10 Things I Fell in Love With About Vietnam (After My Third Visit)
Vietnam is a peculiar country. You either absolutely love it or hate it so much that you swear on your mother’s grave never to visit it again. There seems to be no middle ground.
Strangely though, I experienced both extremes. On my first two visits, I couldn’t stand it at all. Out of all the countries I’d visited, Vietnam was the first I could honestly say I hated.
Yet curiosity got the better of me, so I went back a third time, and lo and behold — I fell in love! Two weeks flew by, and by the end of the trip, I was already picturing myself staying there for good.
Why the drastic change? I’m not sure I can explain it fully, but here’s what I loved about Vietnam:
If you’ve read my other articles, you’ll notice a pattern: if I love the food, I love the country.
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, healthy, and flavorful. From pho (beef noodle soup) to prawn spring rolls and the countless varieties of banh mi (baguette sandwiches), every meal comes with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Even if you’re not a fan of Asian food, you might enjoy Vietnam’s lighter approach.
Unlike much of Southeast Asia, which leans heavily on spices, fats, and coconut milk, Vietnamese cooking emphasizes fresh ingredients—a French influence that results in clear, light soups packed with flavor, proving that healthy doesn’t have to be bland.
2. The coffee (even for non coffee drinkers)
I don’t usually drink coffee as it tends to make me jittery and lightheaded.
But I would never turn down a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee. It hits just the right balance of strength and sweetness for me, making it worth any headache it might cause.
Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer, and cafe culture is everywhere. Most cafes offer free Wi-Fi, and some are open 24 hours.
While you’re at it, don’t miss the “egg coffee”. Trust me — it’s not as disgusting as it sounds. Instead, you’ll find that it makes an egg-cellent after-dinner treat.
3. The ridiculously cheap prices
Southeast Asia is cheap enough as it is, but Vietnam takes it a step further. Even if you’re a broke backpacker, in Vietnam you’ll become a millionaire, literally.
A clean, private hotel room with air-conditioning, hot shower, and cable TV can cost as little as $12 per night.
In Vietnam, you can suddenly afford a 5-star suite with sea views, or a couple of nights on a luxury cruise, or a full day at the spa, or all of the above.
While these may be expensive by Vietnamese standards, they’re still much cheaper than what you’d pay at home. So, if you’ve been craving a long-overdue pampering session, this is the place to do it.
And if you’re a beer lover, here’s some good news: a glass of freshly-brewed beer will only set you back about 25 cents.
4. The natural beauty
Vietnam is a long, narrow country stretching about 1,650 km from north to south. Along this length, it passes through a wide range of landscapes, from densely forested highlands to coastal lowlands, to swampy deltas.
As you travel through the country, the scenery shifts dramatically from one region to the next.
In the north, you’ll find mountains and sweeping terraced rice fields. In the northeast, thousands of limestone islands rise from the water, creating an almost otherworldly scene.
Central Vietnam offers pristine beaches, marble mountains, and charming countryside, while the south is defined by the Mekong Delta with its dense jungles and mangrove swamps.
In short, there’s no shortage of things to see and admire.
5. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Vietnam now has a total of nine natural and historical UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with several more on the tentative list.
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to keep score of the number of UNESCO sites you’ve visited (I am that type of person), you can tick a few off your list in Vietnam.
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam
- Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago — A stunning seascape of thousands of limestone karsts and islets rising from emerald waters.
- Hoi An Ancient Town — A beautifully preserved Southeast Asian trading port from the 15th–19th centuries, notable for its blend of local and foreign architectural styles.
- Complex of Hue Monuments — A walled citadel and imperial palace complex in the city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam.
- My Son Sanctuary — A cluster of partially ruined Hindu temples built between the 4th and 14th centuries.
- Tràng An Landscape Complex — A scenic area near Ninh Bình, known for its boat cave tours, limestone mountains, rivers, lakes, and swamps.
- Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park — A transboundary site (shared with Laos) of ancient karst landscapes and extensive cave systems.
- Citadel of the Hồ Dynasty — A 15th-century stone fortress representing a major political and cultural center of the the Hồ Dynasty.
- Central Sector of Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long — The historic royal enclosure and seat of Vietnam’s court from 1010 until 1810.
- Yen Tu, Vinh Nghiem, Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex — Vietnam’s newest UNESCO inscription (2025): a chain of 12 historic and spiritual sites linked to the Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhist tradition.
So far, I’ve only been to two of Vietnam’s UNESCO sites — and Hoi An was the one that transformed my initial dislike of the country into love.
6. The outdoor adventures
With its many natural wonders and varied landscapes, Vietnam provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities. So, if you thrive on adrenaline, the country will easily keep you busy.
You can go canyoning in Da Lat, kayaking in Halong Bay, scuba-diving in Nha Trang, or trekking through the hill tribe villages in Sapa.
And if those feel like child’s play, there’s Mount Fansipan. At 3,143 meters, it’s the highest mountain in Vietnam and is often called the “Roof of Indochina”.
I’m not super athletic, but I enjoyed sand-boarding on the white sand dunes in Mui Ne, a cycling tour amidst the rice fields in Hoi An, and stand-up paddling in Nha Trang.
One day, I hope to climb Mount Fansipan and join a multi-day cross-country cycling tour in Vietnam.
7. The craftsmanship
The Vietnamese are known for their skilled workmanship. Standards are so high that many global brands—such as Patagonia, The North Face, H&M, Uniqlo, Nike, and Adidas—manufacture their products in Vietnam.
That’s why there’s a good chance the clothes you’re wearing right now were made there.
This reputation for quality also means that local products in Vietnam are generally well made. From clothing to accessories, craftsmanship is reliable and often exceeds expectations for the price.
Vietnam is also famous for affordable custom-made clothing, especially in Hoi An, where tailors line the streets. You simply choose a fabric and style, get measured, and your outfit is ready within a few days.
Beyond clothing, nail services are another standout. Vietnamese manicurists are highly skilled, offering everything from simple designs to detailed hand-painted and 3D work for as low as $2.
8. The bia hoi culture
Bia Hoi is a uniquely northern Vietnamese after-work ritual. From around 4 p.m., locals—and curious travelers—gather on street corners, perched on tiny plastic stools, drinking freshly brewed beer.
The sight of full-grown adults semi-squatting on tiny plastic stools seemingly made for kindergartners is interesting enough in itself.
Look a little closer and you’ll notice that they all have the same things on their tables: glasses of a pale homemade beer (in my naivete, I thought it was sugarcane juice) and simple snacks, like groundnuts or sunflower seeds.
Bia Hoi roughly translates to “fresh beer”. It’s brewed daily and must be consumed within 24 hours as it contains no preservatives and therefore doesn’t keep as long as normal beer.
Depending on the brewer, it can have a high rice content, which is what gives it the golden color and light draft taste. Each stall produces its own brew.
I didn’t join in though, as I was traveling alone and felt it was something best enjoyed with company. Still, watching this daily ritual was fascinating and comforting. Streets stay lively well into the evening, and the constant presence of people makes walking around at night feel safe.
9. The sleeper buses
In Vietnam, long-distance overnight buses aren’t your typical coaches. Instead, you’ll often find these unique dormitory-style “sleeper bus” with three rows of double-decker beds.
They’re not for everyone though. Taller travelers may find the beds cramped, but they’re cheap, convenient, and practical.
Tickets are usually booked through your hotel, and on departure day, you’re picked up directly from your accommodation, so there’s no need to navigate a bus terminal. Best of all, you get your own sleeping space rather than sharing a seat with a stranger.
Another thing I appreciated was how clean the buses were. Shoes aren’t allowed on board, and passengers are given a plastic bag to store them before entering, keeping both day coaches and sleeper buses tidy (bring your own if you want to reduce single-use plastic).
10. The people
On my first visits to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, I’ll admit I was a little put off by some of the locals. Market sellers could be pushy, street scammers were hard to avoid, and I often felt on edge just walking around.
The Vietnamese didn’t have the constant, sunny smiles of the Thais or the playful charm of Filipinos. At first, the cities felt harsh and unwelcoming.
By the third visit, however, I began to see another side. The Vietnamese may not flash constant smiles or put on a show; they’re more straightforward and matter-of-fact, but are actually helpful and generous once you get to know them.
I came to appreciate this pragmatic warmth, and it became one of the most memorable aspects of my trips.
Final thoughts
There are countless reasons that make people fall in love with Vietnam. Perhaps it’s the rich history. Perhaps it’s the unpretentious, no-nonsense attitude of the people, but for me, these ten stood out the most.
Vietnam can surprise you, frustrate you, and charm you all in one trip. Give it time, keep an open mind, and you might just find yourself returning for a third visit… and loving it.
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Thanks for linking to my post about getting clothes custom made in Vietnam, it was one of my favourite experiences while visiting Hoi An. Love your round-up of things to enjoy in Vietnam, so much inspiration to visit for the first time, or re-visit and see even more 🙂
Thank you for dropping by, Nicole. I really love your thorough guide on getting custom-made in Hoi An. For a first timer, it must be overwhelming to be presented with such abundant options. It’s great that we can always count on blogs like yours for great tips. 🙂
I wouldn’t know where to begin! So many things come in mind when I think about Vietnam.
The morning bowl of pho with the locals, the street side ca phe sua da on plastic chairs.
By the way, Bia Hoi is a light beer delivered daily by trucks in the north of Vietnam! A must have in Hanoi’s old quarter!
Thank you, Marielle. You’re really making me miss Vietnam now. 😀 I sure enjoyed having a steaming bowl of pho on one of those tiny plastic chairs!
baca your blog made me crave for Vietnam coffee haha nasib memang selalu standby coffe tu kat rumah. nice sharing ummi
Thank you, Bae. I pun kalau pergi Vietnam, memang itu la yg i tuju dulu. Sedap gila kopi ais dia, dah la murah.
Yes memang best sangat travel dekat Vietnam.. Rindu nak travel kesana lagi. Palong yanie suka food dia, antaranya sup daging dia makan dengan roti sedapnya.
Setuju, Yanie. Sup daging (pho) memang antara makanan yang paling popular di Vietnam dan terkenal di seluruh dunia. Sesiapa yang berkunjung ke Vietnam wajib cuba. Tapi saya belum pernah lagi makan dengan roti, biasanya dengan mee atau bihun je.
Tak pernah pergi Vietnam lagi..tapi pernah makan vietnamese food la..vietnamese coffee memang super sedap..rindunya nak minum..Rice paper omelet roll pun iena suka..
Kalau iena suka Vietnamese food dan Vietnamese coffee, memang sesuai sangat la melancong ke Vietnam. Di Ho Chi Minh City ada satu jalan dipanggil Malaysian street. Kat situ banyak makanan halal dan ada yang terima Ringgit Malaysia.
Sekali rasanya pergi Vietnam, tu pun transit aje sekejap, dapat bermalam semalam di bandar tu.. dapat dapat makan tomyam sedap dan minum kopi dia, perghh nikmatnyaa..
Kalau baru semalam pun sis dah rasa nikmatnya, cuba bayangkan stay lama sikit. Hehe. Dapat minum kopi tu hari2 dan cuba makanan yg lain. Vietnam ni luas dan setiap tempat berbeza-beza suasananya.
Vietnamese foods are the best. i love their pho. and their coffee too !!! would love to go there someday. i always enjoy listening to my friends story travelling to Vietnam. hopefully one day i be able to travel there.
I hope you will, Zharif. Just be aware that Vietnam is notorious for invoking very strong feelings — either you love it or you hate it. It will be interesting to find out which camp you fall into. All the best! 😃
Selalu ke Vietnam sebab kena kerja di Vung Tau.. tapi tak sempat menikmati aktivit best macam kat sini. Biasa pergi-kerja-balik..rasa rugi lak..sekarang dah tak boleh travel ke sana huhuh
Takpe, JMR. Nanti kalau ada rezeki selepas Covid ni, boleh la travel ke sana untuk suka-suka pulak. Ada banyak tempat menarik di Vietnam dan pelbagai aktiviti untuk dicuba. 🙂
Wow, first time tengok Vietnamese egg coffee.. didn’t get a chance to try it before.. next trip will definitely look for this.. 🙂 Memang rindu nak explore Vietnam bah.. I suppose to visit Hanoi last year.. but pandemic hit on the month of my trip.. sad!
Oh that’s too bad, Kitkat. Takpe, nanti once the pandemic is over, I hope we all can ganti balik semua trip yang postponed tu. And don’t forget to try the Vietnamese egg coffee. Sedap!
absolutely agreeing with what you like listing here while travelling to Vietnam 😀 love the Vietnamese foods, as well as drinking coffee at their roadside stall by sititng down on their small stool really a nice memory I recalled.
cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Glad to know you enjoyed Vietnam as much as I did, Sienny. The coffee is to-die-for!
the beef noodle pho is my fav!! i miss travelling so much hope we can all go back to normal life soon
I hope so too, Cindy. Although Vietnamese food is available here in our own country, it can never beat trying the real thing in Vietnam.
Try makanan lokal is a must bila.melancong kan. I paling rindu dengan kopi Vietnam
Sama la, Ayu. Paling rindu dgn kopi Vietnam. Saya sebenarnya lebih suka try makanan local daripada pergi sightseeing.
love this list! not many people can appreciate vietnam but this article clearly highlights all the best, positive parts about this country.
Thank you, Grace. I have my reservations about Vietnam, having had bad experiences there myself. But these are the things I appreciate about it. 🙂
Oh yes, Vietnam food memang sedap. Kita tak pernah lagi sampai vietnam tapi husband dah beberapa kali pi sana shopping. Baru tahu naik bas tak a boleh pakai kasut. Bagus yaaa bersih!
Haah, kalau bas long distance memang kena bukak kasut. Bersih, nak letak beg kat lantai bas pun tak bimbang kotor. Nanti bila boleh travel semula, Nina ikut la husband ke sana. 😉
I blm sampai lg kat vietnam mybe bila dah clear blhlah msk lift utk travel kat vietnam nak try Vietnam food pasti sedap
Memang sedap, kak Halimah. Setanding dengan makanan Thai, tapi dia light sikit, tak banyak guna santan. Dan lebih sihat sebab banyak sayur dan ulam2an.
I had a great solo trip in Vietnam & enjoyed your list! I loved Hoi An & especially loved the spectacular scenery in the north.
Thank you Lindajane! Glad you enjoyed your stay in Vietnam. I loved Hoi An too. Haven’t had the chance to see much of the north yet, except Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, but I’ve heard so much about Sapa. 😀
I didn’t know that Vietnam had so many world heritage sites in it! It looks like a beautiful country to visit for sure.
It is, Krista, and I’ve only been to two of those world heritage sites in Vietnam. I hope you’ll include this country on your list! 😀
I would love to visit Vietnam, it looks like such a beautiful country! I had no idea that Vietnam had some many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and I would love to explore them.
I hope you’ll get to do that soon, Elina. Vietnam does have many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the two that I have visited are truly beautiful. 😀
Vietnam has been on my bucket list for a while now. I can’t wait to discover the country through the food (I love Vietnamese cuisine)
I hope you will, Mayi. Food is always a great way to discover any country, but especially Vietnam! I love Vietnamese cuisine too. 😀
I love Vietnam! The country is so beautiful and the people are the friendliest. Seriously some of the best food EVER too!
Agreed, Linnea! The food is simply amazing in Vietnam. The people weren’t always the friendliest in my experience (just like in any other place, I guess), but there’s so much to love about this country. 🙂
The FOOOOD!!! That’s one reason I really want to visit, it looks amazing! Vietnam has been on my list to visit for the longest and now I just have to go!
You HAVE to, Bisola! Food is an excellent reason to visit a country 😀
WOW! I didn’t realize that Vietnam had so many beautiful views. The food and coffee look amazing. I’d love to go to Vietnam one day to experience all of this for myself. Thank you so much for sharing. Saving it for later!
~ Andrea | acaponeconnection.com
Thank you, Andrea! I hope you will get to visit Vietnam someday. It does have a lot of beautiful views. The food and coffee are simply amazing. 😀
Love your honesty and such a great list of things! My husband lived in Vietnam for a few months and always raves about it. Personally, I love Vietnamese food and coffee and know I would love the country too. I hope to be able to visit experience all these myself, especially the outdoor activities!
I hope you will, Susanna! There are a lot of things to love about Vietnam, but I really loved the food and coffee the most. 😀
Vietnam has been on my radar lately – it seems like such an underrated and affordable destination with so much natural beauty. Thanks for your insightful post.
You’re welcome, Elena! Vietnam is indeed a beautiful and affordable country to visit. Maybe not so underrated — it’s actually quite popular among backpackers and travelers in the region. I hope you’ll get to visit it once it’s safe to travel. 🙂
This brings back so many great memories from my trip to Vietnam almost 10 years ago! It was my first country backpacking through SE Asia, and one of my favorites. Thanks for these great memories :).
You’re welcome, Sumeeta. Glad that you had great memories in Vietnam. But 10 years is a long time, maybe it’s time to visit again? 😉
Vietnam was on my bucket list before but now I’m even more eager to go! Thanks so much for the info.
You’re welcome, Sharon! I hope you’ll get to visit Vietnam someday. 🙂
Thanks for a great post. I can’t wait to visit Vietnam one day! It looks like such a beautiful country. I love traveling in SEA so hopefully, I would love Vietnam too 😀
Vietnam is known to be a country that you will either hate or love. I hope you’ll fall into the latter category, Charlotte. It really is a beautiful country. 🙂
I spent about a wekk here but would love to explore more, such a beautiful country 🙂
It is, Sam. I’ve been there 3 times, spending on average a week each time, and there’s still so much more I haven’t seen. Will definitely be coming back. 🙂
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