Cost
Yes, mean way to start a list right? According to the numerous surveys, simply 95% of travelers care about the price. That’s why economy class is roughly 80% of the airplane, and majority of the tourist offer heads towards price aware ones. We are still blessed by the fact that we can travel, and most of the time 3 stars are enough. Asia shines in terms of cost (ok, Japan or Singapore is not on the list), and it refers firstly to cheap Southeast Asia, a heaven for backpackers, as well as family travelers. Vietnam is on the very top. You can afford more here, means you can stay longer, see more, enjoy more traveling.
Variety
Most of the places on earth are quite homogenic and consistent in terms of what is around and for example food. Asia is like a bucket of all. It is so diverse, so different even within one country. There are 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, each with unique culture, language, beliefs. Apart from that Vietnam differs, with its local cuisine that could be divided into north, central and south. Also the mindset, the weather, the landscape due to its 2,000 kilometer spread from the north to the south. In some places the sea, the river, the islands, the plains, the big city and the high mountains are all reachable within 30 minutes!
Safety
Organized crime not to be seen and you can walk after dark. There is pickpocketing, but not as famous as even such an icons as Barcelona or Amsterdam. There are scams, but show me the country without it! Speaking of scams: probably the reason why Vietnam is so often recalled as full of scams, is that there is nothing really serious to complain about, so scams became a number one problem, just because on any list of the problems, there has to be a problem that tops the list. Just read about it before you come, and you will be ok. Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam is a safe country to travel.
People
Vietnamese are friendly and happy. Vietnam is notorious for being among the happiest nations worldwide. You will be approached with a smile, invited to visit peoples’ homes, dine with the whole families and cheer beer with all the tables around whenever in beer place. They are modest, open and enthusiastic. As a traveler you will often feel like you are at home surrounded by friends. This is a very common feeling shared by the visitors to Vietnam.
Food
Oh yes. Anthony Bourdain can’t be wrong. In any list of “top cuisines in the world” Vietnam will always be among top. Not only amazing, but also as mentioned differs along the way north to south. Not only iconic food is on the list. Basically you should try everything. Soups, sandwiches, BBQ, street food, cheap restaurants, not so cheap restaurants, home food; you can spend a whole year eating out and you won’t eat the same in a day. One of the main reasons people come to visit Vietnam. Epic.
Nature
Being a country between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, it’s warm, sometimes very, very warm, with all its benefits: the sunny beaches, the fresh fruits, bikini style fashion, blue sky and rich greenery. Definitely still not much spoiled, with jungles, rice terraces, tea hills, and there are even places where the elephants and tigers live freely. Also varies, starting from 3km high mountains in the north, to a jungly rich Mekong river delta in the south, plus islands, scenic bays and lakes, and even more beaches.
Shopping
Although not everything that shines is gold; rather avoid the big brands products, but still, there are many things worth buying here. Semiprecious stones, pearls, silk, lacquer, and a number of tailors offering good price to quality ratio can be a bargain. Plus more than plenty of “Souvenirs from Vietnam”, which you can buy everywhere you go.
Culture
Vietnamese Culture is one of the oldest culture in the World which has undergone changes almost four thousands of years. Hanoi itself is more than a thousand year old city. This is one of the earliest civilizations of the world. Although the history was sometimes rough and painful, it gave birth to beautiful arts, rich Vietnamese tradition and the Heritage is on display for tourists visiting Vietnam. It is definitely important part of every trip to Vietnam.
Coffee
Ok, coffee is tangible. But it’s about the feeling of it, the same like food. There is nothing in this world like a hot cup of rich flavor coffee in your hands in the early morning. There is nothing like a cup of iced coffee sipped slowly in a small cozy café in the streets of a one of Vietnamese cities. Everyone in Hanoi is proud of their unique coffee in the world “Ca Phe Trung” or Egg Coffee which a creamy soft, meringue-like egg white foam is perched on dense Vietnamese coffee. Surprisingly, Vietnam is nr 2 coffee producer and exporter in the world.
Atmosphere
Last but not least. Maybe this is simple the most significant one out of this list: something that is impossible to describe just by words. It takes Art, it takes emotions, it takes the way we feel when we are here, when we think about this place, and the way we experience it. There is a Hidden Charm that Vietnam reveals to the travelers. It consists of all things above, making it the very feeling of Vietnam.
Come to visit Vietnam and discover its hidden charm.
