Sun-soaked country has 75 cent pints, 34C weather in May and
gorgeous golden beaches
Vietnam, in Southeast Asia, boasts incredibly cheap beer and food, low cost hotels and incredible heritage sites, ancient cities, beautiful bays and scorching weather.
People looking for a holiday destination that has sun, sand and
sea in buckets as well as great value booze and food could find their
ideal hotspot in Vietnam.
The Southeast Asian country is a paradise with hot weather, reaching
whopping highs of 34C in April and May and mellowing out to 32C from
June to August. There are dozens of interesting cities and beach towns
to explore – and excellent prices while you’re out there.
Choices for a city break include big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
City while smaller, historic city Hot An is also a relaxing place to
head to. In Hanoi, in the north of Vietnam, you can explore the narrow
streets of the Old Quarter, discover the maze-like markets and shop at
street food stalls to try local treats and Vietnamese coffee. Ancient
temples like Ngoc Son Temple are fascinating to explore and learn more
about Vietnamese culture.
In the center of Hanoi you can find Hoan Kiem Lake which is a peaceful
oasis in the busy city. You can also learn more about the nation’s
history at the Ho Chi Minh Complex which includes the Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, and the
One Pillar Pagoda.
The central coast of Vietnam is home to Hoi An – a historic
city with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town and gorgeous
preserved port which dates back to the 15th Century. Explore the
lantern-lit streets, temples, pagodas and old shops. The town is also
famous for its tailors – and you can get a custom outfit made to
measure within a few days.
Hoi An is situated along the Thu Bon River and so a great option for
the day is to take a boat ride and admire the views or explore the
countryside with its rice paddies and coconut groves. It's also close
to the nearby beaches of An Bang and Cua Dai where you can sunbathe or
try your hand at an array of watersports.
Finally, in the south of Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as
Saigon, which is the main cultural hub of the nation. The most iconic
attraction is the Independence Palace which served as the presidential
palace of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. You can admire the
opulent rooms and the command bunker beneath.
The city also has a buzzing nightlife from rooftop bars, clubs and live
music venues to bustling street markets like Ben Thanh Market. There’s
also an Opera House and the Museum of Fine Arts for cultural buffs.
People who prefer to spend their holidays relaxing in the
sunshine should head to Halong Bay. The mesmerizing hotspot in north
Vietnam is filled with emerald green waters and towers of limestone
that form unusual islands. The bay’s natural beauty features a
landscape of towering cliffs, arches, and caves.
One of the best ways to see Halong Bay is to head on a cruise – you can
find ultra-cheap options to more luxury ships. You’ll be able to stare
out at the limestone islands, visit floating villages, kayak through
hidden lagoons and swim for hours. Fun activities to try in the area
include cooking classes, tai chi sessions, and squid fishing at night.
Now, while Vietnam has all the great weather and sights to soak in it
is further away than other holiday destinations. A flight from the UK
will take around 15 hours depending on where you choose to land and
tickets cost from $399 for a return on Skyscanner. While the cost of a
flight might be a touch steep, the cost of staying in Vietnam as well
as food and drinks is remarkably low.
According to PintPrice, a beer in Ho Chi Minh city will set you back
just 60 cents, while in Hanoi you'll spend 40p and in Hoi An as little
as 25 cents. The overall average cost of a beer in Vietnam is around 90
cents according to a recent study. So it's very cheap to enjoy yourself
while you're out there. Hiker's Bay claims you can even get a three
course meal for two for just $17.50.
>>Return to Newsletter
Daily Star UK
Traveler
Series Inc.