travel blog vietnam

Vietnam Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Most people either love or hate traveling in Vietnam. When I first went, there was a negative attitude towards foreign travelers (for good reason), lots of scams, and just not a lot of good vibes. But, since that trip many years ago, the country has changed a lot: it’s embraced tourism, people have opened up more, there’s fewer scams, and Ho Chi Minh City has even become a hub for digital nomads.

From exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the delicious food and fancy garments of Hoi An , Vietnam has a lot to see and do so take your time. Don’t rush your trip.

This budget travel guide to Vietnam can help you plan your trip and ensure you make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Vietnam

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Top 5 things to see and do in vietnam.

1. Tour the Mekong Delta

The delta is a 60,000-kilometer (37,000-mile) long web of interconnected waterways, which spans three Vietnamese provinces and has been used since the 4th century BCE. What I love about this area is it’s filled with small villages, pagodas, mangroves, and orchards. The best way to experience the area is to go on a boat or bike tour, where you’ll experience rural Vietnamese culture. Some of favorite things include the Cai Rang floating market for the colorful fruits and veggies and vibrant atmosphere; Vinh Trang Pagoda for its impressive golden exterior and lush gardens; and the incredible Sadec Flower Village that is stunning and serene, even if you’re not a flower enthusiast. Spend a few days really getting to know the region outside the hustle and bustle of the cities. Day trips on the river start at around 575,000 VND per person.

2. Wander Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital dates to the 3rd century BCE when it was the capital of the ancient nation of Au Lac. I love to wander around the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. It’s a great place to get a feel for the city as there are tons of vendors, smells of street food, people watching, and bustle. Some of my favorite places to visit include the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and the Hanoi Water Puppet Theater. Be sure to check out the history museum to learn about French colonialism and Communist rule (from the Vietnamese perspective) as well as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Hanoi is also a good base for doing multi-day tours to Ha Long Bay.

3. Explore Ha Long Bay

This iconic region is home to more than 3,000 islands and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The towering limestone islands are covered in lush jungles and surrounded by calm emerald waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s located 2-3 hours from Hanoi and travelers can take multi-day boat cruises around the islands (most are 2-5 days). During the cruise, you’ll visit floating markets, incredible beaches, massive caves, and either sleep onboard your boat or on one of the many islands. Just keep in mind that this area is super popular and is often overcrowded. Cheap tours start around 1,200,000 VND while a mid-range tour costs around 3,000,000-4,500,000 VND. Just remember that you get what you pay for and the cheaper boats might be a bit run down.

4. Hang out in Hoi An

Hoi An was a thriving port city between the 15th and 19th centuries and the architecture is incredibly well preserved (the entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It was easily my favorite place in Vietnam because I loved walking around, taking a thrilling sidecar trip in the countryside, and of course, Vietnamese cooking classes, which are great because you learn to prepare fresh fish caught right there. This place is famous for its tailors so if you’re looking to buy some custom made clothes at an inexpensive price, this is the spot to do it in. They will even ship it back to your home country.

5. Get adventurous in Sapa

This is northern Vietnam’s premier trekking area and it’s hugely popular with all sorts of travelers. Sapa is famous for its hill tribes, lush vegetation, beautiful hiking trails, and breathtaking mountains. If you’re looking to experience the scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities Vietnam has to offer, this is the place. This area is rich in culture because it is comprised of 85% ethnic Vietnamese minority groups that have different colorful traditional dress and unique styles of houses. To avoid the tourists, come during the off-season or take longer hikes to parts the crowds don’t go to.

Other Things to See and Do

1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do when I visit a new destination is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main sights, and connect with a local guide who can answer all my questions. Both Hanoi and HCMH (the two largest and most popular cities in the country) have a few free tours available that cover the main highlights and are a great primer to the country (Hanoi Free Walking Tours and Saigon Free Day Tours are two companies worth checking out). Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

2. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

This extensive network of tunnels spans nearly 310 miles (500 kilometers). It was utilized by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze and fire AK47s at shooting targets. It’s a sobering experience and not one meant for anyone claustrophobic. However, if you want to better understand the terror of the Vietnam War, this is a must-visit. Admission is around 100,000 VND per person.

3. Relax or find adventure in Dalat

Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands and is popular with tourists who want to relax in the mountain air and those who want to participate in a host of adventure sports (such as rock climbing, ziplining, and rappelling). The hills around Dalat are filled with traditional tribal villages, which you can tour as well. Expect to pay around 2,000,000 VND per person for a full day of ziplining and rappelling around waterfalls.

4. Visit Cuc Phuong National Park

South of Hanoi lies Vietnam’s first National Park, Cuc Phuong. Covering 222 square kilometers (85 square miles), this place is home to over 2,000 species of trees and some truly rare wildlife including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur and Owston’s Civet. It was my favorite park in all of Vietnam and the only place I didn’t find hordes of tourists. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND.

5. Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and is definitely worth exploring. Ho Chi Minh is the place to really gain an understanding of French colonialism as well as the US headquarters there during the Vietnam War, which you can learn more about at the War Remnants Museum. Like most cities in Vietnam, you’ll be met with the roar of motorbikes speeding through colonial streets. I loved Ben Thanh Market, which is a must-see for amazing food and there is a great buzz of activity within the place. Don’t miss your chance to get the best Pho soup in Ho Chi Minh, that means some of the best is right on the side of the street.

6. Get active in Mui Ne

Despite being a fishing village, Mui Ne has a significant tourism scene due to its popularity as a wind- and kite-surfing destination. The best highlight for me aside from the beach was riding on the rolling sand dunes similar in size to the Saharan ones and also the Jeep Tour to the Fairy Stream through a canyon, which is not something you get to do very often! Also, don’t miss the 9th-century Po Shanu Cham Towers with beautiful views of the Phan Thiet coastal town. Mui Ne is definitely worth checking out for a day or two when you’re passing by on the bus because it has a nice chill vibe to it, friendly people, and beautiful sunsets.

7. See My Son

My Son is a set of Hindu ruins in Vietnam that date back to the Cham Empire. The Champas ruled over Central Vietnam from the 3rd to the 19th century. The temples here are of incredible historical importance, but they have been largely reclaimed by the surrounding jungle, and have fallen into a great state of disrepair. Don’t come here expecting something as marvelously preserved as Borobudur or Angkor Wat. The entrance fee is 150,000 VND.

8. Visit the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang

Hang Son Doong is reputed to be the world’s largest cave and is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was discovered by a local in 1990, and “rediscovered” by a British caving team in 2009. You can arrange trips to see this stunning cave in all its glory with stalactites and stalagmites, an inner cave forest, and even cave pearls. You’ll be blown away by its beauty. Entrance to the caves is around 150,000 VND per person.

9. Check out the rice terraces

Outside of connections to the Vietnam War, the stereotypical image of Vietnam is of the many rice paddies. You can find these in the Muong Hoa Valley. If you’ve never visited rice terraces, you should make a point to see them in Vietnam. Visit them to learn about rice production and take stunning photographs of the unbelievable Vietnamese countryside. Expect tours to cost around 600,000 VND per person.

10. Relax in Hue

Hue is generally passed by, making it a bit of a quieter stop along the tourist trail. Stroll along the beautiful Perfume River and into the Imperial Citadel. Don’t miss the Tu Hieu Pagoda and the Tombs of the Emperors, which mostly date from the 19th and 20th centuries. Some of the main tombs to see are the Tomb of Minh Mang, the Tomb of Tu Duc, and the Tomb of Khai Dinh.

11. Take a cooking class

Vietnamese food is delicious and the best way to learn about these incredible dishes is to take a cooking class. You’ll not only learn how to make some of these tasty meals but you’ll get to interact with a local chef who can teach you about their history and cultural significance. Many cooking classes also include a visit to the local market where you’ll shop for ingredients. Prices vary but expect to pay at least 800,000 VND per person.

12. Tour the former DMZ

The Vietnamese Demilitarized zone was the dividing line between the Communist north and anti-Communist south during the Vietnam War. It was in use from 1954 to 1976. These days, you can take a tour of the DMZ from Hue and learn about the conflict from expert guides who were actually involved in the war (or survived it as civilians). You’ll see secret tunnels, learn about military surveillance, and get insight about the conflict from a perspective not often shown in the media. Full-day tours from Hue start around 2,500,000 VND.

13. Buy a motorbike

If you’re an adventurous traveler, buy a motorbike and drive the length of the country. This is considered the best way to travel Vietnam by veteran backpackers who like to get off the beaten path. You can buy bikes in Hanoi or HCMC at either end of the country and then make your way to the opposite end, stopping along the way over the course of a few weeks. While it’s not for everyone, this mode of travel offers the most freedom as you’ll be able to visit a lot of places that the buses and trains don’t stop at. You can buy a bike for as little as 4,800,000 VND, and then you can sell it once your trip is done to recoup some of the cost. There are always backpackers looking to buy a bike in HCMC and Hanoi.

14. Sample the local coffee

Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee producer (after Brazil) exporting a whopping 1.5 million tons of it per year (after rice, it’s their biggest export). Even if you don’t drink coffee (I don’t), trying fresh coffee here is a must. Whether you just hop arounds cafes, do a tasting experience in Hanoi of HCMC, or head out to one of the many coffee plantations, learning about this vital crop (and also sampling it fresh) is an experience not to be missed. Expect a half-day plantation tour (with lots of samples) to cost around 700,000 VND.

For more information on specific cities in Vietnam, check out the following guides:

• Hanoi Travel Guide
• Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
• Hoi An Travel Guide
• Nha Trang Travel Guide

Vietnam Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels start at around 100,000 VND per night for a dorm room. These can be a bit rustic and no-frills. For a hostel with more amenities, such as free breakfast or a a free happy hour (as well as improved cleanliness), expect to pay double. Private rooms cost at least 350,890-425,000 VND per night for a double room. Most hostels include free Wi-Fi, and many also include free breakfast or free beer during certain hours of the day. Self-catering facilities are not very common since eating out is so cheap.

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is not legal in Vietnam. While it is still possible to do as enforcement is sparse (especially if you’re sleeping in a hammock), I also wouldn’t recommend it. Insects and animals can be an issue, there are lots of landmines still undiscovered out in the brush, and robbery can occur. Stay safe and stick to hostels.

For a budget hotel with a double bed, expect to pay around 225,000 VND per night. This usually includes free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

On Airbnb, a private room costs at least 325,000 VND per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices begin around 600,000 VND. Prices double when not booked in advance so plan accordingly

Food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and uses a lot of herbs and vegetables. Rice and noodle dishes are common as are various soups such as the iconic pho (a beef noodle soup). Wonton soup, meat curry, fresh French bread (known as bahn me , and grilled fish are just some of the popular dishes you’ll encounter. Standard ingredients include fish sauce, lemongrass, chili, lime, Thai basil, and mint.

You can get a bowl of pho or a rice dish for 20,000 VND. Street food is the cheapest and the most delicious food option in the country.

Most sit-down restaurants are also inexpensive at around 45,000-95,000 VND. The fancier (and more touristy) the restaurant, the more expensive.

Western food is also more expensive, usually around 110,000 VND for a fast food meal, so skip it if you’re on a budget.

If you want to splash out on a fancy three-course meal, expect to spend around 250,000 VND.

A liter of water at a convenience store is about 15,000 VND, while beer or soda is about 20,000-35,000 VND.

For those looking to cook their own meals, expect to pay at least 400,000 VND per week for basic groceries. Be sure to shop at the local markets to get the cheapest and freshest food. That being said, food is so cheap in the country that it’s simply easier – and cheaper – to just eat street food, especially as most hostels and hotels don’t have shared kitchens.

Backpacking Vietnam Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Vietnam for 600,000 VND per day. This budget covers a stay in a large hostel dorm, eating street food for all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking the bus, and doing free activities in each destination. If you plan on drinking, add another 20,000-40,000 VND to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of about 1,125,000 VND per day covers staying in a cheap hotel, eating street food and at the occasional sit-down restaurant, enjoying a few more drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities such as museum visits and water upper shows.

On an upscale budget of 2,460,000 VND, you can stay in a nice hotel, eat out for all your meals anywhere you want, enjoy lots of drinks, and more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want, including a multi-day trip to Ha Long Bay. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Vietnam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Vietnam is a very affordable country. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest in Southeast Asia. Even with the explosion of tourism in the last few years, it still remains very affordable. You’ll be hard pressed to spend money if you’re sticking to non-Western food, cocktails, and hotels. However, if you’re looking to travel even cheaper and save some money, here are some tips:

• Eat delicious street food – The street food here is excellent and cheap, and you can watch it being cooked in front of you. Stick to the local food and you’ll save money. The street-side pho, bread, sandwiches, donuts, and bananas are your best deals.
• Late-night travel – If traveling on long journeys, try to take the late-night “sleeper” buses or trains as these will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation. Depending on the company, you may even have a chance to comfortably lie flat as you ride through the dark countryside to your next destination.
• Take the tourist bus – It is actually cheaper to take the tourist bus around the country than taking local transportation because of the “tourist” price you get at the bus station. Tickets from one end of the country to another are very affordable.
• Fly for cheap – Vietnam’s low-cost airlines VietJet and FlyVietnam are extremely inexpensive. This is a great option for people with limited time to explore different regions of Vietnam. Both airlines frequently offer special deals and at the time of writing this, Hanoi to Da Nang is just 820,000 VND!
• Bargain hard – Tourists tend to be charged more than locals for everything from cyclos (a three-wheel bicycle taxi) to clothes to street food. Bargain harder than you would ordinarily, and don’t underestimate the value of walking away.
• Avoid paying tourist prices – Before you leave the hostel, ask them to estimate how much what you want to do should cost. How much should a ride to the museum cost? How much should I pay to have a gown like this made? They will be able to give you bargaining guidelines.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Hanoi is not safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with you. LifeStraw make a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Vietnam

To help you save money on accommodation, here’s a list of my recommended hostels and budget hotels in Vietnam:

• Mad Monkey (Hoi An)
• Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel (Hoi An)
• Little Hanoi Hostel (Hanoi)
• San Palace Hotel & Spa (Hanoi)
• Hanoi House Hostel & Travel (Hanoi)
• Ccasa Hostel & Coffee Bar (Nha Trang)
• The Hideout (HCMC)
• Orchid’s Saigon Hotel (HCMC)

How to Get Around Vietnam

Public transportation – Larger cities in Vietnam (such as Hanoi and HCMC) have reliable and safe public transportation. In Hanoi, there are buses that cover most of the city and generally have stops near all the major tourist sites. Tickets are paid for in cash on the bus and generally cost 7,000-15,000 VND depending on how far you go. HCMC also has a large network of buses, with tickets costing up to 10,000 VND (again, depending on how far you travel).

Cyclos (a bicycle rickshaw) is one of the cheapest ways to get around. A short ride costs as little as 12,000 VND, while a longer night ride costs upwards of 40,000 VND. A more popular option is the ze om , a motorbike taxi that has fares starting from 15,000 VND. You’ll have to hold on tight though (and make sure you wear a helmet as accidents are common).

Train – A lot of people love taking the train in Vietnam because it’s safe, affordable, and comfortable and, although some routes might be slow, you’ll get some amazing views of the Vietnamese countryside. The rail network also covers most of the country, so you can get just about everywhere you want to go (except the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta). You can use the website Baolau to research train schedules and book your tickets. A train journey between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi (which spans the entire length of the country) starts at 1,000,000 VND for a soft seat (not a berth). The journey takes three days. Hanoi to Hue costs around 600,000 VND and takes around 13 hours while HCMC to Nha Trang costs around 500,000 VND and takes 8 hours.

Bus – It’s easy to find long-distance hop on, hop off bus tours running the length of Vietnam. You can hop on or off at any stop along the way. They cater to tourists, but locals actually use this service too since it’s super affordable. Prices depend on route and operator but generally, Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh is between 815,000-1,600,000 VND.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Flying – Flying domestically in Vietnam is a good idea if you’re looking to fit a lot into a shorter trip. For example, a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes two hours while the train ride would take at least 30 hours. One-way flights around the country start at around 590,000 VND.

Car rental – Vietnam is very easy to navigate by bus, so I don’t really suggest renting a car here — especially because traffic in the cities is very hectic and accidents are common. That said, car rentals are affordable, costing around 500,000 VND per day. An IDP (International Driving Permit) is required. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Vietnam

In the southern part of Vietnam, the dry season lasts from December to late April/May while the rainy season occurs from May to the end of November. The rainy season usually just means brief heavy downpours in the afternoon, although sometimes the Mekong Delta will flood. The dry season is the best time to visit but keep in mind that it’s winter up north and it’s going to be a lot colder in the north than the south. Rainy season isn’t that bad either but, like the name implies, it rains a lot.

May through November is still a good time to visit. Temperatures rarely dip below 20°C (68°F), but they can sometimes get as high as 40°C (104°F) in the hottest months (March to the end of May). The south especially gets very hot and humid during this time but it’s perfect beach weather!

Along the central coast, the rainfall pattern differs quite a bit. In the northern part of the region (like Hué and Da Nang), the rain lasts from September to February. February to May is the best time to visit this area. Temperatures soar from June to August, often in the high 30s°C (80s°F).

In Northern Vietnam, the weather is most pleasant from October to December.

The weather in Vietnam varies so much per region so it’s hard to pick the best time to go. But generally, it’s recommended to visit sometime between September-December and March-April if you’re hoping to get an overall experience in the country.

How to Stay Safe in Vietnam

Vietnam is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is really, really rare. Petty theft is the most likely thing to happen to you here. Always keep your valuables secure when out and about just to be safe. Lock your windows and use common safety sense, especially in bars at night and in touristy areas.

Traffic in the major cities (specifically Hanoi) is super hectic and there are virtually no rules of the road. There are also millions of motorbikes and scooters here (literally). For that reason, take extra caution when crossing the street. It’s best to just walk as directly and calmly as possible and let the traffic weave around you. If you’re not comfortable doing that alone, follow locals when they cross.

If renting a bike or riding on the back of one, make sure you always wear a helmet. Accidents are incredibly common here, both in the traffic-heavy cities but also in rural areas where roads can be less than optimal.

There are some common scams in Vietnam, such as the motorbike scam where vendors try to charge you for pre-existing damage to your bike rental. When renting anything, take photos and videos beforehand just in case.

Be sure to always count your change. The money is similar looking here so oftentimes people will “mistakenly” give you the wrong change hoping you won’t notice that the 200,000 VND bill you just got is actually only 20,000. Always count your change here!

Most scams here are really just people trying to try to nickel and dime you and try to get you to spend extra money since they know, as a tourist, you have more than they do. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Use common sense when using dating apps while traveling and meet in public places.

Street food here is very safe, but whenever you’re not sure of where to eat simply find somewhere where there are locals eating. If it’s good (and safe) enough for them, you should be fine. Avoid meat that looks uncooked or that has been out in the sun too long. Always wash your hands before and after eating just to be safe.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Be sure to make copies of your important documents in case of theft.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Vietnam Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Vietnam Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Vietnam travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Hanoi

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Biking the Mekong Delta in Vietnam

Why I’ll Never Return to Vietnam

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A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

A Two Week Vietnam Itinerary: A Complete First-Timer’s Guide

last Updated: September 25, 2022 hanoi itinerary vietnam

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Interested in planning a fantastic 2 weeks in Vietnam?! Well, you’re in luck, because this Vietnam itinerary will surely help big time! From towering pagodas and bowls of pho and bun cha, to limestone islands and terraced rice paddies, any visit to Vietnam will leave you wanting more.

Hey everyone! I’m Jackie.  I’m a wannabe full-time traveler, but yes, I’ve got bills to pay so I work for a living and travel as a hobby just like Jessica .  Having just returned from an amazing 2 weeks in Vietnam, I’d love to gush about it and encourage you all to go!  And if you’ve landed on this page with tickets already booked looking for itinerary help, I’ve got you covered.

Is Vietnam at the tippy top of your long travel bucket list ?  Yea, I didn’t think so, as Vietnam wasn’t at the top of mine either.  All that changed when I saw an Anthony Bourdain episode about the country and was instantly HOOKED! He actually had dinner with Obama in a little café in Hanoi – so come on, honestly, what’s cooler than that? (Sidenote: nothing. 😉 )

Things to Know Before You Go to Vietnam

You’ll need a visa.

If you’re an American like me hoping to spend two weeks in Vietnam (or any other timeframe for that matter)– here’s something important to know – YOU WILL NEED A VISA .  There’s no way around it, and thankfully, it’s pretty simple and quick to get.  

Unfortunately (of course), the fees have just been raised this past August, so make sure you check the current price before applying.  The visa gives you a year’s worth of multiple entries in & out of Vietnam, so if you’re thinking of heading back, it’s definitely worth it, although you’ll need it no matter how long or short you stay in the country for.  There’s no way around it, so I suggest you get your visa way early in case there are unforeseen delays.

Once you have your visa (which will be glued/stuck inside your passport), that is the only thing you need to arrange beforehand to avoid any problems entering the country.

A few ways to go about this:

1) Vietnamese Consulate or Embassy in the States:

• No extra fees, thankfully!  Here’s the exact wording from the Vietnamese Consulate in San Francisco (just an example): “A VISA to Vietnam can be applied for by mail or in person at the Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco as early as 6 months prior to the date of travel. The application does not necessarily need to be at the Consulate in person.  Processing time takes up to 3 working days.”

2) Online Companies:

• Any outside company will probably a charge a service fee on top of the actual visa fee
• We did ours through ‘Its Easy Passport & Visa’ in New York City and it was great. This particular company has offices all around the country and an online chat in order to check on the status of the visa. Ours took literally 4 days but I cannot say whether that is the norm, so make sure you leave ample amount of time to get that sacred piece of paper, aka the Vietnam visa.

3) Visa On Arrival (VOA):

• A VOA is a letter you get that gives you pre-approval to get a visa, which you then you fill out the remaining paperwork in Vietnam and get the visa at the airport. I don’t recommend this option as already having your visa will minimize your time at Passport Control in Vietnam (and who wants to spend extra time waiting around, not this girl!)
• It’s important to note that some of the VOA companies are scams, so make sure you are using a reputable company if you do decide to go this route.

The Perfect 2 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary

A Quick Summary of this Vietnam itinerary:  Hanoi (3 days) — Ha Long Bay (3 days) — Sapa (3 days) — Hoi An (3 days) — Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta (2 days)

Days 1-3: Hanoi

We started off our two weeks in Vietnam in Hanoi, where we flew in to from New York.  We spent 3 days on our Vietnam itinerary exploring the city, which we shortly learned was exceptionally diverse and just tons of fun!

Top things to do in Hanoi

‘Beer Corner’ : You guessed it, Beer Corner is just that- a street full of bars, alluring your liver inside for some delicious imbibing.

West Lake : If you get out of the city center a bit, you’ll find West Lake, a gorgeous lake with a beautiful pagoda and temple that is definitely a worth a check-out. It’s walkable from the city center, being approximately only 15 or 20 minutes.

All the Spas and Massages! Definitely take advantage of spas and massages during your 2 weeks in Vietnam, as amazing treatments can be found very cheaply. We got mud wraps that cost $12 each!  Unheard of in the states!  Any kind of spa treatment you want will probably be about 3/4 the price of what you would pay to get it back at home. The particular spa we went to was called Midori Spa on Ngo Huyen in the backpackers district.

This particular spa participates in a program where all their masseuses are blind. It is part of a larger Vietnam initiative to ensure blind people are able to generate incomes that allow them independence. This spa was amazing and the initiative helping blind people was largely part of the reason we chose them over other spas in the area.

There are tons of spas though, so if that’s something you’re interested in, the demand is definitely there & they do an amazing job.

Recommended Hanoi Activities:

• Full Day Hoa Lu + Tam Coc Tour (Day Trip)
• Hanoi Food on Foot: Walking Tour of Old Quarter
• Day Trip to Perfume Pagoda
• Hanoi Full Day Guided Tour

FOODIES, REJOICE! The array of food choices in Hanoi will not disappoint, I can promise you that!  Admittedly, my boyfriend had quite a large list of foods he wanted to eat prior to our arrival, so we ran around the city checking off all the foods as we ate them. [Editors Note: my kinda people!]  

Food is incredibly plentiful across the city. People will run makeshift cafes on the sidewalks and set up little plastic tables & chairs for you to sit down and enjoy.  A warm delicious bowl of Pho from a street stall will run you about 20,000-25,000 VND, which is a little less than an American dollar. Everything is warm and tasty so make sure you take advantage of the variety of foods, including:

• BUN CHA: Make sure to try Bun Cha, one of our favorites from our time in Hanoi. Bun Cha is served with grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodles and herbs with a side of dipping sauce.  It’s not too common to find this dish outside of Hanoi, so be sure to enjoy a few plates while in the city.

• STREET FOOD: Some words of caution– while eating from street stalls is generally safe, a few ways to ensure you are eating from a good place is a) it is busy with locals [as locals know the places in the area that are safe to eat, and most tourists do not] and b) that the soup is served boiling hot. Boiling soup will ensure most kinds of bacteria or any cross-contamination has been killed off. Not trying the street food would be a crime as the plates are absolutely delicious (!!!), just take caution about where and what you eat.

Crossing the streets in Hanoi is like a real life game of Frogger.   No joke.  Don’t let it deter you from visiting the city, just ensure that you use caution when crossing the streets. Here are some tips to make it across safely:

• Be relaxed and self-confident
• Look both ways & maintain eye contact with the drivers
• Walk slowly but keep the same pace throughout your crossing
• Once you have started crossing, continue your crossing. Don’t stop or step back.

Thankfully, most of the drivers will slow down or drive around you, however, caution should always be used when crossing any street – you don’t want to get run over!  The majority of drivers throughout Hanoi (and actually most of Vietnam) use motorbikes.  There are stop lights but drivers do not always obey the traffic laws.

We pretty much ate our way through 3 days in Hanoi.  Realistically, Hanoi can be done in about 2 days. 3 days is certainly plenty but 2 days is perfect to still see and do everything you might want to do and eat your heart out as well.

Where we stayed: Old Quarter Homestay  (approx. $43/night)

Other Recommended Accommodations:

• Luxury Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Hanoi  (approx. $92/night) //  Hanoi La Siesta Diamond Hotel  (approx. $107/night)
• Mid-Class Accommodation:   Oriental Central Hotel (approx. $37/night)
• Budget Accommodation: Hanoi Asia Guest House (approx. $13/night)

More Hotels in Hanoi Here.

Days 4 – 6: Ha Long Bay

After a few days of city life (and oh so much eating), head on over to Ha Long Bay, complete with emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands.  (Do a quick Google Search , and you’ll see what all the fuss is about). 

Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe this place; it’s even considered to be one of the new ‘7 natural wonders of the world’ as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The absolute best way to see this natural phenomenon is by boat, and thankfully there are quite a few different options depending on your preference.

We chose to tour with Vietnam Backpackers Hostel, specifically the ‘Castaway & Ha Long Bay 3 day/2 night package’.  For those who might be interested in this tour, a bit of information: it is basically 2 half-days partying on the island (yes, of course it’s beautiful) – laying on the beach, kayaking, beach volleyball, hanging out with other travelers AND 1 full day cruising around the bay.  

For the most part, I enjoyed this tour, but there were a few setbacks.  The accommodations on this tour were pretty bare, and although we knew about this beforehand, it took some getting used to — no Wi-Fi, limited electricity, and limited hot water.  It was definitely doable, but don’t expect luxury by any means. 

In addition, it appeared as this tour catered for those in the younger crowd (18-mid 20s). Being in our early-mid 30’s, we were two of the oldest members on the cruise.  This was not necessarily a negative perhaps, but we definitely felt our age!  We did, however, get a lot of recommendations from the others on our tour and traveled to an additional destination because of their expertise.

If partying isn’t your thing (or you want a bit more luxury), there are so many different tour options and cruise companies to ensure you get to see the beauty of the bay!  A bit of research and you’ll easily find a travel experience you’re seeking – there are a ridiculous number of options.

Regardless of what tour you choose, Ha Long Bay is beautiful & should definitely not be missed.  Make sure to take a decent camera to photograph this spectacular scatter of islands!  You can even take a day trip from Hanoi, although I recommend spending a bit more time there for the full experience.

Recommended Ha Long Bay Tours:

• Three Day Ha Long Bay Cruise (with transfers from Hanoi)
• Ha Long Bay and Monkey Island 3-Day Tour from Hanoi
• Two Day Tour of Ha Long Bay + Tuan Chau Theme Park
• LUXURY Two Day Cruise on Ha Long Bay
• Ha Long Bay Full Day from Hanoi with Kayaking and Lunch

Where we stayed: Castaway Island (part of our tour)

• Luxury Accommodation: Royal Lotus Halong Bay (approx. $90/night)
• Budget Accommodation:  Saigon Halong Hotel (approx. $33/night)

Find More Hotels in Halong Here.

Days 7-9: Sapa

After being dazzled by Ha Long Bay, head back to Hanoi to catch an overnight train to Sapa, a destination definitely worth the long trek!

Located up north by the border of China, the town is extremely picturesque and terrace rice paddies graze the landscape.  Swoon!  It really is that fantastic… once you get there!

How to Get to Sapa : Flying into Sapa is not available, but thankfully, both options are quite easy.  You can choose to either take an overnight train or an overnight bus, although I suggest a train as it’s faster (8 hours or so) and apparently safer (says Lonely Planet).

We booked a soft-sleeper berth on the Violette Train, run by VNR (Vietnam National Railways). The berths are bunk-bed style, two sets in each cabin, meaning you will be sharing the sleeping cabin with other people/another couple.  If you aren’t comfortable with those arrangements, there are other sleeping options available. 

You may be wondering about the comfort level of the beds on the train… and thankfully we both got a good night’s sleep despite the fact that the train moves and stops frequently throughout the night!

The train ride to Sapa is about 8-9 hours, and drops you off in a town called Lao Cai.  You will then proceed to transfer to Sapa via bus, which takes roughly 30 minutes. Note that the overnight bus mentioned above goes directly from Hanoi to Sapa, although I cannot comment on the sleeping conditions nor the overall experience.

Where to Stay in Sapa : Definitely go for a home-stay if you’re looking for an authentic Vietnamese cultural experience.  You basically stay in a local family home, eat meals with them, and learn about their everyday life. 

We booked in a village outside of Sapa called Ta Phin, and stayed with a lady named May Kieu and her family, who are part of the Red Dao Hilltribe. Ta Phin is home to 6 different hilltribes and approximately 3,000 people.

We found May through a recommendation from another travel blog, and thankfully booking was easy as she has an English-speaker do all of her reservations.  More information on home-stays in Ta Phin with May can be found here.

May’s home-stay had electricity and modern bathrooms with a hot shower and running water; however, there was no stove, TV, or even couches to sit on.  All hot meals were cooked over fireplace and the furniture was rather basic, with just a wooden table and some chairs. The homes are made of wood and have concrete floors.  

Her beautiful children made up for the lack of all material things.  May and her family were so gracious and she had a lovely home. She and her husband Lua cooked delicious meals for us, accompanied by a delicious homemade Rice Whiskey.

If May’s home-stay is unavailable or you’d like other options, don’t fret, as there are dozens of others.  You don’t even need to book anything ahead of time!  Once you arrive in Sapa, there will be tribe ladies waiting for you asking if you’d like to stay in their homes.   

If you’d prefer to arrange a home-stay ahead of time, an agency is your best bet for bookings.  Most of the tribespeople don’t have internet, and is therefore difficult and sometimes even impossible to book directly through them.   Note that the homes are primarily extremely basic, some even without electricity or hot water, but you’ll hopefully know beforehand. 🙂

• Read Next: The Perfect Sapa Itinerary (plus tons of extra tips)

A Must-Do in Sapa : The herbal bath!  May even took us into the fields and rice paddies to gather our own fresh herbs for the bath!  What an exhilarating experience venturing out with our wicker basket backpacks and pulling the herbs off the trees and ground.  

Once back from the fields, the herbs are then cooked and placed into hot water in a bucket that you sit in.  Our skin felt so nice and rejuvenated after soaking for a bit, which was more than welcome after traveling on the train for so long the day prior!

Recommended Sapa Tours (for ease)

• 2-Day Tour with Homestay in Ta Chai Village
• Sapa 4-Day/3-Night Mountain Bike Tour to Dien Bien Phu
• From Hanoi: Sapa Overnight Tribal Village Trek
• Sapa Easy Trekking Tour 2-Days 3-Nights

A few pointers about Sapa & the overall home-stay experience:

• Make sure you have VND on you (Vietnamese money). There is an entry cost to get into the villages – you must buy a ticket to be allowed into the village. They do not accept credit card.
• Most people in the villages ride motorbikes and they will likely take you back to their homestays on one, so packing light is pretty much necessary. A backpack is recommended because you will be responsible for holding onto your luggage while on the bike.  We have the Osprey Farpoint 55in packs, which also allow you to use them as carry-ons.  The 70in lets you pack more but it is too big to be carry-on luggage and would need to be checked on flights.  We love our Ospreys & they worked perfectly on the motorbikes!

Where we stayed: May Kieu Home-Stay

Other Recommended Accommodations/Hotels:

• Luxury Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge (approx. $140/night) // U Sapa (approx. $114/night)
• Budget Accommodation: Eco Palms House  (approx. $13/night) // Sapa Lodge Hotel (approx. $40/night)

Find More Hotels in Sapa Here.

Say goodbye to Sapa and the traditional homestay experience, one of the most unique experiences we had during our 2 weeks in Vietname, and head off to Hoi An!

Days 10 – 12: Hoi An

After an overnight train back to Hanoi from Sapa, off to the airport we went to catch our (very) spontaneous flight to Hoi An!

Getting to Hoi An : After recommendations from friends we met in Ha Long Bay, we decided to add Hoi An to our two weeks in Vietnam, and thankfully were able to schedule a flight and hotel the day before we intended on leaving. 

Domestic airlines are plentiful in Vietnam, with tons of flights running all day.  You’re usually guaranteed a seat even if booking last minute as the flights rarely fill up, so let your newly acquired Vietnam dreams come true!  Note that you’ll be flying into Da Nang, and taking a 30-minute cab ride to get to Hoi An, as the city has no major airport.

Some of the domestic carriers include: Vietjet, Air Asia, Vietnam Airlines, and Jetstar Pacific.  Make sure to note baggage restrictions.  We flew with Vietjet and had a decent enough experience.

What to do in Hoi An : The city consists of 2 main areas – the beach and the ancient town . The beach is about 5km (3 miles) from the ancient town so you can certainly do both in a short period of time.

(Like Hanoi, crossing streets is challenging here as well in Hoi An, but not as difficult in my opinion.)

The Ancient Town of Hoi An:

• Definitely check out the Japanese Covered Bridge and walk around the ‘Walking Street.’
• At night the streets and shops are lit up with lanterns and the streets turn into a night market, with vendors selling souvenirs, crafts and all the kinds of food you can imagine!
• There are women running boat rides around the river and selling lanterns that you can float down the river (similar to Thailand’s ‘Loy Krathong’ holiday).
• If you’re feeling adventurous, definitely rent a motorbike! This was by the far one of the coolest things we did during our 2 weeks in Vietnam. We drove to the Myson Ancient Ruins, about 40km away.

Recommended Activities and Day Trips in Hoi An:

• Vietnamese Cooking Class at Green Bamboo School
• From Hoi An: Half-Day Trip to Cham Island
• Half Day Marble Mountain + Monkey Island
• My Son Half Day Private Tour from Hoi An

Recommended Accommodations:

• Luxury Accommodation:   Anantara Hoi An Resort (approx. $180/night)
• Budget Alternative Accommodation:  Golden Bell Hoi An Boutique Villa (approx. $28/night)

Find More Hotels in Hoi An Here.

Days 13 & 14: Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta

After an amazing time in Hoi An, we flew from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, which is also known as Saigon.

While Hanoi is more of a culture & shopping city, Ho Chi Minh has way more of a food variety and awesome nightlife! If you are getting sick of the Vietnamese food by this point like we were, HCMC is home to a wide variety of food.

We were able to get delicious pizza, Indian food, and even Tex-Mex! At night, we visited one of the many rooftop bars this city has to offer. We chose Air 360 and it was beautiful! The views of the city were incredible at night and this place provided a 360 degree view, as intended by the name of the bar.

If you like markets, check out Cho Benh Thanh. They sell everything. Seriously, EVERYTHING! (Just don’t try the Durian. Seriously. Don’t do it. You have been warned).

Our last day consisted of a tour of the Mekong Delta. We got picked up from our hotel and traveled about 3 hours for a boat ride down the Mekong and savored some tea tasting. This awesome lady rowed me down the Mekong and let me wear her extra hat!

Recommended Activities in Ho Chi Minh + Mekong Delta

• From Ho Chi Minh: Mekong Delta Small Group Tour
• Half-Day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
• Mekong Delta Day Trip
• Saigon Street Food: 2.5 Hour Evening Tour

Where we stayed: HCMC Bali Boutique Hotel  (approx. $25/night)

• Luxury Accommodation:   Silverland Sakyo Hotel & Spa (approx. $78/night)
• Mid-Budget Accommodation:   Alagon Saigon Hotel & Spa  (approx. $50/night)

Find More Hotels in HCMC Here.

Some general information about spending 2 weeks in Vietnam:

• Most hotels will keep your passport when you check in and give it back you at the end of your stay when you check out. This is because the police run checks every night at the hotels and require all to let them know which foreigners are staying there.  It’s standard practice and not really a big deal– if you are apprehensive about leaving your passport, make a copy of it to leave with the hotel front desk instead.  We did this at all hotels during our two weeks in Vietnam and didn’t have any problems.
• Bargain! Bargain! Bargain! If there is something you want but don’t want to pay the asking price, most merchants will bargain with you. If they don’t budge, start walking away– they hate losing business!  Once they see you walk away, they are likely to come down on the price.  Most sellers would rather take less money than lose the sale completely.  We saved quite a bit of money doing this, and while spending two weeks in Vietnam, it definitely can add up!
• Bring a roll of toilet paper with you. No joke.  A lot of bathrooms throughout Vietnam do not have toilet paper in them and if you have to, urhmm, really use the bathroom, you will likely find yourself in a ‘stinky’ situation.
• Approximately 22,705 VND is equal to $1. Everything in Vietnam is super cheap and you’ll feel like a millionaire.

This country is seriously breathtaking! The people are generous and the food is oh so good. While 2 weeks in Vietnam is certainly sufficient to see the country, I wish we had more time to explore because my love affair with this beautiful nation is still brewing.  Beat the masses and get there before everyone and their mother knows about it!

Are you currently planning your Vietnam itinerary?! Think 2 weeks in Vietnam will be enough?

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March 4, 2020 at 1:41 am

Hoping to go to Vietnam for the first time Jan 2021 and this article helped loads! Particularly the links you posted. Thank you so much!

July 7, 2021 at 11:02 am

I live in Vietnam since 2008. It has been closed for tourists since March 2020, which is more then 16 months ago. Foreigners cannot legally enter the country, unless they work as experts in Vietnam. Even then, they will need 3-4 Covid-free tests, work permits, work visas and special approvals from three different governmental bodies, which usually takes 2 to 4 months to obtain. Upon arrival, everybody is transported directly to a 21-day quarantine in specially assigned hotels + 1 week of self-isolation (at their own expense). Only after that they can walk out and move around the country, which is partially in lockdown. My estimate is that Vietnam will not open its borders before mid-2022. Why is anybody publishing these out-of-date articles now, in July 2021, is beyond me.

July 14, 2021 at 12:44 pm

I wrote this post a few years ago! Will still be relevant once Vietnam opens its borders 🙂

July 13, 2021 at 1:34 am

Vietnam is beautiful and hospitable. I hope after the end of the coronavirus pandemic I will visit Ha Long Bay.

April 19, 2022 at 5:52 am

Thank you for sharing your Vietnam adventure. I’m planning to go there in the fall. Any recommendations or advice for solo travelers?

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TRAVEL to VIETNAM – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Edition)

Everything you need to know about travel to Vietnam in our comprehensive 2024 Vietnam travel guide.

We get it. You’re wondering what the absolute best destination to travel in Southeast Asia is.

You’ve spent hours researching.

Talked to friends.

Scoured the internet for blogs.

Watched YouTube videos.

And you’ve finally realised something.

Without a doubt, Vietnam is the place for you.

And trust us, as a couple that have travelled the world for over a decade, we think you’ve made the right decision.

There’s a reason Vietnam is our all-time favourite country…

From the tropical coral reefs of Nha Trang to the northern mountains of Sa Pa, travel to Vietnam is one of the most adventurous yet culturally empowering experiences you can have.

One moment you will find yourself haggling for  banh mi  deep within Saigon and later that day you could be watching a breathtaking sunset from the Mekong Delta.

Vietnam is more than a country. It’s an experience.

You’ll find yourself immersed among street food vendors cooking up exotic cuisines such as  pho  along streets with stores selling suits and ties.

Or you’ll be cruising the waters of Halong Bay while monkeys jump from island to island.

Or you might find yourself trekking to the highest peak in Vietnam, Fansipan soaring to over 3,100 metres!

Not into adventure activities? Homestays are the perfect way to spend your day as the monsoon rains fall across the endless snaking rivers of the Mekong.

Vietnamese hospitality is unrivalled and is something that you should experience once in your life, so what are you waiting for? Say good morning Vietnam! And go get lost!

So we’ve convinced you to travel to Vietnam? Awesome!

Now check out the basic information about the country in our Vietnam travel guide.

25 BEST Things to Do in Hue, Vietnam (2024 Edition)

The perfect vietnam itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 weeks, canyoning in dalat – what it is really like, travelling in vietnam: at a glance.

Here are the basics about travel to Vietnam.

OTHER MAIN CITIES:

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Da Nang, Hue

Vietnamese Dong (see  current exchange rate ). 1USD approximately = 23,000 dong. 1 beer = 30,000 dong ($1.30USD)

ENTRY / VISA:

Travellers from most countries in the world are required to have visas. In most cases these can be obtained upon arrival for either 3 or 6 months. For information about your specific visa requirements click  here.

Vietnam is fairly safe for travellers. Petty theft tends to be the biggest concern and always be on the lookout for taxi scams. Also of concern are minor auto/motorbike accidents. This is one place it’s great to have travel insurance when visiting.

ELECTRICITY:

220 Volt at 50Hz. Power plugs – Type A: 2 vertical pins, Type C: 2 round pins, Type F (also known as Schuko plug): 2 round pins (Be sure to get your  universal travel adapter  before you leave)

TRANSPORTATION:

Intercity travel is possible by plane, train and bus. Within cities, towns and villages you can expect to get around on bicycle rickshaws, motorbike taxes, taxis and bus.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN VIETNAM

With so much to see and do in Vietnam, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Vietnam you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Take the Overnight Train from Hanoi to Sapa

Said to be one of the most eye-opening train rides in the world, as you pass through lush forests, rice paddy fields on your way to the Vietnamese – Chinese border.

Book your  train ticket here .

Hike Through the Rice Terraces of Sapa

Explore the area with the local hill tribes. Stay with them during your trek. And enjoy the beautiful terraced countryside for which Sapa is known.

Here’s our full post about  trekking in Sapa .

Cruise the Mekong Delta

Probably one of the ‘must do’s of Vietnam.’ The Mekong Delta is full of hidden gems including floating markets, friendly locals and late afternoon storms.

Book a multiday  tour of the Mekong Delta

Go Caving in Phong Nha

Caves there can fit a 747 plane in it. They are massive and spectacular. This is an adventure you will never forget.

Book your  Phong Nha cave tour

Ride a Motorcycle

Yes, that’s right! Hiring a motorcycle or scooter is a must. But maybe do it out on the country roads. Opt for the famous ride to the mountain village of Dalat, or pretty much anywhere throughout the country.

Read about how to ride through the famous  Hai Van Pass

Other Things to do in Vietnam

Learn to cook Vietnamese food . Eating delicious Vietnamese food is one thing. Eating it after you’ve  learned to prepare it  is another!

Scuba dive  in Nha Trang. You may not think of Vietnam as a big scuba location, but there is  some great diving  to be had in Nha Trang.

Go canyoning  in Dalat. Rappel, slide, jump and  climb your way through canyons  in this gorgeous place!

Explore the Marble Mountains  in Da Nang.  These beautiful mountains  have been mined for marble for years and have incredible views and temples to visit along the way.

Sandboard down the sand dunes  in Mui Ne. It’s like snowboarding, but down massive sand dunes! Enjoy this rush!

Visit the Giants Causeway  in Ghan Da Dia. Half the world away from the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, be amazed at  this unique geologic structure .

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels  outside of Ho Chi Minh City. No trip to HCMC is complete without  touring these historic tunnels  that were used during the war.

Conquer the Hoi An Pass on a motorbike . This is known as one of the most beautiful sections of highway in the world. Enjoy!

Explore the world’s biggest cave . We have a special connection with  Hang Son Doong  as it is where we were engaged. Make your own special moment too!

Climb the highest mountain in Indochina  in Sapa. Fansipan is over 3,000m above sea level and  offers incredible views  along the way to the top!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN   VIETNAM

READ MORE...

A First-Timer’s Guide to Trekking in Sapa

The 11 Best Things to Do in Da Nang, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

33 BEST Things to Do in Vietnam (Epic 2024 Guide)

10 BEST Things to Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam (2024 Guide)

Scuba Diving In Nha Trang – Is It Worth It?

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Vietnam. Depending on your interests, trip duration and time of year you will find plenty of things to do during any length of stay. 

When slurping a bowl of pho in a local market or exploring an ancient temple, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine in Ho Chi Minh City.

A collection of over 3,000 limestone islands providing endless kayaking opportunities. Take the time to relax aboard a boat or venture to Cat Ba National Park for mystical waterfalls!

Book your  tour of Halong Bay

The capital of Vietnam is also one of the most ancient capitals in the world. The history of Hanoi is rich, devastating and full of legends. This mystical city is also known for its cuisine, silk, buzzing nightlife as well as cultural diversity.

Plan your 3-day  Hanoi itinerary

My Son Temple

Ancient temples dating back 1,000 years give a culture understanding into Vietnam’s past all while showing the scars of the war.

Book an early morning  tour of My Son

For more information on specific things to do in the top places to visit in Vietnam, reference our following city travel guides: 

Ho Chi Minh City:

*  Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary *  Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

*  Hanoi Itinerary * Day Trips From Hanoi

Dalat Hoi An

Da Nang Hue Ninh Binh

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN VIETNAM. 

BEST VIETNAM TRAVEL ITINERARY

We’ve put together a few Vietnam itineraries that are sure to leave you wanting for nothing at the end of your visit. 

There are so many amazing things to do in Vietnam that planning an itinerary for your travel can be a little overwhelming. 

Even though the country is one united nation, you can think of it geographically as being divided into a northern and southern region.

So depending on how much time you have, you may want to explore the northern region, southern region or the entire country.

Of course, no one-size-fits-all plan will suffice. But if we were to head back to Vietnam these are the top places and things that we would want to do! 

1-Week Vietnam Travel Itinerary Highlights

Most people spend at least a month went hey travel to Vietnam. But if you had just one week, or were willing to split a few weeks between the northern and southern regions, this is how we’d spend our time! 

Northern Vietnam

• Fly into Hanoi
• 2 nights – Hanoi
• 2 nights –  Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay
• 2 nights  – Sapa
• Alternative to Sapa  –  2 night in Hue
• Fly out of Hanoi

Central Vietnam

• Fly into Hanoi or HCMC. Get a local flight down to Dong Hoi
• 3 nights  – Phong Nha
• 2 nights  – Hue
• 2-3  nights  – Hoi An
• Fly out of Da Nang to either Hanoi or HCMC to leave

South Vietnam

• Fly into Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 nights  – Ho Chi Minh City
• 2 nights –  Mekong Delta
• 2 nights –  Dalat
• 1 night –  Mui Ne
• Fly out of Ho Chi Minh City

READ MORE: Check out this post for more details on our  Vietnam travel itinerary . 

VIETNAM TRIP PLANNING

Best time to visit vietnam.

The best time to travel to Vietnam really depends on what you are looking for in terms of weather, scenery and budget.

Peak season occurs from mid-December through to February. But expect prices to double during this time. The low season is perfect for those on a budget.

• Low Season –  April to June, September to November
• Shoulder Season –  December to March
• High Season –  July & August

Northern Vietnam  –  The best months to travel Northern Vietnam are April to May or September to October. There are mostly sunny days and the rain has stopped.

The weather gets really cold from December to March and is not suited for hiking or sailing a junk boat in Halong Bay that time of year.

Central Vietnam –  The best months for travel to Central Vietnam are January to June. There are heavy rains in October and November and the really hot months are from May to August.

Southern Vietnam  –  The best months to explore Southern Vietnam are January to April where conditions are beautiful.

You really can travel the south at any time of the year. Just note that from May to November there are afternoon downpours.

VIETNAM TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDELINE

Vietnam is a cheap country to travel if you want it to be, this all depends on what your budget is like. Our advice is always over-budget when making plans, and if you come home with money, it can go towards your next trip. All prices below are in USD per day.

Budgeting Tips

To make your money go further here are a few tips: 

• Eat street food as often as possible. You can usually fill up for $1-2USD.
• Travel in groups when possible. Staying in hostels will lead to making friends. And with friends, you can split transportation costs and barter on other expenses.
• Negotiate taxi fares before taking the ride. Vietnamese taxi drivers are notorious for flexible fares that tend to fall int heir favor. Don’t be afraid of a little negotiation.
• Drink  bia hoi . Sure it’s not the more delightful beer. But it is shipped in fresh each day, it’s cheap and it’s what the local drink.
• Take in the sights for free. Do a little research and walk the streets on your own. You’ll also find there are a number of free tours and other opportunities if you ask around.
• Sleep on overnight busses for longer trips. Combine the transportation and accommodation line items of your budget and save a few dollars.

But there are a few things you should know about the different budgets at which you can choose to travel.

Note: Budgets shown as Single Traveller / Couples per day. 

Budget Traveller ($35 Single / $50 Couples)

If you are on a backpacker budget and planning on staying in dorm rooms, getting street food, drinking a few nights of the week, I would budget for about $35 a day.

A single hostel bed can be $5-$8 per person. A budget basic private room is $15-$20. A street food meal can be $1-$2. A bottle of beer is about $1- $1.50 and a  bia hoi  is $0.20 per cup. This is not the nicest beer. But it is passable and you get to make new friends when drinking it.

Walking or taking public transport will keep your budget down. There are many free things to do, you just need to think outside the box.

Mid-Range Traveller ($100 Single / $120 Couple)

If you have a little more cash in your budget your travels in Vietnam will become a lot more comfortable.

A nicer hotel is definitely affordable.

There are restaurants where you will pay more than the street food price. But the food is definitely of nicer quality (most of the time). The local beer can get a little too much sometimes so you will be able to enjoy an international beer or wine.

For the attractions you are most interested in, get a guide and learn more about the history of the country. You’ll be able to commit much more of your budget to do things rather than cutting corners just to stay alive.

Luxury Traveller ($90+ Single / $120+ Couple)

You don’t have to have that much more to enjoy a luxury trip to Vietnam. With a few more dollars in your budget, a nicer hotel is definitely affordable. Eat and drink anything you would like at virtually any restaurant.

You can hire transportation without having to haggle. And you can pretty much do any tour you would like to do when visiting any part of Vietnam.

GETTING TO AND AROUND VIETNAM

Entry requirements.

Most travellers are required to have visas when travelling to Vietnam, which can typically be arranged upon arrival. You are typically allowed to stay for 3 – 6 months, depending on nationality.

For information about your specific visa requirements click  here

Additionally, Vietnam has introduced an electronic visa (e-visa), which costs $25 USD and is granted for single entry visits for up to 30 days.

You no longer will have to apply through an agent to get an invitation letter or queue at the airport immigration for hours waiting to receive your visa upon arrival.

Apply in advance  here .

Once you are approved, all you need to do is print the visa out and present it on entry to Vietnam. Don’t lose this e- visa print out as you will need this during your travels in Vietnam.

Hotels will ask for it on check-in at the accommodation and travel agents may ask for it if you are booking flights.

Also, print out your  travel insurance  as well. Immigration will ask for this also as they want to know you are covered if you fall ill or get injured during your stay.

Getting to Vietnam

There are a number of different ways to travel to Vietnam, depending on where you are coming from and how you like to get around with transport.

There are a lot of different airlines that fly to Vietnam from all over the world. There are two major international airports in Vietnam: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City in the south and Noi Bai Airpot (HAN) in Hanoi in the north.

Direct flights to Vietnam from Australia, Europe and North America are still limited, but it is improving. You will most likely have to book a flight with a stopover in either Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul or Singapore.

There are many domestic airports scattered among the country. Vietnam Airlines is Vietnam’s national carrier. We have flown with them several times and they are amazing.

You can cross into Vietnam by train from China, all the way from Beijing to Ping Xian. This is the Dong Dang Crossing which is 160km from Hanoi.

After you have crossed the border hop on a train to Hanoi. Don’t buy the direct ticket from Beijing to Hanoi. It works out cheaper to buy your ticket from Beijing to Ping Xian then cross the border and purchase another ticket from Dong Dang to Hanoi.

If you do the train trip from Beijing through to Hanoi, it will take 36 hours so it is best to book a sleeper. Make sure you have your visa organised before getting to the border.

You can bring your own food and drinks for the train or purchase them from the cafeteria on board. There are squat toilets on board and areas to store your luggage.

You can get to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City through either the Cambodia, Laos or China borders. There is a route from Vientiane (Laos) to Hanoi, and one from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City.

Most travel agents in Vientiane, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh will sell the tickets or at your accommodation. You can also get a minivan from Guangzhou through to Hanoi.

Make sure you have your visa ready. The border crossings by land may not be set up as well as others.

If you want to book any of your bus trips online rather than trying to deal with travel agencies in the country, you can do so on the popular website  Bookaway .

Getting Around Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is surprisingly easy. Public transport goes everywhere, and there are plenty of moto-taxis that are happy to take you to the places that public transport won’t reach.

Travelling by Air

The fastest way to get around the country, of course, is by air. There are many domestic airports all over the country and you can fly in from major cities.

You can get cheap flights within the country through VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines. For the best deals head directly on the airline’s website.

Travelling by Taxi, Tuk Tuk Or Mototaxi

When you are in the cities and town catching a taxi, tuk-tuk or moto-taxi can be the best way to get around. For taxi companies, look for the biggest and most reputable companies as you can be ripped off.

For the tuk-tuks, ask your accommodation the average price to your destination so you can agree on a price with the driver.

We recommend Uber and Grab (car or motorbike) which you can use an app and get the price.

Travelling by Bus

It is possible and advisable to travel by bus throughout Vietnam. Busses inside of cities can be complicated and should be a last resort.

However, when travelling long distances in Vietnam busses are a great option. This is especially true if you take night busses and sleep during the ride.

Travelling by Motorbike

We think travelling by motorbike is the best way to see Vietnam if you have the time. Buy your own motorbike and ride the length of the country. Or you can choose one area and explore Northern Vietnam or South Vietnam.

Here’s our post to help guide you on  how to buy a motorbike in Vietnam .

Travelling by Train

Taking the train is a great way to get around the country. They are great for overnight journeys as the trains have bed cabins.

In Vietnam, there are many places with roadwork that can last for years. So trains can be the best way to go.

APPS AND TECHNOLOGY

We know you’ll absolutely love travelling in Vietnam. But technology has made it easier, more affordable and safer to travel than ever.

Here are a few apps we think you should definitely acquaint yourself with prior to your travels:

Grab  – Use this app to catch a ride from any metro area in Vietnam.

XE Currency  – Transfer, monitor and calculate currency as the need arises. This app may not be totally necessary as you are typically tied into rates the banks charge for services. But it is handy to have around. 

Express VPN  – This will protect your sensitive information wherever you travel – not just in [Country]. Be sure to have this to keep your online information secure as you travel. 

iTranslate  – Even if you don’t know more than a handful of Vietnamese words, iTranslate will help you communicate as you travel in Vietnam. 

WiFi Finder  – With this app, you no longer have to guess whether the next place on your itinerary has WiFi or scramble across town looking for hot spots.

BEST THINGS TO EAT IN VIETNAM

When you travel to a foreign country one of the new and most exciting things you will experience is the food. There are so many amazing food choices in Vietnam, and Vietnamese food is delicious.

Here are a few of our favourites.

Goi Cuon:  This is a rice paper packed with greens, coriander and various combinations of minced or shredded pork, shrimp or crab. It will be served with a sweet and sour sauce or a delicious homemade peanut sauce.

Sometimes to make the experience even better, you get to hand roll them yourself. This was our favourite dish.

Banh Mi:  With this one, it will be different in every corner of Vietnam. This is a baguette sandwich that is filled with meat, greens, pata, pickled vegetables, soy sauce, cilantro and sometimes an omelet.

The meat filling will be roasted pork belly, grilled pork loin, barbecue pork, boiled chicken, or a fried egg.

Pho (pronounced ‘fur’):  This flat rice noodle soup is either light beef or chicken broth flavoured with coriander and ginger with spring onions and bits of meat (chicken, pork or beef).

It is a dish you can have any time of the day and is delicious, but it can be hit and miss in some places. If you have an average one, please do try it again. We ate pho a lot for breakfast and never got sick of it.

Bun Cha:  This is a Hanoi specialty and it is deliciously addictive. Bun Cha is served with grilled fatty pork over a plate of white rice noodles. It will be served with a sauce.

It will all be served separately and you combined everything together. You can ask for some little fried spring rolls on top too. It is so delicious!

Coa Lau:  Hoi An is the best (and only authentic) place to try this one. as the noodles are made using water from a special well in town.

It is chewy rice flour noodles with Chinese barbecue pork, bean sprouts, croutons and fresh herbs in a delicious pork-based gravy.

PLACES TO STAY IN VIETNAM

There are accommodation options for all budgets in Vietnam. You can stay in a shared dorm for $5 USD per night, or a luxury hotel for over $300 USD.

The accommodation standards can vary in each destination.

For example, we got a really nice hotel in the middle of nowhere when we were on our bike for $12 a night. But we would not find a place like this in Hanoi, Hoi An, HCMC or Hue for less than $25.

NOTE –  In Vietnam, the accommodation will keep your passport for the duration of your stay. This is to do with the government. Officials will randomly come around and check hotels and hostels.

If they do not have the ID or passport of every person staying there, the accommodation will be fined. The accommodation will keep your passport in a safe. If you are unsure just ask, “do you lock my passport up?”

Types of Accommodations

Vietnam is wildly popular among backpackers. Because the costs are generally incredibly low, budget travellers flock to the country.

This means that there are lots of great hostel options when looking for accommodations in Vietnam.

Whether you are busy spending all your time exploring and are just looking for a cheap place to crash for the night or want to make friends along the way, you will find most of what you are looking for in a variety of hostels throughout Vietnam.

Because costs are generally lower in Vietnam than in most parts of the world your quality of life can go up quite a bit when you travel to Vietnam.

One way you can upgrade your travel experience is by booking rooms in hotels instead of beds in hostels. For a few dollars more you’ll get vastly more space and privacy.

In some towns and villages, hotels are your only option.

But generally, these are very reasonably priced. You can expect to spend USD$20-30 for a decent hotel room in most cities, towns and villages across Vietnam.

Another good option in recent years is AirBnB, and there are more and more amazing places popping up to stay in Vietnam for very affordable prices every day.

As is typical in many destinations where Airbnb accommodations are available, you’ll likely find great value and a little more personal space with an Airbnb stay. 

If you’re looking for an awesome place to stay, we personally love using Airbnb. If you’ve never used the platform before,  sign up using this link to get USD$35 off your first booking .

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Vietnam

We travelled from the south to the north and stayed in many different places. Here are a few accommodation options we highly recommend.

VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS

The Vietnamese people are friendly, welcoming and hospitable towards travellers. It is a great destination to travel to in Southeast Asia.

The people are very respectful and would like the same back from you. Here are a few things that you should know before going to Vietnam.

GENERAL VIETNAM TRAVEL TIPS 

While we have  many basic travel tips  we suggest you use when travelling to Vietnam, there are also plenty of Vietnam-specific tips that will make your visit the best it can be. 

Here are a few we recommend you consider as you plan your trip to visit Vietnam: 

Please show respect to their religious beliefs and their cultures . You are travelling to someone else’s country. They have different religious beliefs and cultures in your home. Please respect them.

Watch your belongings.  Vietnam is a safe country but unfortunately, there still is petty theft. Whether you are at a restaurant or on a bus always watch your belongings.

Beware of the counterfeit tour agencies . Unfortunately, there are plenty of these around, especially in the main tourist areas. Book through the main owner or operator or any of  these tours that we recommend .

Do not drink the tap water.  The locals don’t even drink the water. There is bottled water available everywhere. Popular tourist restaurants will usually have on their menu that they wash their salad and veggies in sterilised water and make tea, coffee and soup from that too.

Carry toilet paper everywhere . There are toilets available in restaurants or in public but there may not be toilet paper. Most of the time you have to pay for the public toilet and they may give you some toilet paper, but don’t count on it. Always have your stash.

Toilet paper goes in the bin . DO NOT put the toilet paper in the toilet. Please put it into the bin provided. Vietnam’s sewerage systems are not built for much more than human waste so toilet paper and other items will just clog up your toilet.

Embrace the “bum gun “. Next to every toilet in Vietnam, there is a water hose. This is not to wash down the floor. This is to clean yourself up after you do your business. Don’t be disgusted by this. Embrace it.

Vietnam is bigger than you think . This country is huge and many people underestimate it. Vietnam is about 1,650 kilometres long from north to south. The distance on buses and trains is long so be prepared.

Take note of the Vietnamese money . It will be a new currency for you so do take a look at it before you go out spending. There are more zeros in it than you might be used to (1USD = 23,000 Dong)

Always take photos when you rent a scooter . Renting a scooter in Vietnam is something everyone does. It is a great way to get around and see all the attractions. But where you rent it from can get you into trouble. Whenever you rent a scooter take photos of the bike or else might end up with a crazy expensive bill.

Always wear a helmet. Always . Please wear a helmet. The roads are crazier here than they are in your country. The rules are different and road conditions are not the best. A quality helmet could save your life in an accident.

Make sure you have travel insurance . We tell people who are going travelling, “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” You do not know what is going to happen while you are away and knowing you are covered will put your mind at ease.

Be confident when crossing the road . The roads in Vietnam are crazy. Crossing the road can be daunting but you need to be confident. Do not walk backward or hesitate. Walk slowly and watch the traffic coming towards you. They will all move around you.

Take your shoes off before entering a temple or a person’s home . It is a custom that stems back to ancient times and a big part comes back to cleanliness. The ground is used for chatting, dining and even sleeping.

Cover your shoulders and knees when entering a temple . This is common in most religious sites. There are always signs suggesting visitors dress ‘appropriately.’ Shoulders and knees should be covered. If it is a hot day and a t-shirt is too sticky, carry a scarf for when you visit to cover your shoulders.

Keep a low profile . Do not be loud, raise your voice in aggression or show off. Do not show dramatic affection publicly like kissing. Save it for the hotel room

Ask for permission before taking a photo of someone . This is polite and ensures you are not intruding on them. The people are not there for your entertainment. If they say no, smile and thank them anyway.

Do not take photos of anything to do with the government or military.  This is a big NO in any country and can end up with you in jail.

Do not touch someone on the head . The head is the most important part of the body. Touching someone’s head who you don’t know is like saying you are more important than they are.

Place your chopsticks across the top of the bowl when finished . Don’t have your chopsticks hanging out of the bowl, and don’t point them at anyone when they are resting on the plate.

VIETNAM PACKING LIST

We always travel with a  core packing list  wherever we go. And when it comes to Vietnam, many factors will affect what else you need to bring along with you. 

Check out our  travel essentials  and be sure to add any of the other additional items listed below. 

Important Note!  Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is  World Nomads .

TRAVEL INSURANCE. SIMPLE & FLEXIBLE.

Which countries or regions are you traveling to, what’s your country of residence, enter traveler’s age, staying safe in vietnam.

Vietnam is extremely safe, apart from the one major danger which is the roads. They are crazy, even more so if you try to ride 10’000km around the country on motorbikes as we did!

Aside from that, common sense will keep you safe.

Here are a few reminders of what common sense when travelling in Vietnam means:

As you saw above, Vietnam is extremely safe. We did not feel unsafe once in the 7 months we were there (excluding the roads).

This doesn’t mean you can completely let your guard down though, and petty theft does happen in this country, although it’s not common.

Some tips for protecting your things:

In other words, use common sense and you’ll be fine.

STAYING CONNECTED IN VIETNAM

Staying connected with friends and family (and work) when travelling in Vietnam is important. But if you don’t know how to connect you can find yourself greatly inconvenienced or spending too much money.

We feel like your money will go a lot further if you consider a few options. 

Purchase a SIM Card

Picking up a SIM card has become the quickest and typically most affordable way to stay connected in Vietnam or any country for that matter.

If you have an unlocked phone you can use a 4G SIM card to connect to the cellular networks in Vietnam. From there you can cast a hot spot if you need to crank out some work on your computer or want to connect a tablet.

This 3G/4G SIM card  is a great and affordable option for a SIM card if you are flying into Vietnam.

Rent a Portable WiFi Device

Alternatively to a SIM card, particularly if you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can rent a portable WiFi device during your travel to Vietnam.

This device  will be delivered to you when you arrive in Vietnam and will provide 4G service for less than USD$5 per day.

You’ll be able to connect anywhere you can find service across the country, which will be most of the places you are likely to travel in Vietnam.

Access Free WiFI

Free is always best, if it is convenient. And there are plenty of places throughout Vietnam that will provide free WiFi in public spaces or at restaurants, cafes and hostels and hotels.

We recommend using the  WiFi Finder  app, which will help you locate WiFi anywhere you travel in Vietnam.

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER IN VIETNAM

We absolutely love Vietnam. And we love the idea that it will remain a beautiful and friendly place for travellers for years to come.

Here are a few tips specific to travel to Vietnam that will promote sustainable tourism in the country:

Use your own energy to get around.  Walk or cycle through town as much as possible. Taking a cyclo-taxi is a close alternative if you don’t have the energy to propel yourself through the city. But this reduces the impact of taxis, busses and other forms of automotive transportation.

Mind your plastic . Plastic is everywhere in Vietnam. But using your own reusable bag for groceries and other shopping, carrying a reusable water bottle and having your own straw are just 3 of the many simple ways you can reduce the amount of plastic you use.

Shop local . Visiting the markets will be one of your top experiences when travelling to Vietnam. Support local vendors as often as possible, including in taking tours when available.

Be mindful of wildlife . Wildlife in the wild is great. But be mindful not to provoke, feed or otherwise molest wildlife. And never purchase any item made of or involving rare or endangered species.

Attempt to communicate in Vietnamese . You’re probably not going to be fluent as soon as you arrive in the country. But knowing a few phrases and doing your best to communicate with locals will show respect and earn trust and make your experience richer.

KEY VIETNAMESE TRAVEL PHRASES

You don’t have to be fluent in Vietnamese to have a great time when you travel to Vietnam. But it does help to know a few key phrases.

This will not only assist you in your travels but it will also show respect to the local Vietnamese people that you are doing your best to assimilate into their culture. 

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT VIETNAM

Maybe you already know everything about Vietnam. Chances are you don’t!

But even if you are well-read, here are a few suggestions that might be worth your time while you’re on the plane to Vietnam. 

The Quiet American  (Graham Greene) – Originally published in 1956 and adapted for film twice, this story by Greene became an instant classic. Greene fictionalizes life in 1950s Vietnam as told by a British correspondent trying to understand the roots of the rising conflict set to occur.

At Home In The World  (Thich Nhat Hanh) – World renown Vietnamese monk, Hanh reflects on lessons and stories in life from the Buddhist perspective.

Vietnam: Rising Dragon  (Bill Hayton) – A piece of nonfiction that looks back on the Vietnam of old and attempts to projects its place in the future of Southeast Asia.

The Sympathizer  (Viet Thanh Nguyen) – The Pulitzer Prize-winning book, allegedly influenced by  The Quiet American , is told through the eyes of a double-agent during the Vietnam War who struggles to understand the minds and hearts of men engaged in war.

DISCLAIMER:  Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Table of Contents

Read our vietnam posts, 20 amazing things to do in hoi an, vietnam (2024 guide), 14 incredible things to do in dalat, vietnam (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in hanoi itinerary [2024 guide], 25 amazing things to do in hanoi, vietnam (2024 guide), the perfect 3 days in ho chi minh city itinerary [2024], the 8 best day trips from ho chi minh city (2024 guide), caves, zip lines and deep mud in phong nha, ganh da dia – vietnam’s own ‘giant’s causeway’, ba be national park – the lake, trekking and happy water, motorbiking the road from dalat to nha trang in vietnam, riding sea to sky: hue to hoi an by motorbike, getting a chinese visa in hanoi, vietnam.

Travel, Hiking, Food

10 Days in Vietnam: The Best 10 Day Vietnam Itinerary For First Timers

Have 10 days in Vietnam? Vietnam is full of amazing places to see but if you want to see the best places in Vietnam, then follow my 10 day Vietnam Itinerary! This Vietnam itinerary is based on my repeated trips to Vietnam so I can guarantee you will love these places!

Vietnam is probably one of the most underrated countries in Southeast Asia . While most of the tourists flock to Thailand or Singapore, I loved Vietnam so much that I went back multiple times just to explore different regions of Vietnam.

Vietnam is a country with rich history and culture, incredible food, beautiful beaches, mountains and scenery that will leave you surprised and amazed. It is one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia and it is probably the No.1 country I would recommend visiting in SE Asia.

There are many ways to spend 10 days in Vietnam. This Vietnam itinerary will focus on how to see the highlights of Vietnam from North to South.

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Thank you for supporting my blog.

Planning your first trip to Vietnam?

I have written a TON on Vietnam to help you plan your amazing Vietnam trip.

Whether you are planning to spend 10 days or 2 weeks in Vietnam, you will definitely find these articles helpful.

From sleeper trains to Halong Bay cruise to Ba Na Hills to Hue , these articles will for sure make your trip memorable and fun!

Where To Visit in Vietnam

Vietnam has a diverse landscape, spanning from the North to South, including mountains, rivers (and bay), rice terraces, the largest cave in the world, and beaches. Vietnam offers both modern cities and ancient towns, providing you with different experiences and a glance into its history.

Some of the best places to visit in Vietnam include (by Region):

Northern Vietnam

Central Vietnam

• Son Dong Cave
• My Son Sanctuary

Southern Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City

This 10 day Vietnam itinerary will cover some of the places above, assuming you are a first time visitor! Since there are multiple ways to plan a Vietnam trip and my itinerary is only an example you can follow, you can always swap out certain things as you plan your own Vietnam trip. Regardless of what you plan to do and see in Vietnam, I am still super jealous of all the great experience and food you will have on your trip.

Things To Know Before Visiting Vietnam For The First Time

• Vietnam Tourist Visa may be required if you are from certain countries (like from the US or Canada). Make sure to check the visa requirement before you go. Some countries do enjoy visa-free entry into Vietnam, including many EU and Asian Countries (excluding China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc). You can apply for the Vietnam E-Visa online yourself on the official government website. It takes no more than 10 minutes and only costs USD 25. Follow my step by step instruction on how to apply for a Vietnam e-Visa .
• Currency in Vietnam is Vietnamese Dong and 1 USD is about 23,500 Vietnamese Dong.
• You need to have cash with you in Vietnam; most places do not accept credit card. You should have some USD (or Euros) with you so you can convert in Vietnam (like at hotels and banks) as ATMs are not readily available everywhere.
• Use ATMs if you intend on taking out cash. You get better rates at local ATMs than if you were to exchange money
• Do not drink the tap water in Vietnam and try not to get ice cubes with your drinks; buy water but make sure the bottles are properly sealed
• Download Whatsapp ! Businesses are done over Whatsapp (like bus/ train booking, hotel communication etc). It is so much easier to communicate over Whatsapp than email.
• Your hotel can help you book almost everything , such as transportation, tours, attractions, etc.
• A travel adapter/ converter is needed if you are traveling from North America and Europe.
• Use an eSim or get a physical sim for Vietnam if you need internet.
• Vaccine requirements for Vietnam : I didn’t take any special vaccines but if you are curious, visit the official CDC website here .

Where to Stay in Vietnam in 10 Days

It is super easy to find cheap (but good) accommodations in Vietnam. In fact we’ve stayed at a wide range of hotels and guest houses in Vietnam, from $30 a day to $200 a day (for two people).

The detailed itinerary below shows you where to stay in Vietnam in each of the cities on this itinerary but here I will give you a short highlight. These are the places I’ve stayed at in Vietnam since I’ve been a couple of times.

• Hanoi : Meritel Hanoi in the center of Old Quarter
• Halong Bay : Stellar of the Sea Cruise
• Ninh Binh : Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow
• Hoi An: Q Villa
• Ho Chi Minh City : The Reverie Saigon
• Phu Quoc : L’Azure Resort and Spa

10 Day Vietnam Itinerary

Here is an overview of how to spend 10 days in Vietnam, then you will see the detailed day to day itinerary. This itinerary starts from the North in the capital city of Vietnam and moves down south.

Day 1 : Hanoi Day 2 : Ninh Binh Day 3-4 : Halong Bay Cruise Day 5-6 : Hoi An in Central Vietnam Day 7 & 8 : Ho Chi Minh City Day 9 & 10 : Phu Quoc Island

Day 1 of 10 days in Vietnam: Hanoi

Start your 10 day Vietnam journey in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam and the largest city in Northern Vietnam. It is a super nice city to visit and a great place to start your 10 days in Vietnam.

If you are flying into Hanoi, here is a guide on Hanoi Airport to Old Quarters to give you some ideas on the best way to go to Old Quarters. For first time visitors, you will most likely be staying in the Old Quarter and do sightseeing around there.

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and it is a cultural mix of Western and Eastern influences. As you wander around Hanoi, you will see there are many well preserved colonial buildings as well as ancient pagodas in Hanoi.

What to see in Hanoi

A few famous places in Hanoi you can check out include

• Hanoi Old Quarter
• Temple of Literature
• Hoan Kiem Lake
• Night markets (beware of pickpockets)
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Ho Chi Minh Museum
• Visit pagodas and Cathedrals
• Thong Nhat Park
• Train Street
• Beer Corner

I absolutely loved just walking around the Old Quarter to see what local life is like there. You will find tons of street food vendors, shops and coffee shops. If you see something that looks appealing, be sure to stop and try it!

In particular I enjoyed walking around the Old Quarter at night. On specific nights there will be night markets where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, food, and other small trinkets. You should also stop by the super famous Beer Street if you want to see how lively Old Quarter gets at night! I was walking alone and felt totally safe around 7-9pm!

You can also watch a show at the Opera House, see a water puppet show in Hanoi and shop at the famous Dong Xuan Market.

One very famous Instagram worthy thing to do in Hanoi is to visit the Hanoi Train Street , where you can watch an actual train speed by along a cramped street full of cafes and shops (although some cafes may have closed due to government order and the pandemic).

Due to accidents in recent years, train streets do randomly get “closed down” but you can still visit. The most popular stretch of the train street have a lot of cafes and sometimes you will need a cafe owner to bring you in from the “backdoor”.

Other parts of train street without cafes are always open.

Usually the trains come at 3:20pm (weekends only) and 7:30pm (weekday) but the timing is not always accurate. It’s best to go before the scheduled time and just wait around.

Tours You Should Consider in Hanoi

Hanoi has a ton of things to eat and I think you really should take one of the street food tours to explore the best local flavors. I highly recommend this Hanoi street food tour if you are curious about authentic Vietnamese cuisine!

If you are scared of street food don’t worry, you can always do a cooking class . I personally love the cooking class because you really get to learn how to make authentic Vietnamese dish at home.

Where to stay in Hanoi

I stayed at the Meritel Hanoi in the center of Old Quarter. The hotel is super modern with a rooftop pool and they helped us book our day trips to Tam Coc and Ha Long Bay overnight cruise the first time we visited Vietnam.

Another 2 hotels we stayed at in Hanoi during our two visits were Babylon Premium Hotel and La Storia Ruby Hotel . Both were good and La Storia Ruby Hotel was quite cheap and sufficient.

If you want to stay somewhere very luxurious in Hanoi, then I would recommend either the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi or the Movenpick Hotel Hanoi . But personally I think the hotels I mentioned above are already really nice and clean.

Read Next : How to Spend 2 days in Sapa

Day 2 of 10 days in Vietnam: Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) Day Trip From Hanoi

Take a day trip from Hanoi the next day to Tam Coc , an area in Ninh Binh .

Tam Coc is known as “ Halong Bay on land “. It’s an area with rice paddies and Ngo Dong River running through limestone caves and mountains. It’s located 90 km from Hanoi but it’s way less crowded than Hanoi or Halong Bay.

You can take a full day tour to Tam Coc and different tours do offer different options.

• Tour Option 1 : Goes to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital , Mua Cave (beautiful view of the area), Tam Coc boat ride on Ngo Dong River and Bich Dong Pagoda .
• Tour Option 2 : Includes Bai Dinh Pagoda , Mua Cave and a 3 hour Trang An Boat ride (which is different than the 2 hour Tam Coc Boat ride above).

With the first tour , you can do the boat ride on the Ngo Dong River , where the rowers are local ladies who use their feet to row the boat. They are so good at it that it feels like they’ve been doing it forever. I suppose it’s just a lot easier to row with your legs/feet instead of arms.

This 3 hour Trang An Boat Ride with the second tour has 3 different routes and you get to pick the route and get off the boat at each stop along the boat ride. I really liked the Trang An boat ride (more than the Tam Coc one actually).

The whole area of Tam Coc looked like it’s straight out of a painting. I actually think the scenery in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc) is the most beautiful during our 10 days in Vietnam trip.

If you do not want to join a tour, you can definitely visit Ninh Binh by yourself from Hanoi. You can rent a scooter (or hire a private taxi) once you are in Tam Coc to explore all the spots.

You can take buses or trains (or even private transfer) from Hanoi by booking them on this website . This would give you more flexibility especially if you plan to stay overnight or spend more time at a particular spot.

Day 3 & 4 of 10 days in Vietnam: Halong Bay Overnight Boat Cruise

Halong Day is famous for its thousands of limestone islands in the emerald water. It is located in Northern Vietnam about 3-4 hours from Hanoi . Most people take an overnight boat tour on Ha Long Bay because it’s simply too far from Hanoi to do a day trip.

I have been to Halong Bay twice and had a good time both times.

Different cruise companies offer different types of activities and amenities. Some of the cruise companies go to Lan Ha Bay and the itinerary includes exploring caves at Cat Ba Island, swimming and morning kayaking.

Some other cruise companies go to Halong Bay and they would go to floating villages and hiking up Titop Island for a panoramic view of Halong Bay.

While onboard, Halong Bay cruises generally have Tai-chi class, cooking class, lounge chairs, deck, Happy Hour (you need to pay for the drinks), common area with TV and DVDs, evening squid fishing, etc.

Having done the Halong Bay cruise twice, I really do feel the cruise was the most relaxing part of our entire 10 day Vietnam itinerary (and yes I did two 10 day trips in Vietnam and both were intense!)

Everything was arranged and you just relax on one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the world. You also get to try some Vietnamese wine and beer on the boat with this view, so what more could you need?

In recent years many newer cruises offer a route to Lan Ha Bay (a part of Halong Bay that is not as touristy). If you want a more laidback and relaxing trip to Halong Bay you can consider cruises offering routes to Lan Ha Bay.

Some of the most luxurious Halong Bay cruises now include Emperor Cruise , Orchid Cruise , Stellar of the Seas Cruise , Heritage Cruise , etc. These are the instagram worthy cruises that you often see on social media with the pool on deck and floor to ceiling glass bathrooms.

To learn more about Halong Bay, see my complete Halong Bay Cruise guide .

Day 5 & 6 of 10 days in Vietnam: Hoi An Ancient Town

After spending a few lovely days in Northern Vietnam it was time to start traveling south to the middle of Vietnam. Hoi An is an ancient town located in the middle of Vietnam (near the water on the eastern side of the country).

Hoi An is one of the most well known towns in Vietnam due to its well preserved historical center and the colorful lanterns and buildings. It used to be a major trading port from the 15th to 19th century. Since it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will get to experience how life looked like back in the days.

How to Hoi An From Hanoi

To travel from Hanoi to Hoi An, the fastest way is to fly. There are trains and buses to Hoi An but they take much longer although if you are planning to do an overnight bus or train these are good choices.

Hoi An does not have an airport of its own, so travelers need to fly from Hanoi to Danang (which is also a cool place to visit, it has a beach!). There are over 20 flights from Hanoi to Da Nang everyday and it’s a short flight about 1.5 hours.

Once you land in Da Nang, look for the bus station to Hoi An. Alternatively you can take a taxi or have your hotel pick you up. Our hotel offered to pick us up at 315.000 vnd/car, which is about 15 USD.

Things to See in Hoi An

• Japanese Covered Bridge : The most famous site in Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge , it’s a historical piece of Japanese architecture. If you want to walk through the bridge then you have to pay an entrance fee , so most visitors actually opt to just take a photo in front of the Japanese Covered Bridge.
• Assembly Halls : There are a number of assembly halls in Hoi An and they were built by the Chinese community that lived there during the trading period. Some of the most famous Assembly Halls in Hoi An include Cantonese Asembly Hall and Fujian Assembly Hall.
• Visit the Old Houses : Within the touristy zone there are 18th century Old Houses. You can visit these Old Houses and do a guided tour to learn more about the architecture as well as the historical background of them. We visited Tan Ky Old House and it was really interesting to know what the family experienced back then.
• Visit a local market : If you are interested to see how locals shop or just want to look for some cheap fruits and everyday items, then be sure to stop by the Hoi An Central Market. I was able to get a large T-shirt (as PJ), nail clipper and other random things from the central market.
• Get clothes tailored : Hoi An is tailor capital of Vietnam so you can find a large number of tailor shops in the old town. We went to Ba Ri to get a couple of dresses made and the turn around time was within 2 days.
• Enjoy the lanterns at night : Hoi An is literally the cutest with all the lanterns lit up on its streets at night.
• Check out Hoi An Night Market : Night market is a popular thing to do in Hoi An south of the river. You can find cooked food as well as clothes, gadgets and souvenirs at the night market.
• Take a boat ride & release lanterns : A super romantic thing to do in Hoi An is to take a 20 minute boat ride on Thu Bon River at night. You can  pre-book the boat here .

Read Next : How to spend one day in Hoi An – what to do and eat in Hoi An

(Optional Day Trip From Hoi An) Golden Bridge (Hand Bridge) in Ba Na Hills

In June 2018, Vietnam opened an incredibly cool looking bridge called the Golden Bridge near the city of Da Nang in Ba Na Hills Resort. Photos on social media immediately attracted tons of tourist and many visitors are going to Vietnam just for the Golden Bridge or the Hand Bridge.

Golden Bridge is located in a theme park called Sun World Ba Na Hills and can only be visited by riding a cable car up in the Ba Na Hills Resort. The bridge is 1500m above sea level and it’s about 500ft long.

Fortunately for those of you visiting Hoi An, you can take a taxi from Hoi An to Ba Na hills in about 1-1.5 hours to visit the Golden Bridge.

After you visit the Golden Bridge, you should also explore other attractions at Ba Na Hills such as the French Village , Le Jardin D’Amour , Linh Ung Pagoda , etc.

You can check out my Golden Hand Bridge guide to get more details.

If you have some extra time in Vietnam, be sure to check out this 3 day Danang itinerary which also includes how to visit the Golden Bridge.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

For beach lovers, you would love the luxury Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa    or the Dai An Phu Villa . You can walk to the beach in under 5 minutes and there is a free shuttle service to Hoi An Ancient Town. There are spas and massages at the hotel for a truly luxurious experience.

For those who want to stay in a medium ranged hotel closer to the Hoi An ancient town, I would recommend either the Silk Luxury Hotel & Spa or Vinh Hung Heritage hotel .

If you are a budget traveler, there are nice hotels/ hostels that cost less than 30 USD a night that’s close to the center of Hoi An historical town such as Hoi An Ivy Hotel or Q Villa . We stayed at Q Villa and loved it.

Day 7 & 8 of 10 days in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam by population. It’s located in the Southern part of Vietnam and has a tropical (wet and dry season) climate.

Ho Chi Minh City played an important role during the Vietnam War (anti-communist). Before that it was ruled by the Japanese and French, so that’s why most of the architectures you see in Ho Chi Mihn City are of French influence.

You can fly to Ho Chi Minh directly on Jetstar from Da Nang.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City : some of the things you can do in Saigon include the

• Cu Chi Tunnels (underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War)
• Binh Tay Market and Ben Thanh Market
• Independence Palace
• War Remnants Museum
• Cao Dai Temple
• Jade emperor Pagoda
• Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
• bar hopping at Pham Ngu Lau Street
• Visit a rooftop bar

If you have time, you can also do some excursions outside of the city, such as a visit to the Mekong Delta , the Cai Be Floating Market , etc.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh : if you are looking to stay at a hostel, check out this post on hostels in Ho Chi Minh .

If you prefer a more luxurious experience, then I would highly recommend either The Reverie Saigon , Silverland Yen Hotel , or the Alagon D’antique Hotel & Spa .

Day 9 & 10 of 10 days in Vietnam: Beach At Phú Quốc

After the hustling and bustling of Saigon, it’s time to relax on the beach! Most people don’t realize that Vietnam has nice beaches (at least I didn’t know) but I was pleasantly surprised by the island of Phu Quoc .

Phu Quoc Island is located off the coast of Cambodia and is known for its white sand beaches and resorts. It’s a hidden gem because most tourists go to islands in Thailand so Phu Quoc is not nearly as crowded as Thailand.

Even though it was February but since the island is so south that it was actually a nice beach weather. There is a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc so it was perfect for our itinerary.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc : there are a lot of wonderful hotels in Phu Quoc by the beach, such as the Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel & Spa , L’Azure Resort and Spa , Movenpick Villas & Residences , Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort , etc. These 5 star hotels are no more than $150 a night which is crazy to me since they would cost over $1000 a night in Hawaii or something!

What to do in Phu Quoc : BEACH!! There are many nice beaches in Phu Quoc such as Truong Beach , Vung Bau Beach , and Sao Beach . The most famous one would be the Sao beach.

If you are a fan of kayaking then this kayaking and starfish tour would be perfect for you.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities on Phu Quoc since the water is warm and calm.

Besides beach, you can also take the famous Phu Quoc cable car from Phu Quoc to Hon Thom Island. It takes about 15 minutes each way and it is a breathtaking experience. You get amazing views of the sea and islands on a clear day and it is the longest non-stop 3 way cable car in the world.

Other Vietnam Trip Planning Tips and Things to Know

Best (and worst) months to visit vietnam.

In general, December to April are the best months to visit Vietnam, avoiding the rainy season that takes place from June to October .

But since Vietnam is a very “long” country, there are different climates in different regions of Vietnam:

• Northern Vietnam : generally a lot cooler than the rest of the country. However, if you are in mountainous regions, the whether during November to March can be quite foggy and cold but relatively dry.
• Central Vietnam : enjoys tropical climate and has pretty warm weather almost year round. Central Vietnam gets the most amount of rainfall between September and November and there is a high chance of flooding.
• Southern Vietnam : generally enjoys a relatively consistent warm weather all year round, with the highest level of rainfall from May to October. The islands in Vietnam will be warm enough even in the “winter” months, but with the most clear skies in February.

How to get around Vietnam

It is pretty easy to get around Vietnam, and some of the most popular methods to get around Vietnam include:

• Rent a moped or motorbike : This is a flexible way to get around Vietnam cheaply. Motorbikes up to 50 cc can be ridden in Vietnam without a license, but this may not be the best option for long distance. If you are thinking about simply riding around a city, then this is the perfect option.
• Take a local bus : Local buses are the easiest way to travel long distance in Vietnam. You can take a sleeper bus to save time during your travel. This is the best website to book a Vietnam bus.
• Take a sleeper train : Sleeper trains are another convenient way to get around Vietnam. I took a luxury sleeper train to get from Hanoi to Sapa. This is the best website to book a sleeper train.
• Ride a shared van : You can easily book a shared luxury van to get around Vietnam. These vans come with AC and USB port and we took these vans to get to Halong Bay and Ninh Binh and loved them.
• Call car services : There is no Uber in Vietnam but you can use Grab App to call a car. It works just like Uber but I had to use cash to pay as for some reason my credit card didn’t go through.
• Take a flight : You can easily fly around Vietnam for cheap. I always took Vietnamese Airlines as it was more reliable and our flight from Hue to Hanoi was only 50 USD. My friends have taken Bamboo Airways or VietJet but said VietJet changed their flight to 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Is Vietnam safe?

Vietnam is a pretty safe country for tourists, even for female solo travelers.

However, like any Southeast Asia country, there is petty crime such as pick pocketing. Be sure to watch your bags/wallets closely, especially in crowded areas (and if you do not look Asian).

I have heard stories from friends that their purses were slashed from behind when they were shopping at street markets in Hanoi.

If you have jewelry you may want to leave them at home. It is not prudent to flaunt your wealth with big bling blings in Vietnam. You may not get robbed but it’s frowned upon.

For those who are not familiar with the traffic conditions in Vietnam, you will need to watch out for cars and motorbikes . Motorbikes are the main transportation in Vietnam and in cities like Hanoi, it can get quite overwhelming.

Even though the drivers will try to avoid you (they are very good at that!), but still use caution when crossing the streets. Try to follow locals when crossing the street in Vietnam.

If you are thinking about taking overnight trains or buses, then the good news is that these types of public transportation is safe for solo travelers.

I took both overnight trains and buses, and they felt perfectly safe.

What to Eat in Vietnam

Different regions in Vietnam also have different speciality food. You will need to do some research to figure out what are the best local specialities are in each region. But in general, here are what some of the typical dishes are in Vietnam.

• Pho : The famous Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and a variety of fresh herbs and condiments. It is one of the best things you can eat in Northern Vietnam (at least I find the ones in Northern Vietnam tastier)
• Bánh Mì : World renowned Vietnamese sandwiches, which are typically filled with a combination of grilled meats, vegetables, pâté, and fresh herbs, served in a baguette. I had the best Banh Mi in Hoi An!
• Gỏi Cuốn : Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, herbs, pork, rice vermicelli, and other ingredients, often served with a peanut dipping sauce.
• Bún Chả : Grilled pork patties and sliced pork belly served over vermicelli noodles, often accompanied by fresh herbs, peanuts, and a dipping sauce. There are some really good places for this in Hanoi Old Quarter.
• Cơm Tấm : Broken rice served with grilled pork, fried egg, and fish sauce, often garnished with pickled vegetables.
• Bánh Xèo : Vietnamese sizzling pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, typically served with a dipping sauce. You can find some of these really good ones in Hue
• Bún Bò Huế : A spicy beef noodle soup originating from the city of Hue, featuring tender slices of beef and pork, lemongrass, and chili
• Cá Kho Tộ : A popular Vietnamese braised fish dish, often cooked in a caramelized sauce with black pepper and served with rice
• Bánh Cuốn : Steamed rice rolls filled with ground pork, mushrooms, and other ingredients, often served with fried shallots and fish sauce
• Chả Giò : Fried spring rolls, often filled with ground meat, shrimp, and vegetables, wrapped in rice paper
• Hủ tiếu : A noodle soup dish with a clear and flavorful broth, typically containing seafood, pork, and rice noodles
• Bánh Canh : A thick Vietnamese noodle soup made with wide, udon-like noodles and a variety of toppings, including seafood, meat, or vegetables.
• Hấp Hủ tiếu Nam Vang : A dish featuring clear rice noodles topped with a mixture of shrimp, squid, pork, and a special savory sauce.
• Bánh Khoai : A Vietnamese crepe or pancake often filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.

There are also a ton of popular Vietnamese desserts that you should try, and here are some of the famous ones:

• Vietnamese coffee : You absolutely cannot leave Vietnam without trying their coffee, especially the famed Egg Coffee and Coconut Coffee!
• Chè : Chè is a broad category of Vietnamese sweet soups or puddings made with a variety of ingredients. These can include mung beans, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, lotus seeds, tapioca pearls, and fruits.
• Bánh Bò : Bánh bò, also known as Vietnamese honeycomb cake, is a spongy, steamed cake made from rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, and coconut milk. It has a unique honeycomb-like texture.
• Bánh Chuối Hấp : This is a steamed banana cake, typically made with ripe bananas, rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk. It’s a moist and fragrant dessert.
• Bánh Flan : Bánh flan is the Vietnamese version of crème caramel or flan. It consists of a layer of caramelized sugar topped with a creamy, egg-based custard.
• Bánh Tiêu : Bánh tiêu are Vietnamese hollow doughnuts that are deep-fried until they puff up and turn golden brown. They are often filled with sweet mung bean paste or custard.
• Chuối Nếp Nướng : Grilled sticky rice and bananas are a delightful dessert often found in Vietnam. The combination of grilled sticky rice and caramelized bananas creates a sweet and slightly smoky flavor.
• Kem Xôi : This dessert combines two popular Vietnamese items, kem (ice cream) and xôi (sticky rice). The sticky rice is often dyed with natural colors and served with a scoop of ice cream.

To find good restaurants to eat in Vietnam, I would recommend that you use Google Maps and TripAdvisor ! We used both and found the reviews spot on!

How to get a SIM card and internet in Vietnam

I highly recommend that you get a SIM card when traveling in Vietnam. You can also purchase a Vietnam SIM card at the airport when you first arrive.

The most popular tourist SIM cards are offered by Viettel, Mobiphone, Vietnamobile and VinaPhone . I’ve seen a lot of people using Viettel so you can definitely consider that. You can ask for a 1 month tourist sim which costs about 10 – 20 USD (price and package may change since things change fast there).

If you want the convenience of just having your internet work right after you land, you can consider getting a Vietnam eSIM with Vietnamesim.com before you fly.

They provide a wide range of data plans and the most popular plan is 120GB for 30 days (max 4 GB per day) including free first 20 minutes of every call to Vinaphone numbers. I activated the eSim to one of my phones before I flew and internet worked immediately when I landed in Vietnam, so it was super convenient.

If you have T Mobile Magenta Plans (or Magenta Max Plans), you can enjoy free internet roaming . Magenta Max plans give you 5GB of high speed internet (then after that it’s 256kps speed) and Magenta plans give you 256kps speed internet.

Booking Resources for Vietnam

If you found this article useful, please consider using the links below to book your hotels and tours. We earn a fee from referring you at no cost to you. With your support we can continue to provide useful information for travelers like you to plan that perfect trip to Vietnam.

• Hotel booking sites for Vietnam :  this  or  this
• Tours booking sites for Vietnam :  this  or  this
• Travel insurance
• Train and bus booking site

Read My Other Vietnam Travel Blogs

Be sure to check out my other Vietnam travel resources to help plan your trip!

• How to get a Vietnam E-Visa
• 1 Day Hoi An itinerary and Travel Guide
• 2 Day Hue Itinerary to see the best Hue Tourist Attractions
• Best things to do in Sapa in 2 days
• Complete Halong Bay Cruise Guide
• What to do and see in Cat Cat Village in Sapa
• Visiting Golden Hand Bridge in Ba Na Hills
• Vietnam Sleeper Train Guide
• 3 Week Vietnam and Thailand Itinerary
• 2 Week Southeast Asia Itinerary (4 Alternative Itineraries)

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Travel Vietnam: The Top 12 Most Useful Vietnam Travel Blogs

Some of you will love Vietnam, and some of you will visit only once. Either way, we want to give you the real deal. Here are our top favorite Vietnam travel blogs, guides, and Vietnam blogging travel writers, that give you, the Vietnam traveler, a good idea of the places and cities to visit.

Vietnam Coracle

Tom of Vietnam Coracle has lived in Vietnam since 2005 and wants to give all you independent travellers a living and breathing guide to his off-the-beaten-path Vietnam. Of all the blogs on our list, Vietnam Coracle is definitely the most in-depth guide to the country. Travel guides, hotels, food and drink? Check. But what makes this blog our favorite? The motorcycle guides that will take you to places guide books could never dream of.

The Rusty Compass

Mark Bowyer from The Rusty Compass has lived in Vietnam since the 90s and his wealth of travel expertise throughout Vietnam shows in the quality video and content that he produces. Amazingly, he’s the sole content creator for the Rusty Compass , an independent travel guide for Cambodia and Vietnam. We hear that his team has also recently opened a sister business, a cafe called The Old Compass Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nomadic Notes

James Clark over at Nomadic Notes has been roaming the world the last 15 years as a digital nomad. He’s based himself in Vietnam for the last few years and has many unique insights to share about living and traveling in Vietnam. He’s been featured in The New York Times and Lonely Planet, among other publications.

Adventure Faktory

Having lived in Vietnam for two years, Thuymi and Mitch from Adventure Faktory give you an in-depth and amazingly curated lifestyle guide to the country. This isn’t just a travel blog, it’s jam packed with a ton of Vietnam’s flavor and culture. If you feel like torturing yourself with a mad case of wanderlust, click away and stare in awe at their amazing photography and content. Or maybe their 2016 year in review video , featuring 18 countries in one-friggin-year, will do the trick. Either way, check this couple out.

The Broke Backpacker

Will of The Broke Backpacker has written up an informative and well-rounded guide to Vietnam targeting backpackers, but it’s also super useful for anyone looking to travel smart. If you want wild adventure, Will is your guy to inspire you to ditch your desks and create exciting opportunities for your lifestyle. Including visas, currency, food, language, destinations, and books, he covers many areas that you’ll need to know to get around and have an amazing time. Seriously, bookmark this page. It’s the best cliff notes of a Vietnam travel guide.

Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt is all about unsponsored content to plan your next adventure. He has guides on almost 60 countries, along with general travel tips. Although we disagree with his assessment of Vietnam , his website features a comprehensive guide that gives you an idea of what to do and how much things cost. He wrote his article way back in 2007, and a lot has changed in the ten years since then. Matt, if you’re listening and somehow make you way back to Ho Chi Minh City, please let us take you out and show you around this new version of Vietnam!

Adventurous Kate

Kate is a solo female traveler who quit her day job at 26 and has been on the road ever since, with more than 60 countries under her belt. While Matt didn’t enjoy Vietnam all that much, Kate shares her more enjoyable experience in response to Nomadic Matt’s post. We appreciate her candidness about how scams suck and love her list of other female blogger perspectives of Vietnam.

The Blonde Abroad

Kiersten from the Blonde Abroad is another female traveler who quit her day job in corporate finance to live out her travelling dreams. She offers a great download on northern Vietnam and a ton more content on solo female travel and backpacking in Southeast Asia. All you ladies out there reading, don’t be afraid to travel alone! Kiersten did it, and so can you.

Two Wandering Soles

Hub and wife Ben and Kate got married, quit their jobs, and bought a one way ticket to Colombia. Since then, they’ve lived in many places and travelled to over 40 countries. They have a couple of city guides for you to get your bearings including this month long itinerary for you to enjoy the best spots in all three regions of Vietnam . We especially appreciate that they include national parks and caves in their guide, places and cities you don’t often see in other guides!

That Backpacker

Audrey is a blogger and Youtuber with an awesome another one month itinerary of Vietnam including seven destinations. If you like jam packed with a ton of fun and diversity, this will be great for you. Favorite part? Audrey even gives us a post-mortem of her trip on what changes she’d recommend for your very own trip.

Vicky Flip Flop Travels

Vicky wants you to explore travel and soul searching (which we love). We also love her inspiring story of “girl loves boy, girl wants to marry boy, boy breaks up, turn out boy was cheating, girl travels solo for one year, profit.” Not only did she aggregate her own list of top blogger advice , she also shares her own tips on city guides and visa advice. Grab a cup of weasel poo coffee, and enjoy.

Alex in Wanderland

Alex is a native New Yorker with a case of wanderlust. She’s been to over 30 countries with destination guides to each. She gives us some honest perspective behind her tough experience in Vietnam . Tl;dr don’t go to the HCMC Zoo, do check out Alex’ amazing photography and adventures.

Wander-Lush

Visit Vietnam: The Ultimate Vietnam Travel Guide

Going to Vietnam the first time was life-changing for sure… The food, culture, landscape, and smell; they’re all inseparable. It just seemed like another planet; a delicious one that sort of sucked me in and never let go. Anthony Bourdain

Land of the Blue Dragon

Vietnam: Where motorbikes outnumber the people. For most travellers, this country is synonymous with three things: Frenetic cities, incredible outdoor adventures, and some of the best food on earth.

After my first visit to Vietnam when I travelled the entire length of the country on the Reunification Express , I told myself that unlike the 97% of people who only visit once, I’d be back. Years later, I moved to Hanoi to work with an NGO – an experience I’ll never forget. I have more dear friends in Hanoi than almost any other city. Vietnam feels like a second home to me.

From the jagged peaks of Ha Giang to the backwaters of the Mekong Delta , the one thing Vietnam isn’t lacking is variety. Join the crush inside the canary yellow walls of Hoi An’s UNESCO Ancient Town , chase dragons in Hue , then find room to breathe in one of rural Northern Vietnam’s hidden oases .

Between the velvety rice terraces of Sapa and Mu Cang Chai and the prickly limestone karsts of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh , you’ll find sand dunes in Mui Ne , waterwheels in Pu Luong , tea fields in Thai Nguyen , and hundreds of sweet hamlets and fascinating small cities in between.

From rustic homestays to boutique apartments, sipping cocktails in a Saigon skybar to knocking back a glass at a bia hoi in Hanoi. Vietnam might come off as a little aloof, but at the end of the day, she certainly knows how to treat her guests.

Vietnam travel essentials

Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more .

Late February to April (spring shoulder season) for cooler weather.

How long in Vietnam?

3-4 full days for Hanoi; 2 weeks for the highlights; 3-4 weeks for a good overview.

Daily budget

45-60 USD per person per day (mid-range hotel; restaurant meals; taxis; museum tickets).

Getting there

Fly into Hanoi or Saigon; bus from any neighbouring country.

Vietnam visa

eVisa/VOA (single entry; 30 days) or visa-free for some.

Getting around

Domestic flights (Viet Jet, Jetstar); train; bus/minivan.

Where to stay

Family-run guesthouses, homestays or hotels.

Tours & experiences

Food tours, history walks and trekking.

Explore Vietnam

Discover Hanoi’s local side plus all the best things to do in Vietnam with my latest travel guides.

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My vietnam favourites.

Trekking in the rice fields around Ta Phin, Sapa.

Must-eat meal

A plate of Pho Cuon in Hanoi’s Truc Bach neighbourhood.

local experience

Rolling up to Hanoi’s Long Bien produce market at 2am.

best souvenirs

Propaganda posters from Hanoi & Hmong textiles.

Vietnam Coracle

Offline Guides

Ha Giang Loop

Hai Van Pass

Con Dao Islands

Dalat Motorbike Loops

Phu Quoc Beaches

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Golden Loop

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The colours, shapes, sizes, smells & variety of flora in Vietnam is mesmerizing. In this guide I’ve compiled an illustrated index of some of the flowers, plants & trees I regularly see in Vietnam’s countryside & cities….

30 Great Motorbiking Roads in Vietnam

Vietnam has some of the best, most scenic & enjoyable riding roads in the world…

Salt Coffee: Cà Phê Muối

The story of a unique drink created in a local cafe in Hue that went from being a secret recipe to a nationwide success…

7 Great Streets for Street Food in Saigon

Saigon is arguably the best place to explore Vietnam’s extraordinary street food scene. The city boasts so many street food outlets that it feels like a gigantic open-air restaurant. This is my guide to 7 of the best streets for street food in Saigon…

Ho Chi Minh Road | Motorbike Guide

Stretching 1,880km along the mountainous spine of Vietnam, this is a complete guide to one of the most famous roads in the world…

A Guide to Climbing Mount Fansipan Independently

Known as the ‘Roof of Indochina’, Mount Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. At 3,143m (10,312ft) it’s a ‘real’ mountain. But Fansipan can be climbed independently, without a guide or porters or any specialist climbing equipment, in one day…..

Vietnam Reading List & Book Reviews

A categorized reading list including personal reviews of over 50 books about Vietnam, ranging from Vietnamese authors in translation to travel writing, journalism, history, poetry, politics & more…

Saigon Waterbus: Guide & Itinerary

The Saigon Waterbus should be near the top of every visitor’s itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City. As a way of seeing the city’s skyline, of experiencing its many different neighbourhoods & for sheer value for money, the Saigon Waterbus is practically unbeatable…

Saigon to Hanoi by Motorbike: 5 Suggested Routes

Thinking about riding the length of Vietnam by motorbike? Here are 5 great routes between Saigon and Hanoi, each one specifically designed to suit the needs of different travellers, based on scenery and time frame among other things….

Most Recent

Local Guest Houses: Nhà Nghỉ

An essential resource for independent travellers in Vietnam, nhà nghỉ means ‘guest house’…

Pu Luong Nature Reserve | Travel Guide

A sub-tropical garden of Eden featuring karst mountains, rice terraces, waterfalls, caves, hiking & homestays…

Saigon→Vung Tau by Fast Boat

A fascinating riverine voyage from the city to the beach along waterways & open sea…

1999: My First Trip to Vietnam

Marking 25 years since I first visited Vietnam when I was just 16 years old…

My Son Sanctuary Cham Temples

The ruins of Mỹ Sơn form a sacred architectural tapestry that was once the centre of the ancient Hindu kingdom of Champa…

Ghost Road in the West | Motorbike Guide

Deserted roads & outstanding scenery on the western frontier with Laos…

Hanoi→Hai Phong by Train | Passengers & Motorbikes

Ride the rails from the capital to the coast with your motorbike on board…

7 Museums in Hanoi

From war to women, prisons to pre-history, fabrics to fine arts, Hanoi is home to the best museums in Vietnam…

Tomb Rider Coast Road | Motorbike Guide

Backroads along swathes of empty beach on a tomb-studded coastline in Central Vietnam…

Hoi An Bars & Drinking Guide

The best places to drink in Hội An, from wine bars, cocktail lounges, craft beer taprooms, beach pubs & clubs…

Tớ Dày Du Gìa Village Retreat | Independent Review

A mountain lodge set amidst the ethereal landscape of Du Già, in Hà Giang Province…

Quang Ngai Loop | Motorbike Guide

Rarely travelled, spectacular roads bridge a dramatic transition from tropical coastal plains to temperate highlands at the ‘hip’ of Vietnam…

12-Year Anniversary Q&A with Tom

I answer readers’ questions to celebrate 12 years of Vietnam Coracle…

Tuan Chau→Cat Ba Island Ferry

The most scenic public ferry in Vietnam & the cheapest way to cruise through the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay…

Dong Van Cafe Scene | Ha Giang

A rich & exciting cafe culture in an ancient market town on the Hà Giang Loop…

Lam Son Loop | Motorbike Guide

Empty backroads through the lush landscapes of Lê Lợi’s homeland, one of the greatest warriors in Vietnamese history…

Mai Chau Ecolodge | Independent Review

Set amidst shimmering rice fields, this comfortable resort has a great location & features locally inspired architecture…

Tu San Canyon Boat Trip | Ha Giang

The deepest gorge in Vietnam, boat trips through the Tu Sản Canyon offer spectacular views…

Vung Tau→Con Dao Express Ferry

A new, modern ship with capacity for over 1,000 passengers is now operating on the sea crossing from Vung Tau to Con Dao…

250,000km on My Motorbike, Stavros

After 17 years on the road together, my motorbike & I have ridden a quarter of a million kilometres around Vietnam…

9 Cham Temples Near Quy Nhon

Scattered across the coastal plains are the impressive yet rarely visited ruins of the ancient kingdom of Champa….

Phu Quoc Island

Camping on Dragon Beach & the Northern Bays | Phu Quoc Island

Sleeping on the sands of the beautiful & deserted northern beaches is a real adventure & an experience that will stay with you for a long time…

Where to Eat Seafood on Phu Quoc Island

Away from the tourists & towns are several clusters of local, informal, atmospheric, reasonably priced, fresh, fun, friendly & scenically located seafood restaurants…

Spring Hopping Loop | Phu Quoc Island

Several refreshing streams run cool & clear off the spine of jungled mountains along Phu Quoc Island’s eastern flank, all linked by quiet back-roads…

Bamboo Cottages Off-Grid Resort, Phu Quoc Island

Situated on one of Phu Quoc Island’s most attractive & least developed bays, Bamboo Cottages is a small, tasteful, mid-range beach resort powered by solar energy….

21 Great Places for Cocktails on Phu Quoc Island

Stylish sky bars with sunset views, windowless speakeasies with professional mixologists, rustic-chic wine bars above the waves, cheap beach shacks & much more…

Trekking to Đỉnh Tiên Sơn Peak | Phu Quoc Island

Ascending steeply through thick rainforest, a pathway leads to a nest of giant boulders atop Đỉnh Tiên Sơn, from where there are stunning 180-degree views…

Phu Quoc Island: North & East Coasts

Newly completed roads have opened access to the beaches, bays, forests & hamlets of the north & east coasts of Phu Quoc Island. Previously difficult to get to, these parts of Phu Quoc are the least developed, most characterful & charming on the island….

Into the Wild Hike & Camp | Phu Quoc Island

A short, rewarding hike through thick jungle & down steep wooden ladders to a remote beach…

Bún Quậy | ‘Stirring’ Noodles

A seafood noodle soup native to Phu Quoc Island but with roots in the central coastal region of the mainland, bún quậy literally means ‘stirring noodles’…

Lahana Resort Phu Quoc | Independent Review

An excellent, tasteful mid-range resort on a lush hillside with a fabulous infinity pool overlooking the trees & ocean….

Bún Kèn Noodles | Island Broth

A speciality of Phu Quoc Island, bún kèn is an underrated dish that deserves a place in the pantheon of Vietnamese noodle soups. Packed with fish, fruit & colour, it’s a tropical island in a bowl.

Huu Tri ‘Donut’ Shack | Phu Quoc

A local, hole-in-the-wall, Vietnamese-style ‘donut’ shack on Phu Quoc Island, Huu Tri specializes in bánh chiên (fried dough). For over a generation, this family-run business has been serving hundreds of bánh chiên made freshly on the premises each day…

Núi Đá Bạc Mountain Trek | Phu Quoc Island

Offering stupendous views, this is a fun & rewarding hike to the top of one of the jungle-clad escarpments lining Phu Quoc’s eastern flank…

Mun’s Cafe & Rum Bar | Phu Quoc Island

Overlooking an attractive bay on Phu Quoc Island, this unpretentious, open-side little beach bar & cafe is an inexpensive & informal place for a sunset cocktail…

Gold Coast Phu Quoc | Independent Review

In the northwest of the island, Gold Coast is a mid-range resort with excellent food, a good beach, easy access to local life & superb views of Phu Quoc’s rugged northern bays & jungles

Paradiso Beach Club, Phu Quoc Island

Occupying the best spot on Bai Sao, the most popular beach on Phu Quoc Island, Paradiso Beach Club is a great place to chill, drink, eat & swim…

Nam Nghi Coral Peninsula | Phu Quoc

Occupying a promontory draped in tropical foliage & surrounded by blue seas & coral reefs, Nam Nghi is a luxurious resort in a special natural setting…

Phu Quoc Island by Boat

Taking the boat between the Mekong Delta & Phu Quoc Island is fun, cheap, convenient & relatively hassle-free. A huge increase in fast boats & car ferries operating on several routes, means it’s now easier than ever to reach Phu Quoc Island by sea….

Mango Bay, Phu Quoc | Independent Review

A long-time favourite beach retreat for travellers & expats, Mango Bay is still the best place to stay on Phu Quoc Island in its class & price bracket. Mango Bay offers guests both comfort & a connection to nature, but not one at the expense of the other…

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort | Independent Review

Immaculately clean, well-designed, well-maintained, well-run & luxurious, the InterContinental features outstanding facilities, spacious & well-equipped rooms & a great beach…

The Pier Phu Quoc Resort | Independent Review

A small, modern, mid-range resort on Phu Quoc’s lesser-known east coast, The Pier occupies a fabulous position beneath jungled hills with sweeping coastal views.

Camia Resort, Phu Quoc | Independent Review

A lush, tasteful & understated property with a narrow but beautiful beachfront & two elegant infinity pools, Camia Resort is a good value mid-range place to stay on Phu Quoc Island…

The Shells Phu Quoc | Independent Review

Quirky but classy, The Shells is a modern resort on the west coast of Phu Quoc Island, offering generously proportioned rooms with sea-views & lots of light & space…

Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc | Independent Review

An enormous, five-star accommodation on a long beachfront with great facilities, the Movenpick is ideal for large families with children or travelling groups…

Premier Village Resort Phu Quoc | Independent Review

A luxurious resort in a spectacular location comprised of large villas with private pools, two beaches & a plethora of high-end facilities. Premier Village would usually be out of my budget. But, due to unique pandemic-related circumstances, my friends & I were able to stay for a reduced rate…

Thanh Kieu Beach Resort, Phu Quoc Island

The unsung hero of seafront, mid-range accommodation on Long Beach, Thanh Kieu Resort is an exceptionally lush, peaceful, and unassuming place to stay on Phu Quoc Island. It’s been my go-to resort for years…

Popular Motorbike Routes >

The Golden Loop | Motorbike Guide

Nowhere in Vietnam is there such variety of landscape & richness of culture as in the central provinces, a region best explored by motorbike…

Dalat by Motorbike: 5 Routes & Loops

Many of Dalat’s most famous & impressive attractions lie within a 10-40km radius of the city centre. Linked by good roads through pretty scenery, these sights are best visited by motorbike…

Sapa-Sin Ho Scenic Motorbike Loop

Sapa and Sin Ho are two towns high up on the slopes of the Tonkinese Alps. They are connected by lofty mountain passes, offering grand scenery on a scale not seen anywhere else in Vietnam. This is an ideal scenic loop by motorbike…

Borders & Back-Roads: Sapa to Ha Giang by Motorbike

Connecting two of the most mountainous provinces in Vietnam, this motorbike route straddles the Chinese border, passing through some of the remotest parts of the country…

Beach Bum Coast Road: Saigon to Hanoi

Ride 2,000km from south to north along Vietnam’s curving coastline…

High Roads: Ha Giang→Ba Be Lake→Cao Bang | 3 Routes

The roads between the northern provinces of Ha Giang & Cao Bang travel through some of the most spectacular & remote regions of Vietnam. Here are three highly scenic (but not always easy) motorbike routes linking Ha Giang, Ba Be Lake & Cao Bang….

Hoi An→Danang→Hue by Motorbike: 3 Routes & Loops

There are now four different routes between these three cities in Central Vietnam. Each route has something different to offer: choose between The Coast, The River, The Mountains, or The Tunnel…..

Sand Dune Highway: Mui Ne to Ca Na Coast Road

A short, scenic, easily navigable & rewarding road trip through desert-like landscape on excellent coast roads between Mũi Né & Cà Ná…

Nui Chua Coast Road | Phan Rang to Cam Ranh

Probably the most scenic coastal route in Vietnam, this is a meandering ocean road skirting the edges of a green & rugged peninsula…

Motorbiking Northern Vietnam | 13 Routes

In the north, the mountains are higher, the passes loftier & the scenery is more majestic than anywhere else in Vietnam….

Son Tra Peninsula, Danang | Motorbike Guide

A rugged headland at the northern tip of Danang’s municipal beach, Son Tra offers mountains & forests, cliffs & coves, wildlife & centuries-old banyan trees, lofty mountain passes with majestic views & sandy beaches untainted by concrete high-rises….

Beaches & Islands >

Island-Hopping in Vietnam: A Guide

From north to south, the Vietnamese coast is flecked with thousands of islands; hundreds of which are inhabited & dozens of which can be visited by island-hopping. A handful of these islands are already well-established tourist destinations, but many are only just emerging as potential attractions….

Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay: Travel Guide

An island of dramatic coastlines & jungle-clad limestone pillars, Cat Ba is one of Vietnam’s star natural attractions & part of world-famous Halong Bay….

Dai Lanh Beach

A broad sweep of sandy beach squeezed between two headlands in a dramatic bay enclosed by green mountains…

The Beaches of Quy Nhon & Phu Yen: A Guide

The beaches of Phu Yen Province & Quy Nhon have been laying low, but their popularity is on the rise: now is the time to visit this seductive coastal region, full of hidden bays, beaches & coves. This is an extensive guide to Vietnam’s next big beach destination….

Nam Du Islands: Travel Guide

A glistening archipelago of small tropical islands off the southwestern coast of Vietnam, Nam Du is beautiful & undeveloped. With mesmerizing beaches & bays, a jungle-clad interior, and over 20 outlying islands, Nam Du is a treat…

Vung Tau | City by the Sea

An illustrated travelogue-cum-guide to Vung Tau intended to inspire a trip to this rejuvenated city by the sea…

23 of the Best Beaches in Southern & Central Vietnam

With a coastline of over 3,200km & thousands of islands lying offshore, Vietnam is a great beach destination. Blue bays, hidden coves, white sands, swaying palms & dramatic cliffs, Vietnam has it all….

Ly Son Island: Travel Guide

A volcanic island surrounded by a ring of reefs, Ly Son is a striking, stark & geologically fascinating destination. Easily reached by regular fast ferries, Ly Son Island is located off the coast of central Vietnam….

Hon Son Island: Travel Guide

Hon Son Island is a gem. It’s a rugged yet green & exceptionally beautiful isle. With jungle-covered mountains rising from the ocean, peaceful fishing hamlets in picturesque bays, and palm-fringed beaches, Hon Son has got it all…

Vung Ro Bay & Bai Mon Beach

A gorgeous promontory on the south-central coast yet to be developed & remaining virtually untouched by mass-tourism…

Phu Quy Island: Travel Guide

A new & exciting destination, Phu Quy Island is but a drop of green land in the vast blue ocean, and has only very recently opened its doors to domestic & foreign travellers. A fascinating place with a real sense of isolation, this is my comprehensive guide to Phu Quy Island….

Con Dao: Boat Trips to Outlying Islands

The smaller islands in the archipelago can be reached by speedboat, offering remote beaches, hiking, snorkeling & swimming…

Ho Tram & Ho Coc Beaches

Just 120km from the city, Ho Tram & Ho Coc are by far the best beaches within easy reach of Saigon. Forget Vung Tau, Long Hai & Can Gio, this is where you should head for sun, sea & sand when you don’t have time to go to Mui Ne or Phu Quoc.

Pirate Islands (Đảo Hải Tặc) | Travel Guide

Lying in the Gulf of Thailand, just off Vietnam’s southwest coast, Pirate Islands is a rugged archipelago, only recently opened to foreign visitors…

Tam Hai Island: Travel Guide

A small & tranquil island at the mouth of a river, Tam Hai is within easy reach of Hoi An & Danang. This little island is a self-contained, peaceful world, with its own beauty, its own festivals, and its own resort….

Cam Ranh Bay: Cam Lap Promontory

Cam Lap Promontory is one of those rare places that’s easily accessible yet largely undeveloped and utterly beautiful. It’s the kind of place you fall in love with, and one that really does deserve the overused epithet of ‘hidden gem’….

Diep Son Island & Sandbar, Van Phong Bay

Lying in the calm, warm waters of Van Phong Bay, just an hour north of Nha Trang, Diep Son is a mini-archipelago of small green islands. At low tide, a curving sandbar is exposed, linking three of the islets via a ‘sand bridge’….

Hon Gom Sandbar

Stretching 30km out to sea, like a giant causeway to a sunken castle, Hon Gom Sandbar is a beguiling peninsular on the south-central coast. A road leads along most of its length, offering access to deserted beaches, sheltered coves & isolated fishing hamlets…

Bãi Rạng Beach, Quy Nhon

A small crescent of toast-gold sand lined with coconut palms & casuarina trees, Bãi Rạng Beach is squeezed between two rocky bluffs, 15km south of Quy Nhon. It’s still a local, working beach & remains undeveloped….

Long Thủy Beach Village, Phu Yen

More than just a lovely white sand beach & glistening sea; Long Thủy is also a charming network of narrow backstreets, lined with crumbling homes, small temples & cowsheds. Wandering through its tangle of alleyways is like stepping back several generations…

Transportation >

How to Send a Motorbike on the Train

Put your motorbike on the train & send it from one destination to another. This is a convenient, reliable & efficient service for riders in Vietnam…

Vietnam to Cambodia by Boat

An express boat service from Châu Đốc, in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, across the international border to Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital…

The Can Gio→Vung Tau Car Ferry

A great boon to travellers, this new ferry connects two of the most popular destinations near Ho Chi Minh City: Can Gio mangrove forest and Vung Tau beach…

Beach Bus: Saigon↔Rach Gia Limousine | Passengers & Motorbikes

Thien Thanh Limousine runs luxury buses between Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) & Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta, gateway to Vietnam’s islands in the Gulf of Thailand. This is a great service for passengers & motorbikes…

Soc Trang→Con Dao Express Ferry

The fastest, cheapest & most reliable boat connection from the mainland to the islands, the Sóc Trăng→Côn Đảo ferry takes just 2 hours…

Can Tho→Con Dao Express Ferry

A fast ferry route connecting the largest city in the Mekong Delta with Con Son Island in the Con Dao Archipelago…

The Fanxipan Express: Hanoi to Lao Cai by Train (Passengers & Motorbikes)

Rattling through the night from the capital city, along the Red River Valley, and into the northwest mountains surrounding Lao Cai on the Chinese border, the Fanxipan Express is a romantic rail journey that’s cheap, comfortable & easy to organize….

The Can Gio→Can Giuoc Car Ferry

This ferry enables travellers with their own wheels to bypass Saigon completely when travelling between the southeast coast & the Mekong Delta…

Hanoi→Lang Son→Dong Dang by Train: Passengers & Motorbikes

A train runs once daily in both directions between Hanoi, Lang Son & Dong Dang, on the Chinese border. Linking Vietnam’s capital with its mountainous northeastern provinces, this is a scenic rail journey & passengers can carry their motorbikes on board

Saigon to Phan Thiet by Train: Passengers & Motorbikes

The daily, non-stop express train between Saigon & Phan Thiet/Mui Ne is a cheap, easy, fun, fast & efficient way to get from the city to the beach. Put your motorbike on the train with you & let the rails carry your wheels….

Cafes, Bars & Drinks >

5 Hideaway Bars in Saigon

Intimate, cosy, independent & off-beat, these bars offer refuge from the city & getting there is half the fun…

Bancông Cafe | Hanoi

A heritage building in the capital’s Old Quarter houses a nostalgic coffee shop, keeping the city’s younger generation in touch with its past…

Trà Đá: Ode to Vietnamese Iced Tea

An ubiquitous but uncelebrated part of daily life in Vietnam, iced tea (trà đá) is an essential component of dining culture & social life…

19 Coffee Shops in Dalat With a View

Dozens of cool, cosy, photogenic, independent coffee shops with countryside views form one of the most exciting coffee scenes in Asia…

Drinking & Nightlife in Hue

Artisanal breweries, local beer restaurants, dive bars for resident artists, chic cocktail lounges for posers & budget hangouts for backpackers…

Horizon Rooftop Bar | Four Points, Da Nang

Sip locally brewed craft beer or cocktails next to an infinity pool with panoramic views of Da Nang city & beachfront from the rooftop of the Four Points by Sheraton…

The Juice Lady, Saigon

I’ve only recently started to visit my local juice lady in Saigon. Now, however, I go there every day for fresh fruit juices & smoothies. In Vietnam, fruit juices are often served with added sugar, and smoothies with condensed milk, but it’s pretty easy to order them without…

The Cafe Apartment at No.14 Ton That Dam, Saigon

The old apartment block on Ton That Dam Street, in downtown Saigon, has been colonized by cool cafes, hipster bars & fashion boutiques. Gritty & intriguing architectural vestiges lurk in every nook & cranny of this enigmatic French colonial-era complex….

Cà Phê Võng: Ode to Hammock Cafes

Places to rest, drink, sleep, eat & take shelter when on the road, hammock cafes are a valuable resource for long-distance travellers in Vietnam…

The Cafe Apartment on Saigon’s Walking Street

Boasting over 30 independent coffee shops & fashion boutiques, the old apartment block at No.42 Nguyen Hue is the coolest address on Saigon’s Walking Street. I call it the Cafe Apartment: this is my complete floor-by-floor guide…

Coffee with a View: Photo & Bike Cafe

The Central Highlands is famous for its coffee and its mountains. Photo & Bike Cafe marries these two elements nicely, making it the perfect pit-stop on any road trip that passes through Bao Loc, on the way between Saigon and Dalat…

Cà Phê Bệt: Saigon’s Street Coffee Scene

At 5 o’clock in the afternoons in Saigon, high schools and universities disgorge their students into the busy streets. Dusk is one of the coolest times of day, and many of these students head for one of the city’s parks, where they buy food and drink from street vendors and sit on the grass talking into the evening hours – this is Cà Phê Bệt.

TOP 5: Rooftop Cocktails in Saigon

Saigon is at the heart of Vietnam’s economic boom: new high-rises and five-star hotels go up every year. On the upper storeys there are stylish bars with views over the city, catering to the country’s nouveau-riche and wealthy foreign visitors. But, with the price of drinks still relatively low, rooftop cocktails are affordable for travellers on all budgets, especially if you make the most of Happy Hours.

Hiking & Walking >

Núi Đá Bia | Mountain Hike

A steep ascent to a giant freestanding boulder at its peak, the hike up Núi Đá Bia Mountain offers mesmerizing views…

Hiking the Con Dao Islands

One of the most pristine natural environments in Vietnam, several hiking trails traverse the Con Dao Islands offering sensational views…

Sky Path Hike | Ha Giang

A soaring walkway clinging to the cliffs hundreds of metres above the legendary Mã Pí Lèng Pass in Hà Giang…

Walking Saigon’s Alleyways

Between all the busy main roads, Saigon is riddled with narrow alleyways, which are quiet, cool, charming and great for walking. Here are some of my favourite areas in the city for alley walks….

Exploring Saigon’s Railway Tracks: A Guide

Lined with intriguing architecture, temples, shrines, pagodas, fruit trees, flowers, cafes, casual dining & other such urban miscellanea, exploring the lanes alongside Saigon’s railway tracks, on foot or on two wheels, is a fascinating experience….

Camping, Hiking & Cloud-Hunting in Cau Dat

Wild camp above the clouds in a haunting & beautiful landscape near Cầu Đất village in the Central Highlands…

Historic Sites >

Last Emperors: Nguyen Dynasty Sites in Hue

Vietnam’s last imperial line left behind a rich legacy of cultural attractions in and around the former royal capital of Huế…

Chau Doc: Religious & Spiritual Sites in An Giang Province

Exploring the multiple faiths & religions of the Mekong Delta via a selection of places of worship in the western corner of the region…

Rising from the rice paddies of north-central Vietnam, the impressive ruins of this 14th century former royal capital were designated a World Heritage site in 2011, yet few foreign travellers pay a visit to Ho Citadel.

Phương Bối Hill: The Buddhist Monk Thích Nhất Hạnh’s Retreat

In the misty forests on the slopes of the B’lao mountains, the young Buddhist monk, Thích Nhất Hạnh, came to build a retreat in the late 1950s. Now a world-famous spiritual leader, Thich Nhat Hanh was forced to abandon the retreat in the 1960s, but the site still exists….

Yen Hoa Tower & Phu Tuong Gate

Deep in the mountains & jungles of remote north-central Vietnam, lie two mysterious historical sites in a state of romantic decay…

Kim Liên: Ho Chi Minh’s Homeland

Born in 1890, Ho Chi Minh spent his early, formative years in Kim Liên village, now preserved as an attractive & peaceful outdoor museum…

Ho Chi Minh’s Cave: Hang Pác Bó

In the winter of 1941, Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam for the first time in 30 years. For several weeks he lived in Pac Bo Cave. Right on Vietnam’s northeastern frontier with China, Pac Bo is an important historical site in an enchanting location…

The General’s Tomb | A Memory

Sometimes referred to simply as ‘The General’, Võ Nguyên Giáp is a giant of Vietnamese history. Following his death, in 2013, millions have made the pilgrimage to his tomb in Central Vietnam, myself included…

Noodles & Soups >

Noodle Street: Nguyễn Qúy Đức, District 2

A wide variety of noodle dishes from across Vietnam all within a few steps of each other on a tree-lined street in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City…

The Best Phở in Saigon

It’s surprisingly difficult to find a truly outstanding bowl of phở (beef noodle soup) in Saigon. But, after 8 years living & eating in this city, I’ve finally found a place that, in my opinion, serves the best bowl of phở in Saigon…

Bún Cá Rô Noodle Soup

A spicy-sour, northern-style dish, bún cá rô is an exciting, lively, textural & colourful fish noodle soup from Hanoi & the Red River Delta…

Cà Ri: Vietnamese Curry in Saigon

Serving up a mild, thick & richly aromatic curry (cà ri) with chicken or shrimp, Ngọc Hân is a small, informal, well-organized, family-run soup house on Phan Xich Long Street, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)….

Bun Rieu Cua Oc: Crab & Snail Noodle Soup

A broth of tomatoes & pulverized crab poured over white rice noodles & topped with marinated snails, bún riêu cua ốc is one of Vietnam’s most complex soups

6 Reasons to Slurp Your Noodles

Slurp and suck: this should be every traveller’s primary objective when sitting down to enjoy a bowl of one of Vietnam’s famous noodle soups. Here is my guide to why you should embrace local etiquette and leave your preconceived table manners at home….

Instant Noodles: Pandemic Staple

A national comfort food, a convenience, an indulgence & in some cases a necessity, instant noodles are a staple of the Vietnamese diet. During the pandemic, however, national consumption rose by 30%…

Saigon’s other Lunch Lady

Everyone knows who Saigon’s Lunch Lady is, right? Well, probably not this one. Ms Nga is 43 years old. She serves a different soup each day of the week, from her cramped, ramshackle soup stall. Originally from Thai Binh (a northern province famous for producing excellent cooks), she moved to Saigon in the mid-90s…

The Lunch Lady’s Menu: An Illustrated Guide

The Lunch Lady in Saigon is famous for serving a different soup every day of the week. Here’s her weekly menu, illustrated with tantalizing images of each of the dishes…

Bún Mắm: the Mekong in a Bowl

Bún Mắm is a robust Vietnamese soup from the Mekong Delta. It’s packed with contrasting flavours, textures and colours. You’ll find bún mắm all over southern Vietnam, but one place in Saigon is especially good.

Goat Noodle Soup in Chinatown

Deep in Saigon’s Chinatown, there’s a bowl of goat noodles that’s meaty, rich, silky and smooth. This soup is full of farmyard flavours: it’s a barn in a bowl. Make no mistake, this is a heavy breakfast, but it’ll keep you going till the evening…

Mì Quảng 85 Noodle House, Saigon

Defined by its thick yellow noodles, crunchy rice crackers, quail eggs, fresh mint & salty-sweet sauce, mì quảng is a much-loved dish from Central Vietnam. The version at Mì Quảng 85 in Saigon is full of texture & colour, if a bit too sweet….

Phở Gia Hân, Saigon

I was first drawn to Phở Gia Hân by the enticing aroma that wafted over the narrow street on humid evenings. A family-run soup house in a local neighbourhood, this is one of my favourite places for phở in Saigon…

Beach Resorts >

The Anam Mui Ne | Independent Review

The latest luxury resort on the sands of Mui Ne beach, The Anam is an elegant, Indochine-themed property…

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort | Independent Review

A large, elegant & family-friendly oceanfront resort with architectural features echoing the style of the nearby Old Quarter in Hoi An…

Amiana Resort Nha Trang | Independent Review

Ten kilometres north of Nha Trang, Amiana Resort features a long seafront, lush gardens & several enormous, highly photogenic infinity pools…

Crown Retreat Quy Nhon | Independent Review

Situated on a long, sweeping bay north of Quy Nhơn on the south-central coast, the Crown Retreat is a tasteful, attractive, low-rise beach resort…

Ho Tram Beach Boutique | Independent Review

A tasteful, understated & peaceful resort within easy reach of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Ho Tram Boutique is a favourite retreat of mine….

The Secret Con Dao | Independent Review

Featuring minimalist décor & contemporary design, The Secret is a luxury resort on the beautiful & elegant seafront road on Côn Sơn Island…

Mia Resort Nha Trang | Independent Review

A crisp, clean & contemporary beach resort straddling the cliffs on the spectacular coast road south of Nha Trang, Mia is the embodiment of minimalist-chic….

Fusion Suites, Vung Tau | Review

With an immaculate rooftop infinity pool & sky bar with 360-degree views of the city & sea, Fusion Suites is set to become one of the most photographed places in Vung Tau…

Timothe Beach Apartments | Independent Review

On a secluded, sweeping bay on the south-central coast, Timothe Beach Apartments is a tropical paradise at affordable, mid-range prices…

Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort | Independent Review

A lush & peaceful location in the northwest of Phu Quoc Island, Green Bay is set in beautiful grounds featuring rustic-luxury villas & two infinity pools…

Victoria Beach Resort, Mui Ne

One of the first luxury resorts to grace the sands of Mui Ne, Victoria Resort & Spa is still one of the best places to stay on this popular beach on Vietnam’s southeast coast. With lush tropical gardens & a long stretch of beach, Victoria is far more spacious than its competitors…

Escalade Resort, Cam Ranh Bay

A small-scale, affordable mid-range resort with dazzling sea views over one of the prettiest bays in Vietnam, Escalade Resort, Cam Ranh is tasteful, good value for money & great place to unwind….

The Grand Ho Tram Resort & Casino

Big, indulgent & exceptionally good quality, The Grand Resort & Casino marks the beginning of the transformation of the quiet & unassuming coastline of Ho Tram, into what is hoped will become Vietnam’s answer to Macau & Las Vegas….

Writing & Articles >

Farewell My Neighbourhood

After nearly 9 years, I’m leaving my neighbourhood in Saigon’s Binh Thanh District, where I have many memories of many people, places & experiences…

My Green Hoodie: A Mongolian Sketch

The origin story of a piece of clothing I’ve worn for 20 years…

Lonely Planet Article

For the new Lonely Planet ‘Experience Vietnam’ book, I explore the joys, history & practicality of motorbiking Vietnam…

Ode to the Ocean

Throughout human history, the sea has been both dangerous and generous: a cause of destruction and death, but also a source of food, fun, wealth and beauty…

Travel Fitness

Travellers often neglect their fitness. I practice exercise routines, methods & activities that are suitable for travel & help to maintain my fitness while on the road…

Ode to a Banyan Tree

Temples of the forest, banyan trees are great, natural edifices rich in cultural, spiritual & folkloric symbolism. A bridge between the human, natural & spirit worlds, banyan trees are found all over Vietnam…

Enter the Dragon | Lunar New Year

On the eve of the Year of the Dragon, Vietnam prepares to welcome another year of growing prosperity, opportunity & modernity…

First Rains: An Ode to the Monsoon

Monsoon downpours & tropical storms are the quintessential expression of the tropics, representing the exotic & the mysterious. For me, the monsoon embodies the excitement & romance of living far from home….

Sketches of Saigon: 5 Scenes

Over the course of a week, I sat & wrote for half an hour on five separate occasions at five random locations in Saigon, and described the scenes as they appeared to me, in the hope of capturing something of the spirit of the city….

10 Year Anniversary of Vietnam Coracle

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, I’ve written an account of my website’s conception and development and an evaluation of its ‘success’.

An Interview with Vietnam Coracle

A written interview featuring long-form, detailed answers to questions ranging from the evolution of Vietnam Coracle to its purpose and function, and the nature of travel writing in the Internet age…

Don’t Miss the Dawn

Dawn is the best time of day in Vietnam. Yet most travellers and expats never experience it. Wake up before sunrise and you’ll witness exquisite skies and the ‘roots’ of Vietnamese daily life. Rising early should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Vietnam….

Vietnam Coracle has a new logo. Read the story behind the logo’s creation & design…

2022: Year-End Review

I reflect on a significant year, focusing on post-pandemic travel and life in Vietnam…

‘Fourth Wave’ | The Pandemic in Vietnam

A long-form personal narrative & travelogue describing my experiences during the ‘fourth wave’, Vietnam’s worst outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic…

The Quarantine of Taz in Vietnam

My friend, Taz, was quarantined for 17 days in Vietnam as part of the government’s strategy to contain COVID-19. After her release, I interviewed Taz about her experiences at the quarantine facility, just outside Ho Chi Minh City….

The Pandemic Sessions | Interviews from Vietnam

A series of long-form interviews with people in Vietnam focusing on their experiences & opinions of the pandemic, and how their lives have changed as a result of Covid-19

The Odes | A Collection

Over the years, I’ve written ‘odes’ in praise of aspects of Vietnam: from natural phenomena to types of food to specific places & personalities…

Contributing Writers

I’m excited to introduce the new writers on Vietnam Coracle. Together, we’ll create great content from across Vietnam…

Trash Talk: Litter in Vietnam’s Beauty Spots

Vietnam is an extraordinarily beautiful country, but thousands of scenic areas across the nation are increasingly ruined by trash. A major catalyst for litter in beauty spots are picnickers, who neglect to clean up after themselves….

A Year of Contributing Writers

To celebrate 12 months of publishing content by other writers on Vietnam Coracle, I look back at what they’ve produced so far…

Pandemic Season in Vietnam: Pre-Covid, Lock-Down, Post-Virus

Part travelogue, part personal narrative, part analysis of Vietnam’s containment of Covid-19, this is a long-form account of the pandemic….

Video: Con Dao Islands

From the moment you step off the plane on the Con Dao Islands, you know you’re somewhere special. The main island of Con Son has a tragic past as a penal colony, set up by the French colonial administration. But today, it is the gorgeous natural beauty of this archipelago that’s attracting attention.

Dam Tre Bay | Con Son Island

Turquoise water & abundant coral rimmed by forested hills & dramatic cliffs, Đầm Tre is one of Vietnam’s most pristine, remote & utterly magical bays…

Camping >

Camping in Dalat: A Guide

One of the best travel experiences in Vietnam’s Central Highlands is wild camping under a canopy pine trees in the misty mountains north of Dalat….

Wild Camping | Ninh Thuan Province

A rugged region of rocky mountains interlaced with blue rivers & streams falling over giant boulders, Ninh Thuận is wild camping country….

Camping on Trong Veo Stream

Wild camp by a cool, clear, freshwater stream amidst pine-studded hills & a beautiful waterfall near Dalat in the Central Highlands

Wild Camping on the La Nga River: A Guide

Midway between the coast & the mountains, the La Nga River runs clean & clear with dozens of potential campsites on its banks & opportunities for wild swimming

Camping Season in Southern Vietnam

A period of ideal weather conditions for sleeping outside in the varied landscapes of the south, Camping Season lasts from December to March…

Motocamping South-Central Vietnam in the Dry Season

One of the most rewarding & deeply satisfying travel experiences I’ve had in over a decade of travelling in Vietnam, motocamping (‘motorbike-camping’) is thrilling, challenging, fulfilling & still a fairly niche activity…

Lak Tented Camp | Independent Review

With luxury safari-tents & lakeside bungalows spread over a lush hillside on the shores of Lake Lak in the Dak Lak highlands, Lak Tented Camp is an atmospheric accommodation with a deep attachment to the natural environment…

New Year’s Camping in the Pine Forests

To mark the end of 2020 (the ‘Lost Year’), my friends & I went on a wild camping trip in the pine forests of the Central Highlands: an activity that’s possible in Vietnam, even as many countries continue to endure lock-downs & social-distancing

Camping the Ocean Road: Saigon to Nha Trang

Pitch your tent under a coconut palm just metres from the surf & enjoy Vietnam’s south coast sleeping in the open air: This is my guide to camping on the beaches along the Ocean Road from Saigon to Nha Trang….

On the Road & Under the Sky: Lunar New Year, 2018

Lunar New Year (Tết) is a time of gathering: of family & friends; of people & parties. But this year, I undertook to spend my Tết holiday in peace & solitude: I took my motorbike, my tent & my guitar & set off for 11 days on the road & under the sky…

Bao Dai Waterfall

Bao Dai Waterfall is one of the most spectacular but least-visited of all the cascades within reach of Dalat…

Ana Mandara Villas, Dalat

17 beautifully restored French colonial villas on a pine-studded hillside, Ana Mandara Resort & Spa keeps the romance of Dalat alive. Luxury accommodation in the Central Highlands doesn’t get more atmospheric than this…

Hotel Du Parc, Dalat

The Hotel Du Parc offers excellent value mid-range accommodation in the Central Highlands’ city of Dalat. Housed in a French building from the 1930s, this hotel has colonial ambience with modern amenities at very reasonable prices…

Saigon to Dalat: the ‘Back Ways’

There are many ways to ride from Saigon to Dalat, but if you want a relatively direct route that avoids highways, there are several great options. These ‘back ways’ to Dalat utilize new, quiet & scenic roads to make the journey as fun as possible…

Dalat’s Waterfalls: A Guide

Dalat is located in Lâm Đồng Province, a mountainous region that boasts lots of waterfalls. I visited them all, in order to compile this list & guide to the waterfalls of Dalat & the surrounding area. Many of the falls are truly spectacular, while some are ruined by tourist development…

Video: Dalat’s Waterfalls

A vicarious tour of the region’s best cascades…

Datanla Waterfall

Description | Image Slideshow | Map First published May 2014 | Words and photos by Vietnam Coracle Datanla waterfall is only 6km from Dalat city centre. It’s no surprise then, that this is the most touristy and developed of all the falls in this list. Just off the pine-studded Prenn Pass, Datanla’s entrance tells you […]

The Pine Tree Road | Motorbike Guide

North of Dalat, an enticing road plunges deep into the pine forests of the Central Highlands before dead-ending in the beautiful Krông Nô River Valley…

Pongour Waterfall

Description | Image Slideshow | Map First published May 2014 | Words and photos by Vietnam Coracle Pongour is one of the most famous waterfalls in the province. It’s much loved and much visited by Vietnamese of all ages. As a result, the falls are developed to cater to large amounts of visitors, but, unlike […]

Grilling on Hot Rocks: Chu Quán, Dalat

One of Dalat’s new & exciting places to eat, Chu Quán is run by a young Vietnamese couple with a passion for good food & inventive decor. A smoky, open-sided BBQ-grill restaurant, this place has been buzzing since it opened…

Tiger Waterfall

Description | Image Slideshow | Map First published May 2014 | Words and photos by Vietnam Coracle Tiger waterfall is situated deep in the pine forests surrounding Dalat. Only 15km east of the city, these falls are easily reached but feel far more remote than they really are. Like many of the waterfalls in this […]

Elephant Waterfall

Description | Image Slideshow | Map First published May 2014 | Words and photos by Vietnam Coracle Elephant waterfall is in a heavily farmed valley at the bottom of a mountain pass, 30km southwest of Dalat. It’s a popular excursion for travellers on Easy Rider tours around the Central Highlands, which means there are some […]

The Vietnam Coracle Map

The Perfect 2-Week Vietnam Itinerary

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Before deciding to move to Ho Chi Minh City in 2019, we spent a significant amount of time exploring Vietnam. We traveled all around northern Vietnam – trekking our way through Sapa , sailing around Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay , motorbike cruising around Ninh Binh , and exploring the best of Hanoi .

From there, we headed south to the caves of Phong Nha and the imperial city of Hue . After that, we explored the beaches and mountains of Danang and loved visiting the cute little town of Hoi An . We’ve checked out Vietnam’s best beaches – from An Bang to Mui Ne to Phu Quoc . And finally, in southern Vietnam, we enjoyed taking weekend trips to the Mekong Delta from our home in Saigon .

After so much time exploring this amazing country, we’ve created the perfect 2-week Vietnam itinerary to help you hit all the highlights when planning your trip!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Preparing for Vietnam

Things to know before you go.

Did you know that you’ll need to arrange a visa ahead of time to visit Vietnam? Or that you should use the Grab ride-sharing app instead of a taxi? Or that motorbikes seem to have the right-of-way on the streets AND on the sidewalks? Read all about the 15 things we think you should know before visiting Vietnam to help you prepare for your trip!

North to South? Or Vice Versa?

Wondering whether you should fly into Saigon and then travel north or if you should fly into Hanoi and head south? You should check the weather prior to making that decision to avoid the chilly winter months in the northern cities or the blisteringly hot summer temperatures in central and southern Vietnam. The spring and summer months generally have the most pleasant temperatures across the country.

Getting Around Vietnam

The country of Vietnam is incredibly long, so the distances between north, central, and south Vietnam are quite large. You can take the train, but you’ll have a very long and uncomfortable journey (albeit with some pretty lovely views along the way).

The best way to book train and bus tickets in Vietnam is on Bookaway.com . You’ll get the best prices and can see all of the different bus and train options in one place. We recommend avoiding the local travel agencies in Vietnam – we have just had too many bad experiences when we try to book tours or transportation this way.

Check Bus and Train Schedules on Bookaway

Luckily Vietnam has quite a few low-cost airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Jetstar, that offer flights around the country for less than $50 each way. Just keep in mind that both VietJet and Jetstar notoriously run late, so keep your schedule flexible and your expectations low.

Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner

Vietnam Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights of the Country

Hanoi: 2 nights.

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and the second-largest city in the country. It’s also the jumping-off point for exploring the spectacular scenery around northern Vietnam. Two days in Hanoi should be enough to see the highlights of the city, but if you do plan to spend more time here, there are plenty of things to do to fill your days.

Things to do in Hanoi

The real charm of Hanoi is the bustling Old Quarter in the center of the city. Here you’ll find countless souvenir shops selling lacquerware, silk robes, paintings, wooden carvings, designer knockoffs, and everything in between. And tucked between the shops are quaint coffee shops and yummy restaurants offering amazing Vietnamese food . As long as you choose a hotel near Hanoi’s Old Quarter you can pretty much walk to all of the top tourist attractions.

During your time in Hanoi, you must visit the infamous “Hilton Hanoi,” Hỏa Lò Prison , where John McCain was imprisoned and tortured during the Vietnam-American War. The propaganda videos that describe how incredibly well prisoners of war were treated during their stay in Hoa Lo Prison are rather entertaining, especially if you know a bit about what life was really like for American soldiers here.

We would also highly recommend that you visit the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum during your stay. You should spend an evening drinking beer on the lively “beer corner” (Tạ Hiện street) and shop in the popular weekend night market, which takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night from 6 pm until about 11 pm.

And if you have some extra time and a stomach of steel, we would highly recommend that you eat a snake in the nearby town of Le Mat snake village . You can even drink a raw snake heart in a shot glass full of rice wine if you’re so inclined.

Check out our complete list of the best things to do in Hanoi here !

Getting to Hanoi

Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) is a large airport in Hanoi with many airlines offering direct flights from all over the world. If you are traveling within Vietnam, several low-cost carriers like VietJet, Jetstar, and Vietnam Airlines offer daily flights to various popular destinations.

Getting Around Hanoi

The best way to get around Hanoi is to use Grab – it’s the Uber of SE Asia. You’ll need Wi-Fi to use it, so we would suggest unlocking your phone prior to arriving in Vietnam and then investing in a Viettel SIM card when you arrive at the airport.

Grab has several options for getting around Hanoi – cars and bikes. The cheapest option is to take a Grab bike which involves zigzagging through traffic on the back of a stranger’s motorbike. The drivers will always be wearing Grab jackets and helmets, and they should always have a helmet for you to wear as well (it’s the law in Vietnam!).

Where to Stay in Hanoi

Sofitel Legend Metropole

If you really want to treat yourself during your stay in Hanoi, then you’ll want to book a few nights at the  Sofitel Legend Metropole . This majestic 5-star hotel has been a historic landmark since 1901 and is conveniently located right near the Old Quarter. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, and you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the spa, the pool, and the fitness classes.

Check Prices on Booking.com

O’Gallery Majestic Hotel & Spa

O’Gallery Majestic Hotel & Spa  is another great choice in Hanoi. You’ll love relaxing in the pristine rooftop pool or enjoying the peaceful garden or spa. Rooms feature colonial-style decor with dark wooden furnishings, lush fabrics, and big windows. The beds are so comfortable that you may want to spend your entire trip in them!

La Siesta Premium Hang Be

La Siesta Premium Hang Be  is a strikingly beautiful hotel located in the heart of the Old Quarter. You’ll feel like this is a quiet, peaceful oasis, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The personalized service that you’ll receive here will make you feel right at home. Plus, you’ll love the spectacular city views from the lively rooftop bar!

Sapa: 3 Nights

Sapa is a region in northern Vietnam, near the China border, that is home to several ethnic tribes. Tourists typically flock to Sapa because of the spectacularly breathtaking landscape. From where the town of Sapa sits, high over the valley, you can look down on the bright green terraced rice paddies.

Life is a little slower in Sapa, where the economy relies primarily on small agriculture and tourism. The town of Sapa is small and easy to navigate, with few taxis and minimal car traffic.

Many of the ethnic tribes live in poverty and make their living hustling tourists to purchase their wares or hire them for trekking services. As soon as you get off the bus in Sapa, you will be approached by friendly but pushy Hmong women, and if you show even an iota of interest in what they are selling, they’ll follow you around until you finally relent and buy.

Sapa is an absolute must for your 2-week Vietnam itinerary, as long as the weather is good. If you visit during the winter months of December and January, it will likely be incredibly cold and foggy, so you won’t have any views of the rice terraces.

Things to do in Sapa

By far the most popular thing to do in Sapa is to go hilltribe trekking . When tourists first started trekking in Sapa, it was really the only way to reach some of these tribal villages. These days it’s relatively easy to visit them by car or motorbike as the roads have been greatly improved, so the trekking is more for the views and the experience than necessity.

You can easily trek to Cat Cat Village on your own as you’ll just need to follow one road that is well-signed. But if you want a longer trekking adventure to a more remote village, you’ll want to hire an experienced trekking guide. It’s easy to book ahead of time through GetYourGuide , or you can simply wait until you arrive and enlist the services of one of the many Hmong women wandering around town.

If you want to trek with our favorite Hmong trekking guide, A Hang Thi , you can contact her via her Facebook page or on WhatsApp at +84 94 736 0557. Once you have a local Vietnamese SIM card you can also call or text her at +84 38 886 5878.

We would also highly recommend that you take the cable car to the top of Fansipan Mountain, which is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula. This activity is weather-dependent as it isn’t worth spending the money if the weather isn’t clear. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can take the road less traveled and trek to the top of Fansipan on a guided 2-day trek .

Getting to Sapa

The Sapa region is located about 200 miles north of Hanoi and is not serviced by an airport. To get there, you’ll need to take a bus, take the sleeper train, or hire a private driver. We would recommend the bus option as it is quite comfortable and affordable and always leaves on time.

It’s best to purchase tickets ahead of time because Sapa is an incredibly popular tourist attraction, especially during high season. It’s easy to book bus or train tickets online in advance through Bookaway . Our preferred bus company is the Sapa Express , and we would recommend the seated bus (called the “Limousine Bus”) over the sleeper seats as it is much more comfortable.

Plan on your bus to Sapa taking about 7 hours each way including a few bathroom breaks.

Getting Around Sapa

If you stay in Sapa town, it’s relatively easy to walk to all of the shops and restaurants (although it’s quite hilly, so even short distances can be difficult). There are also a few taxis around town in case you want to drive to smaller nearby villages, but you’ll want to negotiate the price with them upfront (and they tend to be pricey).

And if you do a self-guided hike to Cat Cat Village but don’t want to do the strenuous walk back into town, there are plenty of motorbikes near the bottom that would be happy to drive you back for a fee. Prices are set and posted on a large sign, but we’ve yet to find a driver who honors them. Some haggling will almost certainly be required on your part.

Where to Stay in Sapa

Topas Ecolodge

If you’re looking for a more relaxing stay in Sapa and don’t mind staying a bit out of town, Topas Ecolodge is a great choice! The rooms at the resort are absolutely stunning, with unbelievably plush beds and enormous bathrooms. You’ll love the breathtaking views over the valley from the amazing pool – you may never want to leave the pool or the resort!

Aira Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa

Sapa is full of modestly priced guesthouses where you’ll get a basic bed and basic amenities. But if you’re looking for a more pampering experience, then you’ll want to book a few nights at the  Aira Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa ! The views of the valley here are absolutely breathtaking. Plus, they offer a beautiful outdoor pool, a gym, and lovely rooms.

Sapa Horizon Hotel

Another great but slightly more budget-friendly hotel in Sapa is Sapa Horizon Hotel . Rooms are spacious and incredibly clean and the beds are ultra-plush – a rarity in SE Asia. You’ll love the simple but classic decor and the incredible views of the valley below. It’s a wonderful value for the price!

Hanoi: 1 Night

Even though you only have 2 weeks in Vietnam, we recommend spending a night or two in Hanoi between your trips to Sapa and Halong Bay only to break up your long travel day. Sapa is a 7-hour bus ride from Hanoi, and Halong Bay takes 2.5 – 4 hours, depending on the boat you choose (some take the longer route to avoid the toll fee), so it’s tough to do both on the same day. Plus, the cruises want to pick you up early in the morning.

This is also a good time to do any of the activities that you missed during your first trip to Vietnam’s capital city!

Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay: 2 Nights

Halong Bay and Sapa are the two most popular areas to visit in Vietnam, and for good reason. Sapa has incredible valleys full of rice terraces, and Halong Bay has massive limestone cliffs rising out of the water in every direction. Both are quite touristy, but neither should be missed during your vacation in Vietnam, regardless of the crowds.

But there are alternatives to Halong Bay that offer a more enjoyable experience, away from the tourist crowds. We’ve done several tours in the area and find the neighboring Lan Ha Bay to be far less crowded than Halong Bay. There are also fewer boats competing to offer the lowest price so the cruises tend to be more luxurious and offer more amenities.

Regardless of the bay that you choose, this is a must-visit destination in Vietnam that should absolutely be included in your two-week itinerary!

Things to do in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay

During your cruise in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, you’ll enjoy sailing around the water on your luxury junk boat with towering limestone cliffs rising on all sides. Relaxing on your boat and enjoying the scenery is what most visitors would agree is the best thing to do. But if you are looking for more adventure, there’s plenty of that as well.

Most tours offer daily excursions to various attractions in the area. Whether it’s biking to a remote village, climbing to a lookout point, exploring a cave, or kayaking to a secluded beach, you’ll have daily activities that you can opt in or out of.

We find the daily excursions in Halong Bay to be significantly more crowded than those in Lan Ha Bay. Nearly every junk boat makes a stop at Ti Top Island , where there is a nice viewpoint at the top of a steep set of stairs as well as a small beach. But you’ll be sharing the island with passengers from probably 20 different boats at the same time.

And Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) is massive and fascinating to explore, but there is a steady stream of visitors walking around it at all hours of the day. You’ll find that you have most sites and experiences to yourself if you choose a cruise in Lan Ha Bay .

Getting to Halong Bay

Most junk boat cruises for either bay offer transportation to and from your hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. And if you stay outside of the Old Quarter, many offer a pick-up in front of the Hanoi Opera House .

There are two roads to get to the port where cruise boats depart – one is a toll road and is significantly faster than the other. If your boat company takes the toll road, it should take about 2.5 hours. And if they don’t, you can expect the trip to take closer to four hours. Budget junk boat companies generally opt to avoid the toll to save money.

Getting Around Halong Bay

Once you arrive at the pier you won’t have to worry about transportation at all during your time in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Your tour boat company will have smaller boats to transfer you to and from any excursions for the day, so you can focus on relaxing on the boat and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Best Cruises in Halong Bay

Era Cruises Halong

Era Cruises Halong is a luxurious cruise boat where you’ll be treated like royalty by the amazing staff. Here you can soak in the views of the surrounding nature while actually soaking in your own private tub. Rooms are quite spacious, comfortable, and elegantly decorated – you’ll forget you’re on a boat! You can also enjoy the fitness center and spa for some onboard pampering.

Athena Royal Cruise

Athena Royal Cruise  is a newer 5-star cruise operating in Halong Bay. You’ll love the amazing staff that will pamper you during your stay and who will guide you to all the well-organized daily activities. Rooms are large and gorgeously decorated with red wood floors and dark wood furniture. The lounge chairs and sauna on the boat deck are the perfect places to relax in the evening. And you’ll appreciate their no single-use plastic policy!

Best Cruises in Lan Ha Bay

Heritage Line – Ylang Cruise

Ylang Cruise by Heritage Line is a brand new luxury ship operating in Lan Ha Bay. With just 10 rooms onboard, your cruising experience will be personalized and intimate. The suites are enormous and absolutely stunningly decorated. You’ll love the comfortable seating area, the big bathtub, and your own private balcony. The beds are also large and amazingly comfortable, with soft bedding and fluffy pillows.

Rosy Cruises

Rosy Cruises  offers both 2 day/1 night and 3 day/2 night excursions around Lan Ha Bay. It provides a 5-star cruising experience around Lan Ha Bay. Rooms are large and comfortable with a large patio for enjoying the striking views all around you. Be sure to take advantage of the jacuzzi and the spa during your time onboard!

Ninh Binh: 2 Nights

Of all the amazing places to visit in Vietnam , Ninh Binh is by far our favorite. It’s like a less touristy version of Halong Bay, but the impressive limestone cliffs are on land rather than in the water. The town is small, the guesthouses are inexpensive, and the locals go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

Here you’ll have a chance to enjoy the Vietnamese countryside without battling crowds or pushy entrepreneurs trying to sell their wares. It’s the perfect escape and a must on your 2-week Vietnam itinerary.

Spend a few nights in Ninh Binh, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time!

Things to do in Ninh Binh

One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is to rent a motorbike and cruise around while enjoying the spectacular views. But there are plenty of other activities in the region to keep you occupied for a few days.

Boat tours are the most popular activity in the Ninh Binh region, especially for day-trippers from Hanoi. Private boat tours depart frequently throughout the day from Tam Coc, Trang An, and Linh Coc. These small rowboats will guide you through the scenic countryside and through several caves (depending on water levels). Many of the boat drivers are skilled enough to row with their feet!

Other popular activities in the Ninh Binh region include hiking to the top of Mua Caves and visiting the Bich Dong Pagoda . Many of the guesthouses in the Ninh Binh region are set among the rice paddies and limestone cliffs, so simply relaxing on your patio and enjoying the peace and quiet will probably be your favorite activity of all!

Getting to Ninh Binh

The Ninh Binh region is just about 60 miles south of Hanoi and easily accessible by tourist bus, luxury minivan, or private car. Tickets are easy to book in advance on Bookaway , and buses and minivans leave at various times throughout the day.

It is also possible to visit Ninh Binh as a day tour from Hanoi, although we would argue that it’s worth spending at least a few days exploring the area. If you’re short on time, Get Your Guide offers a full-day tour that will allow you to enjoy some of the highlights of Ninh Binh.

Getting Around Ninh Binh

You’ll want to provide your guesthouse with your approximate arrival time so they can pick you up from the center of town. And most guesthouses in the area have motorbikes available for you to rent during your stay. Due to the condition of the roads and the lack of taxis, a motorbike is the best way to get around Ninh Binh.

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow

Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow  has a truly spectacular location, right at the base of a massive limestone cliff. The rooms are simple but comfortable and clean. And since the property is partially located in a cave, the outdoor showers are a unique touch. And most of all, you’ll love the super-friendly owners who go out of their way to make you feel at home. Be sure to book in advance – it’s a popular hotel!

Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay

Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay is a great place to stay if you’re looking for inexpensive accommodation where you will be treated just like family. These cute bungalows are located in the middle of a rice paddy field at the base of a massive limestone cliff. So the views from your room are incredible! Rooms are quite simple but are equipped with air-conditioning, coffee-making facilities, and comfortable beds. And the complimentary daily breakfast is delicious!

Hoi An: 4 Nights

This 2-week Vietnam itinerary saves the best stop for last! Hoi An is the cutest little town in central Vietnam that is an absolute must-visit during your trip. Hoi An is famous for its yellow French colonial-style buildings and colorful cloth lanterns that line the streets. Every evening the Old Town is turned into a pedestrian-only zone, and the tourists wander the streets, shopping for souvenirs and admiring the vibrant lanterns.

And if the touristy Old Town sounds too crowded for your liking, you may want to consider staying at An Bang beach , just a 10-minute drive away. This beach town has lovely beachfront resorts, delicious restaurants, a few lively bars, and a peaceful sandy beach for lounging. It’s where we stay when we visit Hoi An.

Things to do in Hoi An

The most popular things to do in Hoi An include taking a cooking class, enjoying a boat ride at sunset, getting a suit tailored, biking through the countryside, and shopping in the night market. We would highly recommend taking a day trip to My Son ruins if you have enough time. And there are ancient houses and temples to explore in town that are included in the Old Town entrance ticket.

The shopping in Hoi An is incredible! It will be hard for you to resist picking up a few treasures. Leather shops with gorgeous bags, shoes, and belts line the Old Town, and custom dress shops are on every corner. Plus, it’s nearly impossible not to take at least a few colorful lanterns home with you – they are so cheap and pack down to fit in your luggage.

It is also quite popular to take a day trip to the nearby An Bang Beach to spend a warm afternoon lounging on the sand. An Bang is a quaint little town with several restaurants, resorts, and even several beach clubs where you can enjoy the pool for a small fee.

You can also consider a day trip north from Hoi An to Danang to see its fire-breathing dragon bridge or ride the cable car up to Sun World Ba Na Hills , where you can walk across the famous Golden Hands Bridge .

We love to wander around the Old Town in the early mornings, admiring the beautiful yellow buildings before it becomes too hot and overrun by tourists. In the afternoons, we usually borrow bicycles from our hotel and cruise around the miles of rice paddies or sip cold beers on the beach. And in the evenings, it’s back to the Old Town to shop in the boutiques and stroll through the lively night market. Many of the local bars offer happy hour specials and live music in the evenings after dark.

Getting to Hoi An

The closest airport to Hoi An is in Danang, which is just a short 45-minute drive south of town. Most people choose to fly into Danang and then hire a private driver to get to Hoi An. There are counters at the airport offering transfers, or you can pre-book a bus, minivan, or private driver online on Bookaway .

Getting Around Hoi An

If you book a hotel in the Old Town of Hoi An , it’s easy enough to walk to the main tourist sites. If you choose to stay at An Bang beach (as we normally do), it’s about a 10-minute drive to get into town. You can rent a motorbike, call a Grab (the Uber of SE Asia), or borrow a bicycle from your hotel and pedal there yourself.

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Ann Retreat Resort and Spa

Ann Retreat Resort and Spa (formally Hoi An River Town Hotel) is located right on the river and just a short walk to Hoi An’s Old Town. When temperatures peak in the mid-afternoon, you’ll be happy to have two beautiful pools to lounge in! Rooms are large, comfortable, and clean with gorgeous decor and comfortable beds. It’s one of the best hotels in the city!

Hoi An Odyssey Hotel

Hoi An Odyssey Hotel  is a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, but you’ll appreciate that it’s a bit removed from the crowds. You can take advantage of the pristine pool or take the free shuttle to the hotel’s own private beach. Rooms are comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. And you’ll love the super friendly and helpful staff members who will assist with anything you need!

Dai An Phu Villa

If the busy Old Town of Hoi An seems too crowded for your taste, consider spending a few nights at Dai An Phu Villa in An Bang Beach. This beautiful and peaceful property has a gorgeous pool surrounded by lush gardens. Rooms are large and airy, with lots of natural light and lots of amenities. You’ll never want to leave!

If You Have More Than 2 Weeks in Vietnam…

And if you have additional time to spare during your vacation in Vietnam, you should consider spending a few days in Ho Chi Minh City , learning to kiteboard in Mui Ne , or visiting the island of Phu Quoc.

Saigon has some of the best restaurants and breweries in the country, so you’ll love eating and drinking your way through this big, bustling metropolis. And Phu Quoc has the best beaches in the country – a perfect tropical paradise!

We hope this helps you plan a wonderful two-week vacation in Vietnam!

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Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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5 thoughts on “the perfect 2-week vietnam itinerary”.

What a fantastic itinerary. This is just what I needed to plan my trip. Great information.

I’ve been planning our trip this Christmas to Vietnam and found your website to have the most useful information so far! This itinerary is so detailed and helpful! I was wondering if you have a similar warning about doing the Hai Giang motorbike loop over Christmas – that it is likely to be like Sapa “  it will likely be incredibly cold and foggy so you won’t have any views.” This is the main thing we wanted to do in Vietnam, but Christmas is the only time our college kids can go.

Hey Nancy – I’m glad you have found our blog to be helpful! We’re not totally sure about the weather you’ll encounter during your trip but we imagine it won’t be great. You’re probably better off spending more time in the south if you have some flexibility. All we did in Sapa in the winter was sit around and drink hot wine and play games – not a bad way to spend a few days, but probably not your ideal vacation…

Super advise I’m going with a friend next February but aim to spend a week on my own. Was thinking of phu quoc would you recommend for a solo woman in her 50s?

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50 Vietnam Travel Tips I Wish I Would’ve Had

Here are all the best Vietnam travel tips I could think of based on my own trips within the country. Let this be your one stop guide to one of the coolest countries in Asia!

One of my favorite things about slow travel is how familiar you become a place that was once completely foreign. Even though I’d planned my own Vietnam itinerary before, I really got to know the country well when I accidentally found myself calling it home for sixteen months! While there, I learned about more places than I could possibly visit and my bucket list grew exponentially. I’ve written quite extensively about specific spots, but I’ve been meaning to write a huge, practical tip guide similar to my Korea Travel Tips post.

If this is your first time visiting the country, here are ALL the tips and advice you’ll need to know.

I’ve divided it up into:

• Things to know before visiting
• How to travel in Vietnam
• Where to stay
• Itinerary tips
• Major things to do
• What to eat
• Safety and hygiene
• Souvenir shopping
• Random travel tips

Things to Know Before Visiting Vietnam

1. learn some vietnamese.

For the most part, it’s fairly easy to travel Vietnam knowing only English. However, I do think it’s always good to know some Vietnamese, even if it’s as simple as “hello” and “thank you.”

Here are some phrases to help you out:

• xin chao : hello
• cam on : thank you
• oi: used to get attention – combine with “em (younger), anh (older male), or chi (older female)” – “anh oi!”
• troi oi: omg, Vietnam-style
• dung lai o day : stop here
• mot, hai, ba: 1, 2, 3
• – o dau? : where is -?

I actually wound up taking Vietnamese lessons and loved it. If you’re living in Saigon, I can’t recommend Co Kim enough! Check her Facebook page for upcoming sessions.

2. Learn a bit of Vietnamese history

Vietnam has a very long and complex history that explains a lot of what you’ll see today! Like why are there so many French colonial buildings? What actually happened during the Vietnamese War? Who exactly was Ho Chi Minh? What are ethnic minority tribes. Is there royalty in Vietnam?

It’s actually such an interesting history, and the more you see, the more you’ll be curious about! I’d start with a few Youtube videos to get an overview and then find some cool movies to watch and books to read!

3. Know where you’re flying in

There are two main airports for international visitors: Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCMC. If you’re living in Asia, you could also probably fly into Da Nang International Airport as well.

Since Hanoi and HCMC are at opposite ends of Vietnam wherever you fly in pretty much just depends on your itinerary! When I came for 2 weeks, I flew in to HCMC from Seoul and then out of Hanoi back to Seoul. I don’t remember the prices being that different.

In case you were wondering:

• Noi Bai – 40-50 minutes from Hanoi’s Old Quarter
• Tan Son Nhat – 15-20 mins from D1 in HCMC, 40ish minutes from Thao Dien
• Da Nang – 10 mins or less into town

4. Make sure to pick up a SIM card

The wifi and data in Vietnam are pretty good all things considered! I distinctly remember having a SIM card and watching the entirety of Brooklyn on my train ride from HCMC to Da Nang with no issues.

You can get them easily at any airport if you have an unlocked phone or dual SIM card holders, or you can order ahead of time here . Make sure you get a phone with calling capabilities because a lot of places will ask you to list your phone number and Grab drivers will always try to call.

Pro Tip: To top off on the go, use Ding.com ! Works really well and is good about returning your money if it doesn’t work for whatever reason. You can also pay via Paypal.

5. Understand Vietnam’s very vast geography

Of all my initial Vietnam travel tips, the biggest one is this — realize just how long this country is. Like longer than you’d think when planning your trip. If you want to travel efficiently, you’re going to want to fly in between places or be prepared to be on a train or bus for hours. Even when distances seem fairly short, you have to factor in the roads and mountains, and often it’s much slower getting to and fro than you’d think (RIP my mental stability during the 8 hours to Mu Cang Chai ).

I would very much plan out where you want to go and check the map AND check airplane or train routes before you book anything. One mistake my friend and I made was thinking we could fly from Quy Nhon to Hue before realizing there were no flights even to Da Nang! We wound up booking private transport and it took us all day to get there.

6. Know the seasons of Vietnam (and how the regions vary!)

I know you think southeast Asia, must mean it’s hot, humid, and sunny for most of the year. WRONG. It definitely gets cold up north and in the Central Highlands during the winter and early spring. While it does stay quite humid and hot along the central coast and southern regions, you do want to be wary of monsoon season. It can start in April or May and last until October. I didn’t find it too terrible to plan around, and it made the weather so slightly cooler. Just be sure to buy some waterproof sandals (I liked having the Birkenstock Gizeh sandals ).

7. Tips for Clothing and What to Wear in Vietnam

Overall, Vietnam isn’t a super conservative. There are just some things to keep in mind. Like you want to cover up slightly more in Hanoi than in Saigon, and it’s always good to have shoulders and knees covered in at temples and when meeting minority tribes! Otherwise you want to dress to be as comfortable as possible in the tropical climate (unless you’re somewhere colder in the winter). I cannot emphasize how much nicer cotton and linen in lighter colors or black will feel! Avoid colors that show sweat because you will most likely sweat a lot. I pretty much lived in linen dresses!

8. Exchange + Money Matters

Since I have Citibank, I mainly used the Citi ATMS around HCMC to take out cash. Here are the main locations:

• In Vincom Center near the Zara entrance
• The Citi building on Nguyen Hue
• At the airport near the exit
• At AIS Sports Centre in Thao Dien

Otherwise you can use just about any ATM to take out cash, though most have smaller limits and will charge a certain fee.

Note: Vietnam is NOT credit card friendly. While most luxury hotels and foreign food restaurants and cafes take card, you can almost guarantee that smaller restaurants, local guesthouses, and tours will not. I even know friends who have issues using Grab with their cards, and I personally used cash the whole time.

9. How much a Vietnam trip can cost…

It’s no secret that Vietnam is probably one of the cheapest countries to visit if you’re coming from a Western country. You could very easily travel for $25 or less a day if you were on a strict budget. That said, I think it’s important to acknowledge that you are probably coming from an economically stronger country, and it’s honestly in poor taste to nitpick over a few 100,000 VND. Obviously, don’t let some restaurant take you for a fool and charge you 10x what they’d charge someone else, but don’t sit there and bargain over a few dong that you know you can afford and would probably pay way more for in your home country.

10. Tipping in Vietnam

Tipping is Vietnam is weird! Overall, no you don’t tip nearly as much as you do in the US. I’d say the main places to tip are with salon services. Otherwise, I just rounded up when I pay for food and delivery.

How to Travel in Vietnam

11. how to book local buses and trains.

Easily the cheapest (and slowest and most sustainable way) of traveling Vietnam is via its local buses and trains. When I first went, we took all sleeper trains! If you want to make sure you have a spot, use booking sites like Baolau or Bookaway . Otherwise, you can buy when showing up at the bus or train station. I personally don’t recommend showing up at the bus stations to buy a ticket because they’re absolutely bonkers. Like a million people yelling at you at once. Even I got overwhelmed!

12. Sleeper Trains vs Sleeper Buses

So if you’re not familiar with these… intere s ting forms of transport, they’re essentially buses or trains built to sleep on! For buses, you don’t have seats but you have 3 rows of essentially beds. Everyone takes their shoes off before they got on board. It’s actually not too bad unless you’re on a mountain getting swung about. Sleeper trains are split between hard sleepers, soft sleepers, soft seaters, and hard seaters. When we took a soft sleeper train from Da Nang to Ha Noi, it was 4 beds to one room.

Sleeper buses are very hit or miss, and if you have trouble sleeping these will be absolute hell. The trains are much steadier. I’ve done the bus twice from HCMC – Vinh Long and Ha Noi – Mu Cang Chai. The south was fine because it’s a relatively flat road but Ha Noi – Mu Cang Chai was probably the most miserable 8 hours of my life. For 7 1/2 hours you’re on mountainous road and just getting swung about!

13. Grab is king within cities

The way everyone gets around if they don’t have their own motorbikes is via Grab (or one of the other iterations of it). Grab is SE Asia’s Uber or Lyft, and it’s also used for food delivery. You can book either a motorbike or a car. The car is safer, of course, but the motorbike is so much faster. If you’re really concerned about safety, I would recommend buying your own helmet that goes all the way around your face and over your ears. The grab helmets are pretty useless if you get into a crash.

14. Flying is super easy in Vietnam

Honestly, the best and easiest way to get around Vietnam is flying. It’s usually not much pricier than the trains and it’s so much faster. For airports, I also recommend booking a driver or Grab car because motorbikes usually can’t drop you off at the entrance. They have a designated spot and it’s a pain in the ass to get from that spot to the departure area.

Pro Tip: Leave off going to the smaller airports until like 30-45 minutes before. Usually they don’t even let you check in until then and there isn’t that much to eat or drink.

Where to Stay in Vietnam

15. where should you base yourself out of:.

I like to split Vietnam into 3 – southern, central, and northern. HCMC is the main city of the south, Da Nang in the center, and Ha Noi in the north. If you’re the type of person that would rather book somewhere for an extended period and travel from there, then those are the three cities to look in!

16. The best way to book anything? Facebook and Instagram!

Yep! While I do love all the normal booking and tour sites, usually the best option is to just contact properties, tours, and even restaurants via Facebook and Instagram DM. I swear Facebook is how Vietnam interacts the most! Every time I wanted to book a hotel, I usually just Facebooked the hotel and had a reservation. Heck, in Saigon if I wanted to order from somewhere, I sometimes skipped over Grab and just Facebooked them!

With most places, you’ll pay at the end of your stay. While you shouldn’t have issues using a credit card, some smaller spots may only take cash.

17. Staying at homestays

One of the fun, more unique things to do in Vietnam is to stay at a homestay. This is more common in the more countryside areas like in the Mekong. Da Lat, or Sa Pa. You basically stay with a local family or person. It’s not glamorous but it’s a nice way to get more insight into the region! Some home stays are more built for visitors while others you’re literally in someone’s guest room.

18. Picking between hotels and hostels

Because Vietnam is a big backpacker spot, there are an abundance of hotels and hostels with high ratings. I remember looking at Hoi An and having a ton to choose from with a rating of 9 or higher. I’d say to help you choose, look at reviews of customer service and where the hotels/hostels are located. I’ve had some of the loveliest experiences at hostels here and some of the worst at nicer hotels!

19. Indulging in luxury in Vietnam

If you’re a hotel buff, you’re going to love all the incredibly-designed hotels throughout Vietnam. Bill Bensley himself has design quite a few, but I’ve only stayed at Da Nang Intercontinental so far. A number of luxury brands have properties here including Azerai, Aman, Anantara, MGallery, Four Seasons, Six Senses, and much more. Not to mention the boutique hotels like Pilgrimage Village in Hue, Poulo Condor in Con Dao, or the Mia in Saigon. I will also say from my luxury stays, I’ve had nothing but amazing customer service, so if you’re looking to indulge, this is the country to do it.

20. What is Airbnb like in Vietnam?

Airbnb does exist in Vietnam! I used it to find a more long term place when I was coming for a month. Now that I think about it, though, after that first time I hardly used it. When you stay long enough, it’s better to try to rent an apartment, and there are just so many hostels, hotels, homestays, and resorts that Airbnb becomes an afterthought.

Vietnam Itinerary Tips

21. first things first, be mindful traveling around tet.

Vietnam has a few holidays throughout the year, but by far the most important is Tet, aka Lunar New Year! When you visit during this time, be prepared for sold out trains, flight prices being much more expensive, and some intense city pollution in the days leading up to the holiday! When I first visited, I made the horrible mistake of booking hard sleepers in our train from HCMC – Da Nang but when I tried to switch to soft sleepers, they were totally booked out. We did manage to at least get some soft seaters, but definitely not a fun journey!

On the flip side, if you do visit Hanoi or Saigon during the actual holiday, it’s pretty much the quietest and cleanest those cities will be all year round! Nguyen Hue Street and a lot of nearby spots are fully decked out for Tet, and the traffic is next to nothing as everyone has gone to their hometowns!

22. Should you book a tour or DIY?

I think tours can make things incredibly easy (which is why I’m roughly planning some TSGA tours for 2023 ;)!). However, Vietnam is a lot easier to visit than it gets credit for. It’s definitely not the breeziest country to visit (Korea and Taiwan are tied for that!), but it’s not some jungle of a country that’s hoping to get back at the imperialist Americans your parents are probably imagining either.

Part of why I believe Vietnam gets SUCH a bad wrap is that in the early ages of travel blogging, pretty much every budget backpacker wrote about it negatively and their posts are what people found. Even when I went in 2016, I remember reading post after post to be wary of scams and how scary the traffic can be. Frankly a lot has changed and in the last decade, and I’d take any post written before 2015 with a grain of salt.

However, Vietnam is very doable to DIY even if you want to go to the more remote areas. I’d say it’s even possible to do solo as a female traveler! As with any country, keep your wits about you, be smart, and find guesthouses and hotels where you can lean on the owners for advice.

23. Where to go if you have…

While you could squeeze in a pretty hectic trip from north to south in a week, you’ll really only skim the surface of Vietnam. You’ll probably have time for Ha Noi, Ha Long or Hoi An/Da Nang, and then some time in HCMC and the Mekong. I would instead pick between northern, central, and southern and explore from there.

For northern Vietnam, try to include Ha Noi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, and Sa Pa. In central Vietnam, do Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. If you’re feeling extra adventurous try going between Hue and Phong Nha, which is where the old DMZ is! In southern Vietnam, enjoy the hustle of Saigon, go down to the Mekong Delta, and enjoy one of the beaches areas in Phu Quoc, Mui Ne, or Con Dao.

This is much more doable for a full country trip and what I did on my first trip. Start in Hanoi or HCMC and fly out of the opposite. Include HCMC, the Mekong, Hoi An, Ha Long, and Hanoi. We spent too long in both Hoi An and Ha Long, so you could probably squeeze in Ninh Binh or Sa Pa in that same time frame!

4 Weeks / 1 Month

Here’s where you can really enjoy Vietnam! Though if you’re anything like me and the people I met, the longer you stay, the more you wind up adding to your list of places to see. I would say one month gives you a lot of time to really enjoy the country and lets you slow travel a bit!

I say first start in the north as the top things to do and see are more active and might have you hiking or trekking. Hit up Sa Pa, Ha Noi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long. If you want to see more, try Ha Giang Pass (on my list!) or Yen Tu and Binh Lieu, two areas in the same province as Ha Long.

If you want to try riding a motorbike (or can drive one!), then here’s how I’d recommend doing central Vietnam. Fly into Dong Hoi to see Phong Nha. Talk to the owner of Phong Nha Farmstay about doing a motorbike tour from there down to Hue where you’ll stop over at the DMZ. Then check out Vietnam’s royal history in Hue before going to the very picturesque Hoi An. Take a moment to enjoy Da Nang and fly out from here to HCMC.

In HCMC, check out the many things to do (at least one day for the main sites and one day for temple hopping in Cho Lon) before making your way to the Mekong Delta. Most people do a day trip which shows you one area, but if you don’t mind staying overnight, check out Vinh Long or Can Tho. To end your trip, pick either Mui Ne, Con Dao, or Phu Quoc for a little beach getaway!

Major Things to Do in Vietnam

I mean this section alone needs to be its own post (working on it, promise). There are so many things to do in Vietnam, but over all here are the big, ore general ones:

24. Take some motorbike lessons…

Why not?! I signed up for a class with Ride with Me Saigon and loved it! Find an instructor who will take you somewhere quiet (so not dropping you in the middle of the city) and patiently get you driving.

25… so you can explore Vietnam’s major loops and highways!

Vietnam is covered in some seriously scenic place best seen via motorbike. The two most famous are Ha Giang Loop super far north and Hai Van pass between Da Nang and Hue. But beyond that there are just so many! When you’re not in the major cities, you’ll find yourself just wanting a motorbike to get around. I never *got* why a lot of people liked motorcycles, but once I started driving I could see why. There’s just something so freeing about it that you don’t get in a car.

26. Cafe hop like your life depends on it

Guys, the Vietnamese cafe scene might actually have Korea beat! I know , I’m shocked. There’s just so much coffee in this country, I wouldn’t be shocked if someone came out with a statistic that people purchased more iced coffees than water bottles here.

On one level, you’ve got your ca phe su dua stands where you can just walk up and get your iced coffee to go complete with a little carrier bag. Then you’ve got the more local places that are wide open and lots of people are just chilling and smoking from the low chairs and tables. Milano Coffee is basically a chain of this. Then you’ve got your wonderfully trendy cafes that just make my heart sing. I promise I’m working on some blog posts to give you specific recommendations (for now they live on my Instagram highlights!).

I know I drank way too much coffee here because my eye started twitching at different times and when I Googled why, I was told it could be from caffeine and a lack of sleep!

27. Learn more about Vietnam’s various ethnic minorities and religions

This recommendation may seem a bit odd as 85% of Vietnam is Vietnamese and 74% is atheist, but the country has a really interesting history with ethnic minorities and various religions! When it comes to ethnic minority tribes, you’ll find many of them in the mountains especially Mu Cang Chai, Sa Pa , and the Central Highlands. If you go trekking, the main thing to do is to meet with some tribes and learn more about their culture within Vietnam.

Religion-wise, Vietnam feels like temple central! Seriously, in Cho Lon , Saigon’s Chinatown, alone, you could spend all day visiting each Buddhist temple. There is also a small presence of Catholicism around the country, so you’ll still find some beautiful Indochine cathedrals and churches.

The coolest thing I learned about though, was Caodaism. It’s a religion wholly unique to Vietnam and its version of the Vatican is in Tay Ninh. Once you see its temple style once, you’ll recognize it when you see it throughout the country.

28. Explore Champa ruins

Once upon a time, central and south Vietnam were part of the Champa Kingdom. As in from the 100s AD to 1832! Today what’s left of their rule are the Chams, now an ethnic minority mainly in Cambodia and Vietnam, and some incredible archeological ruins. The most famous is Mỹ Sơn near Hoi An, but you can find small ones throughout Vietnam like in Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Binh Dinh, and more. Plus quite a few museums house some Champa artifacts like both the Fine Arts museums in Hanoi and Saigon!

29. Look for the remaining French influences in Vietnamese culture

French had control over Vietnam through the 1800s and early 1900s, and their presence is still felt throughout in the form of architecture and design. It’s kind of funny. I found Vietnam still loved the aesthetics of French colonial rule even though it’s, you know, related to French colonial rule.

You’ll see a lot of places use Indochine designs, and much of the French buildings are still standing and in use. Kind of like the people decided, “We don’t want your oppressive colonialism, but you guys did have good style, so we’ll keep that.”

30. Plan to hike or trek at least once

Even if you’re not a hiker, you’ve got to go at least once in Vietnam. The mountains are just too beautiful! The best places to do this are up in the ricefields of Sa Pa or Mu Cang Chai or the caves of Phong Nha. Of course, there are also various mountains you can do, but many of them have cable cars too, like Nui Ba Den (Black Virgin) and Fansipan.

31. Get to know Vietnam’s coast

If you look at a map of Vietnam, you’ll notice it has a lot of coastline. Ha Long Bay is the most famous area to visit and Da Nang is the best coastal city, but really there are a ton of towns and islands I hadn’t even heard of before I visited. Con Dao has my heart forever, and while I haven’t been to Phu Quoc yet, many of my friends love the resorts there (not so much the trash issue). For the Saigonese, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet are incredibly popular. I also loved Quy Nhon, especially staying at the Anantara there, and I have friends who stayed further south at Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô and loved it too.

Really, I’ve only scratched the surface of what there is to see along Vietnam’s coast, but I’ve seen enough to know you don’t want to skip out on it!

What to Eat in Vietnam

30. the best vietnamese food is found on the sidewalks while you sweat over plastic chairs.

If there is one tip you take from all these Vietnam travel tips, this is the most important! Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of fantastic fine dining in Vietnam. But if you want the most authentic and delicious versions of these dishes, you will find them outside on the sidewalks and buried in neighborhood markets. If they have an actual building, it’s open air and you’re still probably sitting on plastic chairs!

29. It’s good to know a few food terms

The one time I remember totally freezing up is when I first started venturing out to the random food stalls to look for lunch or dinner. Beyond pho and banh mi , I had no idea what to look for! Here are some good terms to know:

• pho: the ultimate soup dish
• bun : noodles
• ga : chicken
• thit : meat
• banh mi: bread, but also a baguette sandwich
• mam : fish sauce
• nuong : fried
• ngọt : sweet

Beginner’s Tip: If you’re in Saigon, I recommend going to Ben Thanh Market first or booking a food tour. The food market there is very used to foreigners, so they have photos on their stalls! And, of course, if you do a food tour they can help explain the dishes and terms in person.

24. Let’s talk about coffee for a minute

I know I went into the cafe scene above, but let’s talk about the coffee itself! Did you know Vietnam is the world’s second largest coffee exporter?! As you might guess, it was the French who introduced coffee to the country and began building plantations.

Today, coffee is truly a part of Vietnamese life. The most classic thing to get is a ca phe sua da, or iced milk coffee (it’s always listed as Vietnamese iced coffee in other countries). You fill a cup with ice and condensed milk, and then you drip your coffee over top. Mix and let the ice melt (easy to do in the tropics). When it’s melted just enough and your glass is sweating with condensation, that is the time to start drinking!

Of course, there are plenty of other variations, and in most trendy cafes you can get your classic lattes, cappuccinos, etc. But just once, while traveling sit down and get a nice big bowl of beef pho and an almost too-strong cup of ca phe sua da!

Variations: Some other variations of Vietnamese coffee to look for: cà phê trứng (egg coffee), more popular in Hanoi; cà phê muối (salt coffee) in Hue, and coconut coffee pretty much everywhere (start with the many Cong Caphes around the country).

31. More drinks to try in Vietnam

I actually have a whole list of Vietnamese drinks to try! There are a lot of cool fruit juices, regional beers, and more worth trying while you’re here. I’m quite partial to lychee iced tea and nuoc mia (sugarecane juice)!

31. How vegetarian and vegan friendly is Vietnam?

Actually, I’d say it’s easier to find vegan and vegetarian-friendly food in Vietnam than I remember it being in Korea, especially in the cities. In the countryside, you’re pretty much shit out of luck, but in the cities big and small, there are also some really good vegetarian options! Try looking to see if there are practicing Buddhist monasteries around too and if they have a restaurant as Buddhist monks are all vegetarian, I believe!

33. Is it easy to get takeout?

Takeout culture is a big thing in the cities here! It’s almost too good, and I admittedly got very lazy. The easiest thing to do is order via Grab (other apps exist but Grab is the most reliable). However, I also found that many restaurants were easily reachable via Facebook and could arrange their own delivery drivers, so I did that whenever possible.

Safety and Sanitary Concerns

34. how safe is it to travel in vietnam.

Over all, Vietnam is fairly safe. The biggest thing you want to worry about is someone on a motorbike swiping your wallet or phone or motorbike accidents (which are pretty rare considering how hectic driving is here). Just keep your things close to your body and have a firm grip on your phone if you pull it out near the road. I always do this thing where I turn against a wall if I look at my phone so it’s harder for someone to come up and grab it.

35. Does Vietnam hate the US and France?

I know what you might be thinking. As an American or French person, should I be worried Vietnamese people will actually hate my guts? Shockingly… no. I remember a friend once saying the US had higher approval ratings amongst Vietnamese than Americans!

Actually, I’d say the one country Vietnam has the most animosity towards is China. It’s similar to Korea and Japan right down to an island dispute (theirs are the Spratly Islands).

36. How are the bathrooms?

Bathrooms range but over all aren’t too bad! I didn’t use them too often, but obviously the more Westernized restaurants and shopping centers have nice, clean ones. I would say the grossest ones are probably on the trains.

37. Wtf is a bum gun?

Guys, let me tell you about the bum gun. I’m mad at myself for not using them sooner but I was apprehensive! Korea bidets are attached to the toilet seat, so you literally just sit there and hit some buttons on the side. Wouldn’t a bum gun be kind of gross and get everywhere? Also how would I get my butt?

Ok, so fear not. All you have to do is open your legs wide and spray front to back. It doesn’t get on the back of the toilet lid and will get all your crevices. If you want to, you can use a little toilet paper to dry or just sort of squat and shake a bit before pulling your bottoms back up! Remember: if your dog pooped on your hand, would you use toilet paper to wipe it off or wash it in water?

39. How clean is Vietnam?

I’m not going to lie to you guys, Vietnam is definitely not the cleanest place I’ve been. Obviously the countryside areas are pretty nice, but the cities can get quite dirty. Recycling is nonexistent and littering is definitely a problem. There always seems to be construction going on, so there are sometimes sparks flying and just a pile of rubble for weeks on end. Sidewalks are nonexistent outside of District 1, and the air pollution is notoriously horrendous.

Chances are if you’re not living in the cities, you won’t notice it as much as a traveler. But it’s just something to be mindful of!

What to Buy for Souvenirs

40. anything related to coffee.

Back to coffee! But seriously coffee beans, drip coffee, the delicious instant coffee packets… Just know you can’t ship coffee beans!

41. Clothes that are tailor made

Vietnam is home to a ton of talented tailors especially in Hoi An! I’ve written about getting clothes tailored here . I was definitely spoiled while living there and had a ton of things custom-made and/or tailored. I already know when I go back, I’m going to have some more things made like suits and silk dresses! If you’re in HCMC, go to TuyetLan Orchids Tailor , and if you’re in Hoi An, go to Izi !

42. Any local boutiques and brands

There are some really cute brands that have sprung up in Vietnam. The ones I love the are Metiseko , Dynasty the Label , and Kilomet 109 !

43. Anything Vietnamese themed

I mean once you get here you’ll see all the cute Vietnam-themed souvenirs in the most random places. My favorite is this Obama bun cha magnet I found in a bookstore in Go Vap! I’ve also picked up some cute illustrated books and postcards and just a lot of cute things I can’t wait to decorate with.

Random Little Vietnam Travel Tips

44. really make sure the person knows what you’re asking.

So one slightly annoying thing I discovered is that Vietnamese people will say, “Yeah, yeah, okay” when they don’t know what you’re saying or they don’t know the answer. This will happen a lot in cafes and restaurants. They’re not actually confirming anything! I try to use my card as much as possible, so I’ll ask if card is okay, and without fail they’ll say “Yeah, yeah, it’s okay,” when it’s definitely not. So if you’re not sure, double and triple check, pull out Google Translate, or, in a credit card case, your actual card and make sure they’re actually saying yes. I remember one time I asked twice and then it was when I physically pulled out my card, they finally said “Oh no, cash only.”

45. There’s a bit of a culture difference between the north and south

I don’t know that I really noticed this on my first trip, but I do distinctly remember liking southern Vietnam way more than northern Vietnam. Most people I’ve talked to prefer the south as it has nicer weather year round and it’s a lot less conservative. For example, I just found out Hanoi still has a curfew left over from the wartime!

46. Is it Saigon or HCMC?

You know how a lot of places have changed names over the years? “So if you’ve a date in Constantinople, she’ll be waiting in Istanbul”? Well, Ho Chi Minh City is the same! Until 1976 when the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was established, HCMC was known as Saigon. Actually if you really want to get into it, there’s a whole article on this regions’ naming history.

So, what’s the “right” thing to call this city? Well, it depends ultimately who you’re talking to, but from my experience and asking local friends here, both are used interchangeably. Saigon obviously rolls off the tongue a lot easier than Ho Chi Minh City and it’s easier to call someone Saigonese, like you’d call someone Hanoian, than it is to say “Ho Chi Minhian” or “Ho chi Minhese” (don’t even think those are things).

On this blog, I use HCMC in my titles, etc but in my actual text I might go back and forth!

47. You’ll meet more than teachers!

I think it’s because I didn’t live in Seoul or Busan while in Korea, but I feel like all the expats I knew were there because they were on an E-2 teaching visa or married. However, in Saigon, I’ve met people doing all sorts of things. The entrepreneurial spirit is really alive here (both expat and Vietnamese) which I think gives the city a really fun energy. Seriously besides teachers I’ve met people who work in furniture manufacturing, alternative energy, ecotourism, fitness, fashion, export/import… the list goes on really! If you’ve got the same spirit, then I think Vietnam is a really cool place to be.

48. Animal welfare has a long way to go.

If you’re a sensitive animal lover, I’m going to warn you that Vietnam is going to be a hard country to enjoy. Animal welfare is improving, but it’s still not at a level you’d probably hope for. And it’s not unusual for dogs to get stolen, so you have to be REALLY diligent if you intend to adopt.

If you do want to get involved in helping out, there are animal volunteer groups! ARC Vietnam Animal Rescue & Care is a good place to start and, of course, fostering is always an option! Another great place doing a lot for animals is R House .

49. How communist is Vietnam?

Yes, Vietnam is communist and has been since the end of the war. It’s not something that I find affects day to day life too much, but I also don’t recommend going around with anti-communist books or questioning the government. And I really, really do not recommend shouting out anything inflammatory against Bac Ho unless you want to get make your embassy’s life a living nightmare!

50. Facebook group are key for finding friends and advice!

I’ve found Facebook groups to be incredible sources of information and just for finding a bit of community. When I first came, I joined Fexpats in HCMC , and it’s remained a great source. The Hanoi equivalent is, I believe, Hanoi is Beautiful, but I couldn’t find it last I checked. If you want to make friends or are confused about anything just search there or ask. Lots of women in there have been here for a few years at least and it’s very chill.

Other good groups I’m in include Vietnam is Awesome, Vietnam Creative Circle, and [VN Legal] Vietnamese Legal!

And that’s all the Vietnam travel tips I have you for you! Let me know if you have questions or comments below!

For more Vietnam travel, read these posts next:

General vietnam.

• How to Plan a Trip to Vietnam
• 22 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Vietnam
• How to Plan the Ultimate Leaving Vietnam Trip

Northern Vietnam

• The Best Things to Do in Hanoi
• What to Do in Halong Bay + Travel Tips
• Hanoi to Halong Bay: How to Get There
• A Day Cruise Along Halong Bay
• Mu Cang Chai Travel Tips
• A Secluded Sapa Itinerary
• Hiking & Herbal Baths with the Red Dzao

Central Vietnam

• Historical Things to Do in Hue: Ultimate Guide
• Hue in One Day: A Speedy Itinerary
• Azerai La Residence Hue Review: A Luxury Stay
• A Semi-Relaxing Phong Nha Travel Itinerary
• Quirkiest Things to Do in Dalat
• How to Visit Yok Don National Park
• Top Things to Do in Hoi An
• How to Spend 3 Days in Hoi An
• Hoi An Tailors: Tips for What to Get Made
• The Vietage: A Luxury Train in Vietnam
• Anantara Quy Nhon Villas: A Luxury Review

Southern Vietnam

• Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Bucket List
• A Guide to 15B Hem Le Than Thon: Little Japan Saigon
• Where to Go in District 5 & Cho Lon of Saigon
• Best Things to Do in District 1, HCMC
• What to Do in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet
• Anantara Mui Ne: Best Resort for a Girls’ Getaway
• Mekong Delta Day Trip: What to Expect
• A Guide to Vinh Long in the Mekong
• Con Dao: An Island Travel Guide
• Azerai Can Tho: A Luxury Stay in the Mekong
• Odys Boutique Hotel Review: A Chic Mid-Range Stay in HCMC

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Thang Nguyen Traveler

Vietnam Through a Local's Eyes

Welcome to my travel blog, where I share my firsthand experiences exploring Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural sites. As a passionate traveler and local expert, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable trip filled with adventure, discovery, and authentic local encounters

Recent Travel Posts

Welcome to my travel blog where I share my travel tips in Vietnam and beyond. From off-the-beaten-path destinations to cultural festivals, natural wonders, and budget travel tips, I’m here to inspire and guide you on your own travel journey . Come explore with me and discover the beauty of Vietnam and beyond !

Vietnam Travel Cost from India: A Comprehensive Guide

Travel Blog

Planning a trip to Vietnam from India? Get a detailed breakdown of Vietnam travel cost from India in this guide. Plan your budget and enjoy a hassle-free trip

Vietnam’s Natural Wonders: National Parks, Beaches, and More

Vietnam is blessed with a wealth of natural beauty, from its stunning beaches to its lush national parks and iconic landmarks. For nature lovers, Vietnam is a must-visit destination. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Vietnam’s cultural festivals: when and where to experience them

Vietnam has a variety of festivals that offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. Here are some of the most important cultural festivals in Vietnam and when and where to experience them.

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Our comprehensive guide is filled with insider tips, stunning photos, and detailed information on the best destinations and local experiences throughout Vietnam.

Best of all, it’s completely free for our website visitors. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource – download your copy now and start exploring Vietnam like a local!

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Complete Vietnam Travel Blog: How to Plan Your Trip

So you are off to Vietnam! One of our favourite places in Asia and it will always remain a country that we return to time and time again!  

To help you prepare for your Vietnam holiday, you can read our pre-Vietnam travel advice post (which also contains info on popular places to visit in Vietnam), and then use our post on fun things to do in Vietnam .

Vietnam is a great destination for couples, friends or for families. Here is a list of the best places to see in Vietnam .

To get you in the mood for your trip, check out our suggestion of books to read .  You can read all our best posts in this Vietnam travel blog section.

Vietnam can be really rainy, so please check our post on the best time to visit Vietnam before booking your tickets.

P.S.  You can find all our best posts about Vietnam at the end of this blog post.

Vietnam with Kids

Vietnam is an easy Asian country to travel to with kids.  

Vietnam holidays are pretty affordable (if not cheap) and it is easy to find drivers that can take you around to the popular Vietnam attractions.  

Many of the best attractions in Vietnam are outdoors which can make things much easier for travelling families.

There is a wide range of gorgeous family hotels in Vietnam; most of which offer swimming pools and kids’ clubs.

A holiday in Vietnam with kids might be a bit exotic, but it is a safe destination to visit and there are loads of learning experiences available for the kids.

Best Accommodation in Vietnam

If you are looking for the best accommodation in Vietnam, check out our guide to the best choices:

• Where to Stay in Vietnam
• Best Hoi An Hotels
• Where to Stay in Hanoi
• Best hotels in Sapa
• Which cruise is the best Halong Bay cruise ?  Click to find out.

Vietnam Tours

A lot of travellers feel more comfortable travelling around Vietnam on an organized tour.

If you prefer to visit Vietnam on an organized tour; we have compiled a list of the best tours of Vietnam .

Vietnam Transport Guides

For helpful information on how to get around on your Vietnam trip, click to read the guide below:

• How to get from Hanoi to Sapa (& vice versa)
• How to get from Danang to Hoi An (& vice versa)
• How to get from Hanoi to Hoi An (& vice versa)
• How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay (& vice versa)
• How to get from Sapa to Halong Bay (& vice versa)

Vietnam Itineraries

We want to share some fabulous Vietnam itineraries with you all. First one on our list:

• Vietnam in 5 Days – How to spend 5 days in either the North, the South or in central Vietnam.

Vietnam Travel Guides

You can read our guides to:

• Hanoi Travel Blog Posts
• Sapa Travel Blog Posts
• Halong Bay Travel Blog Posts
• Hoi An Travel Blog Posts

Plan Your Trip to Vietnam

Here are some resources to help you plan your holiday in Vietnam.

• Vietnam Packing List

Travel Insurance

We never travel without  travel insurance with Safety Wing . We have claimed on our travel insurance more than once, claims that would have cost us A LOT out of our own pockets.  Don’t skimp out on insurance!! 

Safety Wing offers incredible plans and is one of the few insurance companies that allow you to grab insurance when you are already travelling!   Click to check on their plans and prices .

Find all of our Vie tnam Travel Blog Posts Below

Everything You Need To Know About A Sapa Hike in Vietnam!

Are you prepared for an unforgettable journey? Embark on a Sapa hike that promises breathtaking vistas, winding through mountains, valleys, and verdant rice paddies. Vietnam … CONTINUE READING

5 Of The Most Popular Caves In Halong Bay To Explore

Experience Halong Bay’s surreal landscape in the spectacular caverns that fill its landscape. Finding the ultimate Halong Bay cave to explore has never been easier … CONTINUE READING

From North to South: 15 Epic Vietnam Experiences That’ll Redefine Your Bucket List

Vietnam is undeniably one of the best countries in Asia, boasting a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Forget everything you … CONTINUE READING

5 Things You Should Do In Hanoi (For Those Short on Time!)

Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, captivates visitors with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights. As frequent travelers to Vietnam, we’ve discovered … CONTINUE READING

A Coffee Lovers Guide to Different Types of Vietnam Coffee | Vietnamese Egg Coffee & More!

In Vietnam, coffee isn’t just a morning pick-me-up; it’s part of the culture! These folks have turned sipping the good stuff into an art form … CONTINUE READING

Cua Dai or An Bang – Which Beach Near Hoi An Will Win?

Are you dreaming of golden sands, gentle waves, and the perfect spot to soak up the Vietnamese sun? Well, get ready to be spoiled for … CONTINUE READING

Where to Stay in Hanoi Old Quarter: 15 of the Best Hotels

Are you looking for where to stay in Hanoi on your next visit? Our selection of the best hotels in Hanoi will guide you to … CONTINUE READING

7 Best Walking Tours in Hanoi (Old Quarter, Private, Food & More)

Have you been wondering which tour is the best walking tour in Hanoi? I’ve got you covered! Vietnam is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, … CONTINUE READING

15 Best Hotels in Sapa, Vietnam (2024)

If you are after the best hotels in Sapa Vietnam then you came to the right place! Here you can find the top 15 best … CONTINUE READING

The Ultimate Guide on How to get from Danang to Hoi An (& Vice Versa)

When traveling from Danang to Hoi An, in Vietnam, there are a few options you can choose. Those options are a private car, taxi, bus … CONTINUE READING

9 Halong Bay Cruise Reviews By Travel Bloggers (Which Is Best?)

I don’t see how you can go to Vietnam and not book in a cruise on Halong Bay. In my opinion, it is one of … CONTINUE READING

Vietnam Packing List [Travel Essentials & What to Pack for Vietnam]

Known for sparkling rivers, stunning beaches, and enchanting Buddhist pagodas, the South Asian country of Vietnam on the South China Sea attracts thousands of tourists … CONTINUE READING

16 of the Absolute Best Halong Bay Cruise Recommendations in 2024!

Are you looking for the best Halong Bay cruise recommendation for your next holiday in Vietnam?Join in with thousands of happy travelers on a trip … CONTINUE READING

Adventure-Packed One Week in Vietnam Itinerary (North & South)

Are you wondering if it is possible to explore Vietnam in a week? If you are planning a trip to this marvellous country, you would … CONTINUE READING

5 Days In Vietnam Itineraries (North, Central & South Options)

Are 5 days in Vietnam enough for a tourist? What is the optimal Vietnam 5-day itinerary? Vietnam is fast becoming an incredible tourist destination! Located … CONTINUE READING

The Best Time To Go To Vietnam (North vs Central vs South)

If you want to go visit one of the most economical yet beautiful tropical nations on the planet, Vietnam should be on the top of … CONTINUE READING

10 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

Are you struggling to choose the best places to visit in Vietnam? Worry no more! We got you covered. The Southeast Asian country of Vietnam … CONTINUE READING

The Best Vietnam Tour Packages of 2024 | Adventure, Classic, Family & More!

Are you looking for the best Vietnam Tours 2023 has to offer?Wondering which of the Vietnam tour packages would suit you best for your Vietnam … CONTINUE READING

How To Get From Sapa to Halong Bay (& Vice Versa)

Are you wondering which are the best ways how to get from Sapa to Halong Bay?  Not to worry, we got you covered here! As … CONTINUE READING

The Best Time to Visit Halong Bay in Vietnam

Finding the best time to visit Halong Bay in Vietnam can be a daunting task, especially if it is your first time. Not to worry … CONTINUE READING

7 Amazing Things to Do in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong (or Ha Long) Bay is a stunning oasis on the northeast coast of Vietnam. Its unbelievable landscape is made of limestone formations and islets … CONTINUE READING

Hoi An Basket Boat Tour Review – Our Coconut Basket Boat Tour

Are you looking for the best Hoi An basket boat tour, that is a bit more private and not overcrowded? Then, this is the best … CONTINUE READING

The Ancient City of Lanterns in Vietnam – Hoi An Old Town!

Welcome to the beautiful Hoi An Old Town, the town that you will fall in love with! Join in on the fun with thousands of … CONTINUE READING

How To Travel From Hanoi To Halong Bay (Or Vice Versa)

Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam, is world-known for its stunning towering limestone islands. Visitors love exploring this beautiful part of Vietnam on either one of the … CONTINUE READING

The Ultimate Guide on How to Get from Hanoi to Hoi An (& Vice Versa)

Hoi An is a small town in central Vietnam that has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999.  It is known for its … CONTINUE READING

Best Hotels in Vietnam: Places to Stay for a Memorable Trip!

Are you scared of getting scammed, when booking your Vietnam Accommodation?   Worried that the place you are booking is not going to live up to … CONTINUE READING

The Ultimate List of Best Vietnam Books to Read!

I love to read and nothing excites me more than finding a book before I travel to power-up the anticipation of the trip to come!  … CONTINUE READING

What you NEED to Know before you Travel to Vietnam!

Vietnam happens to be one of our absolute favorite Asian countries to visit!  A country that will give you a sensory overload, one with an … CONTINUE READING

How To Get From Hanoi To Sapa: Transfer, Train Or Bus To Sapa

Due to its location, around 350km from Hanoi, Sapa happens to also be a region in Vietnam that a lot of tourists bypass as it … CONTINUE READING

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa Review | Luxurious Hoi An Accommodation

I can understand why Lonely Planet has dubbed Hoi An as Vietnam’s most atmospheric and delightful little town.  This charming town is located in Central … CONTINUE READING

Review of Topas Ecolodge in Sapa, Vietnam

The setting and views from Topas Ecolodge will impress even the hardest of hearts! This Sapa luxury hotel instantly made us think about ‘Maldives’ or … CONTINUE READING

Authentic Things to do in Hanoi – Discover the Real Hanoi!

Ah to visit Hanoi, memories to last forever. The people, the food, and the heat! The place that captures your mind, and enriches your senses … CONTINUE READING

Luxurious Halong Bay Indochina Sails Junk Cruise 3 Days/2 Nights

Hands up who has been to Phi Phi islands before! My hand is up too. When we were looking into the Halong Bay Indochina Sails … CONTINUE READING

Visiting The Bac Ha Market In Vietnam | The Most Colorful Markets!

I have been to many markets in my life, but I have never been to one quite like this. Vietnam markets are different.  Vietnam markets … CONTINUE READING

10 Travel Essentials For Vietnam That You Need For Your Trip!

We are absolutely ecstatic about our upcoming exploration of an incredibly gorgeous Asian country. This one has been on my bucket list for years and … CONTINUE READING

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20 Things to Know Before you Travel to Vietnam

Vietnam isn’t always topping the bucketlist of the southeast Asia traveler. With Thailand, Cambodia and Laos in its back garden and the beautiful islands of the Philippines just offshore there is fierce competition. However, traveling to Vietnam is beautiful in its own and has a lot to offer. With this Vietnam travel blog I am giving you 20 essential things you need to know before your trip and that help you enjoying this beautiful country even more.

My first trip to Vietnam I took in 2008 as part of my trip around the world. Unfortunately it was my second last country before flying back home after 12 months on the road and I only had two weeks. That time I traveled from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City and via the Mekong Delta up to the DMZ where I crossed into Laos. In 2013 I came back to explore the Northern regions and in 2017 and 2018 I was in Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Binh. 

As you can see I love to travel to Vietnam. In total I have now been 4 times, but whenever I get the chance I will be back again. I am sure with my experience I am able to give you some vital Vietnam travel tips that will be of good use on your next journey.

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Stay connected and don't waste money on high roaming charge when traveling to Vietnam? Check out my complete guide for buying a sim card for Vietnam with the best prepaid and e-sim cards .

Here are Traveltomtom's 20 essential Vietnam travel tips to make sure you have an amazing trip to Vietnam.

1. Is it safe to travel to Vietnam

Generally spoken one should not have any problems when visiting Vietnam. The most common threats are road accidents, theft and in a rare occasion snatch and grab. Just always make sure to use common sense. This sounds really obvious but I have seen so many ignorant tourists in those 7 years I’m now traveling around the world.

2. Do you need vaccinations for Vietnam

There is no direct need for you to get vaccinations when you visit Vietnam. I have never taken any particular medication for any trip to Vietnam. It is adviced you have the standard childhood diseases shots. Shots against Hepatitis A and B are recommended to have, but aren't needed necessarily. Malaria occurs in Vietnam but very rarely. I have never taken any malaria pills and I have been trekking in the countryside. Some people do, some people don’t, but I have never heard someone catching malaria when traveling to Vietnam.

3. What is the best time of the year to visit Vietnam

For a lot of countries in Southeast Asia it is hard to determine, but the best time of year to travel to Vietnam is easy: March and April. Spring gets the least amount of rain and has moderate temperatures. The rainy season in Vietnam lasts from May to October. Mind you that especially the North of Vietnam has distinct summer and winter seasons. Snowfall in Hanoi is very rare, but it has happened before. If you decide to go for a trekking in Sapa, one of the best things to do in Vietnam, then beware that December, January and February it can be really cold. When you visit South Vietnam there is no need to bring warm clothes as the lowest average temperature in Ho Chi Minh is in December: 27 C / 81 F.

4. Do you need a visa to travel to Vietnam

The visa requirements for Vietnam are getting easier with the years. I remember my first time I had to drop my passport at the embassy for 3 days in Cambodia. In 2013 I already used the visa on arrival and nowadays a tourist visa for Vietnam can easily be obtained online.

Most countries still need a visa though, this in contrast with other southeast asian countries like: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia where you can enter visa free.

5. How much does a Vietnam trip cost

You can make it as expensive as you wish. There are fancy nightclubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh where a cocktail can easily cost $20, but you can also go local. For your backpacking Vietnam trip you should count on $40 per day, which makes you stay in hostels, eat local food, rent scooters, do sightseeing trip and small tours. When you travel to Vietnam as a couple you can count the same ($40 per person per day), a mid-range hotel is not much more expensive than $30 a night, food in a little upscale restaurant is about $10 and private tours will cost you about $25 per person per day. In many Vietnam blogs I read that you need a minimum of $50 a day, but with that money you can live large.

6. History of Vietnam is rough

You won’t be able to refrain yourself from being fascinated by Vietnam’s long and interesting history even if you’re not a history buff. It is one of the oldest cultures in Southeast Asia dating back to 2000 BC and ever since it has been influenced by many others: Chinese, Khmer, Indian, Japanese and also Western.

Because of colonization, war eventually rummaged the country, a series of very tragical events in history which are still in the minds of many Vietnamese. For them however, it is much more than a war. Their nation’s efforts and determination enabled them to defeat the French and make the Americans retreat and finally become one country.

The country is filled with educational sites for you to learn more about these historic events, the Vietnam war, and even its aftermath. In fact, each city has monuments and museums that showcase the country’s deep-seated history.

7. War related tourist places in Vietnam

War remnants museum hcmc.

In Saigon one can visit both the emotion-inducing War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace. The palace is also known as Reunification Palace, which is a national historical and cultural relic to the Vietnam War. I am pretty sure the War Remnants Museum makes you speechless. In 2018 I came back here 9 years after my first visit and I walked around for almost 2 hours, reading every photo subscription. These places always give me goosebumps! When traveling to Vietnam definitely put this on your list of places to visit.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Go to the outskirts of Saigon to have an insider look of the tunnel life at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of tunnels built by the Viet Cong to protect themselves against the invading Americans. The tunnels are considered to have made a great contribution to the victory of the Vietnamese.

Those who aren’t claustrophobic may try crawling some small sections of the tunnel network. With my 1.86 meters I can tell you it is a punishment! Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels is great to learn about the Vietnam War and one of the most interesting places to visit in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

In Hanoi, you can visit Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Vietnam where many important national historical events in Vietnam’s modern history took place. Get to know more of the ‘Father of Vietnam’: Mr. Ho Chi Minh himself at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House. Whatever you do, when traveling to Vietnam always be respectful to their history and past leaders!

Hoa Lo Prison

In Hanoi you can also find the former Hoa Lo Prison, which translates to ‘fiery furnace’. Nowadays it is a museum which depicts what the Vietnamese prisoners had to go through during the time the French were ruling in Vietnam. A special section has been designated for the prisoners of war during the Vietnam war.

All the sites mentioned above are super interesting and made a deep impression on me. Even if history is not your reason to visit Vietnam, these place offer important lessons for understanding the todays culture of the Vietnamese people.

8. Hanoi is the best place to visit in Vietnam

The streets of Old Town Hanoi made me fall in love with this country even more. It was only on my second trip to Vietnam that I ended up in the capital city. The cosy, but extremely bustling streets of Hanoi always remind me why I love traveling in Southeast Asia so much. It sounds simple but going out at night in Old Town Hanoi is one of the best things to do in Vietnam.

May be it was because of the super cheap Beer Hoi, which costs only like $0,20 per pint sometimes. Not the best beer in the world, but drinking Beer Hoi is something you must try when you visit Vietnam. Fun guaranteed!

When you want to soak up ancient village life then visit Duong Lam in Hanoi. It has the basic features of a Northern traditional Vietnamese village which are water wharves, communal grounds, and pagodas scattered with banyan trees. You will continue to feel being stuck in the past. French colonial architecture, pavement cafes, and wide tree-lined boulevards are what makes this place old-fashioned.

9. Ho Chi Minh City is very modern

Unfortunately I have been more times to Ho Chi Minh City than to Hanoi, because although I like Ho Chi Minh City I am much more a fan of Hanoi. So if you visit Vietnam and you have to choose between both of them I would say go North and skip Ho Chi Minh City. Nevertheless I always had a great time in this crazy big city where modern life meets the local lifestyle. From Ho Chi Minh it is easy to organize trips into the Mekong Delta.

10. Visiting Hoi An is the best thing to do in Vietnam

Despite the damage caused due to Vietnams turbulent past, many ancient structures managed to remain intact. Take Hoi An Old Town, one of the best places to visit in Vietnam for instance. This ancient riverside trading town with well-preserved buildings and temples that date back to the 17th century is where Chinese merchants settled at first. Today, the descendants of the Chinese merchants continue to sell their products. Hoi An is lit up at night by multiple colorful lanterns in the streets. Loads of backpackers tend to get stuck here and great thing is that the beach is just 10 minutes away on a bicycle.

Make your way towards the My Son Temple Complex a great day trip from Hoi An. My Son, which means ‘beautiful mountain’ got mostly destroyed during the American bombings in the Vietnam War. It is still worth going because some temples survived the bombing and are well-preserved. The complex used to be a place of worship by the Champa people and was built between the 4th and 13th centuries. Visiting My Son is one of the best Vietnam travel tips I found among Vietnam blogs.

11. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park for the largest cave in the world

You will surely be impressed by Vietnams natural wonders. Vietnam is for example home to the biggest cave in the world - the Son Doong cave located at the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park . It can be explored through a cave expedition, but only with an official tour operator. In 2018 I visited the Quang Binh Province and some of the caves, it is among my highlights of Vietnam.

When looking for cool things to do in Vietnam then think about caving in this national park, so worth it. For me it was one of the highlights visiting Vietnam.

12. Visiting Halong Bay is mind blowing

When around no one should miss Halong Bay, one of the natural world wonders. There are about 1,600 limestone islands and islets dotted around emerald waters, an absolute must see when you travel to Vietnam. There are even charming deserted islands and beaches where you can stay overnight or go multi day cruising on an old wooden ship. The Halong Bay area is obviously one of the best places to see in Vietnam.

13. The Sapa Rice Fields are Magical

Leisure travelers may opt to trek the mountainous Sapa region close to the Chinese border. Although the terraced rice fields are man-made, the natural surroundings make the experience wonderful. An opportunity to experience living like a local is possible with the local ethnic tribes offering homestay accommodation to willing guests. Trust me when you travel to Vietnam this is a must do. On my second Vietnam trip I did this for 3 days and absolutely loved it. During the day you trek through the rice fields up and down on the rim of these terraces and through the woods. We stayed overnight in local homes. Help them preparing dinner at night (free cooking classes), cool off in the river, learn about their culture and drink rice wine (very strong clear shot) till you fall of your chair. This experience is one of the best value for money tours in Vietnam and so much fun. I always wanted to write a separate Vietnam travel blog about this, but it was already in 2013 when I did this.

14. Festivals in Vietnam

While holding religious significance and imbibed with tradition, festivals in Vietnam provide an authentic Vietnam experience. Vietnamese know how to party, trust me I have experienced it many times. Their hospitality is enormous, especially when they are drunk and not that shy anymore! :)

Vietnamese New Year

The most important festival in Vietnam is the Tet Nguyen Dan or Lunar New Year as a result of a country with Buddhism as the predominant religion. Equivalent to the Chinese new year, Vietnamese welcome the new year by creating noise whether its simple beating of drums, lighting firecrackers or prodding dogs to bark. The morning is characterised with honoring ancestors, visiting temples and handing out flowers as part of the ritual. Meanwhile, evenings get really crazy because of all the celebrations and of course alcohol. Vietnamese New Year is always somewhere around end of January or the beginning of February.

Hue Festival

Unfortunately I have never experienced this festival myself but I have heard so much about it that it is on my list of things to do in Vietnam. If you love the arts, head to Hue City, the capital of Thua Thien Hue province in Central Vietnam. It is the only place where the Hue Festival is celebrated every two years. The traditional customs practiced during the Nguyen dynasty are relived through different showcases and activities. Expect street performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, Ao Dai Fashion Shows, Hue Poetry Festival, and Dialogue of Drums and Percussions. For sporting activities, there is kite flying, boat racing, and human chess.

Hoi An Lantern Festival

This festival attracts a large number of visitors and is a very popular festival among Vietnamese and tourists. Every 14th day of the lunar month whereby it is the full moon, every establishment in the Ancient Town turns off all their lights. They utilize multi-colored lanterns lit with candles for illumination and are also placed on the river for well wishing. You may opt to see lanterns on the water from the riverbank or organise a local boat ride. Trust me when you are around this is one of the better Vietnam travel tips I got along my travels. You will love it!

You can freely and safely wander the streets of Hoi An that bask in a magical glow because this day any motorised vehicles are banned. The streets are filled with musicians playing traditional instruments like drums, fiddles, and bamboo flutes. Other activities that you can enjoy include lantern-making classes, Chinese chess, and poetry readings. This festival is one big happening and among the best things to do in Vietnam.

15. Water puppet is a Vietnamese tradition

Vietnam has a fascinating fusion of culture from its occupants and colonizers. However, age-old customs still prevail. One of them is the water puppetry that dates back to the 11th century. It features skilful manipulation of the puppets by the puppeteers hidden from the audience. Performed on a waist-deep pool, the puppets appear to be moving on the water by themselves. The stories are usually about everyday lives, ancient legends, and historical stories so it isn’t for mere entertainment. What further makes the show interesting is the reliance on live background music. There are many Water Puppet Theaters around the country, but the ones in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are the most suitable for tourists.

I have been to the one in Ho Chi Minh city and it was such a cool things to see that I wanted to include it in this Vietnam travel blog.

16. Silk paintings is traditional art 

Another traditional art performance worth admiring is silk painting. Which is the creation of a painting on a piece of silk cloth. Watercolor, ink, or dye are utilized for vibrant colors and creating simple subjects which are often a portrayal of beautiful natural landscapes or rural life. It is important to note that this painting  style calls for meticulousness because a wrong brush stroke can’t be erased. Silk paintings can be purchased in one of the many fine art galleries and shops located in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.

17. Floating markets also exist in Vietnam

Local floating markets are among my favorite places to visit in Vietnam. They date back to the reign of the 19th century Nguyen Dynasty and contribute to the uniqueness of Vietnams culture. It reflects the way of life and is a source of livelihood for those who live in the Mekong Delta. Sellers basically sell their goods by boat. The most popular floating market due to its close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, convenience to get to this place, and scale is the Cai Rang market. It is a wholesale market for fresh fruits. You can try out exotic fruits here like Vinh Long pink kiwi kumquat. Make sure to go here early in the morning not only to see a beautiful sunrise on the way but also to have a typical breakfast on one of the many boats.

18. Vietnamese cuisine is a must try

Most people, when they hear Vietnamese food, the first thought that pops into their mind is Pho, a soup broth dish with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and meat. But there is more to Vietnamese food than what you might expect. I had the honor to dine with Australia’s Masterchef Luke Nguyen, who is originally from Ho Chi Minh City. Trying his exceptional creations was outstanding.

The common denominator among the regional cuisines is the main use of rice and fish sauce in most dishes. Expect to see a form of rice on almost all meals especially that Vietnam is the second largest rice exporter in the world. They have rice noodles, rice porridge, fried rice, sticky rice, and even rice wine as I told you before. Fish sauce, on the other hand, is used in almost any kind of dish from salad dressings to soup broths. In fact, their national condiment is also made of fish sauce that is diluted with a splash of lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chilies.

As for regional differences in cuisines, food in Northern Vietnam tend to be less spicy because they prefer using black pepper instead of chilli. Dishes famous in the Northern region are Bun Cha, Pho, and Thang Rice Noodle. 

Southern Vietnamese cuisine is more flavourful and aromatic because of the liberal use of herbs and spices in cooking (yes I learned this all from Luke Nguyen). Popular dishes in the Southern region are Long Xuyen Raw Neem, My Tho Noodles, and Mam Hotpot. 

For food in Central Vietnam, mixtures of spicy flavors characterize the dishes. You will find Nem Lui, Khoai Cake, Banh Beo, and Hue Beef Vermicelli delicious. 

There is also French influence in Vietnamese cuisine which is particularly seen on Bah Mi, a sandwich in the form of a crusty French baguette. The filling of it depends on where you buy it, but shredded chicken with a fish sauce is common street food in Vietnam.

When you visit Vietnam don’t miss the opportunity to indulge yourself on street food. The street food scene is lively as ever and single-dish stalls serving a dish with a recipe passed down through the generations. The variety of dishes sold are numerous so there is something for everyone.

19. Vietnamese coffee is world class

After I did my barista course when living in Sydney I am very picky on coffee. But on your Vietnam trip you should try traditional coffee. Vietnamese coffee is often sweetened by condensed milk so if that is not your thing warn them up front. Their black coffee is strong, but very tasty. A good way to wake up and start your day full of adventures. Vietnam, after all, is the second largest coffee producer in the world.

20. Vietnam is for every budget

The affordable cost on major travel expenses such as accommodation, public transport, and the food is also a reason that makes traveling to Vietnam so appealing. Therefore, if you have a higher budget for your trip to Vietnam, you can easily have a fabulous luxury experience. Luxurious 5-star hotels are very affordable in this country. 

No matter what type of accommodation you choose to stay at, traveling to Vietnam allows you to stretch your budget farther and leaves more room for a more enjoyable tours.

Overall, with all the Vietnam travel tips, reasons to go, things to do and places to see I hope this blog was helpful for your upcoming trip to Vietnam. Let me know if you have any more questions about traveling to Vietnam and I am more than happy to help. Leave me a comment below.

Thanks for keeping up with Traveltomtom and if this blog has helped you, please consider helping me in return by sharing the link of this blog on social media or anywhere else on the internet. Every tweet, pin, or share on Facebook is very much appreciated.

Enjoy your trip to Vietnam!

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The Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Vietnam, According to Experts

Here's when to visit Vietnam for sunny weather, lower prices, and excellent sightseeing.

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Best times to visit for good weather, best times to visit for lower prices, best times to visit for hiking in sa pa, best times to visit for cruising ha long bay, worst times to visit.

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Cinnamon and star anise perfume my memories of Vietnam, a country that lodged itself into my palate in fragrant, frenzied bursts. That alluring scent of pho was one of few constants as I traveled through vastly different landscapes, trekking through verdant rice terraces, dodging motorbikes en route to speakeasies, and standing face to face with an endangered monkey in my oceanfront outdoor shower — all within the span of two weeks. 

Vietnam is more than 1,000 miles long, a spectacularly slim country that’s only 30 miles wide at its narrowest point. Every region boasts its own allure as well as its own climate, which means you’ll need to carefully consider the time of your visit based on your desired itinerary. 

“As the climate varies so much from north to south, there will always be somewhere worth going in Vietnam, whatever time of year you travel,” says Melissa Matthews, regional director for Southeast Asia and North America at luxury travel company Red Savannah .

Here's a regional breakdown of the primary tourist seasons in Vietnam:

• High Seasons: North: September to November, March and April; Central: April to August; South: October to April 
• Shoulder Seasons: North: December to February, May to August; Central: September to March; South: September to December 
• Low Season: North: May to October; Central: September to May; South: May to September

Before you start planning your trip, read on to learn about the best times to visit Vietnam for hiking the majestic, mountainous rice terraces of Sa Pa, cruising the limestone marvels of Ha Long Bay, and avoiding the rainy monsoon season. 

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

The high season in Vietnam varies according to the region, so you’ll always be able to find a place that feels more secluded from the bustle of crowded beaches or cruise ships. Wet season attracts fewer crowds, says Matthews, which falls from May to October in the north, September to May in the central part of the country, and May to September in the south. 

Visiting during this time has plenty of perks, as you’ll likely be able to save on accommodations and travel costs. Popular restaurants and tours will be less overrun with tourists, offering a rare opportunity to better immerse yourself in the local culture as you tuck into bun cha on a sidewalk stool. However, bursts of rain and cloudy weather can dampen any plans to hike in Sa Pa or cruise along Ha Long Bay — two quintessential experiences you won’t want to miss. 

There are also an abundance of places that remain less crowded throughout the year, says Benjamin Kreuz, general manager of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay — the resort itself is one of them, nestled in a private cove of Nha Trang that became my personal definition of paradise. Many visitors tend to prioritize other attractions as they make their way south, so natural wonders in the north like Ban Gioc Waterfall and the network of caves in Quang Binh remain less busy. 

Meet the Expert

• Melissa Matthews is the regional director for Southeast Asia and North America at luxury travel company Red Savannah.
• Benjamin Kreuz is the general manager of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam.

No matter when you visit, you’ll always find good weather somewhere in Vietnam. “Vietnam is a beautiful country with tropical weather, making it suitable for visits throughout the year,” says Kreuz. 

For those hoping to see Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and everything in between, it’s best to go in the dry season. “February and March are the best months to see the entire country from north to south in relatively dry weather,” says Matthews. She notes that Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, falls during this time and can last for up to 10 days. “During this time, most of the key sights in the cities are closed, as everyone goes back to their family villages to celebrate,” she says. She recommends heading to the beach during the festival and bookending your trip with time in the major cities. 

For a dry and temperate trip to Sa Pa or Hanoi in the north, head there from September to November, or in March and April, she suggests. A sunny beach visit to Hoi An or Nha Trang in the central region is best from April to August, while the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island in the south are warmest from October to April. 

Vietnam is a relatively affordable destination all year long, with abundant and economical street food and comfortable hotels for all budgets. For your best chance at scoring low-cost flights and accommodations, consider traveling outside the peak tourist season. April, May, October, and November are excellent times, as you’ll still find warm weather throughout the country, but will have fewer tourists to contend with. 

Wand_Prapan/Getty Images

A visit to the verdant, terraced rice fields of Sa Pa are a must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Overlooking the Muong Hoa Valley, the hills are surrounded by spectacular mountains and home to dozens of communities, including the Hmong and Red Dao peoples — many of whom open their homes for overnight stays and lead private or group trekking tours. You can reach this famed hiking destination by car from Hanoi in five hours, by a bus in six to eight hours, or on an overnight sleeper train. 

Matthews notes that this region tends to get colder from December to February, so it’s best to plan a trip from September to November or in March and April. Harvest season is also an unforgettable time to visit: In late August through September, the vibrant green hillsides turn a voluptuous shade of gold as the rice ripens. 

Nikada/Getty Images

Ha Long Bay, with its emerald waters and limestone towers, is one of the primary tourist destinations in Vietnam, and as such, has become increasingly overrun with cruise operators leading day tours. For a less crowded experience, consider booking an overnight cruise that will take you deeper into the bay — or to the equally beautiful, slightly less populated neighboring Lan Ha Bay. (I splurged for a two-night cruise with Orchid Cruises , one of the more luxurious tour operators). 

March, April, October, and November are ideal months to visit, as they tend to bring warm and sunny weather without as much humidity. You’ll also avoid the peak season, so while it’s still bound to be busy, you can enjoy kayaking through the tranquil waters and hiking Cat Ba island in relative peace. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a great opportunity for a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure. 

Nick Dolding/Getty Images

While Vietnam’s varied climate means there’s never really a bad time to visit, you may want to avoid traveling to the country during monsoon season. 

“When the monsoon hits, it is hard and heavy and very humid,” says Matthews, who suggests sightseeing in cities during the wet season, where you can still visit museums and historic temples between rainstorms. “Avoid the mountainous region of Sa Pa and definitely don’t book a cruise in Ha Long Bay, as storms will occur and boats are grounded,” she warns. 

If you do decide to travel during the rainy season, it’s best to remain flexible in your planning, says Kreuz. “Consider not booking everything in advance due to unpredictable weather,” he says, adding that staying open-minded may help you to take advantage of potential low-season discounts. 

Tet, which marks the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is another tricky time to visit, as many landmarks and businesses close for a week or more to celebrate. It typically lands in late January or early February — this year, it falls on Feb. 10. 

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Ultimate Solo Traveler’s Guide to Exploring Vietnam: Top Activities and Hidden Gems

Welcome to the ultimate guide for solo travelers heading to Vietnam! Whether you’re embarking on an adventure to uncover hidden gems, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking in the rich cultural heritage, Vietnam offers a plethora of experiences tailored for solo adventurers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top activities, tips, and must-see locations to ensure your solo journey is unforgettable.

Why Choose Vietnam for Solo Travel?

Vietnam, with its vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals, is ideal for solo travelers. The country offers a safe environment, affordable accommodation, and numerous opportunities to meet fellow travelers. From bustling metropolises like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to serene destinations like Halong Bay and Hoi An, Vietnam has something for every type of solo traveler.

Day-by-Day Itinerary for a 7-Day Solo Trip

Day 1: arrival in hanoi.

Kick off your adventure in Hanoi , the capital city. Start your day with a visit to the Old Quarter , where the narrow streets and ancient buildings offer a glimpse into the city’s history. Don’t miss Hoan Kiem Lake , a serene escape in the heart of the city. For dinner, indulge in local street food such as pho or banh mi.

Day 2: Explore Hanoi’s Cultural Sites

Dedicate your second day to exploring Hanoi’s cultural treasures. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , the Temple of Literature , and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology . For a unique experience, catch a traditional water puppet show in the evening.

Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise

No trip to Vietnam is complete without experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay . Take a day trip from Hanoi to embark on a cruise through the emerald waters, dotted with limestone karsts and islands. Enjoy activities such as kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves.

Day 4: Travel to Hoi An

Catch a flight to Da Nang and make your way to the charming town of Hoi An . Known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, Hoi An is perfect for solo travelers. Wander through the lantern-lit streets, visit local markets, and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Vietnamese dishes.

Day 5: Relax on Hoi An’s Beaches

Enjoy a leisurely day on Cua Dai or An Bang Beach , just a short ride from the town center. These beaches offer pristine sands and clear waters, perfect for a relaxing solo day out. Don’t forget to try some local seafood at the beachfront restaurants.

Day 6: Da Nang and Marble Mountains

Head back to Da Nang and visit the Marble Mountains , a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. Explore the caves, temples, and scenic viewpoints. In the evening, stroll along the Dragon Bridge and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Da Nang.

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

Conclude your trip in Ho Chi Minh City , the bustling economic hub of Vietnam. Visit the War Remnants Museum , the Cu Chi Tunnels , and Ben Thanh Market . Take in the vibrant atmosphere of District 1 and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the rooftop bars with stunning views of the city skyline.

Embarking on a solo journey in Vietnam is an enriching experience that combines adventure, culture, and relaxation. The country’s welcoming atmosphere, diverse landscapes, and rich traditions make it a top destination for solo travelers. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, relaxing on pristine beaches, or discovering historical sites, Vietnam has something to offer every solo adventurer.

With careful planning and an open mind, your solo trip to Vietnam will be a memorable and transformative experience. So pack your bags, book your accommodations, and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Vietnam!

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Mekong Delta River: A Guide to Exploring Vietnam’s Most Vibrant Waterway

Geography and Layout of the Mekong Delta

How the River System Flows

The role of the mekong delta river in agriculture, rice production and other agricultural products, floating markets of the mekong delta river, famous floating markets.

• Cai Rang Floating Market : Located near Can Tho, this is the largest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. Visitors can take boat tours in the early morning to see the bustling trade of fruits, vegetables, and other goods.
• Phong Dien Floating Market : Also near Can Tho, this market is smaller and less touristy, offering a more authentic experience of daily life on the water.

Wildlife and Biodiversity in the Mekong Delta

Indigenous wildlife species.

• Irrawaddy dolphins : These rare freshwater dolphins can occasionally be spotted in the delta’s waters.
• Birdlife : The delta is home to many bird species, including egrets, herons, and storks, especially in the Tram Chim National Park and U Minh Thuong National Park .
• Wetlands and Mangroves : Mangrove forests like those in Ca Mau National Park are critical to the region’s ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and protecting the coastline from erosion.

Cultural Significance of the Mekong Delta

Ethnic diversity and traditions, popular tourist activities in the mekong delta river.

• Boat Tours: The best way to explore the Mekong Delta River is by boat. Small, motorized boats or sampans take visitors through the network of canals, offering a close-up view of life along the riverbanks, from fishermen at work to children playing in the water.
• Cycling: Cycling through the rural backroads of the delta is a great way to see the local countryside, passing through villages, rice paddies, and fruit orchards.
• Visiting Local Villages: Tours often include stops at local workshops where visitors can see traditional crafts being made, such as coconut candy production in Ben Tre or rice paper making in My Tho .

Traditional Cuisine of the Mekong Delta

Must-try dishes.

• Banh Xeo : A crispy Vietnamese pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
• Ca Loc Nuong Trui : Grilled snakehead fish, often cooked on an open fire in the villages.
• Hu Tieu : A flavorful noodle soup made with pork, shrimp, and herbs, commonly found in Can Tho.

Sustainable Travel in the Mekong Delta

Yesd’s commitment to ecotourism.

• What is the best time to visit the Mekong Delta River? The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April  when the weather is cooler and less rainy.
• How can I explore the Mekong Delta River responsibly? Travel with eco-friendly tour operators like YESD , respect local cultures, and reduce your environmental impact by avoiding single-use plastics and supporting local businesses.
• What are the must-see places in the Mekong Delta River? Key highlights include the Cai Rang Floating Market , Ben Tre’s coconut plantations , and the tranquil Tra Su Cajuput Forest .
• Can I stay with local families in the Mekong Delta River? Yes, homestays are a popular way to experience local life in the delta. YESD offers homestay options where you can live with local families and learn about their daily routines.
• What wildlife can I see in the Mekong Delta? The delta is home to a variety of wildlife, including Irrawaddy dolphins , rare bird species, and fish like the giant Mekong catfish .

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