How to get the best out of your trip to Vietnam

Having emerged from a tumultuous past, Vietnam has reinvented itself to become one of Southeast Asia's premier holiday destinations. Home to some of the region's finest beaches and other attractions, the sun-kissed nation also offers active travellers a plethora of exciting adventures. From selecting the right rests to hitting the country's best beaches, here are some guidelines on how to make the most out of a trip to captivating Vietnam.

1. Time the Holiday

Although there is no such thing as a bad time to holiday in Vietnam, those who wish to make the best of a tour of the country should time their trip to coincide with the sunnier times of the year. The official tourist season in Vietnam kicks off in December and lasts till February and this period is generally deemed the perfect time to vacation in Vietnam as sunny skies and clear conditions prevail for most of the nation although each region experiences different types of weather throughout the year. The temperatures during this time of year are great for adventurers and outdoorsmen as rain is at an all-time low. Visitors should avoid heading to Vietnam from November to early December as this is when the heaviest rainfall is expected.

2. Get the Apps

Travellers heading to Vietnam for the first time would also benefit greatly from downloading several apps that can make their experience in Vietnam less complicated. Those who are planning on staying in Ho Chi Minh City and other metropolitan areas must download Grab, an app which allows tourists to book a ride with a tap. XE Currency is another useful all visitors should have on their smartphones as it lets one keep tabs on how much they are spending and the transfer rates when shopping around in Vietnam. Express VPN is an invaluable app that protects one's sensitive digital information so travellers can rest assured when entering personal information online from anywhere in the globe. Wi-Fi finder will also come in handy when looking for an internet hub in Vietnam's cities whereas iTranslate will allow visitors to learn a few local words and phrases to help ask for directions etc.

3. Dine like a Local

One of the true joys of a getaway in Vietnam is the chance to sample local cuisine at its finest. Regardless of what you may have consumed in a Vietnamese restaurant in your home country, there's nothing quite like digging into the authentic flavour of local delicacies prepared the traditional way. Some of the culinary highlights every tourist should order in Vietnam include Goi Cuon, the wholesome spring roll-like snack made from rice paper and a filling packed with veggies and minced seafood. Served with peanut sauce Goi Cuon is a delight any time of the say while the iconic Banh Mi is Vietnam's own version of a French Baguette. Don't forget to lap up some Pho which is a rice noodle soup that's served in every eatery across the land. Rich in flavours, the soupy noodle dish can be customized to the preference of the diner while Hanoi staple Bun Cha is another addictive noodle dish for meat lovers.

Image by zompoch from Pixabay 

4. Beach It

No trip to Vietnam would be complete without lounging around in its best beaches. Long Beach and Mui Ne Beach are ideal for couples and families while Cat Ba Beach and An Bang Beach are equally stunning seaside hotspots for beach lovers. Those based at Avani Quy Nhon Resort or any other similar Quy Nhon resorts in Vietnam will find a host of white, sandy beaches among their surroundings while Hong Chong Beach and Ninh Chu Beach are other beach highlights tourists should experience in the country.

5. Get Active

Scuba diving and canyoning are just some of the many activities available for adrenalin junkies vacationing in Vietnam while hiking up the Marble Mountains and sandboarding in the dunes of Mui Ne is other ways to enjoy a big rush during a getaway in the country.