Vietnam is an attractive destination that ranks among the leading tourist spots in Southeast Asia. Curious about "What is Vietnam famous for?" Let’s check out my selection of 8 Vietnam's most well-known features below. You may consider experiencing them firsthand during your visit to Vietnam if you find them worth adding to your bucket list!
Vietnam's most famous features
Halong Bay
Cruising amidst mesmerizing world natural wonder
Halong Bay is a unique combination of tranquil emerald water with thousands of limestone peaks rising gracefully from the water's surface. The harmonious blend of bays, islands, caves, and ecosystems creates a landscape like no other.
The site has maintained its UNESCO Natural Heritage status since 1994. Adding to its global fame, the bay was also recognized as one of the Seven World Natural Wonders in 2011, alongside worldwide landmarks like the Amazon Rainforest (South America) and Iguazu Falls (Brazil).
Visitors to the attraction can partake in day or overnight cruise itineraries to admire the scenery, engage in activities such as swimming, kayaking, visit fishing villages, pearl farms, explore caves and islands, and venture into national parks.
Cruiser enjoys onboard pool
I can spend hours inside the cabin or on the sundeck of the cruise while the boat glides through the scenery of Halong Bay. If you have the time and the weather is favorable, you should spend 3 days here.
Amazing Rice Fields
Expansive fields of fragrant rice paddies stretch out as far as the eye can see
Vietnam's agriculture is wet rice cultivation, with rice fields spread across the entire country. From the flat plains of the delta regions to the high mountainous areas, they create a unique and picturesque diverse rice field system.
Among the viral rice field landscapes are the stepped terraces in Sapa, Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai), Ha Giang, and the watery fields in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh). The optimal months to admire these rice fields are from April to May and August to October annually.
The serenity of the Tam Coc rice field
Visitors exploring terraced rice fields can enhance their experience by incorporating trekking, paragliding, and staying in local homestays to connect with the authentic local culture.
Vietnamese Coffee
You can find coffee shops in various styles, lining the main streets to hidden alleys throughout cities across Vietnam
Vietnam is the second-largest exporter of coffee globally, trailing only behind Brazil. The typical Vietnamese coffee is Robusta, known for its strong flavor and high caffeine content. Depending on the type, a pack of Vietnamese coffee can range from 50,000 to 500,000 VND (2 - 20 USD).
A cup of Vietnam flavorful coffee is irresistibly robust, with a subtle bitter aftertaste. Of course, not all Vietnamese people drink pure coffee. They have various preparation methods, making this beverage even more addictive, such as mixing with condensed milk, fresh milk, coconut milk, dried coconut, salt, and even egg yolk. Coffee can be drunk hot or iced.
The Train Street Coffee in Hanoi
Another unique aspect I love about Vietnamese coffee is their drinking culture. There are chic coffee shops akin to Starbucks, as well as those with a strong Vietnamese and street ambiance with tables and stools along the roadside amidst the constant flow of people. The cost of a cup of coffee in Vietnam can vary from 15,000 VND to 70,000 VND (0,6 - 3 USD).
Best Beaches in the World
I consider beach resorts in Vietnam to be among the best in the world
Stretching over 2,000 km along Vietnam's coastline from the North to the South are stunning beaches and islands. If you're seeking an excellent beach country, I highly recommend exploring Vietnam's coastal offerings. From serene days in Halong Bay to sunbathing on the shores of Da Nang or the beauty of Nha Trang, or even diving in the waters of Phu Quoc island, each coastal journey promises an unforgettable and satisfying experience.
In the Central and Southern regions of Vietnam, the beaches feature turquoise waters, golden white sands, and abundant sunshine. The resorts and hotels here adhere to high standards of service and customer satisfaction. Beyond beach activities, you can also complement your stay with an exploration of lively coastal cities and towns.
Surfing in Nha Trang
Remarkable Local Cuisine
Yet another fantastic aspect of Vietnam that deserves high praise as a travel destination is its culinary excellence. According to the TasteAtlas culinary map for 2023, Vietnam is positioned at number 22 out of 100 in the ranking of the world's most delicious cuisines.
Vietnamese cuisine is built upon a repertoire of dishes created with rice, enriched by tropical veggies, meat, and seafood. The standout feature of these culinary delights is the exquisite harmony of herbs, spices, and delectable dipping sauces.
I love Vietnamese food - What is Vietnam famous for?
The flavors of Vietnamese cuisine are readily available and delectable, whether you're dining in restaurants, local homes, or on street-side stalls. The price range for a Vietnamese cuisine experience usually falls between 30,000 and 100,000 VND (1,2 - 4 USD) per dish. The more Vietnamese food you experience, the more you’ll agree with me.
The largest cave in the world
Breathtaking majestic Son Doong scene
In 2009, Son Doong was declared the largest limestone cave in the world by National Geographic and later in 2013, it was recognized as the world’s largest natural cave by the Guinness World Records.
Adding to the cave’s global allure is the extraordinary phenomenon inside. There are colossal stalagmites that soar above 80m, a dedicated ecosystem with a distinct weather system that looks like the scenes from the movie Avatar. There’s even potential to house a 40-story skyscraper within the cave.
To make yourself on the cave expedition, you will have to register months or years beforehand, meet certain health criteria, and strictly adhere to cave ecosystem conservation guidelines. The tour is priced at 3,000 USD per participant.
Iconic Nostalgic Ancient Town
Welcome to the 16th-century dimension of Hoi An town
Hoi An has consistently secured its position as one of the top travel destinations in Vietnam. In 2022, Hoi An made it to the top 25 best cities in the world as announced by Travel & Leisure magazine. Personally, Hoi An has made a positive impression on me with its dedication to minimizing waste, promoting recycling, and actively integrating sustainable tourism development.
Certainly, that’s not the sole reason Hoi An has earned a spot on my list in response to the question “What is Vietnam famous for.” Hoi An is renowned for its ancient charm, blending the vibrant hues of lanterns, tailor shops crafting traditional ao dai dresses, and the enchanting glow of flower lanterns.
In its heyday, Hoi An was a bustling Southeast Asian port that enticed a large influx of Chinese and Japanese traders to settle before falling into decline and chaos. However, today, this town is undergoing a renaissance, flourishing through the careful preservation of its traditional values and beauty.
Motorbike dominant country
Traveling by motorbike in Vietnam
In concluding the exploration of “what is Vietnam famous for,” we cannot overlook motorbikes. They are an inseparable element of Vietnamese daily life, providing convenience and a sense of joy in transportation.
Hanoi is also regarded as the motorbike capital of Vietnam. Motorbikes are ubiquitous, appearing everywhere from the main roads to the small alleyways. The streams of motorbikes moving through the streets, simultaneously chaotic and harmonious, never fail to amaze and delight tourists.
For local residents, motorbikes are a wonderful way to travel, taking them to various destinations from the lowlands to mountainous areas. I had been part of a motorbike tour through the winding routes of Ha Giang, I can attest that it was an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure.
Motorbike travel to Ha Giang - What is Vietnam famous for
To continue this conversation, visit our article about Vietnam travel guide!
That’s 8 features of “what is Vietnam famous for” I want to share with you. When you venture into Vietnam, you will get to live and breathe what I’ve described. Staying in the country longer, you will unveil additional intriguing cultural aspects. And if you want to know more about Vietnam tours, visit our website. Happy travels!
