How to Save on Vacation in Vietnam in 2025: Tips

Vietnam’s resorts form a multi-layered landscape of experiences. Beaches, thermal zones, cultural centres, island archipelagos, rice valleys and mountain terraces all fit into one trip. The country offers not just holidays, but a palette of climates and sensations: from tropical humidity to invigorating coolness, from palm trees to pine forests.

Nha Trang: the dynamics and rhythm of a maritime city

Vietnam’s resorts on the southern strip of the coast form the epicentre of the year-round tourist flow. Nha Trang is the main hub. The city is building an infrastructure capable of accommodating both family tourists and active travellers. The beaches stretch along the bay for 6 km, the seafront is landscaped, cafes work in the rhythm of day and night. The region offers more than 50 SPA complexes with mineral water and mud baths. Boat trips to Hon Mun, Hon Tam and Bamboo Islands are a must on the programme. In the evening, markets, karaoke bars and jazz scenes are active.

Phantiet and Mui Ne: kiting, dunes, solitude

Beaches in the Mui Ne area line holidays along a strip of white sand. Vietnam resorts in this area offer the format “villa + sea”. Without crowds, without noise, with a constant sea breeze. The complex has become a point of attraction for kiters and surfers. Kite surfing schools are open from November to March. The dunes – red and white – form a landscape reminiscent of a desert rather than a beach. Restaurants along the coast operate a morning catch system: fish, crabs, mussels, squid are all caught within 1-2 kilometres of the shore. The tourist does not order a menu – he chooses an ice tray.

Da Nang: balance between urbanism and nature

Da Nang is building a resort format at the intersection of metropolis and tranquillity. Vietnam resorts in the central part of the country are developing the concept of “urban beach”. The city provides full service: international airport, hospitals, large shopping centres. At the same time, the beaches remain clean, crowded and safe. The sandy line stretches from Marble Mountain to Mai Khe beach. Hotels are located behind a strip of palm trees, and the beaches remain public. In the evening, bridges are illuminated, fountain shows are held on the river and the streets are transformed into a night market.

Hoi An: immersing yourself in the structure of time

Hoi An – the city has been turned into an open-air museum. Resorts in Vietnam do not duplicate this format anywhere else. The architecture combines Chinese pagodas, French colonial houses and Vietnamese craft shops. Hotels are set up inside historical buildings. Tourists do not go for the beach, but for immersion in the cultural code. Cycling, tailor-made clothes, calligraphy classes, lantern festivals – everything is included in the holiday plan without a schedule.

Sapa: resort above the clouds

Vietnam’s resorts in the northern zone move away from the maritime theme and offer a mountainous vertical. Sapa rises to an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level. The view of terraced fields, mountain ranges and cloud streams creates a feeling of steaming. Tourist stay in gesthouses of Hmong and Dzao tribes. The walks are on routes without tarmac but with tea points and views of waterfalls. The complex is open all year round, but the peak season starts in September when the rice fields are golden. Thermal springs and herbal steam baths add to the alpine cleansing effect.

Phu Quoc: a reboot at one of the best resorts in Vietnam

Phu Quoc is the largest island of the country. Villas are located at a distance, the roads are not busy, the tourist wakes up to the sound of waves. The beaches of Bai Sao, Long Beach, Ong Lang – each offers a different atmosphere. There are pepper farms in the north of the island and pearl plantations in the south. The island operates on a ‘switch off’ principle: no skyscrapers, limited transport and minimalised advertising. Local restaurants operate at the level of author’s cuisine.

Ba Wang and the Northern Thermae: treatment and prevention

Vietnam’s resorts are building a health tourism destination based on a combination of natural springs and traditional medicine. Ba Vang is a unique thermal resort where mineral waters are combined with eastern healing methods. The centres offer acupuncture, acupuncture, acupuncture, wormwood warming, steam inhalation with local herbs. The water temperature ranges from 45-52°C and its composition is calcium, magnesium and sulphur. The resort operates all year round, while minimising population density and focusing on recovery tourism. The availability of treatments, food without flavour enhancers, and quiet rooms are part of the wellness strategy.

Ninh Binh: a combination of nature and bodily resetting

The mountainous landscape of Ninh Binh provides not only panoramas and trails, but also springs with rare water composition. Vietnam resorts in this area organise complexes without high-rise buildings. Accommodation is placed in huts near the water or on terraces of rice fields. Wellness centres introduce the concept of digital detox: gadgets are switched off, signals are blocked, the schedule includes breathing practices and slow transitions between procedures. Meals are exclusively locally sourced. Meals are served on stone slabs, thermal vats are heated with charcoal. The doctor does not prescribe, but accompanies the client in the rhythm of bodily recovery.

Hue: gastronomy as a cultural code

Hue turns travelling into an immersion into the gastronomic past. The former capital of the emperors moulds its cuisine on the recipes of the dynasties. Dishes are served in small portions but with precise geometry. Dinner turns into a ceremony. Tourist participate in gastro-tours to the homes of locals. The chefs are trained to make banh cuon pancakes, bun bo soups, shrimp rolls. Markets become a training ground: smells, products, spells of the sellers.

Condao: an island without time

Condao is an archipelago consisting of 16 islands. Vietnam resorts in this zone destroy the notion of traditional holidays. There are no chain hotels, no advertising billboards, no queues. Accommodation is organised in eco-lodges overlooking the sea. The main format is nature observation. Turtles lay eggs on the beach, monkeys hide in the mangroves, parrot fish swim in the reefs. Centres offer sunrise yoga practices, evening fire ceremonies and talks with mentors.

Features of Vietnam resorts

Complexes build tourist infrastructure according to the principle of depth, not latitude. Beaches operate without fences. Nature is preserved rather than stylised. Restaurants are not decorated in European style – but served on bamboo stands overlooking a rice paddy. The tourist does not consume – he enters the environment. The state implements eco-programmes, supports regional business development, and restricts mass construction. Resorts adapt to this course: they reduce noise pollution, replace transport with electric cars, and introduce programmes for bio-treatment of water.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s resorts are not about entertainment, but balance. Here they provide silence, nature, food, air, movement. The country offers holidays as a return to oneself. If the route starts in the chaos of cities, it can end on the shore, where the surf sounds instead of words.

Traveling to Asia is impossible to imagine without getting acquainted with the local cuisine, as it is a true paradise for food lovers. Traditions blend with modern flavors, and the balance of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy makes each dish unique. Delicious Vietnamese food captivates with a combination of fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and subtle cooking nuances.

The food system here is special: food is prepared quickly, right on the streets, and restaurants offer a huge selection of delicacies at affordable prices. What should you try in Vietnam first? What treats should you order at street stalls and cafes? In this overview, we will tell you about culinary masterpieces that you shouldn’t miss.

Pho Soup

When talking about the best dishes of Vietnamese cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is pho soup. It consists of fragrant broth with rice noodles, herbs, spices, and thin slices of meat (beef, chicken, or even seafood).

The main secret of its taste is the long simmering of the broth with bones, ginger, and anise, which makes it rich and deep. Tourists love pho soup for its lightness yet satisfying quality, as it can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Banh Mi

When it comes to delicious street food in Vietnam, Banh Mi cannot be left unmentioned. A crispy baguette, inherited from the French, is filled with various fillings to suit every taste. There are many variations:

• classic with fried pork and pickled vegetables;
• with chicken, cheese, and fresh herbs;
• spicy versions with sauces and spices.

Banh Mi is sold literally everywhere and is the perfect snack for tourists.

Goi Cuon

If you are interested in Vietnamese cuisine in a light format, try Goi Cuon – rice paper rolls with shrimp, herbs, and noodles. They are served with peanut sauce, which gives them a special flavor.

Unlike classic spring rolls, Goi Cuon is not fried, making them particularly healthy. A great choice for those who want to try something Vietnamese that is not too greasy or spicy.

Bun Cha

In the capital, you must try Bun Cha – grilled pork with rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and herbs. One of the most popular dishes in Vietnam, served with fish sauce and garlic.

The key to Bun Cha is the caramelized meat crust and the contrast of soft noodles with crispy greens. This dish is prepared on street grills, so the aroma spreads throughout the neighborhood.

Cao Lau

Among the best dishes of Vietnamese cuisine, Cao Lau holds a special place – noodles that can only be found in Hoi An. They are made with water from ancient wells, then combined with grilled pork, herbs, and soy sprouts.

The taste of Cao Lau is unique: something between Japanese and Chinese noodles, but with a Vietnamese character.

Banh Xeo

Lovers of delicious street food will appreciate Banh Xeo in Vietnam – a thin pancake with a filling of shrimp, meat, sprouts, and greens. It is served with sauce and lettuce leaves to wrap the pieces in.

Tourists often compare Banh Xeo to an omelet, but it has more spices and a distinctive Asian flavor. A great option for those looking for affordable and tasty food in Vietnam.

Durian

One of the most controversial products is durian. It cannot be classified as the most delicious food in Vietnam, but it is definitely worth a try. The fruit has a strong smell that not everyone likes, but locals are sure – it is the king of fruits.

You can encounter durian in its fresh form or in desserts, ice cream, cocktails. Be prepared for a vivid taste experience: some fall in love with it from the first bite, while others may never want to try it again.

Crab Soup

Seafood lovers should order crab soup, prepared with coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices. Its rich aroma and delicate flavor make it an ideal choice for exotic food enthusiasts.

Crab soup is usually served in coastal cafes, where you can be sure of the freshness of the ingredients. Soup is one of the most interesting items in Vietnamese cuisine that is worth trying.

Vietnamese Beverages

In addition to food, pay attention to beverages that have a unique taste and complement local dishes perfectly. Vietnamese people pay special attention to tea, coffee, and fruit juices, creating drinks with deep and rich aromas:

• Vietnamese coffee – it is brewed in a French press or a special filter, then mixed with condensed milk;
• Egg coffee – a thick, creamy, and incredibly aromatic dessert drink made with whipped egg cream;
• Sugarcane juice – a natural refreshing drink, especially popular on hot days. Perfect for quenching thirst and providing an energy boost;
• Lotus tea – the petals give a special floral note, and its mild taste makes it an excellent complement to traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Vietnamese beverages are not only delicious but also part of the country’s culture, which every tourist should try.

Prices for Vietnamese Food

One of the advantages of gastronomic tourism is affordable prices. What to eat cheaply in Vietnam? Practically everything!

At street markets and local cafes, you can buy Banh Mi for just 1-2 dollars, and a full bowl of Pho soup will cost you 2-3 dollars. More complex dishes like crab soup or Cao Lau in mid-range restaurants range from 4 to 7 dollars.

Seafood is more expensive, especially in tourist areas, but their quality is always top-notch. Even in upscale establishments, prices remain significantly lower than in Europe, making the city an ideal place for food lovers.

What to Remember About Delicious Vietnamese Food

Vietnamese cuisine is a whole culture that can be explored by trying various dishes. It is not just food, but a real journey through tastes and aromas. Vietnam is famous for Pho soup, aromatic Banh Mi, fresh Goi Cuon, Bun Cha, and even exotic Durian. Immersing yourself in the gastronomic diversity, you will discover the unique features of each region: from northern soups and noodles to southern fruits and seafood.

Remember that Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients and a balance of flavors, combining sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements.