Is Vietnam Worth Visiting? 30 Pictures To Show Why You Must

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Honestly, I had only a slight interest in visiting Vietnam before. That changed when my friend told me it’s cheap to travel in Vietnam. Guess what? I was mind-blown when I booked a 3-dollar hostel—in the heart of Hanoi city center for only a few dollars!

Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely! The inexpensive travel in Vietnam is a game changer. However, it’s not the most enticing part of visiting Vietnam. Instead, it is Vietnam’s vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and people.

While on my flight home from Vietnam, I couldn’t stop telling myself I would return to Vietnam. It is indeed an incredible place! And in this post, you’ll see everything I think you’ll love about Vietnam—why you should visit Vietnam.

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Is Vietnam Worth Visiting? 30 Pictures To Show Why You Must

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Is Vietnam Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Vietnam is worth visiting! Vietnam is a country with a fascinating culture, beautiful national identity, and unique natural wonders. Seeing Vietnam’s UNESCO heritage sites like Halong Bay or Trang An can already make your trip an awe-filling one!

On an ordinary map, Vietnam may look small. But it’s vast and long in actuality! There are many more stunning historical sites to see, breathtaking places to behold, and fascinating cultures to discover. If you are also passionate about historical sites and scenic places like me, Vietnam can give you experiences you’ll love! 

I specifically mentioned 10 fascinating attractions/things in Vietnam in this article. I will introduce each of them to you. They have 3 photos describing the beautiful experiences they entail.

Here is the list of what is included in this article
  1. Halong Bay — is a UNESCO site in Vietnam, famous for its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars.
  2. Ninh Binh — another stunning UNESCO site called the Halong Bay on Land.
  3. Hoi An — is also a UNESCO site in Vietnam, a well-preserved town dating back to the 15th century.
  4. Rice Terraces — a marvelous work of the indigenous communities in northern Vietnam. A spectacle to behold.
  5. Non la — a conical hat made from palm leaf. It is a traditional symbol of the Vietnamese people.
  6. Vietnamese Temples — Vietnam has one of South East Asia’s most significant, colorful, and impressive Buddhist temples. 
  7. Vietnamese Caves — In Vietnam, you can find the most spectacular (also the largest) caves in South East Asia. 
  8. Vietnamese Mountains — Vietnam is the roof of Indochina. Fansipan, Vietnam’s tallest mountain, has giant statues of Buddha at its peak.
  9. The people of Vietnam — they have a fascinating identity and admirable pride in their country. 
  10. Hanoi — Vietnam’s capital full of charm, culture, and life. It instantly changed my perspective of Vietnam the day I arrived.

To learn more about Vietnam, you can check my other articles below.

  1. Landscapes of Vietnam. In this article, you’ll discover where you can go to admire spectacular sceneries in Vietnam.
  2. Sa Pa. It is the town nearest to Fansipan (the highest peak in Indochina). In this article, I’ll show you the relaxing things to do in Sa Pa.
  3. Ninh Binh. In this article, you’ll find the 5 best things to do in Ninh Binh: Beautiful nature and stunning temples await!
  4. Hanoi. Here I share the best things to do in Vietnam’s capital old quarter. Also, my unforgettable experiences, which you must also have!

10 Reasons To Visit Vietnam (30 Pictures)

Undoubtedly, countless exciting attractions and stunning scenery await every visitor in Vietnam. Every one of these places and things can be a reason to visit Vietnam for different travelers.

So, how did I select them to be the 10 reasons to visit Vietnam?

Some of them—I chose based on my experience. The others, most importantly, are selected based on the value you can get from them. What I mean by value is the attraction’s characteristics to give you awe and unique, unforgettable experiences.

I linked the map coordinates (Google Maps) of the places/attractions mentioned in the following discussions. Those should give you an idea of where to go (based on location/your itinerary) if you decide to visit Vietnam.

So, let’s begin with Vietnam’s most famous attraction: Halong Bay.

1. Halong Bay

Home to thousands of islands and lengthy coastlines, Southeast Asia is definitely the place to see some of the most beautiful sea scenery in the world. But, do you know which one of these places stands out the most?

It’s Halong Bay in Northern Vietnam.

And indeed, it is the first and foremost reason why you should visit Vietnam.

Here are the views that await you in Halong Bay:

Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay
Floating Fishing Villages, Halong Bay, Vietnam
Floating Fishing Villages
Caves in Halong Bay, Vietnam
Caves in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is famous for its stunning karst outcroppings jutting above the surface of the sea and forming an archipelago of spectacular limestone islands. 

They come in different shapes and sizes—a testament to the ever-amazing creativity of nature. If you want, you can take a fancy cruise on an authentic traditional Vietnamese wooden boat to observe them up close. Renting a kayak is also an option. 

Sail in the middle of a valley of islands, pass through natural rock arches, and let the bay’s most fascinating rock formations stimulate your imagination. 

There are rock islets shaped like fighting cocks (Trong Mai Rock), a frog (Con Con Rock), Human Head (Dau Nguoi), and more! 

Did you know?

Halong Bay has more than 1900 beautiful islands, which are not only beautiful to observe while in the sea. Some islands in Halong Bay have caves, and you can go inside them!

Eye-catching stalagmites and stalactites lie inside the caves in the islands of Halong Bay. Believe it or not, one of these caves was even used as a hospital (Hospital Cave) during the war between Vietnam and America. 

Come inside the Hospital Cave to see the 17 rooms used by the Vietnamese army. 

What’s cooler than that is the floating villages thriving in Halong Bay! You’ll see floating shops, floating houses, and fishermen in their daily lives. A visit is an extraordinary encounter with the locals in Vietnam.

Learn more about the amazing experiences offered in Halong Bay below:

2. Ninh Binh

Halong Bay is undoubtedly one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam. With the ultimately picturesque limestone islands jutting from the sea, many would not doubt to come. Thus, it is filled with tourists most of the time. 

If you are like me, who prefers less touristy destinations yet wants to see such spectacular scenery, worry not. Because Vietnam has an alternative for Halong Bay, and it is our reason to visit Vietnam.

That alternative to Halong Bay is called Ninh-Binh, which also has a UNESCO heritage site.

You are absolutely right if you think that Ninh-Binh is the inland version of Halong Bay! This is why Ninh-Binh is called the Halong Bay on Land. Their location, for me, is the only considerable difference in their overall scenery.

Here are the scenes you can see in Ninh-Binh:

Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
Trang An, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Trang An, Ninh Binh
Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh

Ninh-Binh, like Halong Bay, has stunning karst, but they rise from the fields. They make valleys where rivers flow. You can have a boat ride paddled by strong locals who will then guide you to the underground rivers, temples, cave cellars, and more!

In Ninh-Binh, you can easily climb two of its limestone mountains. On top, awe-inspiring views await! The karsts and the layers of rugged limestone mountains will compel you to take many photos.

Like in Halong Bay, you can also discover fascinating cultural sites in Ninh-Binh. Ninh-Binh, Vietnam’s first capital city, has some to offer. The most notable of Ninh-Binh’s cultural attractions is Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest Buddhist temple in the entire Southeast Asia! And believe it or not, this temple has more than 500 Arhat statues—the most in Southeast Asia. 

Arhat, in a nutshell, are Buddhists who have achieved spiritual enlightenment.

There are also pagodas, nature reserves, and more temples in Ninh-Binh. This is why it is a fascinating destination, making Vietnam a worth-visiting country.

See all the fun activities and enjoyable things to do in Ninh-Binh from here:

3. Hoi An

Fairytale towns are not only found in Europe. They also exist in other parts of the world. In Vietnam, you can find one, and it is called Hoi An

Apparently, Hoi An is another reason why you should visit Vietnam. Just look at the photos below. Who would not be enticed to go to Hoi An with these?

Colorful lanterns in Hoi An, Vietnam
Colorful lanterns in Hoi An
Picturesque canals and boats in Hoi An, Vietnam
Picturesque canals and boats in Hoi An
Beautiful lanterns on the streets of Hoi An, Vietnam
Beautiful lanterns in Hoi An’s streets

In a nutshell, Hoi An is an ancient town in central Vietnam that dates back to as early as the 15th century. Like Halong Bay and Ninh-Binh (Trang An), Hoi An has also acquired a UNESCO heritage site status for being a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port. 

In my opinion, you can already enjoy Hoi An by simply wandering on its picturesque streets and canals

Hoi An’s streets are filled with charming buildings designed in different architectures. There are houses, shops, and bridges manifesting designs of Japanese, Chinese, and French origin. Of course, there are also structures having the Vietnamese style.

I love the scene where the Vietnamese people walk beside Hoi An’s old-fashioned buildings in their traditional clothes (and wearing their hats). Together, they make a picture depicting a strong identity—which for travelers, is a scene that gives a feeling that they’ve really traveled.

During the day, Hoi An can transport you back centuries in the past. But as the sun slips down the horizon, Hoi An becomes more pretty.

Hoi An is a magical place at night!

The lanterns in Hoi An’s streets, shops, and houses have light bulbs and are turned on at night. You can see lanterns of different shapes and different colors. I think couples can find Hoi An a very romantic place.

If you are traveling to central Vietnam, it is not only Hoi An you can visit. There are also the refreshing sights of the Vietnamese countryside. Drop by Cam Thanh Coconut village to ride a half-spherical boat that sails between the submerged coconut trees

I must not forget to mention that Hoi An is only a few minutes away from the beach. After the lovely stroll in Hoi An, you can quickly get to the beach and finally have that relaxing swimming and tanning!

Want to visit Vietnam and Hoi An? You can check the link below to see all the fun activities and fascinating attractions in/near the town.

4. Rice Terraces

If you are from the West, the rice terraces are the marvels you can’t miss seeing in your travels to Asia (particularly in Southeast Asia). Vietnam also has rice terraces, and they are a reason why Vietnam is a place worth visiting!

I can assure you that even a slight glimpse of these rice terraces can already fill you with awe—one hundred percent impressive! They’re like the stairway to heaven, covered with a green or golden carpet of rice crops.

Whenever I see rice terraces, I always feel captivated. 

Inside my head, I’m deeply applauding the ingenuity and hard work of the locals who created the rice terraces. Imagine the number of trees uprooted, the boulders removed, and the amount of soil that was reshaped—it’s incredible work!

Here are some of the spectacular views of the rice terraces in Vietnam:

Rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi, Vietnam
Rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi
Rice Terraces in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Rice Terraces in Mu Cang Chai
Rice terraces in Sapa, Vietnam
Rice terraces in Sapa

Are you wondering where you can find rice terraces in Vietnam? You can find them in the northern mountainous part of the country, approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Hanoi. 

As a top producer of rice, visitors can see vast rice fields everywhere in Vietnam. It also applies to the number of rice terraces in the country. There are many rice terraces in Vietnam

For me, the most beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam are in SaPa, Hoang Su Phi, and Mu Cang Chai.

I have seen SaPa rice terraces in person already, and I can attest to the beauty they manifest. In the case of Hoang Su Phi and Mu Cang Chai—I’ve only seen them in photographs. However, with the pictures I saw, it’s easy to tell that they are also worth a trip.

Of the three I mentioned, SaPa is the most accessible from Hanoi. It’s also what I recommend visiting for several reasons:

  1. Sapa has a milder climate because of its elevation. It’s pleasant to explore the town and visit the surrounding attractions.
  2. Sapa has several other attractions aside from the rice terraces.
  3. Sapa is the town closest to the roof of Indochina, Mount Fansipan—the highest mountain in Vietnam.

There’s a cable car linking Sapa and Mount Fansipan. Go there and ride the cable car to get a bird’s eye view of the Sapa rice terraces.

Find the best attractions and fun activities in SaPa from the links below. 

Did you know that the Philippines also has stunning rice terraces? I’m not biased, but I think you should really see the rice terraces in the Philippines (particularly Maligcong Rice Terraces) because they’re more spectacular.  Learn more about Maligcong Rice Terraces in the Philippines from this link.

You might also want to discover my two favorite destinations in the Philippines, my home country:

  1. Sagada — a mystic town in the northern Philippines that also has Rice Terraces. Sagada Philippines: Why Visit, Things To Do, Travel Guide
  2. Cebu — the adventure capital of the Philippines! Visiting South Cebu: 3 Day-Itinerary + 7 Best Things To Do

5. Non la

Another reason to be in Vietnam is to see many people still wearing traditional costumes.

I know this may sound a little bit “shallow” to be a reason to visit Vietnam. But, in this age of Globalization, isn’t it amazing to see people still proudly manifesting their identity and heritage?

During my visit to Vietnam, I saw many Vietnamese still using non la (traditional Vietnamese hats). And some people are even still selling them in large quantities! 

So, what is non la? Non la is the famous Vietnamese palm-leaf conical hat, a traditional symbol of Vietnamese people of all ages, genders, and racial distinctions.

Here’s what non la looks like:

Flower farmers wearing non la in Vietnam
Tour guide wearing non la in Vietnam
Locals wearing non la while making fishing nets in Vietnam

What’s unbelievable? I was in Hanoi when I saw many people wearing non la. I may be wrong, but it’s very seldom that people still wear their national costumes in other capital cities in Southeast Asia or elsewhere.

This is why I respect and admire Vietnamese people very much

A visit to Vietnam is a unique travel experience where you can encounter a thriving culture or national identity everywhere. 

I realized non la was a pretty versatile hat during my visit to Vietnam. While I was sitting in a coffee shop watching locals do their daily lives, I saw them also use non la as a basket. Turns out that non la is not only for sun proofing. 

You’d see many Vietnamese wearing non la, not only in Hanoi. More await in the countryside like Ninh-Binh. They wear non la while they are on their bikes to work, planting crops, selling their merchandise, and so on.

You don’t have to travel far if you’re already in Hanoi and want to see how Vietnamese people make conical hats. Chuong Village, the most famous village in making non la, is just 30 kilometers away from Hanoi. 

Chuong Village’s residents have been making non la for centuries. You can find the best quality conical hats in it. 

6. Temples in Vietnam

If you’re into culture and architecture, the temples in Vietnam can be the interesting “find” you’re looking for. In Hanoi alone, you can find several temples where you can feed your wanderlust or discover something new.

On an island in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem lake—Ngoc Son temple awaits. 

It’s only a small temple, but it has symbolism and unique architecture you might want to see. Come inside the temple to see the 500-year-old taxidermied turtle, which I think is the most fascinating thing you can discover in the temple.

Ngoc Son temple is heavily influenced by Chinese culture that even before you enter, you’d already feel you’re being transported to China. The pointy roof of the temple, the dragon and tiger relief sculptures, and Chinese characters are only a few of the temple’s features that give the vibe. 

However, the best temples in Vietnam aren’t found in Hanoi, in my opinion. At the same time, not all of them are heavily influenced by Chinese Culture. 

Have a look at these photos of Vietnamese temples:

Linh Phuoc Pagoda in Da Lat, Vietnam
Linh Phuoc Pagoda
Cao Dai Temple in Long Hoa, Vietnam
Cao Dai Temple
Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh BInh, Vietnam
Bai Dinh Pagoda

Aren’t they marvelous?! The overwhelming details and colors of these Vietnamese temples are beyond belief. 

Cao Dai Temple and Linh Phuoc Pagoda are like Vietnam’s version of the spectacular religious sites in Europe, like the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris or the Sistine Chapel in Rome

Of course, not every temple in Vietnam is as impressive as the ones shown above. But the thing is, such beauty exists in Vietnam. And they are definitely a reason why you should visit Vietnam!

A while ago, I mentioned Bai Dinh Pagoda, a temple in Ninh-Binh.

Did you know that it is not remarkable only for the number of Arhat statues? Here you can find a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha that is 10 meters (32.8 feet) tall!

If you are interested in temples, you should check out any of the tours to different Vietnamese temples I listed below:

7. Caves in Vietnam

Millions of people come to Southeast Asia for paradise-grade beaches. But many are still unaware that this part of the world has more natural wonders to offer than what they already know.

One of these wonders can’t be found on the surface of the earth. They are located underground.

Yes, I am talking about caves. Vietnam has magnificent caves—the ones that will take your breath away. They are another reason why you should visit Vietnam! Have a look:

Hang Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh, Vietnam
Hang Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh
Trang An Cave, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Trang An Cave, Ninh Binh
Paradise Cavern in Quang Binh, Vietnam
Paradise Cavern in Quang Binh

These caves (in order) are called Hang Son Doong cave, Trang An cave, and Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cavern). They are stunning, aren’t they? 

If I return to Vietnam, these caves are my top reasons.

For nature lovers, Hang Son Doong cave and Thien Duong Cave are bucket list destinations. They are not only a notable attraction because they look breathtaking. Hang Son Doong cave and Thien Duong Cave are world record holders.

Believe it or not, Thien Duong Cave is Asia’s longest dry cave. Hang Son Doong cave, however, is the world’s largest cave! Adventurers and wild explorers must be thrilled to visit these caves.

In summary, Thien Duong Cave is 31 km long, while Son Doong currently measures 38.5 million cubic meters (about 1.35 billion cubic feet). According to CNN Travel, “the main cavern of Hang Son Doong is large enough to house an entire New York City block.”

Where are these beautiful caves in Vietnam?

Hang Son Doong cave and Thien Duong Cave are located in Central Vietnam. They’re very close to each other (neighboring caves) in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park in Quang Binh Province

However, having a day trip to these caves is impossible if you’re from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. These two caves are hundreds of kilometers away from Vietnam’s primary cities. An overnight train journey or a flight to Dong Hoi City is necessary.

Hang Son Doong cave and Thien Duong Cave aren’t the only notable attractions in Central Vietnam. Actually, Central Vietnam is also packed with attractions and things to do. 

In central Vietnam (aside from Hoi An, Hang Son Doong cave, and Thien Duong Cave), you can find the French Village, the Golden bridge, the ancient My Son Sanctuary, and more! 

This is why having a trip to Central Vietnam (with or without visiting Hang Son Doong cave and Thien Duong Cave) can be worthwhile too. Discover all the beautiful attractions in central Vietnam from the link below.

9. Mountains in Vietnam

I admit I love mountains.

I feel at home whenever I’m traveling in the mountains. It’s partly why I included the mountains of Vietnam in this list of reasons to visit Vietnam. 

Why do I love the mountains?

Well, because, in the mountains, you are surrounded by scenic beauty; your lungs are filled with fresh air. 

Also, Mountains are a great place to relax, refresh, and contemplate becoming a better person. Traveling to the mountains has many benefits, and you should try it at least once. I’m living proof that mountains are beneficial.

Like almost all Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam also has its mountainous region. If you’re already in Hanoi, you can quickly reach one of Vietnam’s mountainous regions, the Tonkinese Alps.

Here is the view of the Tonkinese Alps:

Hoang Lien Son Range, Vietnam
Fansipan cable car in Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Temple in Fansipan in SaPa, Vietnam
Fansipan

One of the main destinations in the Tonkinese Alps is a town called SaPa, which is only a 6-hour night bus trip from the country’s capital. 

From SaPa, you can start your journey to the mountains, having Mount Fansipan as the ultimate destination. You can either hike or use cable cars to reach its top.

Mount Fansipan is the tallest mountain in the whole of Indochina. And standing on top of Mount Fansipan means you’re above everyone in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

At 3147 meters, you’ll be staring at the most spectacular overlooking views of Southeast Asia’s largest landmass.

How cool is that?! You’ll say, “I’m on top of the world!”

The scenic views from Mount Fansipan are only one of the three reasons why I included the Tonkinese Alps on this list of reasons to visit Vietnam. The other two are (1) The temples on top of Mount Fansipan and (2) the cable car to Mount Fansipan.

Believe it or not, there are temples, pagodas, and giant statues of Buddhas on top of Mount Fansipan.

The statues are gigantic and are also a real head-scratcher. It’s hard to imagine how the Vietnamese people erected those statues on top of their tallest mountain. 

Nevertheless, if the weather is sunny, the visit to Mount Fansipan’s summit can be like a stroll in a place I can picture as the “Asian version of heaven.”

A ride on the cable car from SaPa to Fansipan will be like a journey through the clouds.

It is going to be a breathtaking experience. One moment, it’s SaPa rice terraces below you. Then, after a few minutes, the clouds are already beneath you!

What’s remarkable about the SaPa-Fansipan cable car is it’s a world record holder for being the longest non-stop three-rope cable car in the world. It’s 6.3 kilometers long (3.9 miles)!

By the way, if you are interested in hiking and are already in Southeast Asia, the mountains in the Philippines are something you must not miss! Their beauty varies for every island/part of the Philippines.

See how they look from my post about the Philippine mountains.

Here are the quick links to the Philippines’ two most beautiful mountains: Mount Mayon and Mount Pulag. (Click them to open in a new tab and read later)

9. Vietnamese People

Although Vietnamese people appear the same as their neighbors in Southeast Asia, I think they can be easily distinguished by how they act and interact. I’m not sure how other people may see it, but in my case, as another Southeast Asian, I can see that they behave differently from us.

For example, in Hanoi, I can quickly tell if a person is Vietnamese if they wear long sleeves. Of course, with non la, Vietnamese can be even more identifiable. 

Here are some incredible photos of the Vietnamese people which can further explain how unique Vietnamese people are:

Vietnamese women and tourists rowing the boat in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Vietnamese woman carrying non la on her bike in Hanoi, Vietnam
Motorbikes in Hanoi, Vietnam

The thing is, of all the experiences you can have in Vietnam, your encounter with the Vietnamese people can be the most memorable or inspiring. For me, these people are another reason why you should visit Vietnam. Why? Let me explain.

One of the beautiful experiences you can have with the Vietnamese people is their kindness

Here’s my experience. One afternoon while I was in Hanoi, I was aimlessly wandering the streets, observing the surroundings on a leisurely stroll.

It was a pleasant sunny afternoon, but suddenly, the sky turned dark, and it rained. Unfortunately, I had no umbrella in my bag as the weather forecast said there would be only a small chance of rain. 

As the rain started to fall harder, I found myself trapped under a tarp of a shop extending to the sidewalk. It was raining cats and dogs, so I started moving closer to the shop entrance to avoid getting soaked.

I wanted to enter the shop to have shelter from the rain. But I was also hesitant to go inside the shop because the floor was so clean and white; my sandals were already wet and dirty. At the same time, I had no intention of buying something from the store.

In my mind, it is rude to shop owners to enter their shop considering all that I just mentioned. So, I stayed outside the shop.

I was surprised when the shop owner said “hey” to me and offered me a seat on one of their monoblock chairs.

I felt delighted. That simple act of kindness just made my day.

Another good quality of Vietnamese people I saw during my visit was their hard work.

I witnessed their hard work during our boat trip on Trang An. We were four tourists on the boat then, and for almost our entire journey, a woman rowed the boat for us. She led us into the caves, through the underground river, and around the limestone mountains. 

I knew the job was tiring, but she was tireless! Perhaps, it was for her family. 

I was impressed by her strength and stamina. For like 2 hours, she never stopped rowing the boat. 

The third thing that can be so fascinating about the Vietnamese is their pride in their national identity. The Vietnamese people embrace their culture and act like themselves. The numerous Vietnamese still wearing non la give proof.

Again, it’s incredible to see people like the Vietnamese in this age of globalization. 

Because of these proud Vietnamese, I was reminded of the beauty of having an identity and preserving individuality. Also, traveling the world is probably boring if everyone looks and acts the same. 

A simple yet also unique characteristic of the Vietnamese people is their fondness for using motorbikes to travel around their towns and cities. Do you know? 85 percent of the vehicles in Vietnam are motorbikes, making them the primary means of transportation in Vietnam.

How the Vietnamese people travel with their motorbikes can be one simple yet mesmerizing scene you can see in Vietnam.

Hanoi is one of the best places to see the Vietnamese use the streets with motorbikes. Go to the restaurants and coffee shops overlooking the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi Old Quarter, and you’ll be mesmerized by the traffic in the square.

When I was on the balcony of the Coffee Club, I saw hundreds of Vietnamese on their motorbikes coming from all sides, shuffling in an open intersection, and not colliding with each other!

10. Hanoi

Hanoi was my first destination during my trip to Vietnam, where I had a stunning first impression of the country. I was so amused with Hanoi and its people that I think I immediately fell in love with Vietnam the night I wandered in the city.

For me, Hanoi is a reason to visit Vietnam for several reasons. Here are some of its photos depicting its charm:

Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Vietnam
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square in Hanoi, Vietnam
Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
Night in Hanoi, Vietnam
Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge

I bet you’ll also love Hanoi like me because it is a walkable city, at least in its Old Quarter. Hanoi is packed with cultural sites; you can visit them one by one in one day without spending money on transportation.

Hanoi has green and blue spaces where you can hang out to rest if you need to do so.

My favorite spot is Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of the Old Quarter. The lake is so picturesque, with the temples built inside its perimeter. Hoan Kiem Lake is surrounded by shops and cafes, making the lake a nice place to rejuvenate. 

If it’s the local cuisine and street food you want to try, don’t worry. Hanoi has many to offer you.

Go north of the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square, and you’ll see Ta Hien Cornera foodie paradise in Hanoi. The streets in this part of Hanoi are flanked by numerous local restaurants, street food vendors, and beer houses. 

It may seem that Hanoi is just like any other beautiful city somewhere else when you visit. I honestly believe that is true when it is mornings and afternoons during weekdays. 

However, Hanoi tells a different story during weekend evenings.

From 7:00 pm until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the streets surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake become restricted to vehicles. Locals and tourists swarm the streets, different performers come and make everyone entertained, and all are having a good time!

The whole place surrounding the lake turns into a big Vietnamese cultural party!

Go to Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square to watch kids and parents play; members of the Hanoi club dance the waltz. You will also see bands playing Vietnamese traditional and modern music, teens singing together, artists exhibiting their art, and more.

Pass by Ma May Street and O Quan Chuong Street to see the fascinating cultural performances.

Everywhere I went, I saw something amusing happening and heard joyous music playing. People were either smiling or laughing.

The feeling was ecstatic!

Honestly, it is one of the happiest moments in my life.

If you visit Hanoi and join this event, don’t forget to drop by Hang Dao Street before the night ends. There’s a night market where you can buy cheap and beautiful souvenirs. 

The overall experience you can have in Hanoi, especially on weekends, will be absolutely memorable! 

If you wish to visit Hanoi, I suggest you check my article about this beautiful city here. Or you may check the link below on how you can enjoy Hanoi:

So, that’s all! Those are my 10 reasons why you should visit Vietnam. I hope that you enjoyed reading and you learned so much about Vietnam. 

If you aren’t still convinced to visit Vietnam, perhaps it is because this article does not cover the beautiful attractions and best experiences in southern Vietnam. You may check the attractions and things to do in Southern Vietnam from the link below (you may start with Ho Chi Minh City):

So, do you want to visit Vietnam now?

Click here to find all the best hotel deals in Vietnam! Believe me, you’ll be surprised by the prices of hotels in Vietnam. They are incredibly affordable. Frankly, it’s also one of the reasons why I love Vietnam so much.

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Is Vietnam Worth Visiting 30 Pictures To Show Why You Must
Is Vietnam Worth Visiting 30 Pictures To Show Why You Must

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