Having lived in southern Thailand for a year, I was convinced I’d never find a destination better.
What Thailand lacks in first-world convenience, it makes up for in leaps and bounds with the most kind-hearted culture I’ve ever encountered. The world-renowned beauty of the cliffs and beaches in the south, mountains in the north, and the adorable monkeys everywhere would be enough to win anyone over, never mind their world-class cuisine.
However – once settled in Thailand, I ventured over to Vietnam for 10 days. Staying only in the south and within an 8-hour radius of Ho Chi Minh, I’m well aware I barely caught a glimpse of the country.
But no matter where else I go, I can’t get Vietnam out of my head.
The unmatched diversity I found in such a small area haunts every other destination I visit. The way the cultural roots of French colonisation and exacting emperors blended created a country like no other.
Never has culture been so elegant yet aggressive; paper lanterns lighting up the skies of Hoi An while tour guides shout about ‘the American War,’ a Romanesque cathedral opposite ugly powerlines, or an undisclosed stop at a disabled painting workshop en route to the Cu Chi tunnels to support those still affected by agent orange.
It doesn’t matter how impressive Rome is or how many leopards I spot in South Africa – nowhere else measures up to the unique experience that is Southern Vietnam. It has ruined every other destination for me, and I’m not complaining.
It has ruined every other destination for me, and I’m not complaining.
The north is far more famous for its sights, specifically the Sapa rice fields, Ha Long Bay with its many boat trips, and of course the capital city Hanoi. These are sites one comes to expect when travelling this part of the world.
For something special though, head south. The old capital Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) is a vibrant city deserving an article of its own, for everything from the Mekong Delta to the Cu Chi tunnels. But the surrounding regions within a day’s reach are what made this long-haul destination truly worth the trip.
The promise of a cooler climate up in the Da Lat mountains initially drew me to this town, especially after being in Thailand for so long. But Da Lat is so much more.
When you first arrive, it’s startling and refreshing to be surrounded by pine trees instead of palms. The town itself is wonderfully walkable; café-lined streets surround markets of all shapes and sizes – whether you want some chili strawberries, a potted orchid, or a new jacket, they’ve got you covered.
Most magnificent though are the mountains you can spot in the distance from any of the hillside cafés, that’s where the adventure is. Visiting (or canyoning if you’re brave enough) the huge and plentiful waterfalls is the main attraction in this region. Specifically, make sure you visit Pongour and Elephant Waterfalls.
I maintain to this day that Pongour is the prettiest waterfall I’ve ever seen, while the sheer volume of water flowing over Elephant and the very precarious path you take to get there are equally memorable. Consider stopping at the tailor next to Elephant Waterfall for some custom local dress – you’ll probably need it after being drenched by the spray!
This seaside town is just what I’d come to expect from Vietnam – uniquely crazy. Seafood can be bought by the kilo in rustic restaurants along the rocky coast, and the beaches are famous for kitesurfing of all things! Don’t be put off though, lying by the pool you can’t feel the breeze, despite the constant high winds.
However, it’s the sand dunes that steal the show. Located at the north end of town, there are two sets: red and white.
For truly spectacular views, visit just before and stay til sunset.
The last unexpected gem of Mui Ne is the Fairy Stream.
Kick off your sandals and wade through the stream of water that’s cut through the orange, white, and pink sands, leaving their layers all visible.
By now, you know how I feel on the subject.
Whether café hopping in Ho Chi Minh, scaling waterfalls in Da Lat, or riding sand dunes in Mui Ne, Vietnam is horrendously lively, scarily unique, and endlessly charming. Visit as soon as you can!
