various cyclo vehicles or biking alone.
Once all the destinations have been reached, drinks are available by the Perfume River. Although it is not a typical Vietnamese activity, it is undoubtedly fulfilling.
3. Hiking in Phong Nha
The neighboring woods of Phong Nha National Park, which have waterfalls and are occasionally visited by foxes and monkeys, are ideal for quick trekking excursions in Vietnam. Despite being frightening, cave trips rank highly among Vietnam’s must-do activities.
4. Enter the Tunnels in Cu Chi
Exploring the Cu Chi tunnels is a must-do Vietnam trip. However, they are not only tunnels beneath the surface. These are artificial, 250-kilometer networks established for covert communication and sheltering during the two Indochina Wars. The men had to endure meandering passages, secret passageways, storerooms, arsenals, and branches leading up to Cambodia.
5. Canoe through the Mekong Delta
The Mekong River ultimately defines southern Vietnam, making the Mekong Delta a clear area of interest. Enjoy the atmosphere of the rolling hills, little towns, and people wearing their distinctive triangular hats.
Things to Know About Vietnam
It is crucial to know essential information about any foreign destination before visiting. This is a Vietnam travel guide that includes vital details on the key features of the nation.
- Vietnam’s weather: The country’s climate is quite changeable. Over the years, it has differed significantly between the North and the South. High mountains and highlands can be found in the northern regions, which have excellent summertime temperate temperatures but bitterly frigid winters.Â
In contrast, the southern areas—particularly the Mekong Delta—are scorching and muggy. The southwest monsoon also brings heavy rains to this area. Vietnam’s core region strikes a compromise between the two.
- Nightlife: Vietnam’s nightlife is characterized by a dynamic and lively atmosphere. Although less well-known than its neighbors, such as Thailand or Cambodia, Vietnam has its charms. Water puppet performances and opera houses can be excellent substitutes for experiencing Vietnam’s nightlife.
- Food: Vietnamese food is exciting since it combines elements of Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Indian cooking. Though each has its spin, the fundamental ideas are shared by all South Asian cuisines. The French influence is also evident in the prevalence of roasted meat, pates, and baguettes.
Conclusion
These tips will be useful if you are a first-time visitor to the beautiful country of Vietnam. Remember these tips and guides when you book your next tickets to Vietnam.
Also Read: A guide for baggage insurance during international travel
