Holidays don’t need to cost a bomb and a trip to any of Vietnam’s newer travel destinations will prove just that. Here’s how you can get the most out of your trip to Vietnam without breaking the bank.
Can Tho - Embrace the riverside city
The quaint city of Can Tho in southern Vietnam is famous for its riverside life and seafood. To get the most out of the trip here, visitors must stay right at the heart of the city near the river. This way, visitors are never too far from the scenic Ninh Kieu Wharf and good food.
The delicious smells of lobster and crab noodles (bun rieu) will definitely draw visits to the Cai Rang Floating Market for breakfast. Visitors should get a cup of refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee to complete the delicious meal too. Another tasty option is to try the grilled snakehead fish with rice. For some spice, excite your taste buds by trying the local favourite known as the grilled pepper snails.
Other than exploring the heritage sites, visitors should go on an adventure by visiting the four special islets around Can Tho. The islands named Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Turtle Island can be reached via a river boat tour. Visitors get to see the other side of local life with a visit to a monastery of coconut monks, admiring the traditional costume called the Ao Ba Ba and enjoy eating the local fruits.
Come evening, shopaholics will love looking for reasonably priced clothes and trinkets in Tay Do Night Market. There are lively performances while you browse for souvenirs to bring home.
Nha Trang - An unforgettable family getaway
The family fun doesn’t stop the moment you arrive in Nha Trang. From famous seaside resorts to exciting attractions, it’s a fabulous place for a one-stop family vacation.
Families should definitely spend the day at Vinpearl Land, dubbed as the Disneyland of Vietnam. Getting there is equally exciting with a ride high up in the air in the world’s longest oversea cable car, the Vinpearl Cable Car, which overlooks the clear, blue sea and surrounding islands below.
The magic of Nha Trang continues when you get to walk on water from an island to another. Exploring the three islands of Diep Son is easy because the islands are connected with sandbars. The paths may be slightly submerged during a tide but it’s low enough for visitors to go on a relaxing stroll and feel the waves tickle their toes.
After exploring the islands, families can wind down and pamper themselves at a mud bath. Mud baths are rich in minerals which is good and cooling for the skin after a whole day out under the hot sun.
An exciting dining experience can be found at Rainforest Cafe. The well-decorated cafe resembles a chic treehouse with vine creepers, hanging plants and twinkling lights. The food choices range from western fares such as spaghetti and french toast to local food such as Vietnamese spring roll. Best of all, eating here doesn’t hurt the pocket and you’ll leave the cafe with lots of Instagram-worthy pictures.
Since it’s a beach holiday, the family should definitely dine on hai san (seafood) when they can. Visitors get to enjoy eating fresh seafood such as giant prawns, squids and crabs at eateries thanks to the fresh supply from local fishermen. The seafood can be barbecued, fried, steamed or prepared in a hot pot. You’ll never get bored of your dining choices in Nha Trang!
Phu Quoc- A scenic seaside adventure
The golden sands and sparkling waters of Long Beach in Phu Quoc is hypnotic, drawing sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. It’s no surprise when visitors are recommended to stay nearby this popular stretch of beach too. While it’s a popular spot, there are several sophisticated budget stays nearby.
Long Beach is also known for its spectacular and cloudless sunset. To get the best views, visitors should head to Choun Choun Bistro & Sky Bar where they can watch the sun slowly disappear into the horizon with a lovely drink in hand. The magnificent view of the city’s mountainous landscape and the glittering sea from above helps end the night on a good note too.
Another lively place to explore at night is the Dinh Cau Night Market. The market is bursting with lots of local food, clothes and souvenirs. Visitors should sample street snacks such as steamed squid with fermented fish sauce, flower crab with rice noodles and deep-fried shrimps before leaving the market!
For the ultimate beach holiday, hop on the longest non-stop three-way cable car in the world to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island). The breathtaking view of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters from above will make it hard to leave the cable car. Once at Pineapple Island, visitors get to enjoy a laid back day at the seaside. With such clear waters, snorkelling with fishes around Pineapple Island is a dream come true.
