Why Vietnam is Ideal Destination for First-time Travelers

• Eligible Countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.

• Duration: Up to 45 days from the date of entry.

• Conditions: You must meet all standard entry requirements.

• Validity: Until March 14, 2028.

• Countries: Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, Philippines, Myanmar, and Brunei.

• Conditions: A bilateral agreement between Vietnam and your country applies, allowing for a specific period of stay.

• Details: Check with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country for specific details on duration and requirements.

• Eligibility: People of Vietnamese origin, their spouses, or children.

• Requirements: You need a passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the exemption period's expiry date.

• Details: You may need to apply at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, and you must leave Vietnam every six months.

• Eligible Groups: Official guests of high-ranking Vietnamese leaders, scientists, experts, highly skilled digital technology professionals, leading investors, and influential figures in culture, arts, sports, and tourism.

• Requirements: Must meet specific criteria and be approved by Vietnamese authorities.

• Details: This category has been updated by Decree 221/2025/NĐ-CP, effective August 15, 2025.

1.2. Reasonable cost

The country is budget-friendly yet offers a wide range of accommodations—from boutique hotels to luxury resorts. Travelers can choose Vietnam Customized Tours tailored to their interests, whether cultural immersion, relaxation, or adventure. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, making communication more convenient.

1.3. Transportation

1.3.1. Road Transportation

Motorbikes and Scooters

• Most popular form of transport, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

• Affordable, fuel-efficient, and agile for navigating traffic.

• Tourists often rent motorbikes to explore local areas.

• Challenges: Air pollution, traffic congestion, and safety concerns.
  
  

Cars & Taxis

• Increasingly common in urban areas.

• Ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and Xanh SM are widely used.

• Traditional taxis are still in operation, especially by companies like Mai Linh and Vinasun.
  
  

Buses

• City buses: Cheap and widely available in big cities.

• Intercity buses: Connect all major cities and towns; several quality levels from local to sleeper buses.

1.3.2. Rail Transportation

• Vietnam has a north-south railway line (Reunification Express) connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, covering over 1,700 km.

• Slower than flying but offers scenic views and a cultural experience.

• Trains also connect to cities like Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Vinh.
  
  

1.3.3. Air Transportation

• Vietnam has several international and domestic airports.

• Major airports:

  • Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi

  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City

  • Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
    
    

• Domestic airlines:

  • Vietnam Airlines

  • VietJet Air

  • Bamboo Airways
    
    

• Flying is common for long distances due to affordable prices and time efficiency.
  
  

1.3.4. Water Transportation

• Important in the Mekong Delta and Red River Delta regions.

• Ferries and boats are used for both transport and tourism.

• Popular tourist boat routes:

  • Ha Long Bay cruises

  • Mekong River tours
    
    

1.3.5. Walking and Bicycling

• Common in rural areas and small towns.

• In cities, walking can be challenging due to traffic and narrow sidewalks.

• Cycling is popular in scenic areas like Hoi An, Hue, and Da Lat.
  
  

1.3.6. Urban Transit (Emerging)

• Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are developing urban rail systems:

  • Hanoi launched its first metro line in 2021 (Cat Linh – Ha Dong).

  • Ho Chi Minh City is still constructing its first metro line, expected to be operational soon.

2. Safe and Secure Destination

Safety is a top concern for first-time travelers, and Vietnam provides peace of mind. The country enjoys political stability, low crime rates compared to many destinations, and a welcoming environment for tourists. With reliable tour operators offering Vietnam Customized Holidays, visitors can relax and focus on enjoying their journey.

3. Best time to Visit Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most diverse and captivating destinations in Southeast Asia, offering a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and unique societal characteristics. From the misty mountains of the north to the tropical beaches of the south, each region showcases its own charm — and each season brings a new way to experience it. You can visit Vietnam at any time of the year, and still experience something memorable — whether it's the scenery, the food, or the culture. Each trip reveals a new layer of Vietnam’s identity, making it a destination you’ll want to return to again and again.

The ideal time to visit Vietnam is from September to April, when the country enjoys milder temperatures, less rainfall, and some of its most vibrant festivals and scenic landscapes. If you want to encounter traditional festival cultural features, you can go in spring to join the cultural journey deeply embedded in traditional culture and national identity with a series of festivals held in Northern Vietnam. Visit Vietnam from January to April (lunisolar calendar), tourists will see every spiritual site come alive with processions, rituals, folk games, and traditional performances.

4. Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

Vietnam is a land blessed with some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, offering endless inspiration for first-time travelers. The emerald waters and limestone pillars of Ha Long Bay create a spectacular natural wonder that feels like a dreamscape. In Ninh Bình, often called “Hạ Long Bay on land,” visitors are surrounded by majestic landscapes of rice paddies, rivers, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The central highlands and national parks reveal an unspoiled natural beauty, where lush forests and wildlife thrive. Along Vietnam’s coastline, from Đà Nẵng to Phú Quốc, travelers will discover sandy beaches and turquoise waters that showcase the country’s scenic splendor. Whether you are drawn to mountains, rivers, or the sea, Vietnam’s magnificent vistas offer an unforgettable connection with nature on every journey.

4.1. The emerald waters and limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay

The emerald waters and towering limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay have made it one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay is home to nearly 2,000 islands and islets, each rising dramatically from the tranquil sea like giant sculptures shaped by nature.


4.2. Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex – Breathtaking Natural Scenery

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Bình is often described as “Ha Long Bay on land.” This enchanting destination features a harmonious blend of towering limestone mountains, winding rivers, and lush rice paddies, creating a panorama of breathtaking natural scenery.


4.3. Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park is home to one of the world’s most impressive karst landscapes. The park boasts a vast network of caves and underground rivers, including the legendary Sơn Đoòng Cave – the largest cave on Earth. Visitors can also explore Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, and Dark Cave, each offering its own unique wonder.


4.4. Bà Nà Hills – The road to Elysium

Perched high above the clouds in Central Vietnam, Bà Nà Hills is more than just a mountain retreat — it’s a gateway to a surreal world, often described as "The Road to Elysium." With its mystical atmosphere, European-style architecture, and panoramic views, Bà Nà Hills offers a heavenly escape unlike any other. The most attractive in Bà Nà is the Golden Bridge, which has the iconic hands holding up the golden walkway have captivated the world. Floating above the mist, this bridge feels like a pathway between earth and sky. Early mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and catching the magical fog rolling through the hills.


Whether you're drawn by its mystical charm, architectural marvels, or cool mountain air, your visit here will truly feel like walking the road to Elysium.

4.5. Fansipan – Roof of Indochina

Standing tall at 3,147 meters (10,326 ft) above sea level, Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam and the entire Indochina Peninsula (Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia). Known locally as “Phan Xi Păng,” this majestic peak is a bucket-list destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and spiritual travelers alike. At the top, you can see the 21.5-meter bronze Buddha at the summit adds spiritual significance and serenity; spriritual complex such as: temples pagodas, and stone paths built in traditional Vietnamese style. On the clear days, you can go cloud-hunting and see the clouds roll beneath you — a truly surreal sight.


5. Cuisine in Vietnam – A Symphony of Flavors

Vietnamese cuisine is a vibrant reflection of the country’s history, culture, and natural abundance. From the delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors to the use of fresh herbs and seasonal ingredients, every dish tells a story. Travelers can savor iconic street food like pho and banh mi, indulge in regional specialties such as Hue’s imperial dishes or the fresh seafood of coastal towns, and explore traditional meals deeply rooted in family and community life. Vietnamese food is not only about taste—it’s about the experience of sharing, discovering local markets, and enjoying the harmony between nature and the dining table.

5.1. Phở

Vietnam’s most famous dish – a fragrant noodle soup made with beef or chicken, fresh herbs, and a delicate broth that simmers for hours.

5.2. Bánh Mì

A crispy French-style baguette filled with meats, pickled vegetables, herbs, and sauces – the perfect street food symbolizing Vietnam’s cultural fusion.

5.3. Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)

Light and refreshing rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, pork, vermicelli, and herbs, often dipped in peanut or fish sauce.

5.4. Bún Chả

Grilled pork served with vermicelli, fresh greens, and a sweet-sour dipping sauce, famously enjoyed by President Obama in Hanoi.



5.5. Cao Lầu

A specialty of Hoi An – chewy noodles topped with slices of pork, crunchy croutons, and herbs, blending Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences.

5.6. Bánh Xèo

Crispy Vietnamese pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, wrapped in greens and dipped in fish sauce.

5.7. Mì Quảng

A signature noodle dish from Central Vietnam, with turmeric-flavored broth, prawns, pork, peanuts, and rice crackers.

5.8. Nem rán (Fried Spring Rolls)

Golden, crunchy rolls stuffed with minced meat, mushrooms, and vegetables, a must-have in every festive meal.



5.9. Cơm Tấm

A southern favorite – grilled pork chop served with broken rice, pickles, egg, and a drizzle of fish sauce.

5.10. Vietnamese Coffee

Strong, rich coffee brewed in a traditional drip filter, often enjoyed with sweet condensed milk – and don’t miss the unique Egg Coffee in Hanoi.


6. Falling into warm embrace of Vietnamese people

What makes Vietnam truly unforgettable is not only its landscapes and cuisine but also the warmth of its people. Vietnamese hospitality is unique—locals welcome travelers with open hearts, without judgment of race, skin color, or religion. Whether you are sharing tea with a family in the countryside, being greeted by friendly vendors at a market, or guided by a host in the city, you will always feel embraced and valued. This spirit of genuine kindness ensures that every visitor leaves Vietnam with not just memories, but a sense of belonging.


Vietnam Waiting for You to Explore

Vietnam is a destination that never ceases to surprise. Its breathtaking landscapes, world-class cuisine, affordability, cultural richness, and warm hospitality create journeys that travelers want to relive again and again.


Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, choosing Vietnam Customized Tours with Nadova Tours ensures that each experience is tailored to your interests. With every journey, you’ll uncover new reasons to fall in love with this extraordinary country.