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When we were planning our next international trip, Vietnam quickly rose to the top of the list. It ticked all the boxes for what we wanted at the time. Here’s why Vietnam was the perfect choice for us – and why it might be for you too.
A brand-new destination for us
We wanted to experience somewhere completely new – a country we hadn’t visited before. Vietnam had been in the back of my mind for a very long time, since my dad brought home videos, photos, and souvenirs from his trip in the mid-90s that fascinated me. Years later, one of my closest friends at uni – whose family is Vietnamese – told me more about the country and introduced me to its food. From that moment, I knew I’d make it there eventually, and this trip was finally the chance.
Vietnam’s mix of vibrant cities, rural landscapes, and cultural heritage made it exciting to plan (and even more exciting to experience). Every stop promised something different, from busy streets to peaceful mountain scenery.
A mix of history and natural beauty
Vietnam has a rich and fascinating history, influenced by many other countries over centuries – from China and France to the US – yet it retains a very distinct identity and “feel” of its own. You see it in the architecture, the traditions, the food, the coffee and the way daily life unfolds.
The country also delivers incredible landscapes – rice terraces, limestone cliffs and winding mountain passes left us in awe. Some of the most famous places are UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the old town of Hoi An, the imperial city of Hue, and the dramatic karst scenery of Halong Bay and Trang An (Ninh Binh). For us, that balance meant we could soak up both culture and scenery without feeling like we were missing out on anything.
Unsure which destinations to add to your itinerary in Vietnam? These comparisons can help: Sapa vs Ha Giang, Ninh Binh vs Sapa, Halong Bay vs Ninh Binh, Ho Chi Minh City vs Hanoi, Hoi An vs Hue.
Learning about the culture
One of the highlights of travelling in Vietnam was how easy it was to learn more about the culture, as our local guides spoke good English and were very easy to connect with. It gave us a genuine chance to meet local people and better understand the culture of each region we visited.
When we organised our trip, we specifically asked for guided tours that included visits to markets or traditional craft workshops. Unfortunately, the opportunity wasn’t presented to us when we organised our trip, but there are real homestays where you could spend time with your guide’s family – like what our local Sapa guide, Pang, offered. Experiences like that take you beyond the tourist sights and give you a glimpse of everyday life.
Sustainable travel tip: Joining activities run by local communities (like the H’Mong Batik workshop, but there are other traditional craft workshops) helps preserve cultural heritage in the region and creates direct income for families. We always learn a lot from experiences with locals; they make our trips more special.
Great value for money
Vietnam is one of those countries where your budget can stretch further without sacrificing quality. Accommodation, tours, and food are generally affordable, even in the more popular destinations. It meant we could enjoy a comfortable trip with memorable experiences without overspending.
An attractive beach holiday destination for some travellers
Vietnam’s coastline stretches for more than 3,000 km, so it’s no surprise that many travellers choose it for a beach holiday. Popular spots like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, and Phu Quoc offer long sandy beaches, warm water, and resort-style stays. For some, they’re a more affordable alternative to beach destinations in Thailand or the Philippines, especially if you’re combining a few days by the sea with cultural sightseeing inland.
For us, though, the beach wasn’t at all a priority on this trip. We had limited time and, living in Brisbane with world-class beaches just a short drive away, we wanted to focus on the parts of Vietnam we couldn’t experience at home: the mountains, rice terraces, history, and vibrant city life.
Suitable for travellers with reduced mobility
As I was travelling after a knee surgery, I was looking for a destination where I wouldn’t feel frustrated by what I couldn’t do. Vietnam fit the bill perfectly: there’s plenty to enjoy without long treks or physically demanding activities – from exploring ancient towns and temples to cruising stunning bays and driving scenic mountain roads. It was one of the rare destinations on our list that didn’t have a focus on hiking or scuba diving!
It was a good season to travel to Vietnam
Finding the right window to explore both the north and south of Vietnam while avoiding the very hot season and the rainy season can be tricky. We had set dates for our holidays (end of April, start of May) and realised it was actually a great time to visit the entire country. Outside of that, Vietnam can usually be visited year-round, but you might need to pick one region and focus your trip there to match the best weather conditions.
Vietnam is easy to access
Living in Brisbane, we’re lucky to have a growing list of direct international flights. VietJet now flies direct from Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh City, which made Vietnam a very convenient option. It’s a budget airline too, which has its pros and cons, but it meant we could get there without eating into our travel budget before we’d even arrived.
Do you need a SIM card for your trip to Vietnam? We find that when travelling abroad, nothing beats the ease of setting up and topping up an eSIM. It’s very convenient as you can plan ahead and don’t waste time during your trip visiting a shop. Plus, you can say goodbye to the anxiety of risking your precious home SIM card. We use Airalo and have always been satisfied with their service. You can check your phone compatibility here. Alternatively, if you want a different plan or a physical SIM card, you can purchase a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport; that’s what I did on my first trip to Thailand.
No visa hassle
As French passport holders travelling for a short stay, we didn’t need a visa to enter Vietnam. That made planning a lot simpler. For some nationalities like Australians and US citizens, a tourist visa is required, but the process is fairly straightforward online for short stays. It’s worth checking the official requirements before you book, as rules can change.
The food is a bonus (a big one)
While food wasn’t the main reason we picked Vietnam, it was definitely an appealing bonus. Don’t make the mistake of sticking to the food you know! Every meal felt like part of the adventure, and we were surprised by the diversity of specialty dishes in the different regions we visited. At home, I never feel unwell after eating Vietnamese food, so it felt like a safe bet for travelling more comfortably – and it didn’t disappoint.
And if you like coffee, you’ll have so many choices in Vietnam and opportunities to try many new flavours!
Vietnamese welcome tourism
One thing we noticed throughout our trip was how well Vietnam welcomes visitors from any country. Sure, there are places to skip, tourist traps and sometimes pushy sellers, but overall, people seemed genuinely happy to see tourists and keen to help. In many situations, locals went the extra mile to do their job well and ensure we left satisfied. It added an extra layer of warmth to the whole experience.
Easy to organise last minute
We didn’t have time to plan all the details ourselves, but we still wanted a trip tailored to our interests. In Vietnam, we could work with a local travel agent to organise everything without blowing the budget. It meant we could relax knowing the logistics were sorted and our two-week itinerary suited us perfectly.
Have you thought about travel insurance?
We never go overseas without it, especially to cover medical expenses. In Vietnam, motorbike travel is common (for example, for the Ha Giang Loop or on city tours in Ho Chi Minh City), so we made sure our policy covered that. It’s something worth checking, as it’s not always included. Some providers, like Cover-More, offer options to easily include motorbike coverage if that’s relevant to your trip.
Have you been to Vietnam? Why did you choose this destination? Share your experience in the comments below!
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