This list of useful tips and tricks of Vietnam is mostly for first time visitors, but it can help anyone achieve a safe and worry-free travel.

Someone who came to Vietnam, all most fell in love with the hearty people, the vibrant culture, and the amazing diversity of landscapes. Hope anyone who will travel to Vietnam also have the same rewarding travel experience.

However, this is a list of everything you should know before visiting Vietnam for safe and scam free trip to prepare you to one of the most amazing countries on Earth!!

1.Sort out your Visa 

2.Do not underestimate the size of the country

3.Be smart about your itinerary

4.Weather varies a lot.

5.Get ready to haggle

6.Hanoi is quainter than you think

7.People are lovely

8.So many Beautiful Sand Beaches in the South of Vietnam

9.Everyone’s a millionaire

10.Dress appropriately

11.It’s a paradise for foodies

12.Book direct tour from a high ranking company on Tripadvisor

13.Don’t miss Ha Long Bay Cruise, Sapa Valley, Ha Giang Loop, Hanoi Old Quarter and Ninh Binh province in the north of Vietnam

14.Don’t miss Da Nang, Hue , Hoi An, and Ba Na Hill in middle of Vietnam

15.Don’t miss Da Lat flower mountain city, Nha Trang Beach, Quy Nhon, Ho Chi Minh city, and Mekong Delta in the South of Vietnam

16.Don’t miss Phu Quoc Island

17.Wifi is everywhere

18.It’s freaking cheap

19.Avoid tap water!!

20.Go for the street food.

Vietnam Tips And Tricks: 20 Key Things To Know Before Your Trip
Nguyen Thanh Van

If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, spend the day eating. Vietnam’s most dynamic city is filled to the brim with good food. People from all over Vietnam come to Ho Chi Minh City to work, bringing with them recipes from their hometowns that over time make up the metropolis’ exciting culinary scene. Here’s our insider guide to three dishes you don’t want to miss.

Broken rice equals a wholesome breakfast

Ask anyone in Ho Chi Minh City and they will tell you the go-to breakfast here is Cơm Tam (broken rice). Cơm tấm is one of the few dishes that originated in Ho Chi Minh City. In the old days, these special broken rice grains were not fit for sale, so farmers would save and eat them. In fact, the tấm rice grains are so symbolic of humble beauty and grace that in the Vietnamese version of Cinderella, she was named Tấm whereas the evil stepsister was called Cám, after a different kind of rice byproduct.

Cơm tấm has all the right stuff to kickstart your day: honey-glazed barbecued pork chops, sunny-side-up eggs, spring onions, and pickled papaya on a bed of rice. Of course, these days you can have cơm tấm for any meal. Everyone in Ho Chi Minh City has his or her favourite cơm tấm spot, but don’t be afraid to try out the one closest to you. It will likely be just as good. Pour a generous amount of sweet fish sauce on top of everything on your plate, and dig in.

Snails, skewers, and seafood

The area of District 4 is known for its many sidewalk BBQ seafood and snail joints. The small street of Vĩnh Khánh (District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) comes to life just after dark. Around 6pm, it transforms into a bustling neighbourhood, filled with diners gathering for a beer over some snails and seafood skewers, weekdays and weekends alike. For foodies who want to immerse in the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, head to the restaurants along Nhiêu Lộc – Thị Nghè Canal (bờ kè area), a branch of the Saigon River that runs through the city.

While snails may sound foreign to some, they are one of the city’s most famous specialties. Snail restaurants lay out fresh catches of the day in baskets or trays for you to choose from. They can go up to twenty different kinds. From stir-fried with butter and garlic, grilled with sea salt and chilli, to stewed in coconut milk, each way of cooking snails pairs perfectly with each type of snail. Sweet snails, cockles, and razor clams are some local favourites. Overwhelmed by these selections? Simply ask what the other diners are eating and they will be happy to help you.

The many faces of hủ tiếu

Because of its culturally diverse population, countless versions of a single dish are a common theme in the local food scene. Few dishes are as representative of this city as Hu Tieu . It has multiple origins (Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese), and has seen many changes and adaptations, yet it’s embraced by Vietnamese everywhere. You can easily find a hearty bowl of hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodles) with thin strings of rice noodles submerged in boiling hot bone broth, topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fried garlic on small carts all over the city.

An alternative you don’t want to miss is hủ tiếu Sa Đéc, originated from the former Sa Đéc province in the Mekong Delta. This flavourful noodle dish comes with a special sweet sauce, a taste signature to the Delta region. As you bite into the rice noodle strings, you will notice the difference in their chewy texture. A plate of mung bean sprout and lettuce adds a cheerful crunch to every bite.

A bánh mì like no other 

You can find bánh mì anywhere in Vietnam, but each region puts its own twist on the classic sandwich. In Ho Chi Minh City, a typical bánh mì comes with char siu pork, homemade paté, soft butter, pickled papaya, and hot chili peppers. Some cooks make their own special sauce that magically ties everything together.

Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa is a firm favourite among locals. Known for their generous fillings and spectacular flavours, the small shop always has a line of dedicated diners waiting in front, no matter what time of day. Each one sets you back 42,000 VNĐ, and is almost twice as big as your average bánh mì. But size is not the only thing that sets Huỳnh Hoa apart. Every wonderful bite contains equal measures of all the fantastic tastes and textures. In the words of the Huỳnh Hoa’s owner: “This is no ordinary bánh mì!”

Summertime spring rolls

For Vietnamese who grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls) are the food of childhood. Many of us would have these spring rolls on the sidewalks as an after-school snack. You can easily get a taste of this wrap at street food vendors around the city. Pull up a plastic stool, order a plate of gỏi cuốn, and see for yourself what makes this simple dish so special.

Freshness is at the heart of gỏi cuốn. Green lettuce and herbs are wrapped around rice noodles, steamed pork, and a single prawn. The simplicity highlights each ingredient’s pure flavours. However, the difference between a great gỏi cuốn and a mediocre one lies in its dipping sauce. The thick fermented sauce can be an acquired taste, but give it a try and you will see where gỏi cuốn gets its boldness. After hours of exploring the city, some gỏi cuốn and iced tea is perfect for a break. Not to mention, these beautiful rolls will definitely spice up your Instagram feed.

Eating like a local in Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Thanh Van

National Geographic magazine has listed Hanoi’s Tran Quoc Pagoda and HCM City’s Bửu Long Pagoda among the world’s most beautiful Buddhist monuments.

Located on a small peninsula on the east side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, nearly 1,500 years old, was ninth on the list of the world’s 20 “most beautiful Buddhist temples” compiled by US magazine National Geographic.

Adding to the architectural beauty and historical significance of the pagoda is a Bodhi tree said to be the “offspring” of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in India.
The pagoda also has several worship statues in the front yard. Hundreds of years old, these statues were engraved and polished meticulously by skillful craftsmen.

Bửu Long Pagoda in District 9 on the outskirts of HCM City is ranked 11th on the list.

The magazine praised the “carved dragons that curve down the temple stairs and a turquoise pool reflecting the temple’s white walls and golden spires”.

One interesting feature of Bửu Long Pagoda is that followers are not allowed to burn incense or candles because it practices Theraveda Buddhism. Only the Buddha is worshipped in the pagoda, unlike most other Vietnamese temples where many deities, including those from other countries, are worshipped. —VNS

Two pagodas among world’s most beautiful Buddhist monuments: Natgeo
Nguyen Thanh Van

Vietnam’s central coastal city of Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City were both named among the top 25 trending destinations in the world for 2020 by the world’s largest travel platform TripAdvisor.

HOW EXPLORING VIETNAM CULTURE?

Ngu Hanh Son (The Marble Mountains), a must-see place to visit in Da Nang city

Ranked seventh in the list, Da Nang City is described as laid-back and friendly. According to the website, culinary tours are a hugely popular way to experience the literal flavour of Da Nang.

It also recommends for tourists to stuff themselves with bold noodle soups and savoury street foods and explore the limestone caves and Buddhist grottos of the Marble Mountains.

3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS FREE & EASY PACKAGE TO HUE / DANANG/ HOI AN

Meanwhile, in the 12th place, Ho Chi Minh City is praised for its charming French colonial architecture and wide boulevards.

Places of interests that visitors shouldn’t miss in the city as suggested by TripAdvisor include the War Remnants Museum, Jade Emperor Pagoda, and frenetic Ben Thanh Market.

The ‘trending destinations’ vote is a new category within the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards for Destinations conducted by TripAdvisor. It recognises destinations that saw the biggest increase in positive reviews, booking interest and searches over the last year.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY

The port city of Kochi (or Cochin) in India came top of the list, followed by Luzon Island in the Philippines, and Porto in Portugal.

vietnamnet

Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City named in top 25 trending destinations for 2020
Nguyen Thanh Van

We believe you don’t need a special excuse to take a vacation with your partner. But if you’re looking for one, Vietnam has you covered. Vietnam is a surprisingly enchanting destination for couples, blessed with rich culture, mouth watering food, and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re reconnecting after a busy season, celebrating a romantic milestone, or going on a spur-of-the-moment adventure, Vietnam will give you moments to treasure for a long time to come. Here are our best trip ideas for couples in Vietnam.

Best for pure romance: Ha Long Bay Cruise 

Much has been said about this striking seascape in Northern Vietnam, and for good reason. The bays of Ha Long, and Lan Ha never get tired. The marina is just a short two-hour drive from the airport in Hanoi. Whisk your partner away on a luxury cruise, and spend the hours watching the karsts drift by, kayaking around floating villages, and taking in spectacular scenery from the deck.

2D1N Genesis Regal Cruise Ha Long + Lan Ha Bay

Best for local culture: Exploring Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is what most people think of when they think of Vietnam. This part of the country is awash in exotic visuals: bustling floating markets, children riding bicycles, tiny sampans floating down leafy canals, sun-drenched rice paddies, and ornate pagodas. The areas surrounding Chau Doc, and Can Tho are especially compelling. Here, life goes on peacefully in the shade of fruit trees, and the food is always fresh and nourishing. Wake up early and take a boat to the nearest floating market for an unforgettable bowl of Hu Tieu.

Can Tho – Chau Doc – Mekong Delta 4 Days 3 Nights

Best for cosy weather: Romance Traveling  in Da Lat

04D / 03N ~ Da Lat Flower City (New Program)

Vietnam’s best getaways for couple
Nguyen Thanh Van

If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, spend the day eating. Vietnam’s most dynamic city is filled to the brim with good food. People from all over Vietnam come to Ho Chi Minh City to work, bringing with them recipes from their hometowns that over time make up the metropolis’ exciting culinary scene. Here’s our insider guide to three dishes you don’t want to miss.

1.Snails, skewers, and seafood

The area of District 4 is known for its many sidewalk BBQ seafood and snail joints. The small street of Vĩnh Khánh (District 4, Ho Chi Minh City) comes to life just after dark. Around 6pm, it transforms into a bustling neighbourhood, filled with diners gathering for a beer over some snails and seafood skewers, weekdays and weekends alike. For foodies who want to immerse in the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City, head to the restaurants along Nhiêu Lộc – Thị Nghè Canal (bờ kè area), a branch of the Saigon River that runs through the city.

While snails may sound foreign to some, they are one of the city’s most famous specialties. Snail restaurants lay out fresh catches of the day in baskets or trays for you to choose from. They can go up to twenty different kinds. From stir-fried with butter and garlic, grilled with sea salt and chilli, to stewed in coconut milk, each way of cooking snails pairs perfectly with each type of snail. Sweet snails, cockles, and razor clams are some local favourites. Overwhelmed by these selections? Simply ask what the other diners are eating and they will be happy to help you.

2. Broken rice equals a wholesome breakfast

Ask anyone in Ho Chi Minh City and they will tell you the go-to breakfast here is cơm tấm (broken rice). Cơm tấm is one of the few dishes that originated in Ho Chi Minh City. In the old days, these special broken rice grains were not fit for sale, so farmers would save and eat them. In fact, the tấm rice grains are so symbolic of humble beauty and grace that in the Vietnamese version of Cinderella, she was named Tấm whereas the evil stepsister was called Cám, after a different kind of rice byproduct.

Cơm tấm has all the right stuff to kickstart your day: honey-glazed barbecued pork chops, sunny-side-up eggs, spring onions, and pickled papaya on a bed of rice. Of course, these days you can have cơm tấm for any meal. Everyone in Ho Chi Minh City has his or her favourite cơm tấm spot, but don’t be afraid to try out the one closest to you. It will likely be just as good. Pour a generous amount of sweet fish sauce on top of everything on your plate, and dig in.

3. The many faces of Hu Tieu

Because of its culturally diverse population, countless versions of a single dish are a common theme in the local food scene. Few dishes are as representative of this city as Hu Tieu. It has multiple origins (Chinese, Cambodian, and Vietnamese), and has seen many changes and adaptations, yet it’s embraced by Vietnamese everywhere. You can easily find a hearty bowl of hủ tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh rice noodles) with thin strings of rice noodles submerged in boiling hot bone broth, topped with shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and fried garlic on small carts all over the city.

An alternative you don’t want to miss is Hu Tieu Sa Đéc, originated from the former Sa Đéc province in the Mekong Delta. This flavourful noodle dish comes with a special sweet sauce, a taste signature to the Delta region. As you bite into the rice noodle strings, you will notice the difference in their chewy texture. A plate of mung bean sprout and lettuce adds a cheerful crunch to every bite.

4. A bánh mì like no other

You can find bánh mì anywhere in Vietnam, but each region puts its own twist on the classic sandwich. In Ho Chi Minh City, a typical bánh mì comes with char siu pork, homemade paté, soft butter, pickled papaya, and hot chili peppers. Some cooks make their own special sauce that magically ties everything together.

EATING LIKE A LOCAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Bánh mì Huỳnh Hoa is a firm favourite among locals. Known for their generous fillings and spectacular flavours, the small shop always has a line of dedicated diners waiting in front, no matter what time of day. Each one sets you back 42,000 VNĐ, and is almost twice as big as your average bánh mì. But size is not the only thing that sets Huỳnh Hoa apart. Every wonderful bite contains equal measures of all the fantastic tastes and textures. In the words of the Huỳnh Hoa’s owner: “This is no ordinary bánh mì!”

5. Summertime spring rolls

For Vietnamese who grew up in Ho Chi Minh City, gỏi cuon (fresh spring rolls) are the food of childhood. Many of us would have these spring rolls on the sidewalks as an after-school snack. You can easily get a taste of this wrap at street food vendors around the city. Pull up a plastic stool, order a plate of gỏi cuon, and see for yourself what makes this simple dish so special.

Freshness is at the heart of gỏi cuon. Green lettuce and herbs are wrapped around rice noodles, steamed pork, and a single prawn. The simplicity highlights each ingredient’s pure flavours. However, the difference between a great gỏi cuon and a mediocre one lies in its dipping sauce. The thick fermented sauce can be an acquired taste, but give it a try and you will see where gỏi cuon gets its boldness. After hours of exploring the city, some gỏi cuon and iced tea is perfect for a break. Not to mention, these beautiful rolls will definitely spice up your Instagram feed.

Source: Vietnam.travel

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How to enjoy local food in Hochiminh City?
Nguyen Thanh Van