Vietnam is gearing up for the influx of (Western) tourists this year. To be up to speed with their visitors’ travel needs and wants, the government has initiated reforms in infrastructure, particularly in the accommodation and transport sector.
On the customer service side, initiatives have also been made to make Vietnam as friendly as the service personnel of other Southeast Asian countries. In the mean time, Vietnam makes up in staggering sights, French-influenced heritage and tasty but cheap cuisine what it lacks in “hardware.”
(Photo by Chelsea Hicks)
Amidst the flurry of preparations to make Vietnam up to speed with Western expectations is a country already bursting with attractions in their almost raw form. Recent surveys of British and Australian long-haul travelers place Vietnam alongside Thailand as their top 10 favorite destinations. It would take awhile, however, for Vietnam to achieve maturity like its neighbor to the west, which is good news for travelers who still like their vacation spots unspoiled.
Mai Chau Valley in northern Vietnam, for example, has only been recently given regional attention after it was listed by Agoda as one of the top 10 freshest destinations in Asia. From the looks of it, Mai Chau Valley has the serene character of rural Bali and the rugged scenery of Chiang Mai – a perfect combination for travelers longing for quiet.
On the subterranean front, the Hang Son Doong is currently the largest cave and barely touristed, what with its inventory completed only recently. In that alone, one can literally get lost!
In the same vein, the just-discovered longest lava cave in Southeast Asia is also Vietnamese. Combined with hundreds of other karstic, barely explored caverns of Halong Bay, Vietnam could easily be a spelunking mecca in the region.
Not to be left behind in the beach scene, Vietnam also boasts of delectable beaches that are nearly footprint-free, save for local fishing villages that live in and around the area.
Throw in French-influenced cultural heritage and flavorful but cheap eats, Vietnam can easily ensnare an unsuspecting traveler to crave for more and linger. Watch this video for a peek into the bustling Vietnamese street food scene.
A taste of Hanoi street food and a strategy to avoid being overwhelmed by the mystery and choice.
A gastronomic tour of Hanoi is enough to waylay a foodie wanderer. There’s still Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, and more. Go get lost!
