8 reasons you need to go to Vietnam at least once in your life

Brought to you by Bank of Ireland. Is Vietnam on your bucket list? If it isn't then it really should be. This beautiful country in Southeast Asia has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for nightlife, culture or just a relaxing beach holiday, there's a lot more to Vietnam than meets the eye. So, without further adieu here are seven reasons you need to put Vietnam on your travel wishlist. It just might be time to book some annual leave... History Vietnam is one of the oldest cultures in South East Asia, dating back to 2000 BC. The country has a long and complicated history spanning thousands of years with influences from Chinese, Khmer, and Indian cultures, as well as French colonialism.  This rich history is reflected in the country's traditions, food, architecture and culture.

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Coffee Vietnam is the second biggest producer of coffee in the world and as a result, they have learned a thing or two about the best way to brew the perfect cup. Coffee in Vietnam is served with sweetened condensed milk and is a massive part of their culture.

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It's cheap as chips Okay, the prices in Vietnam are rising but it is still a lot cheaper than travelling on other continents. You can get cheap flights to Vietnam if you book well in advance and food, accommodation and travel are all very affordable once you're inside the country. You can easily get by on €15 a day if you're staying in hostels.

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Speaking of food... Vietnamese food it absolutely amazing and goes far beyond pho and spring rolls. Different regions have their own dishes but you can expect lots of fresh vegetables and lots of seafood if you're staying along the coast. Don't be afraid to try the street food either, that's where you'll usually find the best grub.

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The beaches are insane Vietnam has lots of picture-perfect beaches if you want to kick back and relax on white golden sands. Nha Trang is great if you're into watersports or try Mui Ne or Da Nang if you just want to chill out and enjoy some downtime.

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Sapa will take your breath away Sapa is a hill station in the Northwest of Vietnam and it's definitely worth a visit. The mountainous area has lots of stunning rice fields and scenery which makes it a great place to go hiking. Sapa is just a short trip from Hanoi (you can get the overnight train) so make sure you stop off there during your trip.

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Hoi An is out of this world  Hoi An is one of the most picturesque cities in Vietnam. It was once a bustling port town between the 15th and 19th century but today it's better known for it's UNESCO World Heritage Town status. Hoi An is famous for its stunning French colonial architecture and traditional dishes like White Rose Dumplings and Cao Lau. And of course, let's not forget about the amazing lanterns that are hanging everywhere.

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Halong Bay is amazing Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most visited tourist attractions and it's not hard to see why. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin, is every bit as spectacular as people say it is and it's definitely worth the 4-hour drive from Hanoi. The bay is made up of 1,600 limestone karsts and islands and there are lots of kayaking and cruise tours that let you explore the area.

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