Vietnam Through Australian Eyes: Land of Flavor, Warmth, and Timeless Charm

	Luxury Train From Hanoi To Hai Phong To Be Launched In May
	Vietnam Welcomes Record-High Number of International Visitors

On May 9, The New Zealand Herald published an article by Australian travel writer Ben Groundwater, spotlighting Vietnam that continues to leave a lasting impression on Australian travelers. From its world-class cuisine to its breathtaking landscapes, stretching from fertile deltas to soaring mountains, Vietnam stands out.

According to Australian travel writer Ben Groundwater, the Mekong Delta offers a wealth of experiences, including bustling floating markets like Cai Rang in Can Tho and fresh produce markets in places like Sa Dec. (Photo: Vietnam Tourism)

In Vietnam, the country’s two largest cities offer a striking blend of timeless heritage and modern energy. They are places where rich traditions are preserved even as the cities evolve rapidly toward a dynamic and promising future.

Groundwater noted that over the past few decades, Vietnam has steadily captured the interest of Australian travelers. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of Australian visitors to Vietnam rose by 35%.

Vietnam was the ninth most visited destination for Australians in 2024, with nearly 450,000 arrivals, a figure that marks a nearly 80% increase compared to a decade ago.

Vietnam is easily accessible via direct flights from Australia, operated by low-cost carriers like Jetstar and Vietjet, as well as full-service airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and Qantas.

What also stood out to Groundwater is the availability of luxury hotels and high-end dining experiences in Vietnam at remarkably reasonable prices, as he puts it, “many people can only dream of” in Australia.

Travelers can expect an unforgettable time in Vietnam, thanks in no small part to the Vietnamese people, described by Groundwater as friendly, open, generous, joyful, and deeply proud of their country.

He also highlights Vietnam’s rich cultural fabric, home to numerous ethnic minority communities such as the H'Mong, Dao, Khmer, and Tay, each with its own distinct culture, personality, and traditions.

Vietnam’s appeal lies in the richness and variety of its experiences: from ancient sites like the Cham towers of My Son, which date back to the 4th century, and the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, to the Imperial Citadel of Hue, built in 1804 during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Ben Groundwater praises Vietnamese cuisine. (Screenshot: VNA)

Then there are the marks of more recent history, including French colonial architecture in Hanoi and Hoi An, the vast underground Cu Chi Tunnels used during wartime, and the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

For food lovers, Vietnam may well be unrivaled. Groundwater praises the country’s cuisine for its incredible diversity and appeal, featuring flavors that range from mild to fiery, from delicate to bold. With the use of fresh herbs and leafy greens, dishes often come alive with a refreshing and pure taste.

Many Vietnamese dishes have earned global recognition: pho, banh mi, bun cha, banh xeo, bun bo Hue, and goi cuon. These can be found at casual roadside eateries throughout the country, often for just a few US dollars per serving. To Groundwater, food is the “lifeblood” of Vietnam, a daily source of pride and joy for the local people.

He also recommends two must-try beverages for visitors. First is coffee, as Vietnam is one of the few countries where coffee culture is deeply rooted in everyday life.

The Australian writer recommends coffee as the must-try beverage for visitors to Vietnam.

The second is bia hoi - a type of draft beer brewed daily and consumed fresh, offering a light and refreshing taste. It’s often served alongside snacks at everything from street-side beer joints to specialized bars.

Groundwater emphasizes that Vietnam offers countless memorable destinations. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City showcase the balance between tradition and modernity; Hoi An’s old town exudes its distinct charm; Da Lat provides a cool and relaxing escape; Da Nang combines coastal luxury with historical depth; Hue impresses with its carefully preserved Imperial Citadel; and Nha Trang delights visitors with its clear blue beaches, ideal for sunbathing and unwinding.

Vietnam’s islands, such as Phu Quoc, Nam Du, Cu Lao Cham, and Ly Son, are also described as ideal “tropical paradises.” With its long, narrow shape stretching from north to south and an extensive coastline, Vietnam is blessed with a wealth of beautiful beaches.

What sets Vietnam apart from other destinations, Groundwater notes, is the ease with which travelers can find luxurious yet affordable accommodations near the coast, paired with distinctive local cuisine.

Vietnam’s stunning scenery praised by The New Zealand Herald. (Screenshot: VNA)

For those looking to explore Vietnam by water, two standout options are the magnificent Mekong Delta in the south and Ha Long Bay in the north, along with nearby Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha bays.

The Mekong Delta offers a wealth of experiences, including bustling floating markets like Cai Rang in Can Tho and fresh produce markets in places like Sa Dec.

Meanwhile, Ha Long Bay captivates with its postcard-perfect limestone karsts rising dramatically from the water.

Vietnam is also home to the highland retreat of Sa Pa, surrounded by terraced rice fields and drifting clouds. Groundwater recommends it as an ideal destination to “escape the heat” and humidity of the coastal lowlands, and to explore the cultures of indigenous ethnic communities. Da Lat, another popular highland getaway, also draws many travelers seeking rest and rejuvenation.

Across Vietnam, hotels and guesthouses offer comfort and style at surprisingly affordable prices. From lavish resorts to traditional stilt houses, each accommodation offers a unique and rewarding experience, ensuring travelers leave with a sense of ease and lasting satisfaction, noted by the writer.

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