7 Reasons for Loving Vietnam. Number 6 Is the One That Shocks Most Foreigners

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HANOI — When British travel blogger Izzie of ‘The Curious Sparrow’ planned her eight-week trip to Vietnam, she expected the usual highlights: stunning landscapes, a complex history, and world-famous food.

What she didn’t expect was to leave with what she calls a “love letter” to a nation that thoroughly captivated her.

In a recent post, the former teacher-turned-travel-writer breaks down the seven key reasons why Vietnam has become a top-tier destination for international travelers. While many points—like the “poetic” scenery and “enticing” cuisine—are expected, one reason stands out as a genuine shock to most first-time visitors, revealing a massive part of Vietnam’s economy and culture that many in the West are completely unaware of.

Here are her seven reasons for “falling in love” with Vietnam.

1. A Tangible, Layered History

For Izzie, Vietnam’s history isn’t just confined to museums—it’s alive in the streets. From the somber lessons of the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City and the Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi to the ancient, weathered beauty of UNESCO World Heritage sites like the My Son Sanctuary and the Imperial Citadel of Hue, the nation’s past is always present. “Simply walking around,” she notes, “is a history lesson and a visual feast,” pointing to the countless temples, shrines, and pagodas, many dating back hundreds of years.

2. A Fresh, Hyper-Local Cuisine

While Vietnamese food is world-renowned, Izzie was struck by the “freshness, fragrant flavors, and vibrant” nature of the cuisine. “I love how fresh herbs and vegetables are incorporated into almost every dish,” she writes. Beyond staples like phở and bánh mì, she highlights the distinct regional differences, from the specialties of the North to the flavors of the Mekong Delta, and the sheer quality of the tropical fruit. Her advice? “You won’t believe how good a fresh coconut is until you have one here.”

3. ‘Breathtaking’ Natural Diversity

“You may have seen photos,” Izzie writes, “but trust me—they cannot do justice to the actual beauty of this country.” She was “completely blown away” by the sheer diversity of the landscapes. Her eight weeks included:

• Boating along the lush Mekong Delta.
• Climbing the 486 steps to the top of Hang Mua for its panoramic views.
• Experiencing the epic Hai Van Pass.
• Kayaking among the limestone karsts of Bai Tu Long Bay.

4. A Paradise for Active Travelers

While Vietnam is perfect for a relaxing food-centric holiday, it’s also “the perfect location for more active travelers.” Izzie highlights the ease of booking adventures, from motorbiking the dramatic mountain loops of Ha Giang and Sa Pa to hiking and kayaking. She specifically recommends cruising Bai Tu Long Bay, the “lesser-known sister” of Ha Long Bay, which she found to be “nearly identical and much, much quieter.”

5. The ‘Visual Feast’ of Urban Life

Vietnam’s cities are an attraction in themselves. Izzie celebrates the unique charm of each major hub: the “vibrant street life” and French colonial buildings of Hanoi, the “magical” lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An, and the “glamorous blend of stately French architecture and modern towers” in Ho Chi Minh City. She was particularly charmed by the “oddly appealing” tangle of electrical wires, the “captivating scent” of street food, and the “constant buzz of motorbikes.”

6. The ‘Surprise’: A World-Class Coffee Culture

This, Izzie notes, is the one that shocks most foreigners.

“As a coffee addict,” she writes, “I can tell you that Vietnamese coffee is on another level.”

Many travelers arrive completely unaware that Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer. The local coffee culture is built on the strong, high-caffeine Robusta bean, creating a “wonderful, relaxed” cafe society. This isn’t just a quick caffeine hit; it’s a social ritual.

She highlights two “must-try” local inventions:

• Cà Phê Sữa Đá: Strong, cold-brewed coffee served over ice with sweet condensed milk.
• Cà Phê Trứng (Egg Coffee): A Hanoi specialty she describes as an “unbelievably delicious” dessert-like drink, where black coffee is topped with a “creamy, frothy, velvety” layer of whipped egg yolk and sugar.

7. The ‘Truly Special’ Element: The People

“A country can have great food, beautiful scenery, and a fascinating history,” Izzie concludes, “but it’s the people that make it truly special.”

Over two months, she was consistently met with “friendly, patient, and generous” locals. “Even when we didn’t speak the same language,” she recalls, “they tried to help us with a friendly smile.” From waiters patiently teaching her how to eat local dishes to children running up to practice their English, she was “treated with such kindness.”

“It’s clear,” she finishes, “that the people we met love their country and culture and are keen to show it to visitors. And from what I saw, they have a lot to be proud of.”

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