vietnam first impressions

Why you REALLY need to visit Vietnam in 2025…

If you’re still on the fence about visiting Vietnam, we’re here to convince you that a visit to the Nam in 2025 has to be done! We’ve come up with 7 bloody good – no, make that extremely excellent – reasons why you should be buying that ticket to Vietnam…

In no particular order…

Tourism to Vietnam is well and truly on the rise – beat the rush!

While Vietnam’s tourism industry has grown and is now well on its way to beating previous records, it’s often less crowded than other major Asian destinations. In 2025, it may still feel relatively “off the beaten path,” especially in lesser-known areas, making it a great time to experience the country without overwhelming tourist crowds. Seriously, if you want to enjoy this amazing country, now is the time!

With improved infrastructure (such as Saigon’s new metro system), facilities, and hotels opening up, together with an improved and more streamlined visa system in place, Vietnam is getting ready for record-breaking tourism numbers!

Hoi An Ancient Town Of Veitnam At Night

There are some amazing events taking place in Vietnam this year

In addition to the must-experience national holidays spread throughout the year (including Tet, which starts in late January), there are always a number of events and concerts to catch throughout the country. It’s more a question of being there at the right time for some events, as they are often scheduled at short-notice, or only familiar to the locals. But, we’ve managed to dig out some intriguing events taking place in 2025 (and we’ll add to this list if anything else major pops up), including:

Enjoy some truly diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty

You’ve probably already been enticed by some of the stunning scenes you’ve seen on social media or elsewhere online, but this country is truly blessed with some awe-inspiring scenery, including…

In the north of Vietnam, you have Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site, features limestone karsts and emerald waters that make it one of the world’s most scenic coastal areas – and Sapa, with stunning rice terraces and mountain treks with the locals. You can also experience the beauty of the northern mountains on a motorbike, with the HaGiang Loop a big favorite these days…

In the central region, places like Da Nang and Nha Trang offer beautiful beaches, while the picturesque town of Hoi An is always worth a selfie or three!

In the south of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta provides unique floating markets and lush river landscapes, while the tropical island of Phu Quoc might just tempt you with one of the best beaches in Vietnam (in our opinion, and on a in-season day!) and, of course, the now famed starfish beach

HaGiangLoop

Enjoy a unique montage of history, culture, and delicious food!

Vietnam has an amazingly rich cultural heritage, blending indigenous traditions with Chinese, French, and American influences. You’ll find diverse cultural experiences, from the beautiful and historic Hanoi Old Quarter to traditional water puppet shows and the ancient imperial city of Hue. And then you’ve also got the many cultural festivals and celebrations that offer an authentic experience of Vietnam’s vibrant traditions, such as the Tet Festival (Lunar New Year), celebrated widely across the country, and the Hoi An Lantern Festival held monthly in the ancient town of Hoi An.

As for that history, Vietnam goes way beyond the Vietnam War (known as the American War in Vietnam)…Vietnam has a deep history and is home to numerous historic sites, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, and My Son Sanctuary. But it’s the ancient temples, pagodas, and other religious sites, like the Temple of Literature in Hanoi and the Perfume Pagoda, that offer some real insight into Vietnam’s unique character and blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Vietnamese food is now renowned globally for its flavor, freshness, and healthiness. Pho is a must-try of course, but there’s also banh mi (a Vietnamese sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork and noodles), goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), banh xeo (a crispy, savory pancake), and a whole world of regional specialties. We’d highly recommend a street food tour in any of the major cities, you’ll come across some real gems!

Vietnam is still so affordable AND great value for money

Vietnam remains one of the most affordable travel destinations in Southeast Asia, making it easy to travel on a budget, or enjoy a more luxurious stay at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. You can find affordable accommodations, food, and transportation, making it accessible for all types of budgets. Here’s our guide to getting the maximum out of your budget when visiting Vietnam.

Many budget airlines – including the local, often maligned VietJet – offer frequent flights to and within Vietnam, making it easy to explore the whole country fairly affordably.

Experience an ever-growing Eco and Adventure tourism boom!

Vietnam has made some serious in-roads into the eco-tourism industry, and in recent years, there’s been an even bigger push toward sustainable travel. Now you can explore beauties like Pu Luong, with its amazing rice terraces and traditional stilt houses, lush jungle vegetation and hikes in the Ba Vi National Park, trekking and exploring with the local tribes in the mountains around Sapa, and the stunning mangrove forests of the Can Gio Mangrove Reserve. And that’s only the tip of the eco-iceberg…

There’s also a ton of adventure to be had in Vietnam – just to whet your appetite, think motorbike rides through the magnificent mountains on the HaGiang Loop, cycling through the farmland and backroads of the Mekong Delta, and exploring the world’s largest cave, Son Doong

The new e-visas are making things much easier

The new e-visa system for entering Vietnam makes it straightforward for many nationalities to obtain a visa online. This is making Vietnam more accessible than ever, and finally (hopefully) putting an end to those visa nightmare stories. BUT Vietnam does take overstaying your visa very seriously, so make sure your dates and flights are in sync!

This new e-visa system is well-developed, with easy online applications and quick processing times. If you need a guide to help you, check out how to apply for an e-visa here.

Vietnam in 2025 offers a unique balance of authentic cultural experiences, natural beauty, adventure, and modern comforts—making it truly a wonderful time to visit! Let us know if there’s anything specific you’d like to know about planning a trip here, we’ll be happy to help!

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