Vietnam is known for its large production of rice, but travel writer Molly Toolan says it deserves attention as a holiday destination too, calling it better than Thailand for many reasons. She describes the country as full of hidden gems, with a rich history and a highly diverse culture.
Vietnam is also home to a number of striking beaches, according to Toolan. Phu Quoc and Mui Ne are singled out as particularly beautiful, while Hội An also has several beaches of its own.
UNESCO sites and natural scenery
The country boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include Hội An, a well-preserved trading port active from the 15th to the 19th centuries, and Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald-green waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests.
Visitors can take boat tours or kayak expeditions around the bay, which Toolan describes as one of the most serene places she has visited. In Sapa, travellers can explore rice fields and take in mountain views.
A quieter, more affordable option
Vietnam also has a complex history shaped by Chinese influence, French colonialism and the Vietnam War, with much to learn across these eras.
Although tourism is increasing, Vietnam still attracts far fewer visitors than Thailand, which received twice as many tourists last year. Food, accommodation and transport in Vietnam are generally more affordable than in Thailand.
Food, coffee and the Ha Giang Loop
Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, healthy and full of flavour, with signature dishes including pho, banh mi and summer rolls. Cooking classes are available nationwide, and the country is known for its friendly locals.
Toolan is especially fond of Vietnamese coffee, which she calls arguably the best in the world. Egg coffee, coconut coffee and salt coffee are among the varieties on offer, providing rich, intense flavours to fuel busy travel days.
The Ha Giang Loop, a 230-mile motorbike route through the north of Vietnam, is popular with tourists. Known for waterfalls, rice terraces and ethnic villages, the loop starts and ends in the town of Ha Giang, with many travellers arriving by overnight bus from Hanoi.
