What's Vietnam Known For? Info travelers should know!

This country will always be a hit among adventure seekers and travelers hungry to soak in all its exotic, old-world charm. Make no mistake - its city life and night scene are pretty electric too! 

Vietnam has something for everyone. The list of things to do is endless. 

If you're planning to come to Vietnam soon, I'm here to help you pick out some of the most exciting activities that are guaranteed to make this vacation your best one yet!

Ready? Let's go!

What is Vietnam Known For?

There's no question that Vietnam is most famous for its natural beauty. People come here to experience the stunning sights in Halong Bay, Sapa countryside, Hoi An, and more! Here, activities range from strolls to hikes to thrilling cave explorations.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, be prepared to stay here forever!

Vietnam is also known for:

Vietnamese cuisine

One of the best things to do in Vietnam is to try authentic Vietnamese food. Characterized by refreshing flavors accentuated by the use of fresh herbs and vegetables, Vietnamese dishes like pho are best enjoyed after a full day of sightseeing.

Vietnamese coffee

Vietnamese people are serious about their coffee. If you know your coffee, you will have a great time mingling with the vibrant coffee community here. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, hundreds of coffee shops line the streets, so you'll never be out of options for a caffeine fix.

What's Famous to Buy in Vietnam?

Because of the thriving coffee industry in Vietnam, coffee is the most famous product to buy here. If you want to bring home the traditional Vietnamese style of making coffee, buy robusta beans.

Locals use these beans to make traditional drip coffee recipes that are known for their bold flavor.

If you're looking to buy other souvenirs, though, here are some other popular choices:

• Silk. Vietnam is a huge producer of high-quality silk. If you're interested in having an evening dress or a nightgown made, buying a roll or two for home would be a great idea. Not only is it high-quality, but it's much cheaper here too!
• Pearls. Jewelry is expensive everywhere you go, and Vietnam is no exception. But when it comes to genuine pearls, you'll find great deals here. The best place to buy pearls in Vietnam is Phu Quoc island, which is known for its pearl farms.
• Accessories and Clothes. For a truly local shopping experience, try shopping at the street night markets, where you'll find all sorts of accessories, like bracelets, necklaces, clothes, bags, shoes, and even some designer brands! Be careful though, because many of the cheaper ones are most likely knock-offs.

What is There to Do in Vietnam?

Whether it's your first time or coming back for more of Vietnam, there's no end to the adventures that await! Here are some of the most exciting things to do while you're here:

Witness the Secret Love Market

Looking for love? I suggest you take a trip to the Sapa market in the far northern portion of Hanoi. This small town is known for the stunning backdrop of the mountains and a bustling market where ethnic communities and tourists mix during the day.

Here, you can buy all sorts of souvenirs as well as local produce, including local mushrooms, Tao Meo wine, fresh fruits, and jewelry.

The real magic happens at night. H'mong and Dao communities gather here for the traditional "love market"–a special tradition where men and women serenade each other with love songs.

To catch this unique tradition, you'll need to befriend a local who will be willing to take you to these now-secret gatherings. The locals don't appreciate intrusion, so when you do witness the love market, be respectful. No pictures, please!

Enjoy an Exhilarating Ngo Dong River Boat Ride

Next stop: Trang An Landscape Complex in the Ninh Binh Province. 

I recommend spending at least a couple of days here if you want to fully appreciate the other-worldly beauty of this place. Imagine sprawling green landscapes surrounded by karst limestone formations, rolling valleys, and the Ngo Dong River.

The best way to take in the stunning scenery is to take a slow boat ride along the river early in the morning, especially if you want to avoid the heat. At noontime and in the early afternoons, the heat can be pretty intense in Vietnam.

While you're in Ninh Binh, you can also climb up the Hang Mua if you're up for a bit of a trek. You'll need to climb nearly 500 steps to get to the top, but it's the perfect "observation deck" from which to view the Trang An Landscape.

Go Underground Into One of the World's Largest Caves

Care for a thrilling experience? Vietnam is full of amazing places to go hiking, but you can take your outdoor adventure to the next level by exploring the caves in Quang Binh Province. This area is known for its thick forests and more than 300 caves!

If you're eager to take on the challenge, you can go down one of the world's largest caves, Hang Son Doong, with a depth of 150 meters and a length of approximately 9 kilometers. At the bottom of this cave is a terminal sump where the waters can rise to about 77 meters.

Once you get to the bottom, you can reward yourself by going for a unique swimming experience.

Is Your Vietnam Itinerary Ready?

I'm sure you can't wait for your adventure to start!

Don't sweat the travel planning. Pilot can help you with that so you can focus on just having fun!