10 Reasons Why You Need to Go to Vietnam

I lived in Vietnam for 5 weeks in February 2019, as part of my Remote Year journey. In 2020, I’ve been calling this country my home throughout the pandemic. These are some of my favorite things.

I was definitely nervous to get to Vietnam. As an American, we grow up with a polarizing image of this country, and our relationship to it, purely due to the Vietnam War.

I never learned much about Vietnam outside of this relatively brief yet politically intense time period of our history. So when I found out I’d be living in Hanoi for five weeks on Remote Year, I was mainly afraid that my presence would not be welcome. I was wrong.

During our month, we explored the whole freaking country and I had some of the most incredible experiences of my life. Flash forward to 2020, I returned to Vietnam for longer, and have now spent almost half the year here due to the pandemic.

While there are many stories to be told, and experiences to rave about, this article is simply a quick overview of my absolute favorite things about this country.

All The Food:

Yes, every country offers amazing new cuisine, this is is true, but Vietnam took that experience to a whole new level. I did not cook once in Vietnam my first time around. I repeat, in five weeks, I did not cook one time, not even a quick breakfast.

So when I say food is one of my favorite things here, I’m also saying the quality of food matched with the cost of eating out: On average, <$3 USD per meal. Mid-range hovers around $5-$7 USD, with high end from $12-$20 (this greatly depends on your beverages and number of courses).

Honestly, it’s much harder to go grocery shopping than to pop into the place next door. If you’re living in a city center, grocery stores aren’t super plentiful, but restaurants are everywhere. For healthy eaters, things like almond milk or fruit are disproportionately expensive, so it’s honestly going to be more cost effective to buy certain things out than at the store.

As a pescatarian and gluten free individual this was the most accessible country to my needs- rice noodles, tons of fish and tofu, fresh vegetables abound and amazing flavors, without scary ingredients. The sea food is incredible, especially in the central region. In the city centers, you can find ridiculously good street food for so cheap. Markets and street food for .50 cents to a $1 USD.

The food is so tasty, and you can really get everything in Vietnam. Thai, sushi, Indian, Greek, Italian, vegan, Mexican, etc. There wasn’t a type of food that I didn’t have multiple quality options to choose from.

The Beauty Scene:

When people think of massages, they think of Thailand. When they think of nails they think of Korea. People don’t often think about the beauty scene in Vietnam. But you should, because it’s thriving and more affordable than some other neighboring countries.

I’ve had hands down some of the best massages in my life in Vietnam, incredible mani pedis, and lashes, and innovative facials. Plus, it’s one of the few countries I can actually find someone who does sugaring.

As a blonde, getting my hair touched up abroad has been the bane of my existence, but not in Vietnam. I found the the most amazing salon in Da Nang, who flawlessly took care of my hair color, including a full head massage with my hair wash and style, and I paid $40 USD.

If you’re looking to get laser hair removal, botox, or really any other typically costly procedures, and you happen to be in Vietnam, look into it. You’ll save a fortune and get incredible quality. As always, be diligent about your research of course.

The Geographical Diversity:

This was one of those months that I literally explored the entire country, because there was just so much to see! What struck me was how much this long, California shaped country has to hold. From the mountains of Ninh Binh and waterfalls next to China, to the dense cultural center of Hanoi, to the gorgeous, tropical beaches of Hoi An next to the Miami strip style beaches of Da Nang, to the huge metropolis that is Ho Chi Minh, there is something for everyone.

I was impressed by how much natural water was everywhere- from ponds, lakes, rivers, lagoons, oceans- even in the massive city centers there was some body of water. Because Vietnam is so in tune with their surroundings, the food changes drastically in each region, which makes traveling that much more exciting.

When I came back, I took numerous trips to waterfalls, island trips, and even paid a visit to the sand dunes in Mui Ne, which are dubbed “the Sahara of Vietnam.”

Vietnamese Coffee + Coconut Coffee:

Many of my comrades became obsessed with Hanoi’s egg coffee invention: essentially a latte with egg whites and lots of sugar. This was not my cup of tea however, but what was, was the freaking Vietnamese coffee aka cafe da (black) or cafe sua da (with milk).

The Vietnamese traditionally make their coffee slow drip, and they pour it over condensed milk instead of creamer or traditional milk. It’s very simple, but the flavor profile is phenomenal- just sweet enough for my liking but primarily still coffee. Their coffee is extremely strong, so the condensed milk is really the only thing that will cut it.

My second favorite coffee drink specific to Vietnam is Coconut Coffee. They take the coconut, blend the meat, milk, ice and sugar to make almost an ice cream. Then they pour the coffee over the top. You stir it all in and there ya have it, the best coffee drink you never knew existed.

Coconuts:

I guess this post could just be 10 things I love to eat in Vietnam, but I can genuinely say that the Vietnamese coconuts were the best I had on this whole journey, closely followed by Malaysia’s.

They were the perfect size, just sweet enough, not too astringent and freaking everywhere. I probably drank a coconut 5 times a week. Why not? Clearly it wasn’t enough because I’m still sitting here, writing this, thinking about them. They range between $1-$2.50 USD and people sell them all over, the streets, restaurants or cafes.

Motorbikes:

Forget driving- everyone has a scooter. I repeat: everyone. Crossing the street is truly a free for all and not for the faint of heart. But you get used to it, and it becomes just a normal part of your routine. What you can’t believe is how fast, and chaotic navigating this scootering chaos is and yet people are so unfazed by it.

Women in their stilettos scootering, entire families scootering with two trees attached to the bike or furniture- and the whole chaotic dance is perfectly orchestrated. Every one knows just when to swerve left and just when to slow down. It’s fascinating and really, really fun to ride in- of course, preferably only on the back of some experienced Vietnamese guy.

For transport, instead of Uber they have Grab. It’s amazing though because they have Grab bike, so for less than a dollar you can call a scooter and get driven to your next destination. It’s so much more efficient and typical than riding in a car.

Karaoke Rooms:

You think you’ve done Karaoke…you haven’t. The extravagant decor of these rooms is one thing, the meal service is another. We had giant bowls of congee, sweet potato Pringles, and everything you could dream of, all in your private, enormous room.

With gold lined walls, plush seats, and some karaoke places the size of resorts, this is definitely a favorite local past time.

Helium Balloons:

I did not know about this, but apparently, everyone just takes helium balloons to the club and has a great day. You’ll see signs at various establishments forbidding “drug balloons” while others will have them directly on the menu to order. You can usually find guys selling them on the streets on the weekends.

While yes, this is essentially doing what we know as “whippets” but it’s part of the cultural norm here and it’s definitely a trip being in a club while everyone is just huffing balloons.

Cafe Culture:

Home to some of the trendiest cafes and restaurants in Asia, Vietnamese cafe culture is no joke. They know how to do things for the ‘gram. As a digital nomad, I very much appreciate cities or countries with strong cafe culture as I tend to work from cafes over my home or a workspace.

As a society, socializing in Vietnam is based heavily on the cafe scene. After dinner you’ll see the 4 story cafes bursting with people, laughing and enjoying their evening. People don’t tend to hang out and seclude at home, they prefer to go out.

So just like the local restaurant scene, the cafes are so much more than a space to get a beverage, they are the main social space. So they are designed to accommodate, with lots of space, unique art, comfy and inviting seating arrangements and extensive menus.

The Style of Living:

I really loved most of the apartments I stayed in. The hotel scene is above and beyond, with central Vietnam just populated with five star resorts and amazing hotels.

The hostel options and funky unique hotels are super cool, as are the Airbnb’s. Each region has a very different look and feel, so it’s great to choose from entirely different types of accommodation and architecture wherever you go.

Since Vietnam has had influence and been colonized by several different countries, you can see the history and fusion everywhere you look. It makes for a diverse melting pot, and a unique travel experience.

Vietnamese homes are quite spacious, and they build up instead of out. You’ll see many homes that are about 5-6 stories high, with one or two rooms on each floor and very little furniture in the common areas. This is typical, as common spaces are for gatherings or karaoke and people tend to sit an eat on the floor.

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