Traveling to Vietnam: what you need to know before you go

Halong Bay: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its picturesque karst islands and landscapes. The bay is home to over 1,600 islands and islets, many of which are home to amazing caves and marine life.

Hanoi Old Quarter: This neighborhood with narrow streets and colonial architecture is known for its traditional handicrafts, markets and street food. Each of the 36 streets in the quarter has historically been associated with a particular branch of commerce.

Tien Mu Pagoda: Located in Hue City, this pagoda is one of the most famous in the country. It impresses with its architecture and beautiful gardens, as well as the history associated with the Nguyen imperial dynasty.

Dalat: The city of Dalat is located on the Langbian Plateau (Dalat) at an altitude of about 1500 meters above sea level. It is a picturesque city in Lam Dong Province, known for its cool climate, flowering gardens and French colonial architecture

Dragon Coast Culem (Mui Ne): A resort area in Vietnam located on the country's southern coast in Binh Thuan Province. Mui Ne is known for its incredible scenery, among which the red and white sand dunes are particularly notable.

New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan)

Tet is the main festival in Vietnam, celebrating the new year according to the lunar calendar. Traditionally, Tet is celebrated with the family, special dishes are prepared and rituals are held to attract good luck and prosperity in the coming year.

The peculiarity of Vietnamese names

About 40% of Vietnamese people have the surname Nguyễn (Nguyễn), which is the most common in the country. Next comes the surname Tran (Trần), which belongs to about 11% of the population. Given this concentration of surnames, once you learn these two names, it's safe to say that you know half of the Vietnamese people already!

Snake wine or snake tinctures

Snake wine, or snake infusions, is a traditional Vietnamese drink known for its exotic character. It is created by preserving snakes (most often poisonous) in rice wine or strong alcohol such as bread alcohol. The tincture is believed to not only give the drink a distinctive flavor, but also has medicinal properties that help improve health, strength, and male energy.

Vietnamese coffee

Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world, second only to Brazil. Vietnamese coffee is known for its rich flavor and unique brewing methods. One of the most popular variants is coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da), which is often served chilled with ice. This drink has a sweet and strong flavor, making it a favorite among coffee drinkers both in and out of the country.

Ancient temples

Vietnam is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes many ancient temples and pagodas scattered throughout the country. One of the most iconic sites is the Thang Long Pagoda in Hanoi, part of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vietnam's temples are not only religious monuments, but also important symbols of the country's spirituality and culture.

Vietnamese dragon

The dragon is a symbol from the folklore and mythology of Vietnam. It represents the emperor, prosperity and strength of the people. Vietnamese dragon motifs can be traced in almost everything - in architecture and decor, in painting and sculpture, in national holidays and customs, in theatrical performances and heraldic symbolism.

Unique festivals

Vietnam hosts many unique and colorful festivals, each reflecting local traditions and culture. One of the most impressive is the Ha Long Festival, which celebrates the country's maritime heritage. The festivities include music and dance performances, colorful parades, fairs and sporting competitions such as boat races.

Rice terraces

Vietnam's rice terraces, especially famous in northern areas such as Sapa, are not only spectacular scenery but also an important part of agriculture. These terraces, created by the hands of local peoples, follow the natural topography of mountains and hills, forming unique green cascades. The tradition of rice cultivation here has been passed down from generation to generation, and the terraces epitomize the harmony of man and nature. The terraces are especially impressive in the fall, when the sun-drenched fields turn into golden yellow carpets, attracting tourists from all over the world.