Where would you like to visit Vietnam - Hanoi Or Ho Chi Minh City?

By: Daniel Conlan (from UK)

If you are considering moving to Vietnam you will probably find yourself choosing between staying in Hanoi, the capital located in the north of the country, or Ho Chi Minh City(HCMC) the cultural and economic capital of the south. While both cities are bustling and vibrant, filled with great street food and beautiful boutiques, they are very different, and where you decide to stay will affect how quickly you settle in and begin to love Vietnam!

Things to do

Both cities are absolutely jam-packed with things to do. HCMC is the party city of Vietnam, so if you love a night on the town that's where you need to go! From the rooftop bars to wild nightclubs, late night eating and shopping, if you like to be out till the sun comes up, HCMC is the city for you. Hanoi is the more family-friendly city. At the weekend they have begun closing the streets off to cars around Hoàn Kiếm Lake throngs of people around the lake, the atmosphere is fantastic with families out, bars and restaurants full, and street performers lining the street. There are plenty of places for late night drinks around the city but things tend to shut earlier than HCMC and parts of the city will feel eerily quiet after 11 pm.

Culturally there is an abundance of things to do in both cities. The history of Vietnam is so deep and rich that there are great museums, galleries, and monuments in both cities. Hanoi, in my opinion, has greater museums, including the Vietnamese Women's Museum and the Hanoi Police Museum and many more! It is also the capital and while you can’t visit most of the government ministries you can drive by them and they are usually lit up at night and this produces an awe-inspiring view.

HCMC is not without its own share of museums, including the famous War Remnants Museum an absolute must see. HCMC also has a huge variety of restaurants from all over the world, providing you with Italian, Indian and even Mexican food so whatever your taste is you will be well served.

Shopping in both cities is great. The young people of Vietnam are particularly fashion conscious and there are a great many designers that have their own boutiques in both cities. The shops are beautifully laid out and if you're a fashionista you will be in love! If you are a slave to the big brands you will be well served by both cities.

Hanoi has some massive indoor markets, such as the Dong Xuan Market, that you can lose yourself in for a day, haggling over all manner of goods.

It also has to be said that Hanoi has some absolutely beautiful parks and lakes, great to sit and relax with a traditional Vietnamese drip coffee.

Weather

The weather in both cities will take some getting used to. HCMC weather is hot, year-round usually around 30C and it can be extremely humid and rainy. It’s often joked that there is four season in HCMC wet, very wet, very very wet, and you get the point.

There is more variety in Hanoi’s weather and it is generally cooler. Expect humid summers and dry cold winters in Hanoi.

Cost of Living

Depending on where you are coming from, you will probably find the cost of living in Vietnam to be very cheap indeed, however living in Hanoi and HCMC it is where you will find things to be at their most expensive.

Food in both cities is very cheap, with a typical meal costing $2 at one of the street restaurants you will find all over both cities. Eating out is cheaper, quicker and probably tastier than eating in, and it is so much part of why people love this city, so you will find yourself doing this more often than not.

Apartment rental will be one of your main expenses in either city, you can typically expect to pay more in HCMC, according to numbeo.com you will pay $350 for a 1 bedroom apartment in Hanoi compared to $530 for a comparative place in HCMC.

Most other expenses are similar some activities like the cinema and gym membership will be cheaper in HCMC.

Note: Wages are relatively higher in HCMC, so you will need to weigh up what works out best.

So there we have it, this is just some information to get you started on deciding what city suits you better. We would say that if you are more family oriented the city of Hanoi is the place for you, on account of the cheaper rent for a bigger apartment and more family-friendly options for entertainment. If your young, enjoy shopping and a late night then HCMC is probably more your speed. Whatever you do, do your research and get booked because we can’t wait to see you!

Are you a UK citizen and heading to Vietnam?

If you are from the UK and heading to Vietnam, there are a number of options to obtaining a visa.

Recent changes in the law means that you may be exempt from needing a visa. My recent trip to Vietnam was to visit friends If your stay is under 15 days you are exempt from getting a visa, simply show up with your passport and a flight ticket showing that you will be leaving in under 15 days and on you go. A word of caution, some of the border security have a better understanding of the new visa laws than others and it took some explaining to the person that checked me into my flight when departing and to the border security. For a hassle free trip it may well be best to get a one month tourist visa.

If you are staying for longer you can either get, a tourist visa or you may be coming to work and thus your choices are different. Check with your countries Vietnamese Embassy or we can help you at https://www.visa-vietnam.org/

Top 15 Places to visit in Vietnam

Whether you are looking to visit an unexplored country for travel adventure or an R&R, you will have the vacation of a lifetime at Vietnam. From adventure activities to beach and ocean fun, or soaking-in historical world heritage sites, Vietnam offers you plenty to do.

Vietnam is a geographically unique country, with extensive sea coasts, beaches, islands, deltas, and highlands. So each region has something unique to offer to the traveller. Tourists planning a holiday to Vietnam must ask themselves what they want to see or experience, and visit places based on their interests. However, make sure to find about your update visa requirements, check your Vietnam visa fees update daily and apply for your visa before your holiday dates. Visa norms in Vietnam are very stringent, and it makes sense to do the right thing to enjoy a holiday in magnificent Vietnam.

We have picked for you the best places to visit. So get your adrenalin flowing, experience culture or just unwind and detox!

NORTHERN VIETNAM 

1. Ha long Bay

Interest level: karst topography, cruising, UNESCO World Heritage site

With limestone islands and rocky outcrops amidst aqua-green water, this karst seascape is a natural wonder and a must-see. Tourists to Vietnam cannot give this a miss. The spectacular views are best experienced from boats. Both, day and night cruises are popular tourist attractions.

2. Sapa

Interest level: rolling hills, serene countryside, trekking

The most beautiful countryside location of Vietnam, Sapa is a mountainous site with stretches of terraced rice fields flanked by jagged peaks. Incredible views, trekking and close encounters with village tribes, are what you can expect. Tranquillity and picture-perfect views make Sapa a sought-after destination.

3. Hanoi

Interest level: capital city, historical attractions

If you are an international traveller, you will most likely land at Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. A busting city with scores of attractions, Hanoi is a unique blend of Vietnamese history and modernity. The city is a living relic of French colonial architecture that has survived war, and a thriving medley of Chinese and S-E Asian cultures.

4. Tam Coc

Interest level: limestone formations, rice fields, caverns, boat ride

Close to Hanoi, Tam Coc is for visitors who are pressed for time and want to experience Vietnam at its best in a single day. With miles and miles of rice fields, flanked by a river and surrounded by limestone cliffs, this natural site is one-of-its-kind. The many wonders of Tam Coc are best experienced by boat.

5. Ba Be National Park

Interest level: boating, trekking, scenery

If you want to see a unique landscape, where towering karst peaks loom over still lakes bordered by forested slopes, visit the Ba Be National Park for a unique adventure. The lush greenery is marked with waterfalls and random caves. With activities like boating, caving, trekking, mountaineering and cycling, the Park offers an adrenalin-high experience.

6. Ninh Binh province

Interest level: natural reserve, wildlife

Home to the most majestic landscapes of Vietnam, the Ninh Binh province is hailed as the  “Halong Bay in land” for its splendid karst topography flanking rice fields. In close proximity is the UNESCO Site of Trang An Grottoes - a network of caves accessed by boat. The wildlife reserve, Cuc Phuong, is another attraction.

CENTRAL VIETNAM

7. Hue

Interest level: UNESCO world heritage site, history, culture, architecture

Hue is a must-visit on every tourist itinerary. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty, it is certainly the cultural capital of Vietnam today. A UNESCO world heritage site, this historic town houses the Citadel complex of royal palaces, a sprawling site of architectural wonders from the past. 

8. Hoi An

Interest level: beaches, medieval architecture

This is an old city dating back 2,000 years to the Champa Kingdom. It was better known as a bustling trading town in the15th century. Today, Hoi An is a charming old textile town. Tourists visit Hoi An to check-out the living relics from the past and sample its famous cuisine.

9. Cham Island

Interest level: ocean adventure, marine biodiversity, beaches

This is a group of eight small granite islands, part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, a world Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO, in the South East Asia Sea. This is both a diving and snorkelling site, popular for its coral gardens. The islands are equally known for their beautiful white sand beaches and local seafood cuisine.

10. My Son

Interest level: archaeological site, Hindu temples

Tourists visiting Hoi An cannot miss out on My Son, the archaeological site housing remnants of ancient Hindu temple structures. Dating back to the Champa dynasty, this temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva is believed to be built between 4th and 14th century.

11. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Interest level: caving, UNESCO world heritage site, boating, wildlife

This is a protected area with the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed about 400 million years ago. Underground rivers interspersed with ancient limestone karsts and a vast network of caves accessed by boats, make this a popular tourist destination. The tropical forests are also home to rich wildlife - tigers, black bears, elephants – are another attraction.

SOUTHERN VIETNAM

12. Nha Trang

Interest level: beaches, snorkelling, family activities

Nha Trang is a much-visted seaside resort city flanked by scenic mountains. Although its beaches are the main attraction, its proximity to scuba diving sites is another tourist draw. It is a well maintained town, with beautiful promenades, amusement and water parks for family holidays.

13. Ho Chi Minh City

Interest level: culture, shopping, dining, night life, war history

A visit to Vietnam is incomplete without a stopover at its largest city, Ho Chi Minh. French colonial landmarks vie with ancient Buddhist and Taoist relics and ultra-modern skyscrapers, to create a city of diversity. The city has two museums with well preserved war relics, for those curious to know about the Vietnam war. Ho Chi Minh is well known for its pulsating night life and amazing cuisine.

14. Cu Chi Tunnels

Interest level: adventure, tunnelling, military history

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground tunnel network that was in use during the Vietnam war. Today, only two sections of the subterranean passageways are open to adventure enthusiasts interested in a slice of history. Be prepared to crawl on your hands and knees in some sections. The tunnel exploration is certainly not for the fain-hearted!

15. Mekong Delta

Interest level: rice fields, floating communities, mangroves, photography

Best explored by boat, this region is home to endless rice fields, orchards and mangroves, interspersed by the canals and streams of the Mekong River. Floating markets, rustic villages, vistas of endless paddy fields and sugarcane groves, and boat trips to the U Minh Mangrove Forest and Ca Mau Nature Reserve, are the region’s attractions.

Visiting Vietnam is like journeying to the ends of the earth. Located on the extreme eastern strip of Southern Asia, Vietnam is a land of great beauty and adventure. From quaint tribal villages to ultra-modern cities, northern highlands stretching down to southern coastal forests; Vietnam remains a land of diverse experiences. Steeped in rich culture and magnificent views, Vietnam is much more than an R&R. There is plenty to do, eat and indulge in. Is it any wonder that Vietnam has emerged as the hottest tourist destination in recent times?

When to go

For a country that has distinct climate zones, deciding upon a good time can be difficult. It largely depends upon which region of Vietnam you plan to visit.  Also, what do you expect from your holiday? If you want to experience traditional Vietnamese culture, then it is best to plan around the many festivals.

However, it makes sense to avoid the typhoon season, which stretches from August to November, although it is difficult to predict accurately.  Vietnam can also get hot for unaccustomed tourists. So winter (December-February) and spring (March-April) are good times to travel.

Before you go

Unlike many places in the West where you can easily avail of visa-on-arrival without any document, visa-on-arrival of Vietnam requires visitors having a visa approval then able to pick up visa on arrival, travelling to Vietnam requires careful planning.

The moment you plan your holiday, you should contact with authorised agents well in advance to ask for the visa approval letter from the Immigration Department of Vietnam for picking up visa on arrival. 

Business visas however need an official entry clearance from the sponsor, or employer. Business visa allows multiple entries with stays extending from 90 days to one year.

Please note that, Vietnam does not have an official website from the government for visa-on-arrival. So if you come across websites claiming official visa on arrival, beware of being scammed! They are all travel agents who know the procedure to arrange the visa approval letter to get paid, not official website.

Nationalities from a designated list of countries do not require visa for stays of shorter durations. Make sure to check out your eligibility.

The e-visa official from the government of Vietnam is available to nationalities of more than 50 countries for a maximum stay of 30 days, single entry. You can get an e-visa of Vietnam at official website of the government, however, please carefully before submit, it is non-refundable if you fail.

How to go

Planning to visit Vietnam for a great Asian experience? Then you have no worries. Many international carriers touch upon the world-class airports at Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. While these long-haul flights usually have transits at Bangkok or Singapore, non-stop direct flights are available with the flagship carrier Vietnam Airlines and other S-E Asian airlines.

You can also avail of direct international train services from Nanning and Beijing (China) to Hanoi. For backpackers, routes from Cambodia, China and Laos are other points of entry into Vietnam.

What you need to know

Besides reiterating that you should take your visa seriously, there is other small but significant aspects of this amazing country that you need to know.

Tourists visiting Vietnam need to remember that Vietnam weather is predominantly hot. So there is no point packing too many clothes.  You can always buy anything else you need at Vietnam, where clothes are pretty cheap.

It is advised to wear proper attire when visiting pagodas as a mark of respect. This usually means wearing casual clothes that cover you.

To get around in style and comfort, avail of Vietnam’s low cost inter-city flights.  However, if you have time and want to explore the best of Vietnam, hire a car and driver to take you around. Another low cost option is bus service. Motorcycle taxis operate only in the cities. When in Vietnam, you should not miss out on boat travel for a unique experience. Backpackers or budget travellers who plan to get around on their own should be aware of the local traffic etiquettes.

Drinking lots of water and keeping yourself hydrated is advised. It is best to buy bottled water and avoid roadside food, to keep away stomach issues.

If you plan to go shopping, make sure to bargain hard!

Where to stay

Whether you are a backpacking budget traveller, or a high-end tourist, you will find plenty of good places to stay. Youth hostels, budget hotels to world class luxury resorts, there is plenty on offer. A word of caution, trying to convince your hotel about paying the dues is better than leaving your passport at the hotel desk.

Although internet access and Wi-Fi is available, most social networks are blocked across Vietnam. However, any savvy tourist will find ways how to bypass the same.

A Taste of Vietnam

Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated all over the world, you may already have an idea of the beautiful food that this country produces, however it’s not until you get to Vietnam that you can truly appreciate the delicate aromatic flavors that all Vietnamese dishes have.

There are a few stand out things about Vietnamese cuisine - the freshness, the textures and the abundance of herbs and vegetables used. Combined this with perfectly cooked meat, and spices, make Vietnamese food some of the healthiest in the world.

Whether your sat at a little red chair eating at the food stalls that seem to be on every street in the country or in a restaurant on the rooftop of a skyscraper in glitzy Ho Chi Minh City, you will probably be eating a variation of these dishes.

We’ve picked three staples of Vietnamese cuisine to give you an idea of the mouth-watering goodness that awaits you in Vietnam.

Banh Mi

First up is the iconic Banh Mi, the baguette was introduced to Vietnam during the French colonial period, and with it, the Vietnamese have made a sandwich which once you’ve had one you're convinced is the best in the world.

Whether you pick one of these up on your morning commute or go to your favorite stall after a night of reveling, you can find these on almost every street in Vietnam. Each seller makes their Banh Mi in their own way. You want the baguette to be crispy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. It is usually filled with one of egg, pork meatballs, pate, beef or chicken.  Added to that typically is fish sauce, mayonnaise, coriander, pickled carrot, daikon, cucumber and fresh chili. Our favorite is sliced pork with plenty of pickled carrots, the way these two flavors work together is seriously addictive! The Banh Mi is a classic of Vietnamese cuisine.

Pho 

This is the national dish of Vietnam and what a dish it is! It is an aromatic, warm noodle soup, served from morning to night, all over the country. Your Pho will be served in a bowl and consists of a broth made from beef or chicken, with coriander, ginger and star anise, which gives it a beautiful aroma. Then soft rice noodles, spring onions, and slices of pork, beef or chicken are added. When you are served your Pho you will often be given a plate of fresh herbs and condiments, jalapeno peppers and lime. This is the fun part. Take the herbs, usually basil, mint, cilantro and bean sprouts and put it into your Pho. Then squeeze that lime over and add the sliced chili to taste.

The process of cooking Pho can take over 12 hours to prepare properly, which gives it a really complex flavor. So when you sit down to eat, make sure to savor every bite.

Goi Cuon

Goi Cuon is sometimes referred to as Vietnamese spring roll or Vietnamese rice paper roll - and is Vietnam’s most famous dish. You may have had this outside of the country but it is not until you get here that you experience the beautifully balanced flavors that true Vietnamese rice paper rolls have. What separates these rice rolls from others are that they are not deep fried, they are served cold with a dipping sauce, this can be a sambal chili, a hoisin fish, or a peanut sauce.

Rice paper rolls are the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Inside the soft rice paper roll, you have the staple vegetables of Vietnam - lettuce, mint, chives, coriander and then a combination of crab, shrimp or pork. The perfect appetizer!

So this is just a small introduction to the foods of Vietnam, really you will have to come here to sample all that this country has to offer! We have just scratched the surface. Each locale has its own particular take on these dishes and many more, and as you travel this country and find new and more beautiful dishes they become so intertwined with your memories of this country that they will truly be meals you never forget. 

Vietnam Visa Information 

Depending on how and why you are traveling to Vietnam, whether it is your sole destination or as part of a larger trip across many countries, there are many different visa options for you depending on your particular circumstance. But don’t fret! Here at www.visa-vietnam.org,we are here to help you navigate the process, making it as stress-free as possible so all you have to do is arrive and get eating!