Vietnam’s affordable prices, rich culture, and dynamic street life draw backpackers and gap-year travelers from around the world. Young visitors love sampling street food like pho and banh mi, while the motorbike-filled cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City provide constant energy. Scenic spots like Ha Long Bay, Sapa’s terraced rice fields, and the beaches of Da Nang or Phu Quoc allow for both adventure and relaxation. Hostels and homestays are budget-friendly, and local bus or train travel is relatively cheap. Vietnam’s nightlife can be lively, especially in urban centers, with late-night markets and bustling bars. In general, the country’s warm hospitality and compelling cultural experiences inspire glowing reviews from those in their 20s.

History of Vietnam

Vietnam’s long history reveals a resilient society shaped by indigenous cultures, Chinese dynasties, French colonization, and modern independence struggles. Archaeological findings along the Red River Delta point to organized communities from as far back as 2,500 years ago. Early kingdoms such as Văn Lang eventually developed into Âu Lạc, reflecting a strong cultural identity that would resist outside influence. Chinese domination began around 111 BCE, lasting for over a millennium and profoundly affecting language, governance, and societal structures. Despite this, numerous rebellions—like those led by the Trưng Sisters—symbolized a fierce determination to preserve independence. Following the successful rebellion of Ngô Quyền in 938 CE, Vietnam entered a period of imperial dynasties, including the Lý, Trần, and Lê, each contributing to the country’s cultural and administrative framework. The 19th century brought French colonization, turning Vietnam (along with neighboring territories) into French Indochina. Nationalist sentiments grew, culminating in the August Revolution of 1945 led by Hồ Chí Minh. The First Indochina War ended with the partition of Vietnam in 1954, followed by the Vietnam War (or American War) that lasted until 1975, leaving profound scars and reshaping global alliances. Post-war Vietnam was unified under a socialist government and faced economic hardship, but reforms (Đổi Mới) in the late 1980s sparked economic growth. Today, Vietnam stands as a rapidly developing nation that harmonizes traditional Confucian values, a memory of colonial struggles, and an ever-expanding modern identity.

Diving into Vietnam's Nature

Vietnam’s natural scenery is extraordinarily diverse, stretching from misty highland valleys in the north to sun-kissed beaches in the south. In the north, Sapa’s terraced rice fields cascade down steep slopes, inhabited by ethnic minority communities whose traditional dress and vibrant markets captivate visitors. Nearby, the Fansipan peak—the country’s tallest—beckons adventurous trekkers. One of Vietnam’s most famous sights is Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of limestone karsts rise from emerald waters, creating a surreal, maze-like seascape for cruises and kayaking excursions. Central Vietnam features the unique Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, home to the world’s largest cave systems, including Son Doong, whose immense caverns contain hidden jungles and underground rivers. Along the coast, destinations like Nha Trang and Da Nang boast sandy beaches and clear waters ideal for swimming, diving, and other water sports. The Mekong Delta in the south contrasts with sprawling rice paddies, floating markets, and a maze of tributaries, forming a lush, tropical region that is the nation’s “rice bowl.” Nature reserves and national parks scattered throughout the country protect Vietnam’s remarkable biodiversity, such as Cát Tiên National Park’s elephants and primates. Whether drifting through a mangrove forest or trekking to a mountain summit, travelers encounter a vibrant landscape steeped in both cultural heritage and ecological richness.

Voyista's Vietnam Tour Experience

Our Voyista team has journeyed through Vietnam’s vibrant cities, coastal retreats, and lush highlands to build itineraries brimming with authenticity. We’ve sipped egg coffee in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cruised Halong Bay’s limestone maze, and found hidden waterfall trails in the Central Highlands. In Ho Chi Minh City, we’ve navigated bustling street markets for the best banh mi and discovered nighttime roof bars overlooking the skyline. By leveraging personal experience, we map out routes that encompass cultural landmarks like Hue’s imperial citadel, while leaving space for spontaneous moments—perhaps a roadside pho stand or a sunrise hike. Voyista’s Vietnam offerings ensure local connections, seamless travel, and memories that capture both history and the fast-paced future.