Vietnam should be classed as a Southeast Asian Gem for all Australian Travellers.
Vietnam, a country of breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture, has become an increasingly popular destination for Australian travellers and expats. We lived there for a number of years, so we have first hand experience with the below.With Vietnam’s close proximity to Australia and the strong Australian dollar against the Vietnamese dong, Vietnam offers an affordable yet enriching travel experience. Here’s why Australians, and more importantly you, should consider Vietnam for your next holiday.
Cultural Richness
Vietnam is a cultural tapestry with a history that spans thousands of years. From the ancient town of Hoi An, to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), from walking the old streets of Hanoi to exploring the past dynasty of Hue, Australians can immerse themselves in a culture profoundly different from their own. The country’s festivals, traditions, and historical sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, provide a deep insight into their rich cultural heritage. There’s many old war sites and a museums to explore in every town and city, places to visit like the Ho Chi Minh City Museum and the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City to name a few for you.
Culinary Delights
Vietnamese cuisine is a feast for the senses. The street food scene, in particular, is a highlight for many travellers. From the famous pho to the less-known but equally delicious banh xeo (sizzling pancakes), through to the banh mi, the variety and flavour of Vietnamese foods are bound to impress. We are vegetarians, so what’s on offer for vegetarians and vegan’s is usually fresh, inexpensive and and has amazing flavours. Moreover, the coffee culture in Vietnam is something that Australians, with their love for good coffee, will appreciate and enjoy immensely.There’s nothing quite like sipping on a cafe sua da and eating a tofu banh mi whilst sitting on a chair in a small cafe just watching and listening to the hustle and bustle of the city or the town around you. Just make sure you add the chilli jam (tuong to sa te).
Natural Wonders
Vietnam’s geography is as diverse as its culture. The country boasts stunning landscapes, from the rice terraces of Sapa, to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay through to the amazing caves on offer, Son Doong Cave and Phong Nha are a few to put on your list. (Ha Long means Descending Dragon in Vietnamese). The beaches along Vietnam’s long coastline are all amazing places to visit as well, such as those on Phu Quoc Island and in and around Da Nang, they all offer offer a tropical paradise for relaxation, water sports or whatever you like to do. Most of the major beaches have the option to hire seats with an umbrella with ongoing table service for drinks, or if you venture out on your motorbike to the lesser known beaches you’ll find you’ll be pretty much alone for most of the day.
Adventure and Activities
For the more adventurous, Vietnam provides ample opportunities. Trekking in the northern highlands where you can walk for most of the day taking in the different villages and getting your lungs full of fresh mountain air, exploring caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, or kitesurfing at Nga Trang, or doing a motorbike tour along the Ho Chi Minh trail are just a few of the activities that can add excitement to your Vietnamese holiday. There are so many things to do in Vietnam, basically pick a city or town to visit and you’ll be able to get your hotel to organise anything you want to do. We used to ride our motorbikes out of Da Nang and do a ride called the Prao Loop quite often, this would take the day but you’d take in wonderful views and see the sights. It was as good in winter as it is in summer.
Warm Hospitality
Vietnamese people are known for their warmth and hospitality. This is evident everywhere you go, except when you don’t pay for your motorcycle parking and try and escape. Australians visiting Vietnam will find a welcoming environment in almost every place they visit, with locals often eager to share their culture, stories and love. This genuine interaction adds a meaningful layer to your travel experience, even if you’re travelling with your children, the Vietnamese people are so welcoming and helpful.
Ease of Travel
With the availability of eVisas and direct flights from major Australian cities, travelling to Vietnam has never been easier for you. Most flights are overnight with a stopover in Singapore, then onto the Vietnamese cities from there. In recent times though, there have been more direct flights popping up on the flight booking sites. The country’s infrastructure for tourists continues to improve over time, with new highways/roads being built and improvements/repairs to current roads, thus making it very convenient for you to explore this beautiful destination. If you are looking at travelling between the major cities, like Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, it’ll probably be better to fly, just to maximise your time. If you do travel by bus or train, it’s still a wonderful and sometimes hair raising experience (the overtaking techniques by buses and drivers are fringe dodgy at the best of times), but it just takes a longer time to get where you want to.
Affordability
The cost of living in Vietnam is significantly lower than in Australia, allowing travellers to enjoy a high-quality experience without breaking the bank. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all very affordable, which means a longer stay is possible without the hefty price tag associated with other countries. Hotels are generally not too bad for pricing, but it does get a bit more expensive when you look at staying in the resorts. So you get what you pay for, a 4 star hotel can often be around a 3 star equivalent in Australia, but most hotels are clean, tidy and the staff willing to help you.
Safety
Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists. As always, travellers should exercise common sense and be aware of their surroundings, especially in busy areas and more so at night time. The Australian government’s Smartraveller website provides up-to-date advice and safety tips for Australians travelling to Vietnam and you should use this site no matter where you’re travelling to.
At no time in our stay did we feel like our family was in danger. The only time it was a bit full on was being stuck at the Vietnamese/Cambodian border for hours as we had been given the wrong visa, we got the proper paper work though finally with about 15 minutes to spare before they shut the offices. We would have spent the night on the border in no man’s land if the paper work hadn’t come through.
In conclusion, why travel to Vietnam?
Vietnam offers a unique and memorable holiday experience for all Australians no matter what your interest or age.. It’s a place where one can explore ancient history, indulge in delicious cuisine, connect with welcoming locals, and enjoy the natural beauty—all within a safe and affordable setting.
So whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous escape, Vietnam has something to offer every Australian traveller, and rest assured, you’ll see something amazing at every turn.
For more detailed information and more travel advice, you can stay here and click on Vietnam in the top menu, or most airline or booking websites have lots of information to help you explore the possibilities that await you in Vietnam.
Cam on ban, hen gap li!
