Why Vietnam will be a standout destination in Southeast Asia

Rich cuisine, diverse culture, and low costs are factors that are helping Vietnam gradually become a promising tourist destination in the region.

Numerous beautiful beaches, affordable accommodation, and impressive cuisine are the factors that have made Thailand a top choice for tourists visiting Southeast Asia.

However, in recent years, Vietnam has gradually overtaken Thailand as a less crowded destination with more affordable options for tourists. Smarter Travel recently presented nine reasons explaining this shift in Vietnam's popularity.

Cuisine

Vietnamese specialties are famous for their harmonious blend of flavors from many cultures. A prime example is the banh mi sandwich, which uses a French-style baguette but is filled with traditional Vietnamese ingredients (pork, pate, fried egg, beans, and fresh vegetables).

Vietnamese sandwiches are one of the must-try dishes for tourists visiting Vietnam.

Because the population is predominantly Buddhist, vegetarian tourists have more choices here. You can find delicious dishes like vermicelli, sticky rice, steamed buns, pho rolls, and more everywhere.

3-in-1 destination

Vietnam has a coastline stretching over 3,000 km and is divided into three regions: North, Central, and South, each with distinct climatic conditions even at the same time. For example, you might see snow falling in the northern mountainous region, while at the same time in the South, temperatures can reach 30 degrees Celsius.

Each region boasts its own unique beauty, from the mountains and bays in the North to the sprawling fields of the Central region and the characteristic deltas of the South.

Language

Many tourists are accustomed to learning some common phrases when visiting countries where English is not the primary language. However, upon arriving in Vietnam, you will be surprised and feel comfortable because many locals can communicate in English.

In fact, this language is taught in all Vietnamese schools. Furthermore, Vietnamese people are very enthusiastic about speaking English with tourists, especially when greeting them with "hello" and "thank you."

Human

Everywhere you go on your trip to Vietnam, you'll be warmly welcomed by the locals without expecting anything in return. This hospitality is well worth your decision to visit. Unlike other destinations, vendors will always make you feel comfortable when choosing items and won't show any annoyance if you refuse to buy.

The cost of coming here is low.

You can book a round-trip flight from Sydney (Australia) to Ho Chi Minh City for around US$550, an affordable price for a 10-hour flight. Even cheaper options are available departing from Darwin or Perth, also in Australia.

Cheap accommodation and living costs

It's undeniable that many things in Vietnam are inexpensive. According to xe.com, at one point, one AUD (Australian currency) was equivalent to 16,870 VND. Tourists will find that their money has much greater purchasing power in Vietnam.

You can enjoy a cold glass of draft beer for under $1 at a street stall.

A decent meal with drinks for one person costs less than $10, and you can stay in a 5-star hotel for under $70 a night. If you want to save money, it's easy, as the cost of a day in Vietnam is often less than $20.

History

As a history enthusiast, you should know that Vietnam is not shy about its past. Tours to the War Remnants Museum, Hoa Lo Prison, and Cu Chi Tunnels will give visitors the opportunity to see Vietnam's past in the clearest possible light.

You will experience history from a different perspective than what you only know from books, with evidence on display showing how the Vietnamese people went through that difficult period.

Many destinations

Vietnam has 8 sites recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, including Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, etc.

Son Doong - the world's largest cave, has just been discovered and announced.

If you choose to visit between peak and off-peak seasons, you'll find these places are also quite uncrowded. Vietnam has many places that remain undiscovered by humans, a prime example being Son Doong - the world's largest cave, which has only been discovered in recent years.

Culture

Vietnam is a country with a very diverse culture. Traveling from north to south, even in just a few hours, you'll feel like you're crossing "international borders".

In fact, Vietnam possesses the richest culture in Southeast Asia. This is because it is home to more than 50 different ethnic groups, each with its own distinct language.

According to Vnexpress