planning a trip to
Vietnam
Here is what you need to know:
Vietnam is one of the best destinations in Asia for all types of travelers. We spent three weeks there in 2023, and it was an incredible experience.
The weather can be unpredictable, with a general mist covering much of the country, yet it remains warm. Given its length, Vietnam has three distinct climates, each offering something different.
During our trip, we explored the north and central regions of the country. From bustling cities and rice fields to ancient ruins, Vietnam truly has it all. We experienced everything from vibrant city life to peaceful hikes, historical sites, and even beautiful beaches.
About
Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is located in Southeast Asia. With an area of 331,212 square kilometers and a population of 99 million, it is the 15th most populous country in the world.
It has a rich and turbulent history, particularly in the 20th century. After World War II, France sought to reclaim colonial power, leading to the First Indochina War. Vietnam emerged victorious in 1954, resulting in the division of the country into two parts. The Vietnam War soon followed, with the communist North, supported by the Soviet Union and China, fighting against the anti-communist South, supported by the United States.
Vietnam was once part of Indochina, a French colony that included Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
The flag features red and yellow colors, each with significant meaning. According to the designer Nguyen Huu Tien, the redbackground symbolizes blood, representing the sacrifices, struggles, and success of the revolution. The yellow foreground represents the color of the Vietnamese people’s skin. The five points of the central star symbolize the five main classes that make up the political front: businessmen, farmers, workers, intellectuals, and the military.
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll be surprised to learn that Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world, just behind Brazil. Coffee was first introduced to the country by the French in the 1800s, planted in the highland regions. At that time, the annual production was only around 80 tons. Since then, coffee production has flourished, particularly after the Vietnam War. In recent years, the country has reached an impressive 1 million tons of coffee produced annually.
Upon arriving in the mega cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, one of the first things you’ll notice is the sheer number of motorbikeseverywhere. And we really mean everywhere! With a population of around 92 million, it’s estimated that there were 45 million registered motorbikes in 2016. This means there is roughly a motorbike for every other person. Vietnam remains one of the world’s largest motorbike markets. In contrast, only around 2 million cars are in use, with cars being considered a luxury item for the wealthy, largely due to the 200-300% car tax in Vietnam.
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its endless variety and extraordinary flavours. Two words that have made their way directly into the Oxford Dictionary without translation are Bánh mì and Phở. Bánh mì, the iconic Vietnamese sandwich, is gaining worldwide popularity for its delicious blend of fresh ingredients, crunchy bread, and savory fillings. Meanwhile, Phở, the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, is beloved for its aromatic broth and rich, comforting flavours. These dishes perfectly capture the essence of Vietnamese food and its growing global appeal.
What to expect?
Money: The currency in Vietnam is the Dong (VND). At the time of our visit, 1€ was worth around 23,500 to 25,000 Dong. Most places accept credit cards, but be aware that a fee of 2-4% is charged due to government regulations. ATMs are widely available, but be cautious of the fees, which can be high. Agribank ATMs offer one of the best rates, allowing you to withdraw up to 3,000,000 Dong with a fee of 22,000 Dong.
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