For many new visitors, stepping off the plane into the country of Vietnam is as much a journey for the senses as it is a journey for the physical body. The colors are vibrant, the sounds are numerous, the food is delicious, and the sights are varied. From the hectic streets of Hanoi, to the scenic backwaters of the Mekong Delta, there is so much to do and see in Vietnam. The biggest problem with a visit to this fantastic country is figuring out how to fit everything into the time allotted.
For many new visitors, stepping off the plane into the country of Vietnam is as much a journey for the senses as it is a journey for the physical body. The colors are vibrant, the sounds are numerous, the food is delicious, and the sights are varied. From the hectic streets of Hanoi, to the scenic backwaters of the Mekong Delta, there is so much to do and see in Vietnam. The biggest problem with a visit to this fantastic country is figuring out how to fit everything into the time allotted.
Never Guess on Where to Go
It can be intimidating to plan an initial trip to Vietnam. Most people will not have time to cover the entire country, and it can be a daunting task to simply decide which cities and towns to include on a trip. The various parts of the country offer numerous landscapes, activities, and experiences that can be significantly different from one another. In addition to deciding where to go within Vietnam, the culture and lifestyle are extremely different from Europe, Australia, and the United States. This can present some complications for first-time visitors.
Many travelers will want to plan a trip that is in sync with their interests. If you enjoy hiking and trekking, head to Sapa in the north or Da Lat in the south. But if you prefer a holiday relaxing on the sand, it is obviously better to skip the mountains in favor of the sunshine found in Mui Ne or Hoi An. However, even these are broad suggestions for destinations in a very diverse country. A tour company, on the other hand, will offer many different trips that focus on certain activities or interests. It takes the guesswork out of knowing where to go and what to do. Even better, a tour may even visit lesser-known destinations, which is a huge draw for many travelers.
Always Know How to Get There
Logistics in Vietnam are unlike anywhere in the western world. Vietnam features a robust system of travel buses that are utilized by all travelers, like backpackers, older couples, and even wealthy businessmen. However, it takes some ingenuity and practice to plan the routes from city to city. Many of the more popular bus routes run overnight, which is inconvenient or undesirable for certain visitors. Journeys by road also require some patience. Bus transfers may include lengthy stopovers, and even shorter trips may be segmented by roadside stops for bahn mi, Vietnamese coffee, or other local foods. Traveling with a tour company can take a lot of the trouble out of getting from one city to another.
Take the Time to Be Comfortable
A Vietnam tour offers visitors the opportunity to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy the experience of being abroad. Relinquishing some of the decision-making responsibilities allows travelers to enjoy experiences without worrying about next steps and other future plans. Even the most crowded Ho Chi Minh market becomes a breeze to navigate with a helpful guide. While independent travel is an opportunity to push your boundaries, traveling with a tour company represents an opportunity to be truly comfortable on your trip.