Top 15 Reasons Why You Must Visit Vietnam Once in Your Lifetime

Boasting countless advantages for tourism, Vietnam is solidifying its position on the world's tourism map. If you're wondering why Vietnam appears on so many travel bucket lists and what makes it such a fascinating destination, let's explore the 15 reasons you should visit Vietnam at least once in your lifetime.

1. Vietnam is a safe destination

As a local tour operator, one of the first questions we often hear is, "Is Vietnam safe?" Our answer is always a resounding and confident yes. We believe Vietnam is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also one of the safest destinations you can choose, not just in Asia but in the world. Publications like The Telegraph and Rough Guides consistently feature Vietnam on their lists of the top secure countries for tourists.

From my experience, this peace of mind stems from two key factors: a stable social climate that prevents large-scale unrest and an exceptionally low rate of serious crime.

It's a country where you'll see locals and tourists alike enjoying a stroll after dark. More importantly, it has earned a special reputation as a welcoming and secure destination for solo female travelers. So, you can spend less time worrying and more time immersing yourself in the incredible experiences that await.

2. Delicious food paradise

The UK’s leading travel platform, Rough Guides, has recently unveiled its ranking of the countries with the most captivating cuisines on the planet. Vietnam proudly secures 5th place, earning the prestigious title of a “culinary paradise of the century.”

At the heart of Vietnamese gastronomy lies a rice-based heritage that spans thousands of years. This humble grain manifests in countless forms: from steamed rice, vermicelli, pho, and rice rolls, to rice paper wraps and an extensive array of savory and vegetarian rice cakes. For travelers fond of light yet flavorful fare, Vietnam offers an unmatched culinary playground.

Deeply rooted in the principle of yin and yang, dishes are carefully crafted to achieve a balance not only of textures and flavors but also of temperature and internal energy. Cooling dishes such as fresh summer rolls and green papaya salad provide relief during the heat, while hearty broths and spicy stir-fries offer warmth in cold days. This holistic approach is one of the reasons Vietnamese food is consistently ranked among the healthiest in the world.

The cuisine also makes expert use of fresh herbs, regional vegetables, aromatic spices, and signature dipping sauces, each contributing depth and dimension to every meal.

Another charm of Vietnam’s food culture lies in its spontaneity. From dawn until late into the night, food stalls and eateries are open, welcoming diners with sizzling woks and the scent of grilled lemongrass. Within a short walk from your hotel, you can stumble upon delicious food. It's great, isn't it?

See more: Top 10 Delicious Vietnamese Dishes

3. Vietnam offers breathtaking natural landscapes

With three-quarters of its territory covered by mountains and plateaus, Vietnam offers unique and diverse natural scenery. From globally recognized Geoparks such as Dong Van and Non Nuoc Cao Bang to the majestic landscapes formed by the harmonious combination of mountains, rivers, lakes, and the sea in Halong Bay, Ba Be, and Ha Giang; from terraced fields shaped by human hands in Mu Cang Chai and Sapa to primeval forests, melaleuca forests, mangrove forests, and vast sand dunes—Vietnam’s natural beauty promises an exciting journey.

Moreover, with a long coastline, visitors can immerse themselves in the moment of sunrise or enjoy the peacefulness of a sunset. A system of bays, islands, and archipelagos adds to the allure with its captivating landscapes.

If you love natural scenery, Vietnam is the place for you. Don’t miss these UNESCO-listed natural heritage sites in Vietnam:

• Halong Bay
• Phong Nha National Park - Ke Bang
• Dong Van Stone Plateau Geopark
• Trang An Complex

4. A country with unique cultural values

Besides natural beauty, what do you expect from a trip? A new culture to discover? A rich history to explore? With over 4,000 years of history, Vietnam has experienced numerous ups and downs: periods of Chinese domination, influences from other cultures such as Japanese, Indian, Thai, and Khmer, and the conquest of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

These historical layers have shaped Vietnam into a country with an open and diverse culture, where visitors can easily recognize shared elements in beliefs, ways of thinking, and customs that resonate with other civilizations. Yet, these influences are always expressed through uniquely local and fascinating forms.

Here are the World Cultural Heritage sites and intangible cultural elements of Vietnam:

• A complex of Hue Monuments
• Hoi An Ancient Town
• My Son Sanctuary
• Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
• Citadel of the Ho Dynasty
• Hue’s Royal Court Music
• Cultural Space of Goong in Tay Nguyen
• Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk songs
• Ca Tru
• Saint Giong Festival
• Xoan Singing of Phu Tho Province
• Worship of Hung Kings
• Art of Don Ca Tai Tu Music and Song
• Vi and Giam folk songs of Nghe Tinh

5. Cultural diversity of 54 ethnic groups

Vietnam is a multiethnic country with 54 distinct ethnic groups. The Kinh (Viet) people account for approximately 85% of the population, while the remaining 53 ethnic groups represent around 15%. These groups are classified into five language families, each possessing its own cultural traditions and customs.

When visiting Vietnam—particularly the northern mountainous regions such as Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Ba Be—travelers have the opportunity to explore the villages of ethnic minorities and experience their remarkable customs and way of life. Local ethnic cuisines, rich in distinctive flavors, will also awaken your taste buds.

There are many ways to discover Vietnam’s ethnic diversity: visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi, traveling directly to tribal villages, or simply exploring local ethnic markets.

Discover itineraries in North Vietnam that offer meaningful encounters with ethnic minority communities in Vietnam.

6. Friendly local people

Originally an agricultural country, Vietnam places great importance on maintaining harmonious relationships within the community. This is not only driven by economic needs but also reflects a deep sense of affection and gratitude, which helps strengthen social bonds.

For tourists, the Vietnamese are notably warm and welcoming. It’s not just the merchants—who are visibly pleased to offer their goods—but also passersby and even children who often greet foreign visitors with bright, cheerful smiles. This sense of hospitality makes travelers feel genuinely welcomed in Vietnam.

In case a tourist gets lost, locals are typically eager to offer directions. While some may not be fluent in English, they always try their best to communicate—sometimes even going so far as to accompany the traveler to their destination. How wonderful is that!

See more: Vietnam Manners - Dos and Don'ts in Vietnam

7. Lots of festivals and celebrations

Vietnam boasts a rich cultural tapestry shaped by a long history and vibrant ethnic diversity. As a result, numerous festivals await your participation. The Vietnamese have a long-standing tradition of worshipping not only the Buddha and various Saints but also national heroes and individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community and ancestral heritage.

From North to South, and nearly every month of the year, visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere—especially during spring, the peak festival season. Among the most beloved celebrations are Tet, the Lunar New Year marking the first day of the lunar calendar; the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated with lanterns and mooncakes; and the Ghost Festival, which honors wandering spirits and ancestors.

Read this article so you don't miss any interesting festivals during your trip to Vietnam: Top Traditional Vietnam Festivals and Public Holidays

8. An affordable tourist destination

"A tight budget can't stop you from visiting faraway countries." This quote appeared in the Canadian magazine "The Travel" and serves as an affirmation for those wishing to travel to Vietnam. With only about 2 USD, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Pho, a Vietnamese speciality, or sample egg coffee, a must-try street food in Hanoi. This means you can comfortably travel to Vietnam on a budget or opt for high-class services at a very reasonable price. Many people have chosen Vietnam for their honeymoon to savour all the beautiful and romantic moments and to have new experiences within their budget. Vietnam is an ideal destination for travellers with varying budgets.

Not only is Vietnam a suitable destination for everyone - seniors, children, honeymoon couples, and groups of friends, but there are also some very attractive experiences for you. Check out our recommendations for your group.

Vietnam Private Tour Packages

See more: The Ultimate Guide to Money and Currency in Vietnam

9. Many vibrant traditional markets

With its cultural diversity, Vietnam offers many opportunities for tourists to immerse themselves in local life. The most popular and appreciated way is by visiting traditional markets. From big cities to remote rural areas, you can find weekend markets, consumer markets, flea markets, fish markets, flower markets, and even floating markets on rivers in the Mekong Delta. Each market captures the hearts of tourists with its own distinct and unique charm.

>> See more: Top 15 unique ethnic markets in Northern Mountains of Vietnam

10. Beautiful beach resorts for a beach vacation

It is no exaggeration to say that Vietnam's seaside is a gift that Mother Nature has bestowed upon this S-shaped country.

With a coastline stretching 3,400 km, Vietnam is home to many beautiful and poetic beaches. Here is a list of some of the most wonderful beaches in Vietnam! However, it should be noted that along the country's extensive shoreline, there are still many hidden, pristine beaches not yet popular with tourists. They truly are hidden gems.

In addition to the beaches, the islands of Vietnam are also incredibly enchanting, with crystal-clear, limpid waters and breathtaking shores.

Gorgeous bays are another source of pride for the Vietnamese people. Several have been ranked among the most beautiful in the world. Notably, Halong Bay has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Interesting facts:

• Halong Bay, Nha Trang Bay, and Lang Co Bay are the three haven bays in Vietnam that are mentioned in the list of the world's most beautiful bays
• Dam Trau Beach, in Con Dao Sea, Ba Ria Province - Vung Tau, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Travel + Leisure magazine)
• Travellers' Choice Awards 2021 announced the 25 most beautiful beaches in Asia, including An Bang beach (Hoi An) and My Khe beach (Da Nang)
• NZ Herald News (New Zealand's largest newspaper) has just published the 7 best beaches in the world, including Da Nang beach

See more: The 10 Best Islands in Vietnam for Travellers

11. The heaven of beauty services

Do you enjoy beauty and wellness treatments such as hair care, manicures, massages, or even a simple herbal foot bath to stay healthy? Then you’ve come to the right destination. In Vietnam—especially in major cities—you can find these services at remarkably affordable prices.

A traditional spa treatment, including a sauna, massage, and light meal, can start from just US$20 for a 90-minute session. If you want a new haircut at the salon, expect to pay around US$10. Want to try something more local? Sidewalk barbers can surprise you with a perfect men's haircut for as little as US$1.

Vietnam is truly a paradise for beauty and self-care, so don’t miss out on this experience.

See more: The Best Spa and Massage in Hanoi Old Quarter

12. Astonishing works of unique architecture

Going through changes in history and the destruction of war, Vietnam is a country with very typical architectural works. If you are an architecture lover, you can see many interesting things while travelling in Vietnam.

These are ancient architectural works that strictly follow the rules of the Five Elements and the yin-yang Theory, like most ancient buildings in Vietnam, such as the Hue Citadel, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and Minh Mang's Tomb. There are also buildings that combine French architecture localised to optimise weather problems with an extremely attractive Indochinese style.

Not only that, modern architectural works are widely publicised, such as the Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, the Bridge of Kisses in Phu Quoc, the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, or even skyscrapers such as Bitexco, Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City always impresses tourists.

Drop a quick visit to these amazing landmarks, and you will admire the skills of humans now and then.

See more: Top 15 Vietnam Bridges that Become World Famous

13. Mysterious places for adventurers

Do you love adventures, travel that gets the adrenaline pumping in your blood, making you feel a sense of achievement and fulfilment? Vietnam is the land for you. In 2013, the whole world was surprised when information about the world's largest cave ever heard of in Quang Binh, Vietnam, announced the Son Doong Cave is the world's largest cave. This underground cave has its own rivers, streams, and even ecosystems. It's amazing. Recently, people have continued to find another Hung Thoong cave system in this land, and interesting discoveries have occurred. This is truly a promising land for adventurers!

Interesting fact: Quang Binh, Vietnam, was chosen as the filming location for Kong Skull Island (2017) and Pan (2015).

See more: Vietnam’s Most Spectacular Caves Every Adventurer Should Explore

14. One of the fastest-growing countries in Asia

Vietnam is a country quite well known for one of the most brutal wars of the 20th century. Moreover, in the 4,000-year history of this country, almost half of which, the people of Vietnam have suffered wars, domination and colonisation by other rich countries. Sometimes, it breaks my heart that this country is associated with the word "war". Actually, the War in Vietnam officially ended in 1975, but its remnants in Vietnam, including the embargo, only ended in 1990. So, this country has only about 30 years to develop freely and independently. 

So, when you come to Vietnam nowadays, you will be really overwhelmed by the speed of development. However, not just trying to develop at any cost, Vietnamese people still live happily, optimistically and respect the cultural values inherited from the past generations.

15. Various options of souvenirs to take home

With a diverse gastronomy, a rich culture with countless handmade traditional handicrafts, you can easily choose something to take back to your loved ones and friends. Explore local markets, handicraft shops, and speciality stores to find the perfect gifts to bring home.

See more: Unique Hanoi Souvenirs to Bring Home

The 15 reasons to visit Vietnam mentioned above are just the beginning. You may find even more reasons to fall in love with this land. Vietnam continues to emerge as a vibrant and captivating destination that beckons travellers from all corners of the globe.

By booking a tour of Vietnam, you can unlock the full potential of this remarkable country. Expert guides will lead you through hidden alleys and off-the-beaten-path gems, ensuring you experience the true essence of Vietnam. Unforgettable adventures, awe-inspiring sights, and cherished moments await you in this enchanting country.

Feel free to send your inquiry to [email protected] or leave a comment below if you have any questions.

(Photo: Internet)

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• Vietnam e-visa official guide 2025-2026 - Cost, time, procedure
• The perfect two-week Vietnam itineraries for first-time travellers
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