Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

22 November 2025

6-minute read

Vietnam, a captivating country nestled in Southeast Asia, draws travellers with its rich tapestry of history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes. From the bustling city streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to tranquil beaches and lush highlands, Vietnam offers an unforgettable experience for every kind of visitor. Whether you are seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or culinary delights, the country’s warm hospitality and unique blend of tradition and modernity make it a destination well worth exploring.

South African born Yaqub, a revert to Islam, says that he was guided to Islam in Vietnam. As a philosophy teacher, and despite coming from an agnostic background, he says that “Islam just made logical sense” to him.

Having lived in Vietnam for 7 years, Yaqub says that the best time of year to visit the country in terms of weather is from December to April. Depending on which zone you’re in with each having their own weather conditions; the North of Vietnam experiences autumn and winter, the middle gets cooler weather and, in the South, rainy weather abounds. He advises tourists to stay away in the rainy season as the “humidity is unbearable,” but on the other hand, the summer months are extremely though not humid.

Accommodation options are “incredibly flexible,” ranging from traditional hotels to backpacker lodges for travellers on a budget. For a more unconventional but very affordable option, there are “homesteads” – houses owned by local Vietnamese people where you get a room to stay with the family in their own house, and they might even help you get around.

Emphasizing the technological advancements of Vietnam, Yaqub states that it is very easy for tourists to use credit cards or pay apps in Vietnam, even away from the major cities. Currency can also be easily exchanged, although he does warn that the exchange rate can be “quite tricky” with many exchange rate officers charging higher than the going rate.

Halal options are available in the big cities and the larger towns, especially in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City which boasts both an indigenous as well as a foreign Muslim population. The easiest way to find authentic halal food is to go to the local masjid and ask the Muslims there to guide you to halal eateries. You might even be directed to a halal food cart in the neighbourhood for some local flavour. Some must-try Vietnamese dishes for visitors are pho, the national soup or bunka, consisting of seafood and a vegetable broth.

A popular day excursion from Ho Chi Minh City takes one to a little town called Kuchi where the Vietcong, the Vietnamese rebels, had their headquarters during the war. This underground city with tunnels, rooms and passages still intact is a historical marvel where actual war veterans come and give talks and tours, but Yaqub cautions that the small spaces are not suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia. Another option from Ho Chi Minh City is to take a boat tour to the sleepy little seaside town of Vung Tau. From Hanoi, the culturally rich capital, day trips can be undertaken to Haiphong and Ha Long Bay, a natural UNESCO Heritage Site.

The ocean is calm and gentle with no massive waves, and although Vietnamese people rarely swim in the ocean or spend time on beaches during the day, except in the early morning or evening, tourists can indulge in all sorts of typical water sports, especially in Danang. For adventure seekers, provincial cities like Sapa and the quiet mountain town of Dalat offer mind-blowing forest and mountain hikes. The famous cave of Hang Song Doong, recognized as the world’s largest cave by volume, is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It is known for its massive chambers, underground river, unique jungle ecosystem, spectacular limestone formation, and has a rainforest within and can only be accessed if you book in advance.

Islam in Vietnam arrived as early as 800AD, soon after it arrived in China, and it is openly practised and accepted by the government and the people, even though the country is socialist. After years of conflict, Islam was almost completely wiped out, but a small community of indigenous Chang Vietnamese people still exist in the country. Masaajid are few and far between, with not a single one being found in central Vietnam and at least 12 masaajid in Ho Chi Minh City, which also boasts the biggest one. Because they are very old, small structures, Yaqub advises getting there early for Jumuah if you want to find a space inside. The oldest masjid dating back approximately 400 years can be visited in the town of Can Tho.

With a massive number of motorbikes, traffic in Vietnam is chaotic and the official laws of the road are overshadowed by the peoples’ rules. Yaqub advises hiring a motorcycle only if you’re “very, very good” at riding one. Public transport is affordable and reliable, and e-hailing apps like Grab work amazingly well.

There many similarities between South Africa and Vietnam can be seen from their colonial histories, but the main differences are a lack of violence and crime, not having to constantly look over one’s shoulder with “police who do their job”, and a visibility of communalism where people care for each other in Vietnam. The country also has a very affordable living standard, but on the other hand, it can feel quite isolating due to the lack of opportunities available for foreigners. It is a land of contrasts where rich history and natural beauty abound, and definitely worth a visit.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Muhammad Kara, Ml Ibrahim Daya and Yaqub here.