Vietnam Free Travel Guide

Vietnam Free Travel Guide

Vietnam is a popular Southeast Asian destination known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and delicious food. From large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to beach cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang, there are many attractive options for planning a free trip.

1. Recommended Cities and Attractions for Free Travel in Vietnam

① Hanoi – A Capital where Tradition and Modernity Coexist

Recommended Attractions:

• Hoan Kiem Lake: A beautiful lake located in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by cafes and shopping streets, perfect for a stroll.
• St. Joseph's Cathedral: A Gothic-style cathedral built during the French colonial era, famous as a photo spot.
• Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam): Vietnam's first university and a Confucian temple with deep historical significance.
• Hanoi Old Quarter: A vibrant area with narrow alleys and traditional shops, offering various street food and shopping opportunities.

Recommended Food:

• Bún Chả – Hanoi-style grilled pork noodle
• Phở Bò – Vietnam's iconic beef noodle soup
• Bánh Mì – French baguette sandwich

② Da Nang – A City Where Beaches and Tourist Spots Blend

Recommended Attractions:

• My Khe Beach: Known as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, featuring clear water and soft sandy shores.
• Bà Nà Hills: A French-themed park, famous for the Golden Bridge high above the clouds.
• Dragon Bridge: A bridge shaped like a dragon, spouting fire and water at night, making it a popular night-time attraction.
• Marble Mountains: A mountain with limestone caves and temples, where you can enjoy hiking and cave exploration.

Recommended Food:

• Mì Quảng – Central Vietnamese noodle dish
• Bánh Xèo – Crispy Vietnamese pancakes
• Seafood – Fresh and affordable seafood dishes

③ Hoi An – A Charming Traditional Vietnamese Village

Recommended Attractions:

• Hoi An Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful night views and traditional houses and lanterns.
• An Bang Beach: A quiet and peaceful beach, a must-visit when traveling to Hoi An.
• Hoi An Night Market: A traditional market lit by lanterns, offering street food and souvenir shopping.

Recommended Food:

• Cao Lầu – Hoi An-style chewy noodle dish
• White Rose – Shrimp dumplings
• Bánh Mì Phượng – The best bánh mì in Vietnam

④ Ho Chi Minh City – The Largest Economic Hub of Vietnam

Recommended Attractions:

• Ben Thanh Market: A representative traditional market where you can purchase souvenirs and local food.
• War Remnants Museum: A historic museum where you can experience the traces of the Vietnam War.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon: A cathedral built during the French colonial period, representing Ho Chi Minh's architecture.
• Cu Chi Tunnels: A site where you can explore tunnels used during the Vietnam War for guerrilla warfare.

Recommended Food:

• Cơm Tấm – Vietnamese rice dish with grilled pork
• Bánh Xèo – Saigon-style crispy Vietnamese pancakes
• Pho – Southern-style pho with a sweet broth

⑤ Nha Trang – Vietnam's Premier Resort City

Recommended Attractions:

• Vinpearl Resort: A luxurious resort and theme park that can be reached by cable car.
• Po Nagar Cham Towers: A historic site from the Champa Kingdom, offering beautiful views.
• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Nha Trang is one of Vietnam's most famous diving spots, where you can meet various marine life in clear waters.

Recommended Food:

• Seafood BBQ – Grilled fresh seafood
• Bún Chả Cá – Nha Trang's specialty fish noodle soup

2. Vietnam Free Travel Tips

① Visa and Entry Information

• Citizens of South Korea can enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• Upon entry, you may be asked to provide a return flight ticket or hotel reservation.

② Currency Exchange & Payment Methods

• The currency of Vietnam is VND (Vietnamese Dong), and the exchange rate is approximately 1,000 VND ≈ 55 KRW (subject to change).
• While USD is accepted in many places, it is advisable to exchange to VND.
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is necessary in markets or street vendors.

③ Transportation

• Grab: A popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam, which is cheaper and safer than taxis.
• Car and Motorcycle Rentals: You can rent cars for intercity travel or rent motorcycles, which are commonly used by travelers.
• Sleeping Buses & Trains: For long-distance travel, sleeping buses are a great way to save money.

④ Weather & Best Time to Travel

• Dry Season (November–April): The best time to travel with lower humidity and pleasant temperatures.
• Rainy Season (May–October): Although it rains a lot, the advantage is lower travel costs.

Conclusion

Vietnam offers an excellent travel option for those looking to explore diverse cities and attractions while experiencing unique cultures. Cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, and Nha Trang have distinct tourist spots and delicious food waiting for you. Plan your own itinerary freely, experience the local culture, and create unforgettable memories!