Vietnam tourism has significantly gained in popularity over the last few years. And why not? Haunting landscapes, jewel-studded waters, the romance of a pastoral life and impressive architecture – for those struck with wanderlust, Vietnam is paradise.
The previous few years have seen a considerable increase in demand for travel to Vietnam. Why not, then? For those with a wanderlust, Vietnam is a wonderland of eerie landscapes, jewel-studded seas, the romance of a pastoral existence, and stunning architecture. However, you would be doing Vietnam a disservice if you thought travel there was worthwhile only for its scenic beauty or rich cultural legacy. Because visiting Vietnam would be incomplete without sampling its cuisine!
Tips to learn about Vietnam Tourism
What you need to know about the food?
Freshness is key to Vietnamese food, one of the healthiest in the world, and many cooks go shopping for ingredients twice daily. The main allure is in the harmony of flavors, and Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is one of the top 10 cities in the world for street cuisine, according to Forbes.
What you should eat in the North?
China has undoubtedly made its stamp on the north; the fondness of stir-fries and noodle soups is all Chinese. You’ll adore the food in Hanoi even if you don’t like spicy food too much! About the only spice that northerners enjoy is pepper. Read more about Related Articles.
The best of the central districts
People in Central Vietnam enjoy hotter food. Hue is known for its complex cooking techniques and vibrant cuisine. A holdover from the Imperial era, the main course is served with a variety of sides, much as at an imperial banquet.
What to eat in the South?
The wonderful cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City, in the south, stands apart from that of all other locations. Ho Chi Minh City bears the imprint of French colonization, and you can discover charming boulevards and coffee shops everywhere you turn. The Bánh m is a clear holdover from the colonial era; it resembles a stuffed baguette.
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There was a pivot to domestic tourism
When the cities opened up again after that first, brief initial lockdown, the tourism landscape had changed considerably. With foreign tourists out of the equation, Vietnam’s tourism enterprises swiftly shifted their focus to domestic travelers.
But the Vietnamese do not travel like their foreign counterparts. Most notably, they have an average spend of about US$49 a day whereas foreign tourists typically spend more than double that – at an estimated US$117/day.
Furthermore, not only do Vietnamese tourists spend less, they also speak the native language and have an in-depth understanding of the locations they visit. This means that cultural traditions and practices that are a novelty for foreign tourists are just a normal part of everyday life.
Changes in immigration policy
But as the tourism sector was shrinking, another challenge was emerging.
An overhaul of Vietnam’s immigration policy was taking place and a number of key changes were being made affecting access and mobility.
Before COVID, most tourists passed through immigration either visa-free if they were from one of 25 countries that were permitted to do so, or with an e-visa valid for 30 to 90 days that they could get online.
Russian sanctions hit Vietnam tourism industry
Vietnam’s tourism sector heavily depends on specific locations, often attracting particular nationalities.
In coastal towns like Nha Trang, signage, including menus and price lists, predominantly features Russian followed by English. Russian tourists have been a significant source of revenue for Vietnam’s coastal tourist towns, especially during the winter months when they seek warmer climates. There are also long standing ties from Russia’s Soviet days.
However, due to the global banking system’s exclusion of Russia and the country’s struggling economy under sanctions, holidaying abroad was becoming increasingly difficult and costly for Russians. Suspensions of flights between Vietnam and Russia also compelled Russian tourists to transit through third countries, resulting in increased travel costs for Vietnam trips.
