Traveling to Vietnam
Vietnam holds a special place in my heart, everytime I visit, I thoroughly enjoy the culture and people that make Vietnam what it is. Traveling to Northern Vietnam and exploring the countryside while staying with locals in their homes is a particular favorite of mine. If you haven't tried a homestay before, I would recommend finding a good Vietnam tour company to assist you. These companies work with the local villages and help bring them tourists which help improve the locals standard of living and provide an income source for their families. When you're looking for a Vietnam Tour company, be sure to see how they help the communities you travel to. Finding a tour company that gives back to their communities is very important. Some of the larger tour companies send bus loads of people to the main attractions and shuttle them out before they can really get to know the people. Traveling in Vietnam with a tour company that will provide small custom tours, is a much more personal experience and usually with a little research, these companies give a lot back to the communities they help serve.
The average income in Vietnam is under $300 per month and lots of families rely on income from tourists to help them get ahead in life and put their children through school. To me, there is nothing better then being able to help a family on your trip as they go out of their way to show you a good time and let you have a glimpse of their culture and lifestyle. So on your next trip to Vietnam, consider planning a homestay.
Now I understand most travelers, don't want a homestay for their entire vacation, there are many incredible hotels and resorts to stay at and place to experience. Here are some of my top favorites.
1. Ha Long Bay Cruise
Taking a cruise on Ha Long Bay is a must do activity if you are traveling to Vietnam, This UNESCO World Heritage site is an incredible place to see and experience. Taking a 2 - 3 day cruise on Ha Long Bay is a great way to get to see all that it has to offer.
2. Hanoi City Tour
Visiting Hanoi is an excellent way to experience the busy city life of Northern Vietnam. There are many wonderful attractions and places to visit and shopping in Hanoi's old quarter is a very unique experience, you just have to try. There are also dozens of incredible restaurants in Hanoi, some tucked back in alleys and very hard to find. Don't be afraid to try new things, but keep in mind that our western lifestyles aren't used to the drinking water, so try to drink bottled water unless you like living on the edge.
3. Hue, Vietnam
Hue, Vietnam is a special city with a lot of history in central Vietnam, there are lots of wonderful cultural events in this area and lots of great history. Visiting the Hue Citadel is a must do activity if you're in Hue, also having lunch at a monastery is a great way to experience the culture and enjoy a unique tasty meal.
4. Hoi An, Vietnam
This special beach city is a great way to enjoy the beaches of Central Vietnam and pamper yourself. Some of the finest resorts in the world are located in Hoi An, including the Nam Hai an incredible 6 star hotel which provides a luxurious experience you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. The beaches are great and it's a nice way to relax from your trip and spend a few days exploring the town and some of the local attractions.
5. Saigon, Vietnam
If you're in Southern Vietnam, you'll have to visit Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, many people still refer to this city as Saigon. This city has been more westernized then others in Vietnam, but you can still experience a lot of very unique culture and there are hundreds of incredible attractions to visit while staying here. There are some beautiful hotels that are very affordable to stay at. Usually Saigon is a great starting and ending point for a Southern Vietnam tour. There are lots of incredible small towns around Saigon that have the small personal experience many are looking for, but you can still enjoy big city resorts and amazing dining options if you aren't up to spending all your time in smaller villages.
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