Vietnam is one of the most esteemed travel destinations in Asia and is well-known for its culture and cuisine.
It's a popular holiday destination for many people from Asia.
Moreover, it has long attracted solo travelers due to its incredible natural beauty, delectable cuisine, incredibly busy towns, unique culture, and affordable prices.
A Solo Traveler's Guide To Wonderful Vietnam
Given that
Vietnam is a vertically broad stretch of land, traveling in the country is simple.
You simply have two options for your route: north to south or south to north.
Although traveling solo is surprisingly simple, there are lots of travel groups you can decide to join as well.
The places you absolutely must visit are listed below.
1. Mekong Delta
On your journey to Vietnam, you really must take a river cruise to explore the enormous Mekong Delta.
You have the option of taking a day trip to explore the main attractions or planning an overnight excursion to venture farther afield while staying in a conventional guest house.
By visiting local residents who depend on the river for their livelihood—whether it be through fishing, incense production, or tourism—you will get to witness a distinct side of Vietnam.
If time permits, you can cross the Cambodian border by boat to reach Phnom Penh.
2. Ho Chi Minh City
Known for its participation in the Vietnam War, the city was formerly known as Saigon.
The tragic images outside the US Embassy in the 1970s come to mind as you go through the city.
The city has since recovered, though, and is once again a hive of activity.
Even if it, obviously, lacks Hanoi's charm, it is nevertheless worthwhile to see and will probably be on your agenda.
Along with the
Ho Chi Minh City museum and the Reunification Palace, there is also the bustling Ben Thanh market where you may try some Vietnamese cuisine.
You can take some time to browse the various art galleries and shops where young people are copying well-known works of art.
3. Mui Ne
From budget travelers to more affluent visitors, this peaceful and serene beach resort receives visitors from all backgrounds.
Mui Ne offers a more laid-back and chill atmosphere than the beach resort of Nha Trang, which is on Vietnam's south central coast.
While the gentle breezes make this a popular destination for wind surfers, the beach shorelines make it a great place to sunbathe.
A journey into the surrounding sand dunes and some plastic sledding are available for those who simply cannot stay still.
4. Hoi An
It's a pleasure to travel through this charming town.
There are fantastic restaurants to eat at and some wonderfully kept Chinese style residences to visit in this area, which has what is undoubtedly the best combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French elements.
Hoi An is also well-known for its shopping, and there are several shoe manufacturers and tailors available to make any piece of clothing you choose.
5. Hue
Hue is a must-see location on your journey because it was the site of the Tet offensive line, one of the most important engagements in the Vietnam War.
The citadel served as the prohibited city's residence when the town served as its capital.
You can still roam around the grounds to get a sense of the location and attend a cultural performance there.
The Thien Mu Pagoda and the royal Nguyen tombs are not to be missed, even though they are major tourist attractions and can be reached from Hue by boat along the Perfume River.
You can go on a guided tour from Hue to several of the tunnels the Viet Cong used during the war and see some of the places they used during that period of the war.
It costs around $20 per person, depending on the tour.
6. Sapa
Sapa is another side excursion from Hanoi.
It is located in the country's northwest. It's an ideal side trip from the capital city.
It can be easily accessed by
train or by foot.
The indigenous hill tribes that live in this vibrant hill depot, Sapa, which is easily reached by an
overnight train from Hanoi, gather at the bustling market to sell their goods.
To escape the heat of the city on the weekends, many Hanoi residents head to the valleys and lush terraces.
In contrast to the congested, filthy areas of the capital city, the calm of the valleys is a welcome respite.
7. Halong Bay
Your trip to
Halong Bay, known for its stunning rock formations, can commence in Hanoi.
The majority of visitors travel about aboard a typical Vietnamese vessel called "junk".
You will have the opportunity to visit the naturally developed limestone caves in addition to driving past some breathtaking countryside.
The top-tier junks are frequently rather opulent, with excellent cuisine and plush stately rooms.
8. Hanoi
The water puppet play and a military museum, both of which are on the list of sightseeing activities here, are both quite enlightening to travelers.
We don't frequently get the chance to view a war from a fresh perspective. A trip to view Ho Chi Minh's preserved body is similar, if not slightly lurid.
There are some nice neighborhoods to go around and some excellent restaurants away from the tourist sites.
Hanoi does have its fair number of pizza establishments and other western eateries, but you don't have to venture too far off the main path to find restaurants that aren't frequented by visitors.
Verdict
Vietnam has a strong solo travel culture, with
cozy and affordable accommodations, value-for-money tours and trips that help you see the country, as well as diverse landscapes and interesting cities.
Have you experienced traveling solo in Vietnam? How was it?
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