What is the hype around Vietnam?
In recent years Vietnam has seen a high number of tourists visiting every part of the country. From relaxing beach couples, to adventurous backpackers, the country is seeing a growing popularity in all thing’s tourism. More noteworthy is the amount of British nationals and other Europeans working and living in its 2 main bustling cities. But why? What is all the hype about Vietnam? I could easily write a book about the amazing things Vietnam has to offer but for the purpose of this blog I am focusing on the affordability and food culture that exists across the country.
Affordability:
Firstly, in Vietnam, it is fair to say your money can go a long way! From cheap delicious street food for less than 60p to local beer for less than 20p, why would you not want to explore this truly remarkable country!?
Many locals here live on $1-$2/day as myself, my girlfriend and two friends found out when speaking to some locals whilst exploring the northern mountains on motorbikes at the end of last year. As a holiday-maker/traveller/backpacker you can easily have a fun-filled day and eat well for £10 per day if you find the right spots and are prepared to tuck in to the delicious street food that Vietnam is renowned for.
It isn’t just the cheap food and drink in Vietnam that appeals to many, it is the exceptionally affordable, but well-presented accommodation that ticks all boxes for visitors from around the world. Starting for as little as £10/night for a basic double room, the hotels that Vietnam offer are like no other around the world. With extremely hard-working staff, attention to detail and a pure sense of belonging, the Vietnamese hotels and hospitality is a truly wonderful experience.
Travelling to and from places within Vietnam is also very easy and can be very reasonable too. Almost in every part of the country there are many good train and bus links which connect the major towns, cities and of course little Vietnamese villages which paves the way for visitors. Additionally with a staggering 27 airports and 3 main international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang) travelling in and around the country on low cost airlines has become so much more accessible to all visitors and can also be a very cheap option too.
TIP 1: Make sure you only take £2 worth of the local currency (Dong) out with you for your evening drinks in Hanoi (one soon becomes 5/10 trust me), especially for the price! TIP 2: Dorm rooms for those backpackers out there start from: £2.50/night pp! Hotels start from: £10/night! TIP 3: Always check where the airports are around the country as sometimes it can work out cheaper and quicker to catch a short flight as opposed to boarding one of the overnight sleeper trains that run frequently all over the country!
Food:
With the multiple rice terraces that surround the northern minority villages, it is not surprising that rice (or rice noodles) contribute to a high percentage of the Vietnamese local dishes and is certainly something that you should be sure to try! Prices and quality of food of course can vary, but if there is one thing I can guarantee- it is that the Vietnamese are passionate about their food and 99.9% of the time you will love it!
Wherever you are in the country you are bound to stumble across one of the many night markets that exist around the small towns, big cities and even in places you don’t expect them! These markets are not just well-known for the material items, souvenirs and local produce but most importantly the beautiful Vietnamese food. It soon became a habit of ours to research where the next market was on our route to guarantee ourselves a cheap and filling lunch option and you should do exactly that too!
‘Pho’ (pronounced Phaaaa), is a popular Vietnamese cuisine found on almost every corner in the north of the country. The noodle dish which consists of broth, rice noodles, herbs and meat (usually beef or chicken) is a dish that is loved not only by the locals but visitors alike (we certainly had our fair share, averaging maybe 8/week!)
‘Banh Mi’ is another popular Vietnamese food and is a ‘must try’ when visiting Vietnam, and is predominantly found in the south of the country. Consisting of pickled daikon and carrot, crisp cilantro, cucumber and a mix of meat, stuffed into a ‘French’ baguette, it is an easy everyday lunch option for travellers (all for as little as 50p!) (Note: some vendors will offer a range of fillings).
‘Bun Cha’ was probably our favourite of all the Vietnamese dishes we tucked in to and was a dish that we stumbled across whilst trying to find a lunch option in Hanoi. Unfortunately it was a wet day (and yes, you do get rain in Vietnam, especially during the months of June, July and August) and with the rain pouring down we ran from our hostel room to the nearest and busiest place. Expecting to choose what we wanted to eat, we were greeted with no menu, just simply the ‘Bun Cha’ dish. We soon came to the realisation that this was a very good option, especially as we were the only non-Vietnamese in this small but packed local restaurant. Consisting of fresh noodles, barbequed pork, fish sauce and a mix of papaya, carrots and herbs ‘Bun Cha’ is a special Vietnamese dish that the locals (and after this day, US) eat regularly.
TIP 1: Be careful with the added ‘Spice’ some vendors add to your baguette. If you are like me and don’t enjoy spicy food, be sure to let your vendor know before serving you your Banh Mi. TIP 2: Try all the Vietnamese food and visit as many food night markets as you can!
This concludes part 1 of my Vietnam blog but please stay tuned for part 2 coming soon which will provide information on the culture of the Vietnamese people as well as helpful and useful tips when travelling to Vietnam which could help save you lots of money!
Please get in touch in the meantime so I can help you create your perfect Vietnam adventure itinerary.
Elliott.rouse@travelcounsellors.com 01603 360095