2025 Vietnam Travel Guide: Discover the Hidden Beauty
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Vietnam is a land of rich natural beauty and diverse cultures that attracts countless travelers to explore. In this article, we'll provide an in-depth look at four unmissable destinations: Ha Giang Province, the Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Temple Fair. Each destination will contain detailed information to help you prepare for your trip, as well as ensure you stay connected and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience while on the road.
Ha Giang Province: Magnificent Natural Landscapes and Ethnic Minority Villages
1. Attractions
Located in the northern part of Vietnam, Ha Giang Province is famous for its magnificent natural landscapes and rich ethnic minority cultures. It is home to towering limestone mountains, crystal clear rivers, fascinating terraced rice fields and diverse biodiversity. Ha Giang Province is home to ethnic minorities such as the Tai, Dong and Hmong, and visitors can experience unique traditional cultures, festivals and folklore.
2. Travel preparation
- Required Items
- Comfortable hiking shoes: to make sure you can handle the trails in the mountains and countryside with ease.
- Sunscreen and sun hat: protect your skin from sunburn when the sun is strong.
- Rain gear: Vietnam's weather can be very changeable, so have rain gear in case of sudden rainfall.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially when trekking, it is recommended to carry a water bottle with you.
- Medicines: Commonly used medicines and some emergency medicines, such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicines, to cope with unexpected situations.
- Internet Preparation: Before you travel to Vietnam, make sure to purchase an eSIM package from PhoneSIMGo. This high-speed internet service designed for tourists allows you to keep your internet connection smooth and stable during your trip, all allowing you to share your travel moments with your family at any time and say goodbye to high roaming charges.
3. Travel Highlights
- Spectacular Natural Scenery: The mountains and rivers of Ha Giang Province create breathtaking scenery, especially in the early morning and dusk when the light changes to bring different visual enjoyment. You can hike among limestone mountains and enjoy the picturesque nature.
- Ethnic Minority Cultural Experience: Participate in local festivals and learn about the traditional customs of the Tai and Dong ethnic groups, such as songs, dances and rituals. You can see the traditional costumes, handicrafts and daily life of the locals in the villages and feel the strong ethnic atmosphere.
- Trekking and Adventure: Hoa Giang Province offers several trekking routes for all levels of travelers. You can choose to start from villages, follow trails to visit hidden waterfalls, or travel through terraced rice fields to experience the serenity and beauty of nature.
- Handicraft Making Experience: Many villages offer handicraft making classes where visitors can learn traditional skills such as embroidery, weaving and pottery. This not only adds to your travel experience, but also allows you to take away a unique souvenir.
- Rich Wildlife Watching: Ha Giang Province has a rich ecosystem for bird watching and photography. You can visit nature reserves in the early morning or at dusk to observe a variety of birds and other wildlife and experience the charm of nature.
- Photography Opportunities: The combination of natural beauty and traditional culture in Ha Giang Province makes it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts. You can capture beautiful landscapes and vivid ethnic customs, leaving you with wonderful memories of your trip.
4. Transportation
- Public Transportation
- Long-distance buses: Long-distance buses from Hanoi are the main mode of transportation to Ha Giang province, with a journey time of about 6-8 hours, reasonably priced for budget travelers.
- Chartered car service
- Car Rental Self-drive: Renting a car locally is the best choice for exploring remote areas, being able to organize your trip freely and enjoy the scenery along the way.
- Motorcycle Rental: For the adventurous traveler, you can choose to rent a motorcycle to explore the countryside trails and experience the local life.
5. Food Recommendations
- Phở (Rice Vermicelli): the classic Vietnamese rice noodle, usually served with beef or chicken in a flavorful broth, is a popular choice for locals in the morning.
- Bamboo Rice (Cơm Lam): Steamed rice in a bamboo tube with a great aroma, this is a traditional dish in Ha Giang province.
- Fried Spring Rolls (Nem Rán): Crispy outside and tender inside spring rolls with fresh lettuce and herbs have a unique taste and are suitable for snacks.
- Fruit Juice (Nước Mía): freshly pressed sugarcane juice, cool and tasty, suitable for enjoying in hot weather.
- Local Beer (Bia Hơi): Vietnamese draft beer at an affordable price, suitable for enjoying when gathering with friends.
6. Recommended Accommodation
- Small Guest House: Choose a guest house run by locals to experience the real culture of a B&B, interact with the hosts and learn more about local life.
- Eco-hotels: such as the “River Eco-hotel”, enjoy the peaceful natural environment, and some of the hotels offer activities to get in touch with nature.
- Youth Hostels: For backpackers on a budget, offering basic accommodation and space to socialize.
- Traditional B&B: Find a B&B in an ethnic minority village and experience the lifestyle and traditions of the locals.
- Resorts: such as the “River Resort”, offering more luxurious accommodation options for families and couples, with a full range of services and facilities.
7. Cultural background
Ha Giang province is home to many ethnic minorities, including Thai, Dong and Miao. Each ethnic group has its own unique culture, language and traditions, and visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the local culture by participating in traditional festivals and customs. For example, during the Chinese New Year, you can see colorful costumes and traditional dances, feel the strong ethnic atmosphere and experience the unique cultural charm for yourself.
8. Local weather
The best time to visit Ha Giang Province is from October to April each year, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. In summer (May to September), the temperature is high and rainfall is frequent, especially in July and August, and visitors need to pay attention to sun and rain protection. In addition, the weather in mountainous areas is changeable, so it is necessary to prepare clothing suitable for different weather. It is recommended to carry a light jacket and long pants to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening.
Mekong Delta: Rich Water Country Scenery and Cultural Experience
1. Attractions
The Mekong Delta is a unique region in southern Vietnam, known for its rich water country scenery. It is crisscrossed with rivers, creating a unique water country landscape that is ideal for experiencing rural life in Vietnam. The delta region is an important base for agriculture and fisheries, and its abundant water resources allow it to produce fresh fruits and seafood.
2. Preparation for travel
- Requirements
- Waterproof bag: protect your electronic devices from water damage.
- Lightweight clothing: suitable for activities while exploring the water countryside, choose quick-drying materials.
- Insect spray: to avoid mosquito bites.
- Sun hat and sunglasses: protect from direct sunlight during water country activities.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
- Internet preparation: no matter which city you plan to explore in Vietnam, the eSIM package from PhoneSIMGo will fulfill your navigation needs. With this high-speed network service, you can easily use map applications to find the best transportation routes and avoid the hassle of getting lost. Activating eSIM in advance allows you to enjoy convenient internet service immediately upon arrival in Vietnam, ensuring that every trip goes smoothly.
3. Travel Highlights
- Floating Market: The Mekong Delta is most famous for its floating markets, especially the morning bazaar where you can buy fresh fruits and local specialties on a small boat and experience the strong market atmosphere.
- WATER ACTIVITIES: Take a boat tour of the river to experience the tranquil water countryside as you weave your way through the river and visit water villages and rice paddies.
- Village Ride: Enjoy an idyllic and rustic ride on a bicycle along village paths, exploring the vendors and local culture along the way.
- Traditional Handicrafts: Visit a local handicraft workshop to learn about traditional weaving and pottery making, where you can experience and purchase unique handicrafts for yourself.
- Gastronomic Experience: Sample Delta-area specialties such as fresh seafood and tropical fruits, and you can take a cooking class to learn how to make local cuisine.
4. Transportation
- Public Transportation
- Long-distance bus: Long-distance buses depart from Ho Chi Minh City with a journey time of about 2-3 hours, moderately priced and convenient.
- Chartered Car Service
- Car rental and self-driving: convenient to move freely within the delta and explore the small villages.
- Boat Transportation: Inside the Delta, small boats are the main mode of transportation, conveniently shuttling between the waterways. Visitors can choose to take local water cabs.
5. Food Recommendations
- Fresh Seafood: Seafood in the Delta is fresh and delicious and not to be missed, especially shrimp, crab and fish.
- Tropical Fruits: such as durian, longan and lychee, enjoy the sweetness of the fruits, especially in the market where you can try a variety of seasonal fruits.
- Rice Paper Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn): refreshing rice paper rolls with fish sauce have a unique taste and are suitable for enjoying in hot weather.
- Fish Stew (Cá Kho Tộ): a traditional local fish stew dish with delicious flavor, usually slowly simmered with fresh fish and spices.
- Coconut Water (Nước Dừa): the refreshing sweetness of fresh coconuts is perfect for drinking in hot weather, quenching your thirst as well as being healthy.
6. Recommended accommodation
- Water lodges: Enjoy a unique lodging experience by choosing lodges close to the waterways, many of which offer water activities.
- Village lodges: Stay with the locals for an authentic village experience, many offer family-style dining.
- Eco-Resorts: such as the Mekong Eco-Resort, offer the opportunity to get in touch with nature and are suitable for families and couples.
- Youth Hostels: for backpackers, offering affordable accommodation options with social activities.
- Resorts: such as the Mekong Resort, for families and couples, offering comfortable facilities and services.
7. Cultural background
The Mekong Delta is an important agricultural area in Vietnam and the water lifestyle has deeply influenced the local culture. Visitors can see traditional houses on the water, fishing techniques and rice paddy farming, and get a feel for how the locals live with the water. Festivals here are colorful, especially water-related traditions, such as water puppet shows, which show the unique folk culture of Vietnam.
8. Local weather
The best time to visit the Mekong Delta is from November to April each year, when the climate is dry and suitable for outdoor activities. In summer (May to October), the temperature is high and rainfall is frequent, so tourists need to pay attention to sun and rain protection. It is advisable to wear light clothing and keep rain gear handy for unexpected rainfall.
Cu Chi Tunnels: an underground tunnel system witnessing the history of Vietnam War
1. Introduction
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an important historical site during the Vietnam War, demonstrating the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. Once a refuge and base of operations for Vietnamese guerrillas, this intricate system of underground tunnels is now a popular attraction for tourists to learn about the history of the war. The tunnel system not only covers areas for living, storing food and weapons, but also medical facilities and meeting rooms, truly recreating the living environment of the time.
2. Travel Preparation
- Required Items
- Comfortable shoes: Suitable for walking in underground tunnels and on uneven ground.
- Flashlight: Keep a flashlight handy for illumination as it may be dark in some areas.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
- Light clothing: Light and comfortable clothing is recommended due to the small amount of space in the tunnels.
- Camera: Record your experience at the Guchi Geodo.
- Internet preparation: eSIM package from PhoneSIMGo provides seamless internet connection for your Vietnam trip, helping you explore this beautiful country with ease.
3. Travel Highlights
- Underground Tunnels Exploration: experience the Cu Chi tunnels for yourself and learn about their historical background. Your guide will take you deep into the tunnels and tell you stories and battles of the day.
- War History Explanation: Professional guides provide detailed historical background and war stories to give you a deeper understanding of the complexity and impact of the Vietnam War.
- Simulated battle experience: some programs allow visitors to experience simulated scenes from the war time and you can try to use the weapons of the time.
- Exhibitions and souvenirs: In the exhibition hall at the entrance, you can see objects and souvenirs from the war period and learn about the history of the struggle of the Vietnamese people.
- Rich historical information: Visitors can visit the exhibition to learn about the history and use of the Cu Chi tunnels and feel the deep impact of that history.
4. Mode of transportation
- Public transportation
- Long-distance bus: Conveniently departs from Ho Chi Minh City in about 1-2 hours.
- Chartered Car Service
- Car rental and self-driving: convenient for flexible scheduling during the tour, especially for families and small groups.
- Tour Group: joining a group tour with a local travel agency is convenient for exploring with a professional guide and usually includes transportation and guide fees.
5. Food Recommendations
- Vietnamese Rice Noodles (Phở): Enjoy a bowl of authentic Vietnamese rice noodles after the tour, especially for lunch.
- Spring Rolls (Gỏi Cuốn): Fresh rice paper rolls for a quick snack on your trip with a refreshing taste.
- Durian Ice Cream: unique dessert with Vietnamese flavor, suitable for hot weather, refreshing and delicious.
- Fried bananas (Chuối Chiên): a common delicacy at food stalls, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, suitable for pairing with drinks.
- Vietnamese Coffee (Cà Phê): rich and fragrant coffee awakens your taste buds and is a must-have drink for locals every day.
6. Recommended Accommodation
- Small hotels: hotels close to the Cu Chi lanes, convenient for tourists to explore.
- Hotels: such as the “Kuchi Hotel”, offer comfortable accommodations for families and small groups.
- Youth Hostel: For budget travelers, with a good social atmosphere for meeting new people.
- B&B: experience traditional Vietnamese life by staying with locals.
- Resorts: such as “Cu Chi Resort”, suitable for families and couples, providing a relaxing environment.
7. Cultural background
Cu Chi tunnels are important relics of the Vietnam War, reflecting the resilience and wisdom of the Vietnamese people during the war. Visitors to the Cu Chi tunnels will not only learn about the history of the war, but also feel the spirit of unity and struggle of the Vietnamese people in difficult times. After visiting the tunnels, you will have a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history.
8. Local weather
The climate in the Cu Chi region is tropical and humid, warm all year round. The best time to visit is from November to April each year, when the climate is dry and suitable for outdoor activities. In summer (May to October), temperatures are high and rainfall is frequent. Visitors should pay attention to sun and rain protection, and are advised to wear light clothing and keep rain gear handy.
Temple Fairs: Traditional festivals celebrated in various places
1. Attractions
Temple fairs are important traditional events in Vietnamese culture, usually associated with local religious beliefs and festivals. Every year, various forms of temple fairs are held throughout Vietnam, attracting thousands of tourists and local residents to participate. [...] [...]
2. Travel preparations
- Required Items
- Comfortable shoes: Temple fairs are usually crowded, so wearing comfortable shoes will make it easier for you to travel.
- Lightweight clothing: As temple fairs are often held outdoors, it is advisable to wear lightweight and breathable clothing to cope with weather changes.
- Small bag or backpack: It is convenient to carry water, food and personal belongings for traveling in the temple fair.
- Camera or cell phone: Record the wonderful moments and unique performances in the temple fair and leave good memories.
- Cash: many stalls only accept cash payment, it is recommended to prepare some VND in order to buy snacks and souvenirs.
- Internet Preparation: Traveling is not only about exploring new places, but also about being entertained along the way. With an eSIM package from PhoneSIMGo, you can watch videos, browse social media, and make video calls to your family at any time. Whether you're relaxing at the hotel or on the beach, a stable internet connection makes your travel experience more colorful and ensures you won't miss a moment!
3. Travel Highlights
- Traditional Performances: During the Temple Festivals, you can enjoy a variety of traditional art performances, such as water puppetry, folk dances, acrobatics and music, to get a taste of the strong local culture. Often organized by local art groups or villagers on their own initiative, these performances showcase a rich cultural heritage.
- Folk activities: Participate in a variety of traditional games and activities, such as tug-of-war, dragon boat races, shuttlecock kicking, and embroidery ball tossing, to experience the local people's way of celebrating festivals. These activities are not only fun, but also enhance interaction between visitors and locals.
- Food Stalls: Temple fairs usually feature numerous food stalls where you can sample fresh local snacks, traditional pastries and tropical fruits. For example, fried spring rolls, sugar gourds and coconut water are not to be missed.
- Handicrafts Exhibition: Many temples will have local handicrafts on display and for sale, where you can purchase unique souvenirs such as hand-woven ornaments, pottery, traditional costumes, etc., and get a taste of the strong local flavor.
- Religious Ceremonies: At the temple fairs, you can observe or participate in local religious ceremonies. Many temples hold rituals to express reverence and gratitude to the gods. Through these ceremonies, you can gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese beliefs and values.
- Community Unity: Temple fairs are an important expression of community unity and cultural identity. By participating in the Temple Festivals, you will feel the local people's love for traditional culture and support for each other, and improve your understanding of Vietnamese society.
4. Transportation
- Public transportation
- City bus: In big cities, you can take a bus to the temple fair site conveniently.
- Long-distance bus: If the temple fair is in a more distant place, you can choose long-distance buses, which usually have regular schedules.
- Taxi or taxi app: Use a local cab or taxi app to reach the temple fair safely and conveniently.
- Walking: If the temple fair is in the city center or a tourist area, walking is also a good option to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
5. Food Recommendations
- Phở (rice noodles): During the festival, try the local rice noodles, which are served in a hot broth that will warm you up.
- Nem Rán: Crispy and savory snacks to be enjoyed anytime during the festival.
- Sugar Gourd (Bánh Kẹo): Sweet sugar gourds are a common snack at temple fairs and are very popular.
- Barbecue (Thịt Nướng): Fresh barbecue provided by on-site barbecue stalls is mouth-watering and suitable for sharing with friends.
- Fresh Fruits: A variety of tropical fruits, such as durian, longan, mango, etc., are usually sold by stalls at temple fairs and are refreshing and delicious.
6. Recommended Accommodations
- Local hotel: choose a hotel close to the location of the temple fair for your participation in various activities.
- B&B: Stay with locals to experience traditional Vietnamese life and improve your understanding of local culture.
- Youth hostel: suitable for travelers with limited budget, good social atmosphere for meeting new friends.
- Resorts: such as the “Temple Resort”, offering comfortable accommodation for families and couples, enjoying a quiet environment.
7. Cultural background
Temple fairs are an important cultural tradition for Vietnamese people, often associated with religious beliefs, agricultural festivals and historical events. During temple festivals, residents join together to participate in a variety of activities to express their reverence for the gods and gratitude for a good harvest. At the same time, temple fairs are important occasions for people to meet, communicate and build social relationships. Each area has its own unique customs and celebrations, showing the rich and colorful folk culture of Vietnam.
8. Local weather
The best time to visit temple fairs is usually during the spring and fall of the year, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. In summer (May to September), temperatures are high and rainfall is frequent, so visitors need to pay attention to sun and rain protection, and it is recommended to wear light clothing and always have rain gear ready. Winter (November to February) is cooler and light jackets are recommended to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening.
Vietnam Travel FAQ
1. What is PhoneSIMGo?
PhoneSIMGo is a convenient travel esim service designed to provide travelers with mobile internet connectivity in Vietnam. It allows you to use the local network in Vietnam, avoiding high international roaming charges and ensuring you stay connected at all times during your trip.
2. What is Travel eSIM?
Travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that connects to local networks without the need for a physical card. All you need to do is download the provider's app, select the appropriate package and activate it.
3. How do I buy a travel eSIM?
You can purchase a Travel eSIM through your cell phone's app store or relevant websites. when purchasing, make sure your phone supports the eSIM function and follow the instructions provided to install and activate it.
4. What is the best time to visit Ha Giang Province?
The best time to visit Ha Giang Province is from October to April each year, when the weather is dry and suitable for outdoor activities. Frequent rainfall during the summer months (May to September) may affect the travel experience.
5. What are the must-try cuisines in Mekong Delta?
Cuisines you cannot miss in the Mekong Delta include fresh seafood, rice paper rolls (Gỏi Cuốn), fish stew (Cá Kho Tộ) and local tropical fruits such as durian and longan.
6. Is Cu Chi Dirt Road suitable for children to visit?
Cu Chi Tunnels are suitable for visitors of all ages. However, due to the narrowness of the tunnels and the humidity, parents are advised to decide whether or not to take their children to visit the tunnels according to their physical and mental development.
7. What are the special events during the Temple Fair?
During the Temple Fair, visitors can participate in a variety of activities such as traditional performances, folk games, religious ceremonies and food stalls to experience the strong local culture and community atmosphere.