Experience Vietnam from a Local’s Perspective: Travel Secrets Revealed
A dear friend of mine invited me to visit her country. As she planned our trip, I asked what was important to see in Vietnam. How do we see Vietnam? Where should we look?
Going through Vietnam from South to North, I have highlighted the absolute must-see in the country, starting from the popular Southern City, Ho Chi Minh City, and ending in the North, Ha Long Bay. The best way to get across Vietnam is through domestic flights from city to city—international flights land in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hanoi. These cities are walkable, and you can also hire taxis and scooters to get around.
HO CHI MINH CITY
This vibrant metropolis, often called Saigon, is more than just Vietnam’s largest city—it’s a whirlwind of energy, culture, and unforgettable experiences. From hunting down the perfect cup of coffee to weaving through the lively streets on a scooter, every moment here pulses with life and discovery.
Hunt Down the Best Coffee in Vietnam
Vietnam produces some of the best coffees in the world, but you may be surprised that you must go on a hunt before finding outstanding coffee. I am not a huge coffee lover, but you do what you must in Vietnam. On my last day there, I stumbled upon The Running Bean cafe and regretted not having found it earlier. I had the milk-white coffee with crushed ice, and it tasted like my best dream come true.
Get on a Scooter
Vietnamese people seem to love scooters more than cars. Ho Chi Minh City is also a busy business centre, so getting around quickly on a scooter makes sense. Do not miss out on the fun of enjoying the city's bustle by getting on a scooter.
DA NANG
Da Nang is a beautiful coastal city in central Vietnam known for its sandy beaches and exclusive activities for tourists who want an all-around taste of Vietnam. It is a stunning location to commence your travels. It has everything you need for a good start to your trip and a focused experience of Vietnam: the beach, fantastic food, and mind-blowing destinations.
Go swimming/ surfing
As a surfer, the first thing I noticed at My An Beach was how great the waves were for surfing. You will find a few tourist surfers out there. Feel free to join and enjoy surfing or swimming with as much space as you need. Surf with great caution, however, as there are no guidelines for where the rocks are on this beach or where you could get caught in a riff.
Hunt Down the Best Seafood
If you love seafood like me, you are about to have the best culinary experience of your life. Da Nang is by the sea, so it is the best place in Vietnam to enjoy seafood with unique flavour profiles. There are many seafood restaurants to try, but I recommend Da Nang MOC Seafood Restaurant. You may think it is a tourist trap because of its thousands of reviews, but it is just that good. I also encourage you to embark on a culinary excursion through the city.
HOI AN
A 45-minute taxi ride from Da Nang will take you to Hoi An, an ancient town in Central Vietnam with remarkable architecture that reflects the country's Chinese, Japanese, and French colonial and cultural history.
Hoi An’s Night Market
After a great day of activities in Da Nang, I recommend a trip to Hoi An’s Night Market, the mecca of tourist shopping in Central Vietnam. You can get souvenirs, scarves, and funky skirts here. Do not forget to bring your camera to take some pictures. Although it is a night market, it is very colourful, so getting lost in the haggling fun with the vendors and the aromatic smell of street food is easy.
Visit the Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Whatever you do, do not skip this fantastic location except if you get seasick.
The Bay Mau coconut forest is a tourist destination. It was previously a revolutionary base in Vietnam during the French colonial period. Tour guides will take you on a basketboat tour across the Thu Bon River, taking you around significant historical routes. A good tour guide will attempt to explain the history of the place, although there may be a language barrier.
HANOI
Hanoi, Vietnam’s captivating capital in the northern region, blends ancient charm with modern vibrance. Renowned for its rich history, the city invites exploration with its centuries-old temples, bustling Old Quarter, and diverse street food scene, making it a must-visit destination for culture and cuisine lovers alike.
Eat, Eat, Eat
Self-control is a virtue, but man must eat. There is so much to eat and enjoy in Hanoi! Although Vietnam is popular for coffee, it is also great for iced teas. Vietnam has a wide range of fruits that are incorporated into iced teas. Hanoi also boasts a famous dish called Cha Ca La Vong, a type of catfish seasoned with turmeric and other spices. I recommend giving this a try.
Embark on a Historical Exploration of Hanoi
Hanoi is a walkable city with much to see and do. You can walk along Hoàn Kiêm Lake, which runs through the city's historical centre. On the weekend, the roads around the lake are closed to vehicles, making walking and exploring the city centre safe and easier. You can also walk to the railway street from the lake and visit the Temple of Literature.
HA LONG BAY
Ha Long Bay, a two-hour drive from Hanoi, tends to be overlooked. However, from a local's perspective, it is a must-visit for the best reasons.
You can spend a day in Ha Long Bay by taking an extensive cruise tour. I travelled with Iris Cruise and had the best experience. The tour includes food, kayaking, visits to historical monuments and caves, and more.
The bay, surrounded by emerald waters, is astonishingly beautiful and serene. This was a relaxing end to my trip to Vietnam, but you may customise your trip differently and go from the North to the South.
And there you have it! Are you ready to see Vietnam?