In the world of travel, Vietnam continues to grow more popular. In the first half of 2025, international travel numbers increased over 20 percent from the previous year. To learn more about Vietnam and get some expert tips on ways to go deeper when exploring it for yourself, we chatted with Steve Hope, Reservation Supervisor at Goway.
Why is Vietnam so popular?
It offers such a wide range of experiences, landscapes, food, and opportunities. It has great value, great local service, and really lets you go deeper or simply recharge with some R&R.
What is a common misconception about Vietnam?
A lot of people think it’s all about war history and that there isn’t much else to see and do. This isn't the case. You can explore rural villages with wooden stilt homes in the countryside, dive into diverse cuisine across the regions, and really enjoy the vibrant cities, which have great shopping scenes.
What is a landmark travellers shouldn’t miss?
The exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the surrounding Ba Dinh Square and Museums in Hanoi. These historic sites let you take in the history of the country, while admiring a mix of French, Soviet, and Vietnamese architectural styles.
What’s a hidden gem?
The backstreets and alleys of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). In Vietnam, you can discover another layer beyond the main roads as you venture into the residential neighbourhoods, which in many cases are winding alleys of homes, storefronts, and restaurants. This provides a glimpse of local lifestyles and lets you take in the day-to-day of a rapidly developing city. You can explore on foot, motorbike, or ride pillion on a scooter. A walking tour through the roads and alleys of Cholon District (Chinatown) is especially immersive.
What is the dining scene like in Vietnam?
The dining scene in Vietnamese cities has grown a lot in recent years. You’ll find fusion options, gourmet Banh Mi shops, tastefully designed and top-tier local restaurants, fine dining, and many international options. It’s more than just pho and fresh rolls (which are still great).
What’s a great place to eat?
The Koto Restaurant in Hanoi, which offers great local culinary options all with a good cause: providing a professional platform for trainees in the hospitality services and culinary arts professions. The restaurant is right next to the Temple of Literature, also making it a convenient option.
What is a great place to stay?
The Avana Retreat in Mai Chau. The property, service, and villas are spacious and impressive, the views are over-the-top, and the food is top-tier. The area of Mai Chau allows visitors a great immersive experience to see countryside/village life, interact with the communities, and step out of the bustle of the urban areas.
What’s the best way to plan a trip to Vietnam?
While you might be tempted to add on 3-4 nights in Vietnam to a trip to Thailand, consider visiting Vietnam as a standalone destination. It’s a large country with so much to see and do, and you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of landscapes, food, and cultural experiences. You can customize your own Vietnamese vacation with a Goway Destination Specialist.
Learn more tips about travelling to Vietnam on our Instagram.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
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