Australian newspaper gives reasons to come to Vietnam instead of Japan

"There's one Asian country that's keeping many tourists enthralled, and it's not Japan," the Sydney Morning Herald opened.

Accordingly, the Australian newspaper affirmed that this destination possesses the most quintessential cuisine on the planet, landscapes stretching from plains to spectacular mountains and two large cities with ancient and modern cultural exchanges. That is Vietnam.

Australians have been increasingly interested in Vietnam for decades, and the trend is booming. From 2023 to 2024, the number of Australian visitors to our country increased by 35%. Last year alone, Vietnam ranked 9th on the list of most favorite destinations for Australians with nearly 450,000 visitors - an increase of about 80% compared to a decade ago.

Sydney Morning Herald points out 10 reasons why Vietnam is increasingly attractive.

Human

Traveling to Vietnam is made memorable by the friendliness, openness and generosity of its people. For many visitors, the feeling of “lovely chaos” when crossing the street for the first time helps them understand more about the flexibility and friendliness of the Vietnamese people – people who do not pay too much attention to details.

Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country. On your journey of discovery , you may meet the H'Mong, Dao, Khmer or Tay people - each with its own unique culture and traditions.

History

The journey along the S-shaped strip of land takes visitors back in time, exploring the depth of history.

Visitors can stop at My Son Sanctuary (4th century), Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (1070), Hue Imperial City (1804). Modern influences are interwoven in French architecture in Hanoi, Hoi An; at Cu Chi Tunnels or War Remnants Museum (HCMC). Even without entering the relics, culture and history are still present in every street corner.

Cuisine

If you are a tourist looking for food, Vietnam is a destination you cannot miss. Mentioning Vietnam means mentioning a "feast" of flavors: pho, banh mi, banh xeo, bun cha, bun bo Hue, goi cuon... Fresh raw vegetables and harmonious spices create dishes that are both familiar and unique, leaving a lasting aftertaste in the memory of tourists.

The experience is even more complete when sitting on a plastic chair on the sidewalk, watching the motorbikes pass by. Cuisine is not only the pride but also the joy of life every day of the Vietnamese people and the task of tourists is simply: try as many as possible.

Coffee and draft beer

Vietnamese coffee culture is unique with a cup of filter coffee dripping into a layer of condensed milk, creating the famous "iced milk coffee".

In the North, draft beer is a distinctive cultural feature. Fresh, light, refreshing beer is often served with snacks in lively and chattering restaurants.

Cities

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are considered the two extremes of urban life in Vietnam, and at the same time, the most interesting cities on the planet. Hanoi has an ancient, quiet look with French colonial architecture, small streets, sidewalk noodle shops and the image of people practicing tai chi by the lake every morning.

Ho Chi Minh City represents modernity, youthfulness, constant development, with a fast pace of life and vibrant nightlife. Between these two large cities are a series of attractive destinations: Hoi An with its deep history and cuisine, cool Da Lat, luxurious Da Nang by the sea, the quiet ancient capital of Hue and vibrant Nha Trang.

The islands

Vietnam also has many islands worth exploring, although this is not the first thing that comes to mind for tourists. Phu Quoc is a resort paradise with white sand beaches, mountains, jungles, coral reefs and luxurious but affordable accommodation. Nam Du is suitable for those looking for wild and simple things.

Off the coast of Hoi An, Cu Lao Cham is famous for its rich seafood and cuisine, while Ly Son is famous for its peaceful, poetic scenery and beachside camping sites.

The beaches

Vietnam is a country with a long coastline and many beautiful beaches, along with high-class resorts at reasonable prices.

My Khe - one of the most famous beaches in Da Nang - has a long stretch of sand and a series of beautiful resorts. An Bang impresses with its calm waters and fine white sand. Nha Trang has a full range of sea sports and hospitality services, while Ho Coc is a suggestion for short breaks from Ho Chi Minh City.

Waterways

If you want to explore Vietnam from the water side, you have two outstanding options. The Mekong Delta opens up a world of boats, floating markets, traditional craft villages and Mekong River cruises.

Ha Long Bay - Bai Tu Long - Lan Ha in the North impresses with majestic limestone mountains, floating villages and peaceful small towns or bustling Cat Ba, suitable for long journeys at sea.

The mountains

Not only plains and beaches, Vietnam also has majestic mountains, ideal places for tourists to escape the heat.

Sa Pa is famous for its terraced fields, floating clouds and the cultural identity of ethnic minorities - where visitors can trek, cycle or stay in local homestays.

Da Lat is a highland resort with a cool climate, ancient French architecture and a slow pace of life. Visitors can come here to escape the heat, go hiking, play golf...

Accommodation

What all these itineraries have in common is a rich system of accommodation at reasonable prices. From luxury hotels such as Sofitel Legend Metropole or The Reverie Saigon, to InterContinental Danang, visitors can experience it all at a much lower cost than other destinations in the world. The budget segment is also diverse, with rooms under 20 AUD/night, along with homestays, beach bungalows or traditional stilt houses that bring close, authentic experiences.

Vietnam appears as a perfect destination: reasonable prices, friendly people, attractive cuisine, rich history and diverse nature. A country that is both familiar and strange, attractive enough to make visitors want to come back again and again.