One visit you take to Vietnam, you will come to understand what this country is all about. Vietnam ticks all the boxes to be a go-to destination for foodies who want to try tasty, street food, adventurers who yearn to discover lush jungles or history buffs who desire to learn more about the olden days. Having visited the sparkling waters of Halong Bay to the buzzing streets of Hanoi, it’s no wonder that Vietnam is becoming so popular for travellers from the furthest reaches of the globe.

Before you do, make sure you have your Vietnam visa sorted out. An Indian traveler must apply for a Vietnam Visa for Indians if you want to have a smooth entry into this wonderful country. You can enjoy your trip to Vietnam and all the amazing experiences you will have with the right preparations.

Here are A First-Timer’s Guide to Vietnam: Must-Visit Places & Travel Tips

1. Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnam

Set the path to Hanoi, Vietnam’s buzzing capital. This fascinating city is old and new world at the same time. The Old Quarter is narrow streets that are perfect to explore on foot and you will find countless shops, cafes and local markets selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. Be sure not to pass on a trip to the famous Hoan Kiem Lake and street food stalls of the Old Quarter street food stalls such as Pho and Bun Cha.

2. Halong Bay – A Natural Wonder

This is one of the most famous sites of Vietnam, its emerald waters and towering limestone islands making Halong Bay well known the world over. Whether you take the relaxing cruise looking for a lazy day, you take the tour to the caves, the kayaking through the bay, you will never forget such a stunning beauty of such a place like Halong Bay. Nature lovers and anyone wanting to escape and spend some time in peace would find it to be a perfect destination. When in Vietnam make sure you make it on to your itinerary to the UNESCO World Heritage site!

3. Hue – The Imperial City

Hue, the former imperial capital of the country, is a good place to get a taste of Vietnam’s royal history. Visitors to the country must see the ancient Imperial City, which is a beautiful glimpse into the country’s fascinating past with its palaces, temples and tombs. You can also go around the surrounding areas like Perfume River and picturesque pagodas. As with any historic city, there is a great deal to learn about Vietnam’s rich heritage when visiting Hue.

4. Hoi An – A UNESCO World Heritage Treasure

Hoi An is a beautiful preserved ancient town that looks like a fairytale. Hoi an is well known for its colourful lanterns, quaint streets, and its landmark architecture that makes it a must stop for any traveller, with it having been declared a UNESCO World Heritage. Walk along riverside, admire the thousands of years old temple, enjoy the specialties of Cao Lau noodles etc... Make sure to pay a visit to the busy night market to buy souvenirs that you can neither find anywhere else nor make yourself.

5. Ho Chi Minh City – The Pulse of Vietnam

If you’re going to Vietnam, you have to go to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in the country and it is full of energy and excitement. There is upscale shopping malls, luxury hotels, street markets and delicious food stalls. To make sure you visit the War Remnants Museum to know about the history of the country and Ben Thanh Market to do some souvenir shopping.

6. Mekong Delta – The River Life

To get an authentic experience of Vietnam’s rural life, take a boat tour of the Mekong Delta. Situated in the South of Vietnam, the major rivers, canals and floating village’s network constitute such a vast system of rivers and canals that is known as the Mekong Delta. The delta can be explored by boat, markets visited, and even traditional fishing attempted. Vietnam is a peaceful and unique way to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty and way of life.

7. Sapa – The Land of Terraces

Sapa in northern Vietnam is picturesque and it is highly recommended that if you love nature and adventure then this is a place to visit. Sapa has been known as a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and valleys with rice terraces. The trekking nature provides you with opportunities of visiting the neighbouring villages and getting familiar with the culture of the indigenous tribes. Sapa is a peaceful getaway for nature lovers with the cool climate and beautiful scenery.

Travel Tips for First-Timers

• The best time to visit Vietnam is November to April when the weather is dry and cool.

• Traveling to smaller towns: As the local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), it is advisable to have some cash on hand.

• Don’t ignore Vietnam’s delicious street food. Have courage and try out Pho, Banh Mi and Spring Roll.

• Vietnamese people are friendly and welcoming. When you first start here, a simple “Xin Chao” (’Hello’) is all it takes to demonstrate interest and show that you are genuinely interested in locals.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a land of wonder, and truly a land that has it all: history, culture and natural beauty. Your journey through Hanoi, you’ll find the busy streets, even the tranquil waters of Halong Bay have something special to make you visit. Whichever you are looking for, adventure, relaxation, or deep dive into the country’s rich heritage, Vietnam never disappoints. Don’t forget to plan and apply for a Vietnam visa in advance before you travel with all the amazing experiences waiting for you.

Therefore, Indian travelers need to apply for a Vietnam visa for Indians to enter this enchanting country smoothly. Once you have your visa, you will be rolling out to the adventure Vietnam has to offer. That said, pack your bags and prepare for the visit of one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations.