Vietnam is known as the Land of Ascending Dragon. It’s a magical place which is known for its history, culture and nature. Here the lively vibe of cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh blend with the peaceful charm of its green rice fields and misty mountains.
Vietnam has a combination of rich cultural heritage and embracing modernity. Here history can be felt in the old streets of Hoi Anand and the Chu Chi Tunnels.
The country is a perfect place for adventure seekers. From cruising the surreal limestone karsts of Halong Bay to hiking the terraced fields of Sapa, this place has a lot to explore from powerful stories of the Vietnam War to the delicious street food you’ll enjoy all across the country.
Vietnamese people are deeply connected to their culture and will make you feel at home. The language barrier also disappears with their warm smiles, friendly gestures, and the joy of sharing a steaming bowl of pho.
You can't miss the vibrant floating markets, the ancient temples and the thrill of motorbike rides through winding mountain roads. All in all, Vietnam offers an adventure you’ll never forget.
Places to visit in Vietnam that you should not miss
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a beautiful natural wonder in Vietnam which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is made up of over 1,600 limestone islands and islets that rise from the clear, green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. The bay is famous for its stunning views, clean waters, and variety of wildlife.
One thing you can’t miss here is taking boat tours, kayaking around the islands enjoying the breathtaking scenery or exploring the history and myths of ancient caves and temples.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a coastal town and is also known for its Ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage with narrow streets and colorful lanterns all around. The town is famous for its ancient Japanese Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall.
You can also explore the vibrant markets, try local seafood, and take part in traditional craft workshops, such as woodcarving and silk embroidery. You will find a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese which gives it a magical, multicultural feel.
Hanoi
Hanoi, known as the capital of Vietnam, combines the old charm with the modern energy. There are multiple narrow streets in The Old Quarter with several street food stalls, traditional shops and historical buildings. You will love the Vietnamese coffee here.
The famous Hoan Kiem Lake and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are places which cannot be missed. This place combines history with modern life where you can experience Vietnam’s rich culture and history.
Sapa
Sapa, located in the northern mountains of Vietnam offers an enchanting escape into nature. It is known for its lush terraced rice fields, misty peaks and villages. This is a beautiful paradise for trekkers and nature lovers.
There are multiple things you can experience here from hiking up the Fansipan Mountain to exploring the local villages or Ta Phin. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the hills. Sapa offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, earlier known as Saigon blends history with modernity. Here you can explore the War Remnants Museum or the Cu Chi Tunnels to explore Vietnam’s past and immerse yourself in the city’s lively street food. Saigon is a city full of contrasts and excitement combined with its fascinating history.
Da Nang
Da Nang is located along Vietnam’s central coast and is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. There are Marble Mountains which offer hiking and there are caves with stunning views. You will also find the Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands, is one of the most photographed sites in the country. There are some beautiful beaches you will find here like My Khe Beach which is a perfect place for relaxing, swimming and surfing.
Explore the Flavours of Vietnam
Vietnam is a food lover’s paradise, with dishes full of fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and unique traditions. From street food stalls to cosy family spots, the country’s cuisine has something for everyone. Vietnam’s food is all about fresh flavours and exciting combinations. Every meal tells a story, and trying these dishes is one of the best ways to explore the country’s culture. The mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours makes every meal exciting. Here are some must-try dishes when you visit Vietnam:
Pho
Pho is the most famous and favourite dish in Vietnam. It’s a noodle soup made with beef or chicken with fresh herbs and a fragrant broth. You can find it everywhere from street vendors to fancy restaurants and you will really love it a lot!
Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette stuffed with pickles packed with smoky, sweet, and savoury flavours. veggies, fresh herbs, and your choice of fillings like grilled pork or chicken.
Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls)
It is a fresh spring roll which is very light and healthy. They are filled with shrimp, pork, noodles, and herbs all wrapped in rice paper. They are served with a yummy peanut dipping sauce which makes them a refreshing bite for everyone.
Bun Cha
Bun Cha is a must-try dish of Hanoi. It's grilled pork which is served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. It's known for its unique balance of flavours and textures, including sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and smoky.
Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Com Tam is made with broken rice, grilled pork, and a fried egg on top. It is served with pickles and fish sauce. It is one of the comforting meals enjoyed by locals, especially for breakfast.
Cha Ca La Vong
This is one of the special dishes of Hanoi which is made with turmeric-marinated fish and cooked with dill and green onions. It’s served with rice noodles, peanuts and dipping sauce. It’s a very delicious and unique dish and an experience too as it is often cooked right at your table.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the experience you are seeking. Due to its geography, the country has a diverse climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Vietnam is during the Spring or Autumn season when the temperatures range from 17°C to 30°C.
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minn City, Vietnam is a country which has a lot to offer with lush landscapes and comfortable weather. Whether you want to trek in Sapa or cruise in Halong Bay, months such as March to April and September to November are perfect for exploring the country.
Our advice is to avoid the rainy season as most outdoor activities would be non-operational during these times.
Thrills and Wonders: Must-Do Experiences in Vietnam
Cruise Through Halong Bay
Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a must-visit for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. There is a boat cruise by which you can explore the hidden caves, floating fishing villages, and beaches.
Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the heart of Vietnam’s capital, which showcases the blend of traditional and modern life. This beautiful place is a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with ancient temples, pagodas, and traditional shops.
Trek Through Sapa’s Rice Terraces
Sapa is located in northern Vietnam and is famous for its breathtaking rice terraces and cool mountain climate. You can experience trekking through the lush valleys, waterfalls, and hill tribe villages like Cat Cat and Ta Van.
Visit Hoi An’s Ancient Town
Hoi An is known for its preserved architecture, colourful lanterns, and riverside charm. Through the beautiful cobbled streets explore the ancient houses, the Japanese Bridge and Chinese assembly halls. Hoi An glows with lanterns at night which creates a magical atmosphere.
Ride the Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world which connects Hue and Da Nang. It is also known as the "Ocean Cloud Pass," with breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, and lush forests.
Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels
It is located near Ho Chi Minh City. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast underground network which were used during the Vietnam War. You can crawl through sections of the tunnels and see the wartime exhibits to learn about the ingenuity of the Vietnamese fighter
Thrills and Wonders: Must-Do Experiences in Vietnam
Cruise Through Halong Bay
Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a must-visit for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. There is a boat cruise by which you can explore the hidden caves, floating fishing villages, and beaches.
Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the heart of Vietnam’s capital, which showcases the blend of traditional and modern life. This beautiful place is a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with ancient temples, pagodas, and traditional shops.
Trek Through Sapa’s Rice Terraces
Sapa is located in northern Vietnam and is famous for its breathtaking rice terraces and cool mountain climate. You can experience trekking through the lush valleys, waterfalls, and hill tribe villages like Cat Cat and Ta Van.
Visit Hoi An’s Ancient Town
Hoi An is known for its preserved architecture, colourful lanterns, and riverside charm. Through the beautiful cobbled streets explore the ancient houses, the Japanese Bridge and Chinese assembly halls. Hoi An glows with lanterns at night which creates a magical atmosphere.
Ride the Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic coastal routes in the world which connects Hue and Da Nang. It is also known as the "Ocean Cloud Pass," with breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, and lush forests.
Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels
It is located near Ho Chi Minh City. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast underground network which were used during the Vietnam War. You can crawl through sections of the tunnels and see the wartime exhibits to learn about the ingenuity of the Vietnamese fighter
Indulge in Vietnam’s Culinary Scene
Bún Chả Hương Liên
This eatery is a treasure for bún chả lovers. Bún chả is a Hanoi speciality of grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The flavours are authentic and unforgettable.
Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine
You can enjoy the stunning views here along with traditional Vietnamese dishes. Their menu includes everything from spring rolls to caramelized fish in clay pots.
Hoi An Market
This place is famous for its local dishes like cao lầu (noodles with pork and greens), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and white rose dumplings.
Banh Mi Phuong
This unique iconic sandwich shop gained fame after being featured by Anthony Bourdain. Here you can find freshly baked baguettes stuffed with meat, pâté, pickled vegetables and a secret sauce that makes for an explosion of flavours in every bite.
Ngon Villa
Ngon Villa has a cosy and refined dining experience with multiple options on the Vietnamese menu. They have a variety of fresh spring rolls to grilled seafood and the dishes highlight the best of central Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
Ben Thanh Street Food Market
This vibrant market is a perfect place for street food lovers. You can experience different kind of dishes like pho (noodle soup), bánh xèo, and gỏi cuốn which are also known as fresh spring rolls.
Indulge in Vietnam’s Culinary Scene
Bún Chả Hương Liên
This eatery is a treasure for bún chả lovers. Bún chả is a Hanoi speciality of grilled pork served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce. The flavours are authentic and unforgettable.
Cau Go Vietnamese Cuisine
You can enjoy the stunning views here along with traditional Vietnamese dishes. Their menu includes everything from spring rolls to caramelized fish in clay pots.
Hoi An Market
This place is famous for its local dishes like cao lầu (noodles with pork and greens), banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and white rose dumplings.
Banh Mi Phuong
This unique iconic sandwich shop gained fame after being featured by Anthony Bourdain. Here you can find freshly baked baguettes stuffed with meat, pâté, pickled vegetables and a secret sauce that makes for an explosion of flavours in every bite.
Ngon Villa
Ngon Villa has a cosy and refined dining experience with multiple options on the Vietnamese menu. They have a variety of fresh spring rolls to grilled seafood and the dishes highlight the best of central Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
Ben Thanh Street Food Market
This vibrant market is a perfect place for street food lovers. You can experience different kind of dishes like pho (noodle soup), bánh xèo, and gỏi cuốn which are also known as fresh spring rolls.
Places to Shop in Vietnam: A Treasure Trove of Local Finds
Ben Thanh Market
A bustling market that has everything from handicrafts and souvenirs to delicious Vietnamese street food.
Hanoi Old Quarter
It is known for its narrow streets lined with shops selling traditional silk, ceramics, and coffee. Each street specializes in a different product.
Dong Xuan Market
It is a wholesale market where you can find affordable clothes, fabrics and household items. It is a perfect spot for bargain hunters.
Hoi An Night Market
It is famous for handmade lanterns, jewellery and delicious local snacks. It’s a magical shopping experience under colourful lights.
Saigon Centre
It is a modern mall offering international brands, trendy clothing and dining options.
Binh Tay Market
It is located in Chinatown, and this market is known for its spices, textiles and local products. It is a great spot for exploring Vietnamese culture.
Places to Shop in Vietnam: A Treasure Trove of Local Finds
Ben Thanh Market
A bustling market that has everything from handicrafts and souvenirs to delicious Vietnamese street food.
Hanoi Old Quarter
It is known for its narrow streets lined with shops selling traditional silk, ceramics, and coffee. Each street specializes in a different product.
Dong Xuan Market
It is a wholesale market where you can find affordable clothes, fabrics and household items. It is a perfect spot for bargain hunters.
Hoi An Night Market
It is famous for handmade lanterns, jewellery and delicious local snacks. It’s a magical shopping experience under colourful lights.
Saigon Centre
It is a modern mall offering international brands, trendy clothing and dining options.
Binh Tay Market
It is located in Chinatown, and this market is known for its spices, textiles and local products. It is a great spot for exploring Vietnamese culture.
Experience the Spirit of Vietnam with These Festivals
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
It is one of Vietnam's biggest and most vibrant celebrations, Tet marks the start of the Lunar New Year. There are family reunions, traditional food, colourful decorations and fireworks lighten up the sky!
Hue Festival
It is a big cultural festival of Hue City which is held every two years, this festival showcases royal traditions, live performances, and traditional Vietnamese music, dance, art exhibitions etc.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
On this festival, people in Vietnam gather together to worship the full moon, as well as to celebrate the harvest season. Locals and visitors float paper lanterns on the river for good luck.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
This festival is mainly for kids and families. It features mooncakes, lantern processions, and lion dances. It’s also a time to gaze at the bright full moon and enjoy sweet treats!
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
Fireworks teams from around the globe compete in this dazzling event. It’s a night of lights, music, and excitement along the Han River.
Phu Giay Festival
It's a colourful celebration of Vietnamese folk culture at the Phu Giay Temple and is packed with traditional games, dances, and rituals
Experience the Spirit of Vietnam with These Festivals
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
It is one of Vietnam's biggest and most vibrant celebrations, Tet marks the start of the Lunar New Year. There are family reunions, traditional food, colourful decorations and fireworks lighten up the sky!
Hue Festival
It is a big cultural festival of Hue City which is held every two years, this festival showcases royal traditions, live performances, and traditional Vietnamese music, dance, art exhibitions etc.
Hoi An Lantern Festival
On this festival, people in Vietnam gather together to worship the full moon, as well as to celebrate the harvest season. Locals and visitors float paper lanterns on the river for good luck.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
This festival is mainly for kids and families. It features mooncakes, lantern processions, and lion dances. It’s also a time to gaze at the bright full moon and enjoy sweet treats!
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival
Fireworks teams from around the globe compete in this dazzling event. It’s a night of lights, music, and excitement along the Han River.
Phu Giay Festival
It's a colourful celebration of Vietnamese folk culture at the Phu Giay Temple and is packed with traditional games, dances, and rituals
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About Us
We at Tripper Trails are a backpacking travel community providing end-to-end travel and tour packages in India and abroad. We host corporate trips, backpacking trips, and long or weekend getaways to explore the beauty of unearthed destinations. With a focus on community travel, we encourage all kinds of travellers including solo, groups or couples wherein the travel itineraries are catered to your preferences and needs. Our trips are led by our travel experts and pocket friendly to ensure that you can see this beautiful world around you as much as you want!
We at Tripper Trails are a backpacking travel community providing end-to-end travel and tour packages in India and abroad. We host corporate trips, backpacking trips, and long or weekend getaways to explore the beauty of unearthed destinations. With a focus on community travel, we encourage all kinds of travellers including solo, groups or couples wherein the travel itineraries are catered to your preferences and needs. Our trips are led by our travel experts and pocket friendly to ensure that you can see this beautiful world around you as much as you want!