Tourists explore the natural scenery at Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong City - Photo: NAM TRAN
That seems to be true, as many tourists have returned to Vietnam many times to visit this S-shaped country.
Back for Vietnam weather
One weekend morning in early March, Miikka Mäkitalo wandered around the 2024 Vietnam-Japan Festival in 23-9 Park, while waiting for his girlfriend to get her hair done at a nearby salon.
This is the fourth time the Finnish guy has come to Ho Chi Minh City, so this city is not too unfamiliar to him.
“In Finland I have many Vietnamese friends. My girlfriend is also Vietnamese. I always wanted to come here to see what Vietnam is like," he shared with Tuoi Tre Online about the reason he came to Vietnam.
Previously, Miikka had the opportunity to go to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang...
He smiled bitterly when asked which place he liked best, because according to him every place in Vietnam has its own good points, like Nha Trang has beautiful beaches for example.
Sunset in Nha Trang - Photo: RAY KUSCHERT
However, one reason why he loves Vietnam is the weather. “You know, in Finland it can be -20 degrees,” Miikka said with a laugh.
People, food, landscape of Vietnam
Meanwhile, Australian teacher Liz McGrath and her family have also visited Vietnam three times.
“I love coming to Vietnam. If I come back for the fourth time, I want to spend at least two weeks there,” Liz texted from Australia.
With experience of coming to Vietnam many times, she said she should only focus on exploring 2-3 places, because the distance between places is quite far.
“I would be happy if I could fly to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, because I love the energy of both cities. If I were to travel to the North, I would stay in Hanoi for 4-5 days, enjoy the atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake, eat in the Old Quarter and explore the museums.
I will also go to Hue and Hoi An to immerse myself in the culture and history there.
Hoi An ancient town seen from above - Photo: THAI BA DUNG
If my trip focuses on the South, I will spend 4-5 days revisiting the markets and enjoying the food in Ho Chi Minh City, then return to the Mekong Delta to explore that rich region.
Friendly people, delicious food and beautiful scenery are what make me come back to Vietnam again and again,” Liz shared her specific plan after “consulting” with her family.
Boiled meat with shrimp paste and sour soup at a restaurant in Phu Quoc - Photo: NHA XUAN
Liz first came to Vietnam in 1996 when she was young, when she "traveled" with a friend from the South to the North.
After that, she brought her family of 6 people back to Vietnam twice in 2020 and 2023, going to many places such as Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Hoi An, Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay...
"Loophole" is promoting Vietnam
From Lithuania, Rita Rasimaite said that sometimes she thinks she is the "tourism ambassador" of Vietnam because whenever she "misses the mark", her friends hear her talking about Vietnam.
“It's been more than 5 years since I've been back to Vietnam because I've been busy studying and working. I always want to come back to Vietnam,” Rita expressed her longing.
In 2017, Rita Rasimaite first came to Vietnam, cycling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. A year later, the female tourist returned once more.
Rita's trips to Vietnam even inspired a friend of hers to come to Vietnam and take two trips by bicycle like her, Rita "boasted".
Foreign tourists love to see peach blossoms in Lo Lo Chai (Ha Giang) - Photo: NAM TRAN
“Oh, it's so hard to pick one thing," Rita replied when asked what she misses most about Vietnam.
“But perhaps what I love most about Vietnam is the honest and friendly people, the delicious food, the beautiful nature, the culture, and the weather. I feel that Vietnam is still very “authentic” and that is what I like most.”
Rita said she also could not choose just one place she liked best in Vietnam.
“I love Ho Chi Minh City for its hustle and bustle, I love the North for its diversity and history, I love Phu Quoc for its beaches and sunsets, I love Hoi An for its magical light, I love Da Lat for its greenery and fresh air,” Rita gushed.
Phu Quoc seen from the cable car across the sea to Hon Thom Island - Photo: CHI CONG
“But it’s often not the place that makes the decision, but the things that happen and the people you meet. There are some places that may not seem special to tourists, but I had the most interesting conversations, the most wonderful dinners with the locals, and those memories make me love Vietnam the most.”
According to Rita, tourists coming to Vietnam should not only eat at restaurants, but also eat at small shops that sell only 1-2 dishes, but the flavors are always delicious.
“And always ask the locals, they will show you what's good and where to eat," Rita shares her experience.
15 days in Vietnam
This March, Ali Z and his companion set foot in Vietnam for the first time.
The two planned to spend 15 days traveling to many places such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay...
“I have wanted to go to Vietnam for a long time. In recent years, there has been a lot of good and beautiful content about Vietnam on Instagram, making me want to go even more,” the travel blogger from Iran shared with Tuoi Tre Online.
Before coming, Ali had researched Vietnam quite thoroughly. But when he arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, the modernity of the city still surprised him a bit.
This city gives you the feeling that everything is happening at the same time, very bustling, crowded streets, vehicles passing by, shops everywhere...
“The unique food, culture, diverse landscapes and architecture between the North and South, and beautiful places are what make us want to come and see in Vietnam,” said Ali.
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