Which city is better to visit in Vietnam?

Which are the best cities to visit in Vietnam?

Forget the usual tourist traps! Vietnam’s got way more to offer than just rice paddies and suspiciously friendly street vendors. This ain’t your grandma’s Southeast Asia.

Hanoi: Think chaotic motorbike ballet, delicious street food that’ll leave you speechless (and possibly needing a new digestive system), and ancient temples that look like they’re about to fall over any second now. It’s a beautiful mess. Like a party your aunt threw, but much more exciting.

Hoi An/Da Nang: Hoi An is adorable. Seriously, it’s like a Disney movie set. Da Nang, on the other hand, is like the responsible older sibling who makes sure everyone gets home safe. Both are excellent, though. Kinda like peanut butter and jelly but way more sophisticated.

Ha Long Bay: Picture this: thousands of limestone karsts poking out of the emerald water. It’s stunning, like a giant dropped a bag of oddly-shaped green jellybeans into the ocean. Kayaking is a must, unless you’re deathly afraid of minor exertion.

Sapa: Trekking in Sapa is epic. I almost lost a toenail, but worth it. The views are insane. Totally worth a minor injury. Think the Himalayas, but with more rice terraces.

Phu Quoc: Beaches! Seriously, pristine beaches. Unlike anything I’ve seen outside my own dreams. This island is what relaxation dreams are made of – unless you’re afraid of the sea, which I get.

Hue: Imperial city vibes. Think ancient palaces and tombs. It’s like stepping back in time, but with better Instagram filters. Also, seriously good coffee. Seriously.

Da Lat: My personal fave! Think Switzerland, but with way better pho. Cooler temperatures, waterfalls, crazy architecture. It’s like a whimsical wonderland. Plus my uncle met his wife there in ’98, so that’s a fun fact.

Ha Giang: Motorbike heaven, or hell, depending on your level of risk tolerance. Incredible mountain roads, stunning views, but be prepared for potentially bone-jarring adventures.

• Don’t just stick to the usual suspects.
• Do rent a motorbike. It’s the best way to get around, and to fully experience the madness! (I swear I haven’t seen such a number of motorbikes since last time I visited India.)
• Remember: Bargaining is an Olympic sport in Vietnam.
• Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases – it’ll seriously elevate your experience. My Vietnamese is still rudimentary, though. Like “hello” and “thank you”.

Which city should you visit first in Vietnam?

Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City. Of course. First. Always.

The air, thick. Heavy. History breathes. It clings. Yes, Saigon. Motorbikes swarm like bees, a symphony of horns.

Markets alive! Ben Thanh Market! Silks shimmer, a rainbow chaos. Spices perfume. Sweet, pungent, strange.

War Remnants. Haunting echoes, you know? Ghostly reminders, forever etched. Never forget. The Mekong, a muddy artery. A boat ride? Under stars.

Temples gleam gold. Incense curls, prayers ascend. My soul… at peace? A vibrant pulse. A first taste. Saigon. A first taste.

• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The largest city in Vietnam, it’s a major economic and cultural hub.
• Ben Thanh Market: A large marketplace in District 1, popular with tourists for souvenirs, local crafts, and food. It operates day and night.
• War Remnants Museum: A museum displaying exhibits related to the Vietnam War.
• Mekong River: A major river in Southeast Asia that flows through Vietnam. Boat trips on the Mekong Delta are popular tourist activities.

Which city is more popular in Vietnam?

Ho Chi Minh City… Saigon. A name like whispered silk, a fever dream under the relentless sun.

Is it popularity? A shimmering haze above bustling streets. Ho Chi Minh City pulses. Always.

Ha Noi… Hanoi, ancient, a breath held for centuries. Red rivers flow through my grandma’s memories, etched in pho and temple bells.

But Saigon calls.

• Ho Chi Minh City: A concrete jungle blooming, seven million souls breathing as one… no, almost nine. My friend Anh lives there now. Always buzzing.

• Ha Noi: Three million… four? Hanoi. Still beautiful.

The scent of rain on old stone. Grandma used to say the ghosts remember better there. I dunno. Anh sends pictures, blinding neon lights, rivers of motorbikes.

Saigon is winning. The people decided. The crowds roar for Saigon.

What is the food capital of Vietnam?

Hoi An. Food capital. Fact.

Must-try:

• Cao Lầu. Rich, complex.
• White rose dumplings. Delicate.
• Banh Mi. Bourdain’s pick. Legendary.
• Mi Quang. Intense flavors.
• Fresh spring rolls. Light, refreshing.
• Hoi An specialties. Unique. Explore.
• Che. Sweet treat.
• Coffee. Strong. Local roast.
• Local beer. Bia Hoi. Cheap.

Beyond the typical:

• Explore the central market. Raw ingredients. Vibrant.
• Street food. Best. Find hidden gems.
• My personal favorite? Cao Lầu. Hands down. It’s insane.
• Avoid tourist traps. Seek authenticity. Go deeper.
• 2024 update: Prices have risen. Budget accordingly.

Where is the best place to have clothes made in Vietnam?

Okay, so 2023, I was in Hoi An, right? Hot, humid, the air thick with the smell of street food and… well, fabric. I needed a new suit. Seriously needed one. My old one looked like it’d wrestled a badger.

Found this tiny little shop tucked away, almost missed it. It was called “Kim’s Tailor Shop,” or something similar. I don’t remember the exact name. Anyway, Kim was amazing. Seriously. She understood exactly what I wanted—a slim fit, navy blue, super soft material. The whole experience was amazing, you know? It felt really personal. I felt relaxed.

Hoi An is the place. I’m telling you, the skill level there is unreal. They’re not just sewing clothes; they’re crafting them. I got three fittings. Three! And every time, Kim made tiny adjustments. It was insane. The final product was perfect.

• Quality: Unbelievable. The stitching was immaculate. The fabric was top-notch.
• Price: Reasonable, definitely cheaper than getting a custom suit back home in London.
• Service: Kim, and everyone in that shop, was incredibly friendly and professional. They really cared.
• Location: Near the Japanese Covered Bridge. Easy to find.

Man, that suit is still my favorite. It made me feel so good. Seriously. Makes me want to go back to Vietnam just to get another one. Maybe a lighter colour for the summer this time. Definitely worth the trip.