Despite a recently tumultuous history, Vietnam today is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries, and unforgettable experiences run up and down the length of this incredible nation.

A resilient country who bounced back from a war torn 20th century, today Vietnam is known for a patchwork of emerald rice paddies, white sand beaches, full tilt cities, venerable pagodas, vast caves, craggy mountains, smiling villages, and vertical limestone islands rising dramatically out of the sea.

From the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), to the trekking opportunities and outdoor adventure, and relaxed flow of the Mekong Delta, there is no shortage of reasons Vietnam should be at the top of the list for your next vacation.

International flights to Vietnam are plenty, and direct flights can be incredibly cheap. The ease of sorting out a Vietnam visa on arrival too, means the logistics are very simple.

Planning your next trip but trying to sort out your destination? The following are reasons to choose Vietnam – 5 of our favorites!

Reasons to Choose Vietnam For Your Next Vacation

Incredible Nature

If you’re a keen nature enthusiast, Vietnam is sure to deliver. From a huge range of white sand beaches to the world’s largest cave, and surreal limestone seascapes, the natural wonders here are on a completely different level to elsewhere.

Starting in Northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a place that most people already know; a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, that also makes the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

There are 1,600 limestone islands and islets here that jut out of the emerald sea, and look like something right out of a movie (in fact the scenery is so surreal it has been featured in many movies!)

Next to Ha Long Bay, one of the most outstanding sites in the country is the Son Doong cave. The cave is about five and a half miles long, the largest in the world, with holes in the roof which allow natural light and green growth to penetrate the cave, creating a stunning, eerie landscape.

Size is not the only notable feature of Son Doong cave. Cave pearls the size of baseballs and the world’s tallest stalagmites also make their home in Son Doong. Tourist access to the cave is limited, but it can be explored with proper planning and prior reservations.

Beyond these two sites there are a huge range of lush landscapes, tropical rainforests, buffalos wallowing in rice paddies, and gorgeous golden beaches. Vietnam is a nature lovers paradise.

Street Food

Are you a culinary explorer? If so, Vietnam is one of the best countries in the world for trying out new tastes. And street food is an essential part of any trip to the country.

Major cities have thousands of street vendors selling every Vietnamese dish imaginable. Pho is probably the most well-known fare, but spring rolls, meat sandwiches, broth based soups, and hundreds of other dishes are available for you to taste.

The food is delicious – especially since it only costs a dollar or two – but it is the street food atmosphere that really makes these vendors such a huge part of Vietnamese culture; they are as much a place to gather and socialize as they are a place to get a quick meal.

But Vietnam has more to offer than cheap meals. It also has delicious coffee. The French introduced coffee to Vietnam, but since then it has taken on a life of its own.

Vietnamese coffee beans are coarsely ground and placed in a press. Hot water is poured over the top and it trickles slowly through the beans, producing a very strong, flavorful brew. Typically, sweetened condensed milk is added to the mixture to make a drink commonly referred to “brown coffee” or “milk coffee”.

Beautiful Beaches

Vietnam has plenty of beautiful beaches, so much so that they deserve their own separate category, with much to say beyond a short sentence under the heading for all other nature!

Of our favorites, and one you might otherwise miss, Phu Quoc Island is located off in the Gulf of Thailand, though belongs to Vietnam. It’s a fantastic tropical getaway that’s filled with some of the whitest beaches in the world, and boasts luxury resorts and palm tree-lined coastlines surrounded by crystal-clear sea.

There are already a few resorts here, but still many parts of the island are untouched by mass tourism. The best time to visit here is now if you want to get a glimpse of one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam before the island gets overrun by holidaymakers.

Related Post: Activities You Shouldn’t Miss on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

However, rest assured that around half of the island is protected as a national park. If you are looking for your next adventurous destination, Phu Quoc should be a serious contender.

Vietnam is Cheap

Vietnam has something for everyone when it comes to budget and affordability, and over all the country is incredibly cheap. So much so that you can travel pretty comfortably with a budget of about fifty dollars per day – that includes the cost of lodging.

A standard hotel room in Vietnam will cost about $15 per day, a meal from a street vendor will cost about $1, museums and attractions in Vietnam’s bigger cities rarely charge more than $1 for admission, beaches are free to the public, even massages, day trips, and Vietnam tours won’t break the bank.

Of course, there are definitely ways to spend extra money. Luxury hotel rooms, fancy dinner restaurants, personal tour guides, and motorbike rentals are also available in almost all of the major tourist destinations.

A Wonderful People

Vietnam is one of the most ethnically diverse world regions, home to over 95 million people, and over 54 different ethnic groups, each with its own language, lifestyle, and cultural heritage. And the people are wonderful!

Known as one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries in the world, the Vietnamese people are truly beautiful souls, and are always willing to share, help, support, and to teach you their language.

Someone once said, if you dropped your bag of groceries in Vietnam, someone will pick it up and ask, “where would you like to have it delivered?”.

So what are you waiting for? We’re surprised you’ve made it through the article this far without having already booked your tickets!

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.