Reference photo coming soon
Postcard bays, vibrant cities and incredible food at tiny prices. From north to south, a country full of surprises.
If you like this destination, also see Thailand or Japan.
History and customs of Vietnam
Under French rule for almost a century, hence the bánh mì and condensed-milk coffee. Today it keeps a very strong culture of its own.
Vietnam was ruled by China for a thousand years and by France until 1954. After the war that split the country between north and south, it reunified in 1975 and has grown fast since the 1986 economic reforms.
The 1986 “Doi Moi” reform opened the country to the market and made it a manufacturing power. It is now one of Asia’s fastest-growing destinations and remains a one-party state.
Elders are highly respected, and meals use chopsticks and a spoon. During Tet, the lunar new year, the whole country stops for family time.
Typical food in Vietnam
Phở was born in the north, in Hanoi, in the early 20th century. Bánh mì is a French legacy: a baguette filled with Vietnamese ingredients like cilantro, pickles and pâté.
- Phở – noodle soup
- Bánh mì – street food
- Bún chả
What to eat in each city of Vietnam
- Hanoi – beef phở and bún chả
- Hoi An – cao lầu, noodles unique to the city
- Ho Chi Minh City – bánh xèo and café sữa
Regional dishes in Vietnam
- North – phở and bún chả
- Centre – bún bò Huế and cao lầu
- South – hủ tiếu and bánh xèo
- Mekong Delta – fried fish and sour soup
Iconic places in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay, with thousands of limestone islets, is a UNESCO site. Hoi An keeps its old trading town, and Hué holds the former Imperial City.
Near Hanoi are Lan Ha Bay and Ninh Binh, with rice fields and limestone peaks. In the south, the Mekong Delta is explored by boat among floating markets, and Ho Chi Minh City keeps the Cu Chi tunnels.
1. Hanoi – old quarter
2. Ha Long Bay – islands and cruises
3. Hoi An – lanterns and tailors
4. Hué Imperial City – palace of the Nguyen dynasty
5. Sapa – rice terraces and ethnic-minority villages
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid Vietnam
✅ Best time. Feb–Apr: mild weather almost everywhere; Sep–Nov in the north.
⚠️ Worst time. Jun–Aug: humid heat; Oct–Dec brings typhoons and rain in the centre (Hoi An and Hué).
How much does it cost to travel to Vietnam
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $17 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $50 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $143 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $3–$11 |
| Street food (per person) | $1–$2 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: own estimate, to be verified. Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.