Vietnam Awaits: History, Culture, and Delicious Cuisine

Looking for a warm, vibrant getaway? Let me whisk you off to Vietnam, an enchanting Southeast Asian gem that's a hop, skip, and a friendly 8 -9 hour flight from Australia! Whether you're craving breathtaking scenery, immersive culture, or food adventures that delight every taste bud, Vietnam has it all.

Why Australian Travellers Love Vietnam

Recent data shows a 54 % surge in Australian travellers choosing to explore Vietnam compared to pre-pandemic levels, with hotel bookings soaring by 250% and local tours also booming by 170%. Vietnam's popularity with Australians comes as no surprise. Its proximity, stunning natural landscapes and affordability make it an accessible holiday escape. Steeped in history and rich in cultural experiences, Vietnam is a rewarding travel experience.

History of Hanoi

Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam's capital city Hanoi, is rich in history, with its tree-lined streets in the Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. French colonists invaded Vietnam in 1884 and completely rebuilt parts of the city with French-inspired architecture. Exploring the city by bike or on foot allows time to visit temples, markets, and admire the colonial-style buildings, integrated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants, and vibrant art galleries, including the Vietnam Nation Fine Arts Museum. 

Hoan Kiem Lake is an iconic, natural freshwater lake in the heart of Hanoi and is also known as the Emerald Lake due to its all year green water glow. Legends of King Le Thai To (1385 – 1433) say the water is green because a magical sword was rightly returned to the turtle deity, and there is still a several-hundred-year-old turtle that lives in the lake today!

The park surrounding the lake is alive with local exercisers, tourists, and locals taking in the surrounding natural beauty. Over the weekend, this area lights up with a mix of family activities to enjoy, including traditional folk games, buskers and musicians.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Delicious Food and Drink 

If you are travelling across the North and South of Vietnam, you'll find an array of delicious dishes and flavours for everyone to enjoy.  In Hanoi, locals eat bún chả with slices of pork belly, or crispy pancakes with fresh greens dipped in sweet-and-sour fish sauce. In other regions, a meaty bún bò Huế is a breakfast favourite, or cao lầu noodles for a yummy, quick snack, and you don't have to go far to find a steaming pot of Pho broth simmering on every street corner. 

Vietnamese cuisine features a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and rice, with fish sauce being a staple in many dishes. Pho & Bánh Mì are popular choices for Vietnamese street food. For those wanting to dive into other new tastes, try Bánh Xèo, a crispy, savory pancake. Bun Bo Hue is a spicy beef noodle soup, Goi Cuon are rice paper rolls filled with prawns or pork, and Bun Rieu is a noodle soup made with crab and tomatoes.

Rice paper rolls

Once the sun sets, the rooftop bars and restaurants come alive. The highest skybar in Hanoi, part of the Lotte Hotel, is known as The Top of Hanoi, offering slightly pricey cocktails, but the stunning panoramic view is well worth it.

Many of the best bars and pubs in Hanoi are conveniently located within the Old Quarter. They are popular with locals, expats and holiday makers, especially for those wanting to grab a beer at a street bar for a fraction of the usual Aussie price. 

Top Vietnam Destinations - Made for Aussie Explorers

Halong Bay

Once you've explored the capital city, take time to venture northeast to Halong Bay's stunning limestone karsts, which make a striking landscape. The rocks are formed by soluble limestone and bedrock by water, which creates unique geological towers, caves, and arches, known for their biodiversity and geological significance.

This area is known for its active outdoor pursuits! Here, you could take an overnight cruise, swim at a secluded beach, go kayaking through caves, or spend time relaxing and taking in the scenic views. 

Halong Bay is also home to ancient Vietnamese communities and a floating fishing village full of history and tradition.

Hoi An 

Hoi An enchants all visitors with its lantern-lit nights, historic architecture, and distinctive local dishes like white rose dumplings served with dipping sauces. 

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its beautifully preserved Ancient Town, vibrant markets, and delicious street food. The historic architecture is particularly spectacular, and by night, tourists will enjoy a lively market with a magical atmosphere illuminated by lanterns. If you are looking for custom clothing, consider hiring a tailor to create a perfect fit for you!

Hue

Nearby, Hue offers a glimpse into imperial Vietnam with its ancient citadel and royal tombs. Here you can cruise along the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Temple, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady.

This Buddhist temple is an active place of worship and considered a spiritual sanctuary. The most recognisable feature of the pagoda is the Phuoc Duyen Tower, a seven-tiered octagonal tower blending both Vietnamese and European architectural elements.

The vibrant Dong Ba Market is a popular activity, and for historical buffs, taking a trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) offers visitors insights into the Vietnam War.

Culture: The Heart of Vietnam

Vietnam's culture reflects its history and the diversity of its landscapes: With 54 ethnic groups, the country's diversity radiates through its languages, festivals, and traditions. From ancient dynastic legacies to modern metropolitan cities, culture is part of everyday life.

Worshipping ancestors is a strong part of Vietnamese culture, as is family connections, so many considerate it important to care for and support their elders. Traditional Vietnamese literature is featured through woven tapestries, folktales, and poems, often featuring spiritual and philosophical stories, that have shaped traditional Vietnam's diverse and historical influences. 

Why not book in for a water puppetry performance? This is a much-loved, centuries-old art form where puppeteers operate carved wooden figurines on water, accompanied by traditional music and vocals that bring the stories of yesteryear back to life.

Why Vietnam Belongs on Your Travel List

Vietnam delivers everything an Aussie traveller might hope for, from the vibrant stir of Hanoi's alleys to the tranquility of Halong Bay and the imperial ancient city of Hue. It's affordable, geographically diverse, and brimming with culture, history, and culinary zest! If you're dreaming of a destination that feels both cosmopolitan and timeless, Vietnam might just be the journey you've been waiting for.