For years, Bangkok and Pattaya have been the staple Southeast Asian travel destinations for most tourists from Kolkata. From sandy beaches to pocket-friendly shopping — a trip to Thailand is what one might call a paisa vasool holiday! But if you want to be a bit different from others, one country that you must visit is Vietnam.
Shaped like an oblong ‘S’, along the coastline of Asia, Vietnam is as vast as it is versatile. Sharing its boundaries with Laos, Cambodia and China, Vietnam’s evolution, in terms of food, culture and infrastructure surely cannot be missed.
Here are eight reasons why Vietnam should be on your travel list…
1. Travel is easy on the pocket
You can get flights from many Indian cities
ShutterstockWhen it comes to budget-friendly holidays, Vietnam is truly the best. With the Indian Rupee being a much stronger currency as compared to the Vietnamese Dong, travel and stay in the country is a breeze. There are multiple flights connecting to cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh from India, making it an easy destination to arrive at.
2. The land of hospitality and convenience stores
Local stores where you can avail snacks and other necessary products
ShutterstockPost the pandemic, Vietnam seems to be on everyone’s radar, which made the country ready for tourism. With Airbnbs, luxury and boutique hotels at every corner, the country is extremely hospitable. They also have convenience stores, like Circle K, on every other street, which are well stocked with snacks, treats, drinks, wellness products and more.
3. Be awestruck by nature
Boat ride on River Ngo Dong and limestone caves on the waterways
Aatreyee MohantaVietnam is the land of limestone caves, beautiful bays and scenic beauty unlike any other. If you’re in the north of the country, you cannot miss out on visiting Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. This small town is around 100 kilometres from Hanoi and the highlight is the long waterway that leads to the unique limestone caves. The high moss-wrapped mountains with a narrow River Ngo Dong running through makes for the perfect Indiana Jones movie set. The two-hour long boat ride is an experience to remember. It is relaxing, breathtaking and the best part is the boat is rowed with legs! If you’re visiting south of Vietnam, don’t miss visiting the Mekong Delta.
4. Lip-smacking food
Egg coffee at Cafe Giang, stir-fried beef and Vietnamese Spring Rolls at a local restaurant
Aatreyee MohantaBeing a Southeast Asian country, the street food culture in Vietnam is thriving, and how! From Egg Coffee to Pho, the local food pleases every palate. You will find the cities in Vietnam dotted with eateries when locals flock to eat their meals and enjoy a cold beer. While the country is not big on sweets and desserts, the French influence can truly be felt when you visit bakeries in the city of Hanoi. The food in north Vietnam tends to be less on the spicy side and more on the bland side giving you the opportunity to add in as many condiments, like chilli soy, to your meals. The south of the country is more heat heavy in their food but the whole country loves its rice, coffee, seafood and meat!
5. Of history and culture…
The Temple of Literature structure juxtaposed with a 100,000 Vietnamese Dong currency note and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Aatreyee MohantaThis country has a long history of wars and kings, and that plays a huge role in the rich culture and heritage of the region. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the West Lake and the Tran Quoc Pagoda are a must-visit in Hanoi.
The Water Puppet Show at Lotus Water Puppet Theater in Hanoi and Tran Quoc Pagoda
Aatreyee MohantaWhile visiting Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum and Sai Gon Central Post Office are spots you shouldn’t miss out on. Don’t forget to watch a traditional water puppet show too!
6. Shop till you drop
Shopping in Vietnam can be a great experience
ShutterstockThe Old Quarters of Hanoi have a unique division much like Kolkata’s very own Burrabazar. Every street specialises in a specific commodity — silk, shoes, clothes, bamboo, metal and the list goes on. Once you enter the street, every shop there sells only that product in various varieties. While clothes and shoes are not as inexpensive as in Thailand, the quality is very high and you can also keep Google translate handy and bargain to your heart’s content. Visit Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi if you’re looking for a good dose of wholesale shopping!
7. Cruise on Halong Bay
The shores of Cat Ba Island and a fish farm on Halong Bay
Aatreyee MohantaA mesmerising cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay, spread over 1,553 square kilometres, is an experience you’ll cherish forever. This natural wonder was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Try kayaking and squid fishing, along with seeing unique fish farms floating in the bay along. If time permits, visit Cat Ba Island too.
8. Relax and rejuvenate
A flower bed, a rickshaw ride and a rainy evening, all by the Hoan Kiem Lake
Aatreyee MohantaOne of the many pleasures of visiting this country is that you can cover everything on your list at your own pace. A holiday to Vietnam won’t require you to have a packed itinerary. Take a leisurely stroll or a rickshaw ride by the lake near the Old Quarters in Hanoi, grab a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee at any of the cafes, or just sleep-in till noon! There are no rules! You could visit sandy beaches in south Vietnam or just see the sun setting over the river at Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. Don’t forget to get a foot massage on the beach!
