Vietnam is a beautiful country that offers a diverse range of experiences, from bustling cities to serene countryside landscapes. As the world slowly recovers from the pandemic, Vietnam has taken measures to ensure that tourists can safely travel to and explore its many treasures. In this blog post, we'll cover some of the must-visit destinations in Vietnam and provide information on post-pandemic travel.

Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant city that is home to over 8 million people. It is a bustling hub of activity, with street vendors selling delicious food, motorbikes weaving through the streets, and towering skyscrapers dotting the skyline. While here, be sure to visit the War Remnants Museum, which provides a sobering look at the country's history during the Vietnam War. You can also explore the city's many markets, such as the Ben Thanh Market, which is filled with souvenirs and street food.

When travelling we all want to take home some gifts & souvenirs back home for our loved ones and when you are in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market has a vast variety to offer and affordable prices. You will definitely need to use your bargaining skills but this place is the best to shop even better than Hanoi. Sometimes people feel that Ho Chi Minh being the largest city in Vietnam, shopping may be a little expensive but that’s not true at all.

Ho Chi Minh city is usually warm through the year and much warmer in winters as compared to Hanoi. So if you are planning to travel to Vietnam during winter months like December, you will need to pack for warm clothes if you plan to stay in Hanoi and summer clothes on the contrary if you plan to stay in Ho Chi Minh city in the same trip.

Experience the Old City of Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the is known for its rich culture, heritage and French colonial architecture. If you plan to visit the Ha Long Bay, you will have to take a halt at Hanoi and it will be totally worth it. When we visited recently the famous train street was closed but you can still go and have a look. While Hanoi may not have too much to offer in terms of night life but a visit to Hoàn Kiếm is a must if you like to party. We don’t recommend going to big clubs as they will try to sell a package to you which is super expensive but we found TOM’s Bar as one of the best party places in Hanoi and gets better post-midnight.

Shopping in Hanoi is a little expensive as compared to Ho Chi Minh City but if you are looking for hand made products / genuine handicrafts then Hanoi is just the place to shop. You can also find very good quality first copy apparel of top brands in Vietnam although people there don’t consider and agree that those are replicas.

Discover the Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its stunning natural beauty. The bay is home to thousands of limestone islands, towering cliffs, and emerald waters. Visitors can take a boat tour of the bay, kayak through hidden lagoons, and explore the many caves that dot the islands.

Relax in Hoi An

Hoi An is a picturesque city that is known for its well-preserved Ancient Town. The town is lined with traditional architecture, including Chinese shophouses and Japanese temples. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the streets, shop for local handicrafts, and sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Hoi An is also located near several beautiful beaches, such as Cua Dai Beach and An Bang Beach, making it the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Experience the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is a lush, fertile region that is located in the southern part of Vietnam. The delta is home to a network of waterways that are used for transportation and agriculture. Visitors can take a boat tour of the delta, visit local villages, and sample fresh fruits and vegetables. The delta is also home to several floating markets, such as the Cai Rang Floating Market, which is a unique experience that should not be missed.

Our Personal Experience

There are lot myths about Vietnam, it’s night life and it’s safety. Having travelled to stayed in Vietnam for over 10 days, we felt Vietnam is the safest place to travel and stay.

Vietnam’s nightlife is also the most underrated. If you are in Ho Chi Minh city or Saigon, most people will advise you not go to Bui Vien street, which is actually not the best advice. They say Bui Vien is not safe, there a lot of pick pocketers, scams etc etc, but that’s not true at all. Having said that like in any other country or your home country for that matter, you must travel with caution, maintain precautions, and be vigilant.

Ho Chi Minh city has the best nightlife to offer where there are a lot of local joints and restaurants and has a great mix of in terms of type of bars and clubs.

People throughout Vietnam and very friendly, supportive and easy to talk to. They are keen on language development, cultural exchange and very disciplined about their fitness routine. Every morning we found people out on the streets at 5 AM walking, jogging and gearing up to begin their day and every evening after their work they like to spend time for their skin care and time with family.

The local food in Vietnam is totally worth having and it’s very cheap if you consider eating at local joints. For people who can experiment and eat anything, you will be surprised to see how much and what all Vietnam has to offer. One of us tried frog, snake and what not!

Budget

You will find very good accommodation in the range of $45 to $ 60 or INR 3500/- to INR 5000/- per day, depending on your time of travel, and you can keep a budget of about $75-100 per day OR INR 6000 to INR 8000/- for 3 meals, local travel and even including partying. Should you consider going to a fine dine, then sky is the limit, you may land up spending $400-$500 (over INR 40,000) in one single night !

Post-Pandemic Travel Information

Vietnam has taken several measures to ensure that travellers can safely visit the country. All travellers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before entering Vietnam. Upon arrival, travellers will be subject to a health check, which includes a temperature screening and a health declaration form. Face masks are required in all public places, and social distancing measures are in place.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a country that offers something for everyone, from bustling cities to serene countryside landscapes. While the pandemic has made travel more challenging, Vietnam has taken measures to ensure that tourists can safely explore its many treasures. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, Vietnam has it all. It is also one of the best destinations to consider for education travel by school student groups due to its mix art, culture and historical relevance.

So why not plan your post-pandemic Vietnam adventure today?

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