Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after destinations, attracting millions of tourists annually. In 2023 alone, the country welcomed around 12.6 million international visitors, 3.5 times higher than in 2022. Vietnam’s unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisines makes it a must-visit for any traveller. But beyond the stunning landscapes and historical landmarks, there’s one thing tourists often overlook – languages.

Today, let’s explore how you can make the most of your visit to Vietnam, including how our multilingual videoconferencing tool can help you stay connected with your Vietnamese friends!

The Must-See Attractions in Vietnam 

Vietnam offers a variety of attractions, from bustling cities to tranquil beaches and historical sites. We’ve summarised a list of places you should visit when exploring Vietnam!

• Ha Long Bay
  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute must for nature lovers. It offers surreal seascapes dotted with towering karst formations. If you’re looking for an escape from city life, Ha Long Bay is the place to be! The calm waters and stunning limestone islands create a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for boat trips, kayaking, or simply admiring the breathtaking views.
  
  Ha Long Bay, located in Quang Ninh Province, is about 165 kilometres (102 miles) east of Hanoi, Vietnam's capital. It is easily accessible from Hanoi by bus, car, or guided tour, with travel times ranging from 3 to 4 hours. The ideal time to visit Ha Long Bay is from March to April and October to December, when the weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies.

• Hoi An
  A former trading port, Hoi An is known for its rich history and unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European architecture. This ancient town offers a romantic and peaceful ambience with its well-preserved streets, old temples, and lantern-lit evenings. Hoi An is located in Quang Nam Province, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of Da Nang City. The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when you can expect minimal rainfall, moderate temperatures, and cool but sunny weather.

• Cu Chi Tunnels
  The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a fascinating and educational experience, especially for history enthusiasts. This vast underground network, used as a base during the Vietnam War, provides a unique insight into Vietnam's wartime history. Visitors can crawl through sections of the tunnels and explore underground bunkers, kitchens, and hospitals. Located about 70 kilometres (43 miles) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the Cu Chi Tunnels are roughly a 1.5-hour drive by car or bus from the city centre.

• Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
  This UNESCO-listed national park is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Phong Nha-Ke Bang is home to some of the world’s largest caves, including Son Doong (the largest known cave on Earth). With its dense jungles, underground rivers, and vast cave system, Phong Nha-Ke Bang offers a sense of wonder and excitement. This national park is situated Quang Binh Province, about 500 kilometers (310 miles) south of Hanoi.
   

Vietnam's Best Foods You Have to Try

Beyond the stunning scenery, don’t miss out on the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. No need to worry — VideoTranslatorAI has curated a list of must-try dishes for your trip to Vietnam!

• Pho – The Soul of Vietnamese Cuisine
  Pho is one of Vietnam's most famous traditional dishes, and it has gained international popularity. The star of this dish is its rich, aromatic broth, which is slow-cooked with bones, star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Each sip brings a deep, savoury flavour that warms the soul. The tender meat and soft rice noodles are accompanied by fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and lime, adding a burst of freshness to every spoonful. Pho is enjoyed at all times of the day, but it’s particularly comforting as a breakfast dish paired with a hot cup of Vietnamese coffee.

• Banh Mi – A Symphony of Flavours in Every Bite
  Banh mi is a unique fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, combining a crispy baguette with an assortment of fillings. Inside, you’ll find layers of juicy meat, cream pate, pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cucumber, and cilantro. What makes this sandwich unforgettable is the balance of textures–the baguette's crunch, the meats' softness, and the tangy-sweet crunch of pickled vegetables. A dash of chilli sauce or a sprinkle of pepper gives it a spicy kick that rounds out the flavours.

• Goi Cuon – Light, Fresh, and Flavorful
  Goi cuon, or fresh spring rolls, are refreshing, healthy, and delicious snacks or appetisers. These translucent rice paper rolls are packed with plump shrimp, slices of pork, thin rice noodles, and a medley of herbs like mint and basil. The rolls are served with a peanut-hoisin dipping sauce, adding sweet, savoury, and slightly creamy flavours. Each bite offers a mix of light, crisp textures and fragrant taste, making it the perfect dish for warm days.

Language Tips: Speak Like a Local

While travelling through Vietnam, a few key phrases in Vietnamese will help you connect with locals and enhance your experience. Here are some basic greetings to know:

• Xin chào (sin chow): Hello
• Cảm ơn (gam un): Thank you
• Tạm biệt (tam biet): Goodbye
• Cái này bao nhiêu tiền (Guy nigh bow nyew tee-en): How much is this?
• Ngon quá (Nngon wah): Delicious
• Ở đâu…? (Uh dow): Where is…?:

However, when speaking Vietnamese, remember these important do’s and don’ts:

• Do: Use formal titles when addressing older people or those in higher positions, such as "ông" (sir) or "bà" (madam).
• Do: Smile! Vietnamese people value friendliness and warmth in their interactions.
• Do: When giving or receiving objects, gifts, or money, use both hands as a sign of respect.
• Don’t: Point your feet at others. This is considered rude in most Southeast Asia countries.
• Don’t: Cross your arms or put your hands on your hips when talking. Similar to pointing your feet at others, this gesture is considered rude.

General Cultural Etiquette Tips:

• Respect elders: Age is highly respected in Vietnam, and deference to elders is essential. Always greet older people first and let them take the lead in conversations.
• Avoid sensitive topics: Avoid discussing politics or history, especially the Vietnam War, unless you know the person well. These topics can be sensitive.
• Table manners: Wait for the host to invite you to start eating, and don't dig into food with chopsticks before others.

By following these guidelines, you'll show respect and cultural sensitivity, which will be appreciated in Vietnam.

Staying Connected with Friends Using Our Multilingual Videoconferencing Tool 

Vietnam is where you’ll meet people from all walks of life, and forming connections with locals can make your trip even more rewarding. But what happens when you leave? With our AI-powered multilingual videoconferencing tool, you can stay connected with your Vietnamese friends even after you’ve left the country.

Our tool offers real-time translation during video calls, so language barriers won’t stand in the way of maintaining relationships. Whether planning your next trip together or simply catching up, our platform makes it easy to communicate seamlessly with friends, no matter where you are.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s growing popularity as a tourist destination is no surprise. Its stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and astonishing dishes make it an unforgettable place to visit. From Ha Long Bay's tranquil waters to Hoi An's ancient streets, there’s something for every traveller. While exploring, knowing a few basic Vietnamese phrases will make your interactions more meaningful and respectful. 

Once you’ve connected with locals, don’t let the distance or language barrier keep you apart! Our AI-powered multilingual videoconferencing tool will help you continue those friendships and maintain communication effortlessly, no matter where you are in the world. If you’re wondering how our video call platform works, please drop your question here or hit us at hello@videotranslator.ai.

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of Vietnam. Happy travels!