Sights, Sounds and Delicious Cuisine: Exploring Vietnam’s Enduring Charms.
Vietnam is a beautifully vibrant and cultural country that boasts captivating landscapes, diverse experiences and fiery flavours. For those visiting it for the first time, tantalising street food stalls, vibrant cities and captivating history will provide plenty of discovery. There’s so much to love about Vietnam – its varied cuisine, stunning naturally diverse landscapes and hospitable locals. Rich in history, Vietnam has plenty of fascinating sites, temples and must-see museums to explore.
Vietnam’s landscape offers a great mix of both urban jungles and striking natural beauty. Although the coast may be most famous, the central highlands of Vietnam have plenty of mountains and hills to explore. One of the best ways to take in the spectacular views is to take a motorbike tour from Saigon to the Central Highland farmlands. Along the way, travellers can experience boiling hot springs, take in rolling hills and viewpoints, explore hillside tribal villages, and sample some of the local dishes.
Vietnam’s cuisine is one a top attraction for most visitors. Street food is an integral part of the country’s culture and a key feature of its vibrant culinary scene. Fresh spring rolls saturated with herbs, roasted pork and fish, plus delicious desserts like Banh Chuoi (banana cake) offer an unforgettable local food experience. Serve them with a cold bottle of beer and the match is made.
No visit to Vietnam is complete without a visit to one of its famous monuments. The famous War Remnants Museum in Saigon and the sacred Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi offer a stark reminder of the country’s complex past. Many travellers are also in awe of the renowned Ha Long Bay and its incredible thousands of limestone islands that make up the surreal landscape.
To those travellers wanting to experience the local culture, there are plenty of day trips out of the city. Visit charming villages and folk centres to understand the local way of life. The craftmen of Inle Lake village and the hill tribe villages near Sa Pa Valley provide an insight into how some communities have preserved their traditional culture.
For anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s culture, a visit to the south-west region is essential. The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s lifeblood, with thousands of rivers and canals interconnecting the vast green fields — from floating markets to its colourful temples, it provides a window into what life is like in rural Vietnam.
Vietnam is a bucket-list destination for the intrepid traveller, with its unique blend of urban life and ancient culture. From the bustling cities to the rolling hills, Vietnam will astound and amaze everyone who passes through. Whether you’re looking for an enriching culinary experience, stunning natural wonders or an activity-filled adventure, Vietnam has something for everyone.
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