Are you hesitating and wondering if a trip to Vietnam is really worth it?
After reading this article, you’ll have no doubts left — it’s time to come and discover this incredible country!
Stunning Landscapes and Incredible Diversity
Vietnam stretches over 2,000 km, offering landscapes of extraordinary diversity. From cultural explorations and hiking adventures to beach getaways, the country caters to every type of traveler with its endless variety of activities.
If you prefer authenticity and hiking, you can trek through Northern Vietnam and climb mountains such as Mount Fansipan, which soars to 3,143 meters. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to admire the stunning terraced rice fields during immersive stays with local families.
Are you a fan of sun and palm trees? Vietnam boasts a long and beautiful coastline, and while its beaches may be less famous than those of Thailand, they are definitely worth visiting! In spring, summer, and autumn, you can also take a refreshing swim in the stunning Halong Bay.
Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam / Les Razta en voyage
For a peaceful getaway, you will also enjoy the charm of the Vietnamese countryside, a perfect retreat after a few days exploring the bustling streets of the major cities!
A multicultural country
At first glance, Vietnam may seem fairly uniform, with the Kinh ethnicity forming the majority and a single language spoken by nearly everyone, but in reality, the country is incredibly diverse.
The Vietnamese language changes gradually as you travel down—or up!—the country, and attitudes, mentalities, and ways of life differ significantly between the North and the South.
History also carries a strong influence, and you’ll notice that people from the South still love to make a good joke at the expense of those from the North! But the Kinh, though the majority, are just one ethnic group among many.
There are currently fifty-two ethnic groups living in Vietnam. A visit to the Ethnology Museum in Hanoi will teach you a lot about their histories and customs. This knowledge will prepare you to explore Northern Vietnam with your guide and meet the local communities.
We highly recommend spending at least one night in a local home with a family from an ethnic minority. This way, you’ll experience life inside a traditional household and gain a genuine insight into how people live. This is something we emphasize in all of our tailor-made tours.
Hmong women at the Bac Ha market, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam / Mathieu Arnaudet
An Incredibly warm Welcome
All of Vietnam’s ethnic groups share a deep-rooted culture of hospitality.
People will be proud to invite you for tea or even to share a meal with them. After many years of war and political isolation, since the 1990s, the Vietnamese have been seizing the opportunity to open up to the world.
Don’t be surprised if young people in the streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City approach you to chat – they often do it to practice and improve their English! The hosts where you stay will go out of their way to make sure you feel comfortable and welcome!
In addition to a culture of hospitality, the Vietnamese have a strong culture of sharing… This is especially visible during meals, where all the dishes are placed on the table (or mat) at the same time for everyone to enjoy. But it extends to daily life as well: they won’t hesitate to offer you fruits or food, even if they don’t know you. So rest assured—you will be warmly welcomed in Vietnam!
Typical dining table in Northern Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine, a true delight
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for being balanced and healthy—and this reputation is well deserved!
Indeed, the ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine cover all the body’s nutritional needs, and their diversity ensures excellent overall nutrition.
Fresh vegetables accompany every dish, and heavy sauces or chili are rare. Don’t be afraid to eat at street-side “boui-boui” stalls—that’s often where you’ll find the best meals! These dishes are prepared in the traditional, homemade way, not industrially.
The Vietnamese population is also slim for another reason: the way they eat and share a meal. It has been proven that using chopsticks, sampling different dishes, and sharing food significantly slows down the pace of eating, promoting better digestion!
Don’t hesitate during your stay to try a variety of traditional dishes!
Looking for a specific dish? Our Vietnamese food guide is just what you need.
Pho, Vietnamese soup – a classic dish from Northern Vietnam
Outstanding quality for the price
Vietnam is also attractive for its low cost of living. Your international flight will likely be your biggest expense!
In Vietnam, you can enjoy meals at street-side restaurants (of very good quality, as we’ve just seen) for as little as 2 to 3 euros…
You’ll also have access to quality hotels (3-star) at prices comparable to hostels in France! And if you’re looking for beaches, a 2017 study (source: Travel Bird) showed that a day at the beach in Central and Southern Vietnam is simply the cheapest in the world! On average, you’ll only need to spend around 2 euros for everything you need (drinks, sunscreen, etc.—hotel not included!) to enjoy a full day by the sea.
Sun loungers on Nha Trang Beach
A country brimming with vitality.
Forward-looking and full of optimism, the Vietnamese have been ranked among the happiest and most positive populations in the world (5th place in the 2016 Happy Planet Index survey).
Why is that? What makes the Vietnamese so optimistic and happy?
First of all, the current economic growth has significantly reduced absolute poverty, making Vietnam today a middle-income country.
Next, advances in medicine have significantly increased life expectancy, which now averages 75.5 years.
Despite numerous challenges such as environmental issues and corruption, the Vietnamese are experiencing a prosperous period in their history, giving the younger generation hope of living better than their parents.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) at night, Vietnam
The visa exemption for French citizens is still valid.
In 2016, the Vietnamese government introduced a measure to attract more tourists from Europe: a visa exemption.
Indeed, Vietnam offered (among others) the populations of France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain a visa exemption for single-entry stays of up to 15 days!
In 2022, this measure was extended for another five years. You just need to make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months after entering Vietnam.
Another measure makes entry into Vietnam easier for those wishing to stay longer than 15 days: the e-visa. Currently, the only available visa is a 30-day visa, which costs 25 USD (compared to 60 EUR if applying through the Vietnamese Embassy in France). The only requirement: understanding English.
The online portal is available only in English or Vietnamese. Nevertheless, our team is here to assist you with your application and help organize your trip! Be sure to check out our full article on obtaining a visa for Vietnam.
