look voyage vietnam

Vietnam Travel Guide

Last updated on May 18, 2024 by Shannon

While lumped together with Southeast Asia for geographic and tourism purposes, Vietnam stands out as a destination unique among its neighbors. Each region balances the other.

The frenetic chaos in Saigon is just a stone’s throw from the sleepy colonial towns in the Mekong Delta. Hoi An’s charming, historic ancient town is a mere 40 minutes from the fast-growing and friendly Danang.

History and tradition infuse every aspect of life in Vietnam—from food to religion—and the culture and people are remarkably welcoming to tourism, having built a thriving industry that makes traveling and backpacking in Vietnam unforgettable.

As such, modern Vietnam is a favorite hotspot for budget-loving backpackers traveling Southeast Asia , and destination travelers from all over the world. Although I had spent years traveling other regions of Asia, Vietnam was my final country to visit on mainland Southeast Asia. What an incredible experience.

I have no idea what took me so long to backpack through Vietnam. I spent three months traveling south to north and I discovered cities across the country highlighting various aspects of Vietnam’s long history. I traveled from the War Remnants museum in Ho Chi Minh City to the Japanese and Chinese influenced Hoi An to the French-influenced coffee and baguette culture throughout.

Vibrant, unique, chaotic, traditional—no single word sums the experience of traveling Vietnam.

If you’re visiting Vietnam, this guide covers the essential travel information you should know, pre-trip reading , how to travel responsibly in Vietnam, and specific travel and accommodation recommendations to jumpstart your research.

Table of Contents

Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?

Vietnam is safe for travelers on the physical level—you don’t have to worry about bodily harm from the Vietnamese people. That said, theft is an issue and the scams center around money. Travelers should never walk the streets with cameras and bags draped on their shoulder or a motorbike might speed by and grab it from you.

Wear your purses cross-body and cameras secured to your wrist or neck. For the same reason, don’t walk with your cell phone held away from your body (consider investing in a phone leash ) they are fantastic and give peace of mind when wandering).

In touristy areas especially, count your change. Confirm your taxi fare before the ride (or just use Uber , which is what I did—it’s explained more in the transportation section). Use TravelFish to research possible scams in places like Hanoi ,  Hoi An  and Saigon . Since anything can happen on the road, I am a firm advocate of travel insurance and I always carry IMG Global travel insurance .

In addition to the safety concerns listed above, many travelers rent motorbikes and scooters in Vietnam. This is a dangerous place to learn to ride. In the months I visited, I saw dozens of travelers with serious road-rash scarring their bodies.

If you rent a motorbike, please make sure it’s covered by your travel insurance (usually only if you are licensed to drive in your home country) and that you wear the proper gear to protect you if you fall (pants and good shoes). If you have respiratory issues, pollution is a problem in both Hanoi and Saigon, so bring a surgical mask.

Fast Facts About Vietnam Travel

Vietnamese Dong (VND) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American or European plugs both work here, although only without the third prong)

Primary Airports in Vietnam

• Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
• Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (HAN)
• Da Nang International (DAD).

Can you drink the water in Vietnam?

No, it’s not safe to drink the local water in Vietnam. Drink bottled, bring a reusable water bottle so you can buy big jugs, or consider the merits of a SteriPen or LifeStraw for your trip.

How’s the internet in Vietnam?

WiFi is rampant and thoroughly spread even into the smallest of Vietnamese towns. Saigon has a bustling café culture and these coffee shops all offer fast free WiFi. It’s also a standard amenity in all hotels and guesthouses.

You’ll need a VPN if you plan to access many U.S. sites and to stream U.S. Netflix. A VPN is also crucial for those working from abroad since many U.S. sites either IP block or serve an international version of their sites. I’ve used NordVPN since 2016 while living abroad and it’s never failed me once.

Local SIM Cards

Data is very cheap in Vietnam, even the tourist bundles (locals have different rates, so ask your first guesthouse owner to buy your SIM card if you’re a data hog and really need a lot).

I paid 70,000 Dong for 16 GB lasting three months, and the tourist rate is about 150,000 Dong for 8 GB lasting two months. Because I had so much data, I tethered my phone and worked from my data when I encountered slow speeds. Read  a full Vietnam SIM card guide here .

And it’s handy that NordVPN works on my iPhone, too.

Vietnamese Visas

The visa situation for North Americans changes often and is entirely unpredictable. That said, in early 2017, the government implemented an online e-visa program that is fast, safe, and affordable.

For more information, check the visa requirements here . While most visitors had to arrange a visa through a third-party company, that is no longer the case, so use the government site directly to avoid fees.

Festivals of Note

• Tết is the country’s New Year’s celebration and is huge throughout Vietnam (late January or early February).
• Lantern Festival in Hoi An (14th day of every lunar month—not calendar month—so research to find out when it’s happening).

Food Considerations

Vietnam is one of the best food destinations in Southeast Asia. The country has a vibrant street food culture and a range of different dishes from north to south. If you are vegetarian, it’s possible to find food, but not always street food. And you have to be diligent.

On my Vegetarian in Vietnam guide , I outline the considerations and obstacles. If you’re celiac, this is a fantastic and thorough post , complete with a downloadable GF translation card .

This post shares the most common street food dishes you will find, and this book chronicles a beautiful food journey through Hanoi. And if you decide to eat street food (which you will!), follow these food safety principles .

Pick out accommodation on Booking.com.

This is the only booking platform I use because it rewards you for loyalty, and I regularly score free breakfasts and 15% off my hotel.

Accommodation

The links in city guides below go to my favorite hotel booking site, Booking.com many options are also found on or VRBO , if you are member.

For backpackers and families,  Booking.com  is perfect for pre-booking hostels and hotels; in high season the bigger towns book up fast ( Hostelworld has a solid selection of hostels, too).

And if you buy a local SIM (which you should), you can easily call ahead and directly reserve spots en route. If none of these will do, check out my detailed guide to finding good places to stay .

What’s the weather like?

Vietnam is long, with a varied topography, meaning at least one region has poor weather at all times of year. This chart is by far the best visual to use in planning your trip weather-wise (although note that Jan/Feb is noted as clear for Sapa, when in reality it’s bitterly cold and often very foggy).

How much should you budget to travel in Vietnam?

Vietnam may well be the most budget-friendly location in Southeast Asia, and that is saying a lot, because nearby Thailand , Laos , Cambodia are quite affordable. Budget backpackers sleeping at hostels and eating street-food will easily stay under $20 a day.

The only activity requiring you to splash out on cash is a Halong Bay Tour—and often you will get better value for a bit more if you choose your tour company wisely.

Mid-range travelers will spend $25 a night on nice accommodation (with A/C and spacious rooms), and another $10-20 on food. High-end travelers get a lot bang for their buck as even nice hotels and food are affordable—scale up from the mid-range budget of $45 a day depending on if you choose to splurge on food, accommodation, or both.

How to Get Around Vietnam

Most backpackers in Vietnam take an overland route starting in one of the two primary cities, either Hanoi in the north or Saigon in the south. Vietnam offers train travel in many areas and buses in others—you can suss out the best routes around Vietnam on Bookaway .

It’s a very long country, so keep that in mind when you consider timing your trip. The distances are longer than you expect and if you’re cramming the entire country into a short week or two-week trip, you will need some long overnight trains and buses to navigate it all.

Air travel is another option. VietJetAir is the country’s privately run low-cost carrier and you can find fares as low as $25 to hop around the country. This is mega convenient and I recommend using SkyScanner to search for fares since it includes all the regional low-cost airlines.

Locally, when you are within a city you will likely use mototaxis and taxis to navigate.  Uber operates in this area and you can even catch a mototaxi with it! Instead of haggling with xe om drivers, I used Uber exclusively in the cities.

And because of the taxi scams in Saigon and Hanoi, I stuck with Uber getting to and from the airports and such, but if you need to hail a cab, stick to either Vinasun or Mailinh.

If you have a local SIM, Grab is the regional version of Uber and offers slightly better rates. Either option works, I used Uber because I already have an account that I’ve used in dozens of cities around the world; I highly recommend that travelers at least sign up for Uber and have it in your phone because you never know when it will come in handy to summon a ride and get out of a sticky situation (happened to me in South Africa!).

History to Know Before Traveling to Vietnam

Vietnam has a lengthy and complex history, with each layer still visible in modern Vietnam. From tangible evidence of French colonial rule to the aftereffects of the American War and a food culture deeply influenced by the international flavors and cultures—this country has a lot on offer from north to south.

Vietnam has a lengthy and complex history, with each layer still visible in modern Vietnam. Consider this a quick rundown on the basic backstory you’ll need to understand and enjoy traveling and backpacking through Vietnam. Ruled by the Chinese in 111 B.C., Nam Viet (what we now know as Vietnam) was a part of the Han Dynasty.

Over the next thousand years or so, Vietnam remained in the hands of the tyrannical Chinese, before regaining full control of their country in the 15th century. By the middle of the 17th century, Vietnam’s independence was being chipped away by France and in 1884 France gained full colonial control over Vietnam.

France’s impact on Vietnam is a living, breathing, tangible part of modern Vietnam, which is why you need to understand this history before traveling there. The French brought a Western-style education system, European architecture and food, and also instituted political and cultural changes.

Not surprisingly, despite some good brought by the French, many Vietnamese were unhappy with colonial rule. The Viet Minh attacked French forces in 1946, which eventually ended with Geneva peace talks between the nations and the decision to split Vietnam in half: north and south. The communist insurgency began 1957 in South Vietnam; two years later, weapons and men from North Vietnam began gathering in the south.

In response, the United States increased aid to President Ngo Dinh Diem. By 1963, the Viet Cong, a communist group specializing in guerrilla warfare, defeated The Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In a U.S.-backed military coup, representatives from The Army of Republic of Vietnam  overthrew and killed the President Diem ; U.S. intervention in Vietnam would only escalate from this point forward.

In response to the threats posed by the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong, by 1967 the U.S. had sent roughly 500,000 troops to Vietnam. The Vietnam/American War lasted far too long, fueled by poor decisions made by U.S. politicians and resulting in horrifying escalation of violence throughout the war (this is a sad and informative  visual history of the war ).

Many thousands of people were killed before Paris peace talks brokered a ceasefire agreement in 1973. By that point, the actions by American troops had forever changed the country as the after-effects of Agent Orange and other chemical weapons continue to impact the Vietnam even today.

Two years after U.S. troops left, North Vietnam invaded the south and took control of the country. As the socialists assumed control over the country, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese continued to flee, many resorting to crowding into small vessels—anything to escape life in Vietnam. This war is one key reason for the massive Vietnamese diaspora spread around the world.

It’d be great if the warfare ended there, but tired of the Khmer Rouge attacking remote villages near the border, Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1979 and removed the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot from power. Ten years later, Vietnam removed their troops from Cambodia. There is still a large ethnically Khmer population in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. Since the 90s, Vietnam has grown and the government has stabilized, with tourism a major contributing part of the country’s economy.

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Vietnam

Fiction & Nonfiction Books About Vietnam

• Catfish and Mandala : Travel memoir is often an intriguing way to learn about the culture. A Vietnamese-American return to the Vietnam he left as a young child when his family moved to California. He bicycles around the country, and the journey is beautiful.
• The War. There are no shortage of books about the Vietnam-American War. If you read just two, go with  The Sorrow of War , a harrowing recounting of the war and aftermath written from the perspective of a North Vietnamese soldier, and Embers of War , a Pulitzer Prize winning account of the long path of policies and leaders that eventually led to the devastating war.
• Saigon: An Epic Novel of Vietnam : For historical fiction that perfectly accounts the war, but contextualizes it with romance, politics, story, and intrigue, this novel is a better read for those less inclined to learn about the war through drier non-fiction books.
• The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel : Showcasing modern Vietnam in the context of its war-torn history, this beautiful novel takes place in Hanoi and is an easy read. If you’re looking for a better cultural look at contemporary Vietnam, however, Vietnam: Rising Dragon is my recommended non-fiction read.
• Inside Out and Back Again : A beautiful and lyrical story written from the perspective of a 10-year-old girl. This is a wonderful family-friendly read if you are traveling Vietnam with children.
• Eating Viet Nam : A journalist moves to Hanoi and begins a food journey through the back alleys and tiny street stalls of Vietnam. A great read for food lovers.

Podcasts and Online Reads

• The Sandwich that Ate the World : A close look at the history of bánh mì, a tasty Vietnamese sandwich that is wildly popular in Vietnam, and how that love has spread around the globe.
• The History of Pho : This longread recounts the history of Vietnam’s other famous dish, loved the world over: Pho.
• The Vietnam Solution : An interesting piece about current American and Vietnamese relations and how the two countries overcame the war to work together in modern politics.

Find more regional fiction and nonfiction  books and long-reads .

Recommended Guidebook

I traveled through Vietnam using the  Lonely Planet Vietnam . It was solid. It had just the right amount of detail I needed to understand the nearby travel options.

I used online booking sites ( Booking.com ) for accommodation, and then the Lonely Planet to help figure out transportation and what to do nearby.

Socially Responsible Travel in Vietnam

Let’s talk about socially responsible travel in Vietnam, as well as the greater opportunities in Southeast Asia. This topic has many layers. From volunteering to donating to beggars to choosing ethical activities. It’s a complex situation.

Animal tourism has a dark side, and responsible travelers should research alternatives. Child sex trafficking and tourism is particularly an issue in Vietnam. Environmental pollution from tourism has devastated parts of Halong Bay.

There are a lot of considerations. All travelers should also read this  post on giving to child beggars ; you will face this conundrum, so it’s best to be ready. Read our full Vietnam Responsible Travel & Social Enterprise Guide (and one more general responsible travel in Southeast Asia  to lessen your impact on any place you visit, then read below for specifics to Vietnam.

Let’s jump into activities you might want to do, as well as alternatives that are just as fun! And at the end, I share tips for responsible volunteering in Vietnam.

Engaging in Human Tourism

Vietnam is among the most unique places to participate in hill tribe tourism. Unlike the sketchy ethnic group tour options in Thailand , northern Vietnam has a well-developed infrastructure of hill tribe groups offering homestay and trekking. Most notably, Sapa O’Chau has a wonderful business model employing and supporting hill tribe communities.

Also, throughout Vietnam, home stays are a common and excellent way to respectfully visit rural communities, support the local economy, while also learning a lot about the people and culture. Use the regional and city guides below for links to community-based tourism options, and responsible tour companies throughout Vietnam.

Riding an Elephant

If you’ve long dreamed of riding one of these majestic creatures, you should read up on their treatment and what it takes to actually break an elephant’s will enough for it to perform tricks and ferry around tourists. It’s a sad industry and one that has grown exponentially alongside tourism.

Traditionally, the Southeast Asians used elephants for hard labor, to help clear land and forests. They make more money from tourism, however, and this has led to a cycle of overworked and abused animals. On the flip side of the debate , feeding an elephant costs a lot, and tourism (including rides) help  mahouts afford to properly care for their elephant. It’s a complex, complicated issue.

There are options though! To the best of my knowledge, there are no responsible elephant experiences in Vietnam. There are, however, several sanctuaries in Thailand and Cambodia that offer responsible traveler-elephant interactions. Travelers love  the responsible experience .

These sanctuaries are doing wonderful work to give elephants a home and a peaceful life. Avoid elephant experiences in Vietnam, and check out the Save Elephants Foundation to plan a visit in Thailand or Cambodia.

Side note. Generally, avoid riding any exotic wild animal. Riding ostriches in Dalat is gaining popularity and it’s beyond unfortunate. An ostrich’s body is not designed to hold an adult’s weight and these animals fully panic when ridden.  

Buying Endangered Animal Products

Vietnam has a massive industry built around selling, exporting, and trafficking in exotic wild animals. Likewise, many of these animals are used for tourist souvenirs. Avoid purchasing anything made from wild or endangered animals—turtle shells, skins, ivory, etc. And do not buy exotic animal meat or turtle eggs for consumption. Engaging in these practices is either illegal or contribute to the continuation of these destructive practices.

To ensure you’re buying authentic, ethical souvenirs handmade in Vietnam, shop at any of the fair trade shops that offer unique gifts made my vulnerable groups.

Haggling Too Much

Bargaining is a fun part of the culture in Vietnam, and it’s surely something you should engage in freely when buying fruit, souvenirs, and even tours. But be warned that certain over-touristed locations have started a dangerous precedence for the locals.

In Hoi An, for example, the prevalence of so many tailor shops has driven prices so low that some locations will accept a commission and lose money rather than lose business (the fabric is a sunk cost, so some are willing to lose net money if it means food on the table that night).

Bargain respectfully and remember, your sale is directly helping the local economy, so spend money and feel good about infusing your cash into the local economy.

Volunteering

Many travelers are keen to volunteer or support responsible businesses on the road. If you’re backpacking Southeast Asia, you may want to stop for a few weeks or months and support a cause near and dear to your heart. Since not all NGOs and volunteer companies are doing great work, consider this list of vetted independent volunteer opportunities in Vietnam .

Supporting Responsible Businesses

Vietnam has standout social enterprises operating all over the country. I highlight a few in the city guides below , and I profiled my absolute favorite social enterprises in Hoi An . Consider researching all of the options for supporting  social enterprises on your trip .

Supporting social enterprises is one of the easiest ways to create a trip with positive impact. This means picking businesses that are using funds to support local communities and to offer training, support, or to protect natural resources. You can do everything from get a massage or pick a trekking guide—all with companies committed to social impact.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

Best Things to Do in Vietnam

Starting in southern Vietnam, I spent three months backing north through Vietnam. Many travelers pick a direction for their Vietnam travels since the country’s long and skinny shape lends itself to this style of travel—if you’re backpacking across Southeast Asia , your clockwise or counter-clockwise route through the region will determine where you start.

I used a combination of buses, trains, and budget airlines to skip over some long distances, but it’s super common for adventurous travelers to rent a motorbike and ride the length of Vietnam either independently, or on a tour, while exploring the vast number of things to do.

Three months doesn’t make me an expert, but I did find information was surprisingly scarce in some areas (the Mekong Delta), so I offer these city and regional suggestions below as an accounting of how I did the trip, great accommodation I discovered, and my favorite social enterprises and tasty eats.

My Favorite Experiences in Vietnam

• Sipping tea at the Reaching Out Teahouse in charming Hoi An .
• Boating through the Ha Long Bay region from Cat Ba Island.
• Boating through the karst rocks in Tam Coc.
• Spending lazy days in the sun-drenched colonial towns in the Mekong Delta region.

Best Things To Do in Saigon

Humidity, noise, and a friendly face greeted me when I landed in Ho Chi Minh City airport. My friend James has lived in Ho Chi Minh City (known as both HCMC and Saigon) for several years, and he met me at the airport and served as my official welcome party over the next two weeks I visited the city.

We mowed down on spring rolls the first night, and then toured a range of tasty veggie spots and coffee shops around the city. I am far from the expert on this massive, vibrant city, so I polled my global community of travelers for inspiration and guidance during my time.

And I researched, a lot. I detail the handful of things I did before I traveled south to the Mekong Delta, and I’ll link out to other fantastic resources that will allow you to eat and sightsee your way around Saigon.

Take a self-guided walking tour of District 1 highlights.

Most tourists stay in D1 and spend most of their time exploring this part of the city—it holds the bulk of the historical monuments, museums, buildings, and markets. Grab a map or use your smartphone to walk the city.

You could start at Ben Thanh market, then pass the Ho Chi Minh City Hall and head toward Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office—each of these are beautiful structures.

Be sure to enter the post office and look at the old city maps along the walls. From there, you can either head to a coffee shop along the waterfront and beat the heat of the day, or loop around to visit the two primary museums that tourists should visit.

Visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum.

You could combine this with your walking tour, or fill a different afternoon with these two activities. Each one is a must visit, though if you had to pick just one, I recommend that all Americans should visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering take on the Vietnamese-American War.

Spend a half-day visiting markets and temples in Saigon’s Chinatown, Cholon.

Either take the bus or a mototaxi to Cholon in District 5. This makes for a fascinating morning wander, especially for photographers or those keen on visiting architecture and temples. Check out this blog post for all the details —I saved the map offline to my phone, then used it as a guide throughout the morning.

I started at Binh Tay Market (furthest point east of D1 on the map), and walked back toward District 1, zig-zagging through town to see the buildings, pagodas, and churches. I summoned an Uber back to D1 once I had reached the end of the marked Cholon sites. All told, it took three to four hours at a very leisurely pace.

Hang out at a coffee shop.

The coffee culture is alive and huge throughout Vietnam, but especially in Saigon, where local chains dot every corner and hipster boutique coffee shops hide in plain sight. Many cafes have balconies overlooking busy intersections or streets, making for prime people-watching.

These cafes are also the ideal place to work from if you have a bit of travel planning research or work on your docket. This post has a map you can use to find an expat’s extensive list of quirky, fun, and unusual coffee shops throughout the city.

Take a day trip.

There are several popular day trips from HCMC. The Củ Chi Tunnels is the most common and you can join a tour bus from the backpacker district for less than $10 for the day (negotiate, negotiate, negotiate). You could also head to  the beaches of Vung Tau . Although I skipped this day trip in favor of flying to Phu Quoc , Vung Tau is a popular day or weekend spot that is quite easy to get to from HCMC, from what I am told.

Lastly, you could take a day tour to the Mekong Delta—it’s a canned tourist experience with heavy sales pressure at points, but if you’re pressed for time, you could get a taste of the Delta on the day trip (I opted to spend nearly two weeks in the Mekong Delta and below I detail how you can navigate the sun-drenched delta towns).

If you go for the day or overnight tours, consider researching more creative tour experiences, like the Delta by Vespa , or a private guide navigating you by motorbike through the interesting towns.

Sip coffee at Quán Cà Phê Cheo Leo.

This is a completely local spot beloved by those who sip local iced coffee and tea throughout the day. The owner has been written up in several local publications for her decision to continue preparing the coffee using traditional methods.

Grab your coffee from a new spot every morning.

Chances are that your guesthouse or Airbnb has several neat coffee shops nearby. Star this free Google map of the city’s coffee shops and try a new one every day.

Eat something tasty in Saigon.

Vegetarians in Saigon will find a wide range of tasty eats, although it’s hard to eat street food throughout the city unless you know where to look. But there are a plenitude of tasty vegetarian restaurants. Use Saigon Vegetarian and Happy Cow for initial ideas, and I marked a few of my favorite spots on the Google Map. Although many of the vegetarian street eats are sweet and dessert-like, I’ve included a few street food stalls on the map, too.

• Sample tasty food at Hum Vegetarian, Cafe & Restaurant . (32 Võ Văn Tần). Convenient place to eat just near the War Remnant’s Museum. It’s mid-range price but the dishes are beautifully prepared, the setting is lovely, and I highly recommended eating here. It offers both Western and Vietnamese dishes, but there are plenty of tasty dishes that do not rely on fake meat.
• Find evening street eats near Mani Vegan . (291/2 Võ Văn Tần). Although I didn’t sample this restaurant, there is a street food stall out front that serves delicious vegetarian soups and spring rolls. She’s there most nights and was the only one serving food on that corner, but be sure to confirm it’s “chay” before eating.
• Use this street food guide to eat well in Saigon . It includes a rundown of the dishes, as well as where to find them in the city.

Sleep somewhere central in Ho Chi Minh City.

With several weeks in HCMC, I tested out a couple of accommodation locations before settling on a VRBO located on a quiet street about halfway between the Ben Than market and the Pham Ngu Lau backpacker/party district. J

ust a six-minute walk to either area, it was central without having a party vibe and few other tourists. Those on an extreme budget and those wanting proximity to the backpacker scene will likely stay in Pham Ngu Lau, others should look for a place walking distance to the main sights in District 1.

• Book a VRBO in a central spot . Vacation rentals in HCMC average about $30-60 for a modern room that sleeps two people and often includes a kitchen nook where you could store breakfast items. Some have multiple bedrooms or beds and can sleep more, or a few even offer penthouse views for a bit more money.
• Stay at a central hotel . Uber-budget travels should look at Vintage Hostel Saigon and La Hostel Saigon . Midrange options are plentiful, including Ngoc Phan Guesthouse and Town House 50 Saigon (both a hotel and a hostel), and for a nicer central spot, consider Cap Town Hotel .

Phu Quoc Travel Guide

Phu Quoc surprised me with its lovely vibe and laid-back beaches. After years of avoiding the party vibe on the busiest of the Thai islands, I had feared that Phu Quoc would follow a similar fate.

Well, it’s not there yet. I tacked this trip on the end of my three months and I flew round trip from Hanoi for less than $100—Vietnam’s budget airlines have amazing deals. So, with flights secured I enjoyed a full week down south, with my last days coinciding with Tet holidays.

I had anticipated either the place would be packed, or everything closed. In reality, most of the island is open during Tet, but the restaurants tack on a surcharge to every meal. You’ll find quiet beaches during the day, and a bit of a party at night, if you want it.

The night market underwhelmed me, but it’s there if you want seafood and souvenirs one night. Otherwise, head to a resort or bungalow for beach time. The island has a lot of investment income—new airport, new roads, new resorts, etc.

So it’s developed, but in the anticipation of large-scale tourism, which it’s not there yet. It’s a beautiful island and I recommend at least a few days here, especially if you are at the end of your travels and need to detox a bit.

Enjoy pristine sands at Sao Beach.

Located a 30-minute motorbike ride from Long Beach, this is the most gorgeous white sand beach you can imagine. It’s very lightly developed, so pack snacks, sunscreen, and a good book.

While there are many chair and towel rentals just near the parking lot, walk further down the beach for shady palms and open sands. To get there, I rented a motorbike from my accommodation and drove out there for the day with a travel friend.

Sleep somewhere budget but nice.

Stay at Kim Lien Phu Quoc Guesthouse for private budget accommodation. This guesthouse offers a convenient location and basic but clean accommodation.

Although the bungalows are not beachside, you are incredibly close. It’s a one minute walk through Rory’s Beach Bar to reach the sand and sun. The family is exceedingly lovely too, and I enjoyed my time there.

Splash out some cash for a great sleep.

Splurge for luxury at La Veranda Resort . While I didn’t stay here, I chatted with a Canadian couple several mornings in a row who use this resort as their go-to vacation spot in Vietnam. The husband works for Vietnam Airlines and they escape here on long weekends.

Sip drinks at Rory’s Beach Bar .

This spot is pricey by Vietnamese standards and it’s straight-up Western, which is sometimes welcome. The Aussie owners serve the best cappuccino on the island and offer creative Western dishes if you are jonesing for a change of flavors. It’s also the central backpacker hangout spot on Long Beach, so head here if you want drinks and a bit of a party vibe in the evening.

Eat at September Vegetarian.

September Vegetarian (141 Trần Hưng Đạo) offers creative vegetarian fare and tasty smoothies. The restaurant is right on the main street, so the location is unfortunate, but the staff is friendly and the food is great.

Enjoy beach-side barbecue.

Around sunset, all the beachside restaurants on Long Beach set up barbecue stations and display fresh, iced fish and seafood. While expensive, my traveling friends said their meals were spectacular. Walk along the beach at sunset and you can peruse the selections and find ones that hit your price points and food preferences.

Things to Do in Hoi An

My custom Google Map shares a full list of cafes and vegetarian friendly spots and you can easily save this map and see it overlaid on your own Maps app while you’re in town.

I was in Hoi An for several weeks, so I visited many places. For that reason, the cafes and restaurants are just my favorite spots that I found myself returning to time and again.

Visit the historic sights in Old Town.

You’ll buy a pass at one of the entrances to Old Town. This pass includes entrance tickets to any five of the 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each time you enter one, you’ll need to hand over your pass and they will snip one ticket.

Admire the Japanese Bridge.

The Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu) is obviously gorgeous and worth visiting and photographing, but the shrine inside is quite small and I don’t recommend that you hand over a ticket to visit—you can walk across the bridge with just your tourist pass, no ticket required. No matter how hard they try to snip your pass, don’t let them unless you’re keen to see the shrine. 

Photos from the bridge are lovely, although you will likely want to circle around to the small footbridge that gives you reflective views of the Japanese bridge in the water. Visit both day and night as it looks entirely different and they do a great job illuminating the structure.

Take in the vibes as you photograph Old Town.

Hoi An is seriously pretty. It’s also seriously touristy. More so than any other spot in Vietnam, you will find yourself navigating waves of Chinese and international tourists.

The crowds thicken throughout the day, so your best bet for gorgeous photographs is to roll out of bed early and stroll through town at sunrise. That’s when the sunshine-yellow houses look most atmospheric and you’ll be one of the few tourists up that early as the locals rush through breakfast and preparations for the day ahead.

This is a great blog post outlining timing and how to get gorgeous photographs in and around Hoi An . I was crushed that I couldn’t take  this photo tour , but the photographer was away leading a tour in Burma, so I’ll have to do it next time.

Visit all of the main sights at night, too!

Lanterns light the streets of Hoi An and it just couldn’t be more picturesque. If you enjoyed the city during the day, it’s time to take a look at your favorite parts at night, too.

Wander the central market.

You’ll find a labyrinth of food stalls inside of the central market, and numerous fruit and vegetable sellers lining the streets around the market. This is a good spot for lunch (there is one veg-friendly restaurant in the northeast corner inside), and also just interesting to see and experience the bustle of locals going about their daily business.

Sip tea and support a social enterprise.

Stop by the Reaching Out Teahouse (131 Trần Phú). Visiting this teahouse was a highlight of my time in Hoi An. It’s a quiet sanctuary away right in the center of Old Town. While the streets can be crushingly busy, the teahouse is run as a social enterprise employing deaf people from the local community.

The staff communicate through gestures, small word blocks, and notes. It’s thoroughly lovely and I recommend the tea or coffee tasting and sampling all the handmade sweets. Read my full profile on this delightful social enterprise.

Visit the temples and historic halls.

There are several main temples that travelers should explore to soak in Vietnam’s cultural heritage. One key significant site is the Quan Cong Temple, dedicated to General Quan Cong, adorned with exquisite carvings and remarkable craftsmanship.

Additionally, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, and Quan Thang Ancient House are must-visit destinations, each showcasing distinctive architectural features and offering insights into the town’s history and multicultural influences.

The map above shows the five places I think you should visit in Hoi An if you buy just one tourist pass while in town. These include the three ancient houses of: Tan Ky, Duc An, and Quan Thang. Also visit The Museum of Trade Ceramics, and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall—the most impressive of the ones in Hoi An.

The Museum is low-key and the most interchangeable of the recommendations, so consider visiting a second assembly hall if you’re not keen on reading about the history of trading and how that built Hoi An.

Bike the rice paddies (and stop for coffee and treats!).

Many guesthouses provide free bicycles for your use, or you can easily rent one in town. While you can use the bike to navigate around town, you should also head out on the road toward the beach and get lost in the rice paddies.

It’s nigh impossible to actually get lost, so you should instead wander through narrow lanes and dig deep into this rural slice of life right outside of touristy Hoi An.

You could also stop by  Jack’s Cat Cafe for a coffee and cat cuddles—this social enterprise supports strays.

Visit the beach.

Near the beaches, try P&B Restaurant for food (corner of Nguyễn Phan Vinh and Hai Ba Trung) and Sound of Silence for a coffee—it’s has a great indie vibe.

Enjoy delicious vegetarian eats.

Eat something great at Minh Hien Vegetarian Restaurant (50 Trần Cao Vân). This is the best all-around vegetarian restaurant in town. They have an extensive menu with a range of options. This is a good spot to try vegetarian versions of local Hoi An specialties. They also have an informal cooking class every afternoon.

Other great vegetarian eats include:

• STREETS Restaurant Café   was one of my favorite nice dining experiences in the city. This social enterprise is right in Hoi An’s old city and has a hospitality and culinary training program for disadvantaged young people in the community. The restaurant not only provides opportunity to youth but also funding to the work of STREETS INTERNATIONAL, an organization that develops and operates sustainable programs for street kids and disadvantaged youth in SE Asia and throughout the world. I LOVED their vegetarian cao lau (this is a dish local to Hoi An) and you should try it here (they have a non-veg version too).
• Bánh mì Phượng . (2B Phan Châu Trinh). The most famous place in Hoi An for the iconic Vietnamese sandwich. The egg one is vegetarian option, but make sure to also reiterate that you want it vegetarian so that they don’t use pâté or any other meat ingredients. Meat-eating friends said it truly was the best banh mi of their entire trip through Vietnam.
• Sample other restaurants. Morning Glory has beautiful dishes of Vietnamese food and several tasty vegetarian options—it’s midrange prices but a great spot for meat-eaters to try the local Hoi An dishes. I deeply enjoyed the pizza at Good Morning Vietnam (near Morning Glory, the general Google Maps location is wrong; my map pinpoints it accurately). My custom Google Map shows all my other favorite spots. Or my friends Simon and Erin have shared a great guide to vegetarian restaurants in Hoi An , which provides a few recommendations that I did not include here.

Sample the best coffees in Hoi An—there are a lot!

• The Hill Station Deli & Cafe . (321 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu). A stunningly pretty spot, make sure you go upstairs. This is the most hipster spot in town and a surprisingly quiet setting to sit with a laptop or a book. If you’re into Instagramming against textured walls, you’ll be here doing that for hours. The menu offers artisanal cheeses and high-end charcuterie, as well as a mix of neat jams and other items from various provinces in Vietnam. The coffee is well-priced and equivalent to any place in town. The meals are a bit more dear, with most things starting at 100,000+ dong per dish. I spent Sunday mornings as the only person writing in the picture-perfect room upstairs.
• Faifo Coffee . This spot has excellent coffee and gorgeous upper floors with views of Old Town. Very chill place to sip coffee and relax.

Sleep somewhere nice.

• Midrange : Longan Homestay is my absolute top recommendation for budget to mid-range travelers. This spot is a four-minute walk to the Japanese Bridge entrance to Old Town, and an easy 15 minute walk to the backpacker street. It’s on a quiet side street, so you will get a good night’s sleep. Plus, it’s nice to be away from the action, but still so close. The family is so lovely and I spent two weeks here so that I could catch up on work while still exploring from a convenient base.
• Budget : Backpacker accommodation is condensed into one area, and it’s a bit intense if you’re spending anything more than a few days in town. Stay at  Tipi Hostel for the a classic uber-budget backpacker option where you’ll meet new people and it won’t break the bank.
• Stay near the beach : To stay near the water, head to An Bang Vana Villas  for budget accommodation, and Under the Coconut Tree for mid-range prices in a quirky setting. 

Hue Travel Guide

Central Vietnam experienced historic flooding and rains during my visit, and this impacted my time in both Hoi An and Hue. For that reason, I don’t have a heap of information on what to do. I spent three days in Hue, and it rained buckets each day. I stayed close to town, wore sandals, used an umbrella and poncho, and explore anyhow.

Plus, I loved my guesthouse so much that I have to include it here. So if you are visiting Hue, you will need to use other guides too, but here are the things I loved from my friend time there.

• Stay at Hong Thien Ruby Hotel . One of the nicest places I stayed. The entire hotel is recently renovated. Although rooms are small, beds are cozy and all is spotless. It’s a great price too. Plus, the free breakfast is speedy and unlimited, and they always had welcome drinks and fruit plates when I returned from sightseeing. Can’t recommend it highly enough that you stay here while in Hue.
• Eat at Red Chili . There are many thoroughly tasty vegetarian items on the menu—good variety and well-flavored tofu dishes. The staff is friendly and didn’t mind when I camped out with a book and a hot tea one afternoon to beat the rain. It’s conveniently in the budget touristy area of town and makes for a great dinner or lunch.
• Eat at Lien Hoa Vegetarian Restaurant . This place is large and very popular with locals. The food was hit or miss for me as it’s heavy on the dishes made with textured fake meats. That said, the menu is extensive and it’s likely that there are many fantastic dishes (but the menu is not in English, so bring your cheat sheet of Vietnamese phrases and foods).
• Visit the Kinh thành Huế Royal Palace . The expansive Imperial City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has large grounds and beautiful elements. Built in 1362, construction took 203 years to complete. This was the seat of religious and political power during the last royal dynasty in Vietnam, and visiting the Hue Complex is the primary reason many travelers pass through Hue.
• Venture out to Thien Mu Pagoda . Located on the river outside of town, this is a part of the UNESCO sites in Hue. Either arrange for transportation and a guide with your guesthouse, or you could easily bicycle out to this spot. This pagoda is included in the day tours outside of town.
• Consider using  Hearts for Hue tour operators . Its main purpose is to improve the living conditions of the boat people in Thua Thien Hue Province, just outside Hue. It runs tours to local community projects as a way to generate income for its programs.

Hanoi Travel Guide

Densely packed and filled with history, visiting Old Town Hanoi is an experience unlike any other city in Vietnam. While some areas of Vietnam ooze charm (here’s looking at you, Hoi An), and in some the pace of life moves at a glacier pace (hello, Mekong Delta), Hanoi has a vibe entirely its own. The jumble of people, sights, smells makes every moment in the city feel alive.

I spent more than five weeks in Hanoi house sitting over the holiday season. The expats returned home for the holidays, and I had a gorgeous flat overlooking the lake in Tay Ho—the residential and quieter part of the city.

I spent one week of that time in a wonderful hotel in Old Town that comes with my utmost recommendation. While there are many guides to the city far more comprehensive than my own, here’s a brief list of my favorite places and sights.

Use your smartphone to zip around the city.

I used Uber almost exclusively in the city, although I used the public bus once or twice from the airport (so handy!), and used private VIP coaches between cities around Hanoi for my day trips.

This map has the Hanoi bus routes if you’re feeling enthused to sort it all out. If you don’t use Uber or Grab, you should only use one of three trusted taxi groups Mai Linh Taxi (0438-222-666), Taxi CP (0438-262-626), or Hanoi Taxi (0438-535-353).

Take a Hanoi Kids tour of Old Town.

Hanoi Kids is a social enterprise that offers free personalized city tours run by students who want to practice their English and learn of other cultures. Any donations go to the organization, not the guides, which keeps the entire exchange as this sweet experience of pure cultural exchange.

You can ask your guide to show you any aspect of the city—food, architecture, history, markets—and you will pay for their entrance fees into the sites, and any transportation, but nothing else.

I went on the tour after an ALA reader raved about her experience, and I echo her sentiments—it’s a fabulous way to see the city and you will end the day with a new friend. Highly recommend.

Visit the Temple of Literature.

This Confucian temple is gorgeous and a real highlight of the various temples in Hanoi. It was the first national university in Vietnam and it’s well-preserved and lovely to stroll the shady grounds on a nice day.

Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and visit the temple.

Old Town circles this lake, so it’s easy to visit. Walk around the lake on a weekend morning and you will see many locals using the parks for exercise and enjoyment.

Relax at Omamori Spa.

Omamori Spa is a social enterprise that employs the blind, and the massages are spectacular. The only downside is that it’s far outside of Old Town, so you will need to use Grab or Uber for transportation. Call or email ahead for a reservation as it’s a small spot.

Organize a tour to Sapa with Sapa O’Chau social enterprise. 

Sapa O’Chau is phenomenal social enterprise offering tours to Sapa with local guides and a lot of input from the indigenous groups you would visit. Includes treks, homestays, and most anything you’re interested in doing in Sapa.

Learn how to make your favorite Vietnamese dishes.

You’ve surely been mowing down on delicious Vietnamese food throughout your travels in the country, but you should consider learning the secret to all of those amazing flavors. Book a morning or afternoon cooking class with Rose Kitchen Hanoi to visit a local market for ingredients before having the chance to whip up your favorite Vietnamese dishes.

Try egg coffee!

You can’t leave Hanoi without sampling egg coffee, which is unlike anything you’ve likely tried before. Originating during the war, when milk was in scarce supply, the frothy, sweet egg coffee drink is delightful.

Although you will find many shops offering it, Giảng Cafe (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân) is the best place to sample for the first time. Read more on the history of egg coffee , and this shop.

Pull up a tiny stool alongside locals for a delicious street food desert.

Mow down on chè, a local desert. On your evening wanders, stop by  Chè 4 mùa (4 Hàng Cân), pull up a tiny stool among the locals, and point to whatever looks tasty. Although no one spoke English, the proprietress brought me the dish of the night, a sugary-sweet concoction with sesame and ginger.

Drink lots of Vietnamese coffee.

Vietnamese, in general, loves coffee, and Hanoians are no different. There are dozens and dozens of great coffee shops in Old Town Hanoi. Use the map to find my favorites when you’re out and about.

Eat something tasty.

If you’re on a gastronomic trip through Vietnam, then you should start your Hanoi travels by reading Eating Viet Nam , a chronicle of a journalist’s quest to eat the streets of Hanoi. Then try some of these wonderful restaurants in the city.

• KOTO Training Restaurant . (59 Van Mieu). This hospitality training restaurant aims to give at-risk and disadvantaged youth the possibility to learn and thrive in their lives. Located conveniently near the Temple of Literature, which you should visit, the food is priced mid-range and has many great Vietnamese dishes. It’s a social enterprise and mission worth supporting.
• Eat at the Hanoi Social Club .  (6 Ngõ Hội Vũ ) . Delicious western food and has several great vegetarian options. It’s all very healthy and the vibe is cozy and nice, although very Western. There is live music certain nights during the week, so check the Facebook for details. Although not a formal social enterprise, the restaurant aims to hire those who have just finished the hospitality training programs.
• Sample favorite student street eats . This street food guide  lists the most iconic dishes, and where the university students running Hanoi Kids go to find them.

Sleep somewhere central.

• Midrange : Mai Charming Hotel  is my favorite spot in Hanoi .  After several failed attempts at a good hotel, I found this budget to mid-range option, and then extended my stay since I so enjoyed my time here. Located near the cathedral, the staff go out of their way to make your stay amazing. Every single staff member learned my name and greeted me warmly, and provided great advice for onward travel. It’s central, cozy, and the free breakfast is filling. Rooms are newly renovated and bathrooms are modern—the most budget rooms are very small, but completely worked for one person. While there are certainly budget hostels, and pricier hotels, this place offers great value for money.
• Budget : Head to Hanoi Lotus Hostel for a nice budget travel spot. I booked a spot here after some long weeks of travel, when I was returning to the city and wanted to meet other travelers. There are many mega party hostels in Hanoi, and this seemed like a good alternative. A glitch in their system meant my booking didn’t go through (cue me scrambling for a place to sleep), but I did check out the place and would easily try again if I needed a hostel option in the city (they have a private room).

Mekong Delta Travel Guide

Many backpackers head to the Delta on a one- or two-day arranged tour from Saigon. This is a mistake. If you have a few days (or a week), head to the region as an independent traveler.

For me, I took the one-day tour to My Tho from Saigon and I brought my luggage with me and then journeyed on to Ben Tre instead of returning to Saigon with the tour bus. This is convenient if you want an easy ride out of town, but the tour is awful. It’s one of the worst packaged tourist experiences in my many years on the road.

Consider just heading straight to Ben Tre, or better yet, catch a bus to Can Tho, where I had a phenomenal tour organized from my guesthouse (more on that in second).

I took a mototaxi to Ben Tre from My Tho, and I spent two nights in Ben Tre, using my full day to take a long and scenic bike ride around the nearby islands. The next morning, I took a scenic cargo boat for six hours to Tra Vinh, a quaint and quiet city with a lively day market and a few interesting Khmer temples.

From Tra Vinh, I took a cheap and fast bus ride to Vinh Long, just 1.5 hours. Near Vinh long is the Cai Be market; it’s a larger market with the bigger boats selling bulk vegetables to vendors in the area. My tour left at 6am and returned by noon, so I took an afternoon bus to Can Tho, which was less than an hour away.

In Can Tho, I took a deep breath for the final push of early morning wake ups and river tours. I had the option of visiting the larger Cai Rang floating market and Phong Dien, or doing an alternative tour to Phong Dien and then a backwaters tour of the villages. I am so glad I did the second option as it was fascinating and exactly what I had hoped for in a tour of the Mekong Delta. From Can Tho, I took a cheap VietJet flight to Da Nang.

• Stay at the  Oasis Hotel , this is the best accommodation option in town. It’s run by a Kiwi-Vietnamese couple, and the owner Ken is a character. It’s spotless, breakfast is tasty, and it has many cozy touches and a Western-style bed. Ken is a fountain of advice for onward travel too, especially if you are looking to explore the area off the path a bit.
• Relax with a drink . If you’re staying at Oasis, Coffee 3D is very close and is a great spot for an afternoon coffee or a sweet smoothie after dinner. It has wifi and a very relaxed vibe of teens and young couples hanging out.
• Bike through the countryside . Oasis provides free bicycles to guests and this makes navigating Ben Tre a cinch. Using the giant map painted on the guesthouse wall, I followed a route through the tiny paths and used tiny ferries to bike across two nearby islands. It was about an 18 kilometre ride that took about four hours with many stops for photos and coconuts to refuel—it was lovely.
• Visit the night market . Along the riverbank each evening you can find the usual street foods and wares for sale. It’s a pleasant, low-key town and the market reflects that.

• Visit the morning market . This morning market is my favorite in all of the Mekong towns. Tra Vinh sees few tourists and so the locals have a fresh and delightful joy in seeing you wander around. Many vendors beckoned me to their stalls and then asked to take their photo, or they asked me to photograph their son/cousin/reluctant brother, etc. It was a lovely way to spend the morning before my bus ride.
• Sleep somewhere central . Khách Sạn Thanh Trà is serviceable and central but completely underwhelming; this is where I stayed. They have several tiny rooms at backpacker to mid-range prices and will never be fully booked. If I go back, I will try Gia Hoa 2 , which looks just generally a bit nicer. Or consider staying in the rural areas at a nicer location, like the Coco Riverside Lodge , which looks a bit swanky and lovely.
• Stop at the Chùa Mạc Dồn pagoda . This is located very near to the bus station (which is on the outskirts a ways out of town) so it’s easiest to pay for your mototaxi/taxi to stop for a few minutes here before dropping you off at the bus station.
• Cai Be Floating Market . I organized the tour from my guesthouse and it had overtones of the My Tho tour, but nicer. The tour stopped at a coconut candy factory and honey farm, but it there was no pressure to buy and far fewer tourists. If you’re into the idea of visiting these shops and seeing how they make it, opt for a tour from Vinh Long. Alternatively, if you’re just interested in seeing the Cai Be floating market then you can bargain at the dock and arrange a morning tour with a guide who will motor you out to the market in a tiny boat, show you around, and then motor you back—I would do this option if I ever return.
• Van Tram Guesthouse is very near to everything and was perhaps the nicest value of all my time in Vietnam. The rooms are large and spotless. The only downside is the karaoke across the street until 10pm-ish. I had planned to stay at Hotel Ánh Hồng, but it was fully booked and I was good with Van Tram as my alternative since it turned out the most central budget option. Also, most tourists stayed on the island in a homestay. Having just come from very rural areas, I opted to stay in a guesthouse, otherwise, I had picked out the Bay Trung Homestay .
• Eat veggie food or at the local market . The owner of Van Tram Guesthouse did me a solid by scooting me across town to a hole-in-the-wall vegetarian restaurant. It’s linked on my custom backpacking Vietnam map . The market is just outside the hotel’s front door and makes a great dinner spot for non-vegetarians. If you’re wandering near the market at sunset, check the map and walk across the small bridge—great views and a long board walk on the other side makes for a wonderful stroll.
• Sip drinks riverside at Cafe Hoa Nắng . While I would not eat here, I did enjoy a coffee mid-afternoon and a cold been in the evenings. This is more than just a tourist spot, it’s favored with locals and makes for great people-watching.

Can Tho has an airport easily accessible from the city center. Viet Jet flies from Can Tho to various other cities around Vietnam (I flew to Hoi An/ Da Nang, and many travelers also fly to Phu Quoc or Hanoi). This was my last stop in the Mekong Delta before I jumped half-way up Vietnam to Hoi An.

The city is very plain; it’s primarily a stop-over point for travelers exploring the floating markets, or those en route to Cambodia. I actually traveled north, and then headed back down to spend a week lounging on the beaches in Phu Quoc—I highly recommended heading there after Can Tho so that you don’t have to back track.

• Visit Cai Rang and Phong Dien morning markets . Plan on a very early morning as the Cai Rang market begins as early as 5am. Many tours leave Can Tho around 5:30am so that you arrive while there is still a lot of activity. If you stay at a homestay then you will cut about an hour off of your morning commute to the market. These markets showcase a fading way of life. As bridges span more of the rivers, these floating markets are shrinking. It’s a lovely way to spend a morning.
• Stay at the  Mekong Logis Guesthouse  in Can Tho . I highly recommend this guesthouse; it’s among my favorite places that I stayed in Vietnam. The family is fantastic and so accommodating and the rooms are spotless and comfortable. The family goes out of their way to ensure you have all the knowledge and help that you need to enjoy Can Tho. I took Linh’s special tour. We rode motorbikes outside of town and then visited the smaller of the two markets by boat. After a tasty breakfast, we toured the smaller rivers and visited a few homes in the rural areas. She shares a lot about the culture and people as she shows you the region. The family speak French and English. Because I had already seen the market near Vinh Long, I appreciated that this tour included a few other aspects.
• Stay at the Nguyen Shack Homestay  outside of town . I had definitely planned to stay here as my favored homestay in the Delta, but this place books up far in advance. It’s a lovely location and my best friend loved her time there so much that she wrote about the love story of the couple who run it . It’s outside of Can Tho proper and closer to the floating markets. You can arrange tours directly through them, too. And the market tours are generally cheaper from Nguyen Shack because you’ve already paid to travel outside of town.

Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island

This is a signature item on the bucket list for travelers in Vietnam. It’s a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and worthy of a visit, truly. Before I visited, I had heard awful stories from travelers who had been scammed or disappointed by the experience of visiting Ha Long Bay.

The area is well trodden on the tourist path and, as such, there are a range of experiences on offer, and some are cringe-worthy. The moment that you step foot in the north of Vietnam, you will have no shortage of companies promising to arrange your Ha Long Bay excursion.

For my trip, I got myself to Cat Ba Island and only then entertained the various organizations trying to woo my business. I found a highly-acclaimed, locally-owned tour company and used them for a one-day trip around Lan Ha and Ha Long Bays. It was beautiful and I loved the experience. One of the sections below shares information for those also visiting via Cat Ba Island.

What Are Your Options?

• Book a Round-Trip Experience from Hanoi . If you are short on time, this is likely your best option. The companies will arrange for your transfer from Hanoi to the coast (about 4-5 hours all-in from Hanoi to the bay area). They will then put you on a boat for a one- to three-day liveaboard experience where you cruise around the karst rocks. The quality of your live-aboard varies wildly depending on your budget and your tour company. After your cruise, your tour deposits you back on a shuttle and brings you back to Hanoi.
• Stay on Cat Ba Island & Explore From There . Use the shuttle transfers to make the trip between Hanoi and Cat Ba Island (by way of Haiphong, since you’ll need to take a ferry to the island). From there, rent a room at the very affordable hotel rooms (private budget rooms are less than $10). Then organize either a day trip, or a multi-day experience. You will also have the chance to visit the beautiful national park on the island. From there, organize a shuttle back to Hanoi, onward to Sapa, or to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc.
• Visit a Different, Less Touristed Bay . Ha Long Bay has very likely reached peak tourism capacity. The UNESCO area extends across the entire Ha Long Bay Archipelago and to many other bays that are equally beautiful. When on Cat Ba Island, you are adjacent to Lan Ha Bay, which you can easily visit on a Cat Ba cruise. But there is one other main option that is just emerging on the tourism scene. Several travelers that I met in early 2017 had beautiful experiences on Bai Tu Long Bay. The boats running here are a bit pricier, but they are better maintained and it’s a far more remote and tranquil experience.

How to Choose a Tour Company

My hands-down best advice: Wait before booking. Do NOT allow any hotel or tour operator to pressure you into booking a trip before you have sat down with several companies and then researched them all on Trip Advisor.

The most common “scam”—which I use the word lightly because it’s not a full scam, it’s a case of unmet expectations—is to book you on a low-quality boat and take you on an underwhelming but well-trodden path. Some of the boats are dirty, dingy, and infested with rats or roaches.

When you book through a budget hotel or operator, there is no telling which company is actually running your tour.

Find a reputable company. Truly take your time deciding which company you use to book the multi-day cruises. I painstakingly researched before selecting Cat Ba Ventures , a locally run business of repute and was well pleased with the quality of my tour. Here are a few things to consider before booking.

• Quality of the boat . Many of the boats operating in Ha Long Bay are very old; some of the rock-bottom priced budget options are patently unsafe. There are high-end luxury boats, but you would likely have a good trip on a mid-range choice too, it’s not necessary to go luxury to have a good trip, it’s just necessary to know the quality of your boat. The less touristed bays tend to use newer boats from what the locals told me when I chatted them up on Cat Ba Island.
• Sights Visited . If you take a budget backpacker tour you can be 100% sure that you will share the bay each evening with hundreds of other boats, and your boat may tend toward the closer caves and inlets that don’t require much fuel for the boat to visit. If you do just one night, you really lack the time to visit anything in the remote areas of the bay. When you start from a different bay, or the island, you are able to see less touristed areas since you are starting far from the most popular tourist city, Ha Long City.
• Reputation . There are  hundreds of tour operators booking trips. They dot every single corner of the northern cities. Use Trip Advisor to find one that you trust. Read the hotel reviews too for any associated properties as many guests book through the hotels and then include the review of the boat trip in their general review of that hotel. Hotels make a hefty sum from your tour package so they have an incentive to charge more and book you on the most budget option they can find. This happens a lot. Research.
• Price . The adage “you get what you pay for” proves true here. You don’t have to blow money to enjoy the trip, but I would highly recommend considering Cat Ba Island as a base for budget backpackers instead of the packaged trips to Ha Long Bay. You will pay about the same, so it’s still budget, but it’s just alternative enough to provide a better experience for the same price.

Cat Ba Island Travel Guide

• Get to Cat Ba Island with a shuttle service . Your hotel in Old Town can organize transport, or you can book it through either Good Morning Cat Ba (what I used to get there) or email  Cat Ba Ventures to organize (that’s who I used to book onward trip to Tam Coc).
• Use Cat Ba Ventures for your boat excursion . This company has, by far, the best reputation on the island for a strong standard of service. The tours are priced mid-range, and the vibe on the boats is very nice since everyone paid a bit more to enjoy their trip. I took their one-day trip with kayaking.  Cat Ba Local  is much newer to the scene, but as of early 2017, feedback from other travelers indicated it was a more affordable alternative for budget travelers looking for something a small step down from Cat Ba Ventures but still well-run.
• Go rock climbing with Asia Outdoors . This is the only organization you should use if you are keen to organize rock climbing; it has a highly trained staff and was the original company pioneering the rock climbing scene in the region.

Day & Weekend Trips Around Northern Vietnam

The north of Vietnam is a gorgeous region of the country and has many of Vietnam’s most notable backpacker experiences. If you’re heading south, there are also gorgeous spots worth an overnight stay at the very least.

Tam Coc/Ninh Binh

• Stay at Nam Hoa Hotel  in Tam Coc . I love this hotel so much. The staff is lovely beyond measure. The rooms are small but spotless and freshly renovated. It’s mid-range if you’re solo, but budget if you’re a couple and able to split a room. Breakfast included and an easy walk to town. Bike rental is free and the bikes are in great condition. Highly recommend that you use this as your base, I will stay here again.
• Homestay at Nguyen Shack . Although I loved Nam Hoa Hotel, I would be remiss to not recommend Nguyen Shack as a gorgeous homestay option. This tiny Vietnamese chain of bungalows is thoroughly lovely. If you’re after a home-stay experience then it will get no better than here. Book in advance as it is often fully booked.
• Eat at Sunflower Restaurant . Vegetarian options and is a low-key, locally run restaurant serving good food. There aren’t a ton of eating options in town, so this is a good lunch or dinner choice.
• Visit Hang Mua Cave by bike . The bike ride here is flat and easy, or you could ask the taxi to Tran An to stop here as well. However, you get there, hike to the top here for sweeping views over the river. My friend Jimmy visited, and his Tam Coc photos show just how beautiful it is at the top if the weather is on your side (it wasn’t the day I visited).
• Bike to Bich Dong Pagoda . This is a pretty spot and an easy ride from town. Although it’s not a “must visit,” if you have an extra afternoon in town, it’s worth visiting.
• Take a boat tour from Tràng An . If you’re staying in Tam Coc, rent a taxi for a couple of hours and take the boat tour from Trang An, rather than those offered in Tam Coc. The tours are run with precision since this is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the scenery is stunning.

Onward Travel

Having spent years backpacking Southeast Asia across many trips, plan your time in the following locations.

Thailand » Chiang Mai | Digital Nomad Costs | Elephant Tourism | Loy Krathong | Songkran | Bo Sang | Transportation, Explained | Fun Facts

Vietnam » Hoi An | Eating Vegetarian

Laos » Luang Prabang | Gibbon Experience | Mekong River | Kuang Si Waterfalls | Pak Ou Caves | Vang Vieng

Cambodia » Angkor Wat | Apsara Dancing

Myanmar » Bagan | Inle Lake | Yangon | Hpa-An | Eating Vegetarian | Spirituality | Burmese Hospitality

How to Plan Your Time in Southeast Asia

📍 Navigate more effectively. Bookaway  is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—it shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on  RentalCars.com .

🛏️  Find great accommodation . Agoda has the widest and most affordable selection in Southeast Asia. It’s part of the Booking.com family, but has better reviews for SEA. You can book hotels, hostels, and even vacation rentals.

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global  is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids.  Here’s why .

Book Tours Ahead of Time I use Get Your Guide to book locally run tours since I can assess the options, read reviews, and lock in a date.

✈️  Book affordable flights. Expedia and Skyscanner are the first places I look for  low-cost flights .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for traveling , gear to keep you safe in Southeast Asia, my favorite travel books , and more.

📖 Read up on any off-the-path activities. Travelfish is among my go-to resources for anything in Southeast Asia. It’s updated far more often than print guidebooks and has extensive local insight and a fairly active forum, too. If you head off-the-path, this should be the first place you check for tips, transport advice, etc.

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Vietnam Travel Guide: Travel Stories from the Blog

Discover all of my travel stories blogged in real-time while I was traveling through this beautiful country.

A Little Delight… Stories of Responsible Travel in Hoi An, Vietnam

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Live fully in Vietnam

Vietnam opens its door widely to welcome visitors all around the world! Starting from 15th August 2023, Vietnam extends e-visa validity to 90 days and unilateral visa exemption will be valid in 45 days! We are more than happy to welcome you all here and admire our stunning landscapes, free your soul on white sandy beaches, experience our unique and beautiful culture and meet the people in the most friendly country. Particularly, to indulge in our scrumptious cuisine at Michelin rated restaurants or to join us in outstanding mega culture, music, sports and tourism events! Let’s live to the fullest in Vietnam!

The Ha Giang Loop

Food & Drinks

Discover one MICHELIN Star restaurants in Vietnam

Nén Danang: Vietnam’s First Restaurant to Earn the MICHELIN Green Star

MICHELIN Guide Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang: An official unveil

City Breaks

Can Tho: A glimpse of river and garden

Virtual travel to Trang An Landscape Complex

Go green in Co To

10 Tourist spots not to be missed in Ho Chi Minh City

Ru Cha Mangrove Forest: A sleeping beauty of Hue

Lost in green wonderland in Tra Su Cajuput Forest

The infinity waters of Quang Lang Beach

Halong Bay - Cat Ba inter-provincial World Heritage Site: Trending destination in Vietnam

Nha Trang Best Beaches for a Sustainable Vacation

Explore the food of Hoi An

Comfort Meets Culture at Hanoi's Luxury Hotels

Check out upcoming events in Vietnam

must-see sites

Take a 360-degree tour of some of the country's most compelling natural wonders and cultural attractions right here.

travel tips

Prepare for your trip with these practical articles

Vietnam through the lens of international news

Find out the reasons why Vietnam is worth to visit

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable….

- TasteAtlas

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Booking.com

Spring has finally arrived, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to venture out and explore the world.

- Booking.com

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Visiting the South-East Asian country reminds Thompson Travel’s Sharon Thompson of the wonders of travel…

- Travel Weekly

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To get you started on your next fairy tale adventure, we’ve rounded up 50 of the most beautiful small towns in the world.

- Conde Nast Traveler

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Voyagez avec le sourire !

Circuits au Vietnam

22 circuits au vietnam.

Circuit Saveurs vietnamiennes

• Vols et transferts inclus
• Repas selon programme

Circuit Vietnam Multicolore

• Pension complète

Circuit Puzzle vietnamien

Circuit Saveurs vietnamiennes + Extension balnéaire à Mui Ne

Circuit Vietnam, Annam et plage

Circuit Histoires et paysages

Circuit Saveurs vietnamiennes + Extension aux temples d'Angkor

Circuit privé Au pays du dragon

Circuit De la baie d'Halong aux temples d'Angkor

Circuit Mosaïque de cultures

Circuit La Transvietnamienne

Circuit Puzzle vietnamien + Extension aux Temples d'Angkor

Forte demande !

Circuit La route mandarine

Circuit Histoires et paysages + Extension aux temples d'Angkor

Circuit privé Balade vietnamienne - Option 3 étoiles

Circuit privé Au pays du dragon + Extension aux temples d'Angkor

Circuit Du Nord Vietnam jusqu'à Shangri-La au Yunnan chinois

Circuit Pauses vietnamiennes

Circuit privé Balade vietnamienne - Option 4 étoiles

Circuit L'Indochine mythique

Circuit au Vietnam

Offrez-vous un véritable dépaysement grâce à un circuit Vietnam avec TUI. Nous vous offrons de nombreuses possibilités pour vivre un circuit exceptionnel au Vietnam et revenir avec des souvenirs inoubliables. Consultez nos circuits au Vietnam et découvrez le mythique et fascinant site de la baie d'Along, le delta du Mékong avec ses sublimes rizières en escalier, Hanoi qui a su rester parfaitement authentique, le site archéologique My Son et ses étonnants vestiges, ou encore Hue et ses fastueux tombeaux royaux. Découvrez l'authenticité et la beauté du Vietnam grâce aux circuits TUI.

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Chargement en cours

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

Click Here for City Guides

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

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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.

WELCOME TO OUR VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Vietnam is an amazing holiday destination due to its stunning natural landscapes, ranging from the terraced fields of mountainous Sa Pa to the beautiful beaches of Da Nang and Phu Quoc. The country’s rich history and culture, evidenced by its ancient temples and bustling street markets, offer travelers endless exploration and a diverse terrain suitable for any season.

Things to See and Do in Vietnam

”Hanoi is a beautiful junction of old and new”

“Old Quarter Hanoi is bustling with bars and restaurants”

What to know.

Resorts: Luxury resorts are plentiful across the country and offer genuine hospitality, beautiful facilities and a large focus on wellness and spa. Resorts are typically found in the beach areas, like Da Nang and Phu Quoc and offer travelers a luxurious retreat from the major cities.

Hotels: There are thousands of hotels around Vietnam primarily in the major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Da Nang also offers a variety of high rise hotels at very low prices.

Self-catering apartments and villas: If you prefer to have more independence and privacy, there are many self-catering apartments in Vietnam via Airbnb and VRBO. Do note any restrictions such as limited towels or paid wifi before booking.

Transportation in Vietnam is incredible easy and fairly affordable. The easiest way to get between major tourist areas is via domestic flight. We booked most of our travel on Vietnam Airlines as most tickets were between 50-100 USD.

Trains are also available depending on the area. Be sure to try the overnight train from Hanoi to Sa Pa.

Private cars and shuttles are also plentiful. Private transfers from cities like Hanoi to Ninh Binh are available for reasonable prices and are more comfortable than buses.

Vietnamese cuisine is a unique culinary experience that reflects the country’s rich history, diverse geography, and vibrant culture. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, Vietnam offers travelers a endless options across the country.

1. Fresh ingredients play a big role

One of the defining features of Vietnamese cuisine is its emphasis on fresh and wholesome ingredients. The Vietnamese people take pride in using locally sourced, seasonal produce and herbs to create dishes bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a bowl of pho (noodle soup) or a plate of spring rolls, you can expect vibrant herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil to play a central role in enhancing the taste of your meal.

2. Balance of Flavors:

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its harmonious balance of flavors. Every dish is a careful interplay of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. For example, the iconic dipping sauce, nuoc cham, combines fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chilies, creating a symphony of tastes that accompany many Vietnamese dishes.

3. Street Food Heaven:

Vietnam is a street food paradise. As you explore the bustling streets of cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find an array of street vendors and food stalls offering a wide variety of dishes. Be sure to try banh mi (a Vietnamese sandwich), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and banh xeo (crispy rice pancakes) for an authentic street food experience.

4. Noodles are a staple:

Noodles are a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Whether they’re used in soups, stir-fries, or cold salads, you’ll find an abundance of noodle dishes to satisfy your cravings. Pho, a flavorful beef or chicken noodle soup, is a must-try, as is bun thit nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles) and mi quang (turmeric-infused noodle dish).

5. Seafood wins:

With its extensive coastline, Vietnam boasts a bounty of fresh seafood. Coastal regions like Da Nang and Nha Trang are renowned for their seafood specialties. Don’t miss out on dishes like ca kho to (caramelized fish in clay pot) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls with shrimp and herbs).

6. Unique Desserts:

Vietnamese desserts offer a delightful end to your culinary journey. Try che, a sweet and refreshing dessert soup made from a variety of ingredients such as beans, fruits, and jellies. Another popular treat is the crispy and sweet banh cam (sesame balls), perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

7. Coffee Culture:

Vietnam takes its coffee seriously, and the coffee culture here is a must-experience. Sip on ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk) or try the uniquely Vietnamese egg coffee for a sweet and creamy caffeine fix.

Night markets and shopping areas are very common in the major cities and keep in mind that bargaining is part of the culture and very fun to try out.

• Street Markets: Vietnam is famous for its bustling street markets, where you can find a variety of goods at affordable prices. Some of the popular markets include:
• Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City
• Hanoi Old Quarter’s Night Market
• Hoi An Night Market
• Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi
• Traditional Crafts: Vietnam is known for its traditional crafts and artisanal products. You can shop for items such as silk clothing, lacquerware, pottery, conical hats (nón lá), and intricate woodwork.
• Clothing and Textiles: Vietnamese clothing and textiles are diverse and often reflect the local culture. Ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress, is a popular choice among tourists. You can also find affordable tailor shops in cities like Hoi An, where you can have custom-made clothing.
• Street Food and Snacks: Vietnam is famous for its street food culture, and you can find a variety of local snacks and delicacies in markets and on street corners. Popular snacks include banh mi sandwiches, pho, spring rolls, and fresh fruit.

Vietnamese culture is rich and diverse, with a long history influenced by various factors including Chinese, French, and indigenous traditions. When visiting Vietnam, it’s important to respect and appreciate the local culture. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

• Greet people with a friendly “Xin chào” (pronounced “sin chow”) or “Chào anh/chị/em” (for Mr./Mrs./Miss).
• A slight bow or a nod of the head is a sign of respect.
• When receiving something from someone, use both hands to show gratitude.
• Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.

Articles to read

Find the best flight deal for your vacation.

Here are some quick tips for finding the best flight deals for your next vacation.

Typical costs

When it comes to food, Vietnam is overall very affordable. Street food is a major part of Vietnamese culture, and you can find delicious meals such as Phở or Bánh mì for as little as 20,000 to 30,000 VND (around $1-2 USD). For sit-down restaurants, expect to pay around 100,000 to 200,000 VND (around $5-10 USD) per meal, though prices can be higher in touristy areas or for specialty dishes.

Accommodations in Vietnam offer a wide range of options for different budgets. For backpackers, hostels can be as cheap as 100,000 to 200,000 VND ($5-10 USD) per night. Mid-range hotels offer rooms for around 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND ($20-50 USD) per night, and luxury accommodations can go from 2,000,000 VND ($90 USD) and above. It’s worth noting that many hotels and hostels include breakfast in their rates.

As for activities, prices vary depending on the type of experience you’re seeking. Museum entrance fees typically range from 30,000 to 40,000 VND ($1-2 USD). A guided tour to popular sites like the Halong Bay can cost around 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND ($45-90 USD), including transportation and often meals. Adventure activities such as trekking tours in Sa Pa can vary significantly in cost, depending on the length of the trek and the level of service provided.

Suggested daily budget – Luxury travelers should anticipate a daily budget of around 7,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($300-430 USD). This estimate includes luxury accommodation, fine dining experiences, private tours, and high-end shopping.

When to Travel Vietnam Seasons

The best time to visit Vietnam varies depending on the region due to its geographical stretch. Generally, the dry season from November to April is considered ideal. Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi and Halong Bay, is cooler and can be visited from October to December. For central regions like Hoi An and Hue, the period between February and May is typically warm and dry. Southern parts like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta are best visited from December to April when humidity is low and temperatures are moderate.

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How to plan your trip

The first step in planning your trip to Vietnam should be to determine the length of the trip and dates you want to go. This will allow you to see how many different areas of Vietnam you can hit in one go. If you want to explore Hanoi + Sa Pa, you can do that in 5-7 days. To extend beyond that to Da Nang or some of the southern regions, tack on a minimum of an extra week.

Consider your transport options within Vietnam. The country has an extensive train network, and domestic flights are relatively inexpensive. If you’re feeling adventurous, motorcycle rental is a popular option and provides a great deal of freedom to explore. However, be aware that traffic in Vietnam can be chaotic and driving is not for the faint-hearted. Alternatively, taxis and rideshare apps are plentiful in the cities, and many tour operators offer bus services to key tourist sites.

If you are looking for some help planning the perfect Vietnam trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on instagram over over email! We can help you put together the perfect itinerary.

Gallery of Vietnam

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BEST OF VIETNAM: ART & CULTURE

Section title.

Set out on a 19-day Vietnam private guided tour , covering all the beauty from North to South of Vietnam and revealing vivid cultures, special lifestyles, traditional and modern art, cuisine, and people. You’ll visit Cu Chi Tunnels in high-energy Saigon and the imperial legacy in ancient Hue; taste the bucolic life on the Mekong and Hoi An; see ethnic Hmong painting their batik. Tranquil Halong Bay where you cruise world natural wonders; and Hanoi, the cultural heart of the country and the mecca for street food. This is surely an enriching journey that will satisfy your travel wanderlust.

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Facts of Tour In Number:

• 19 days traveling North to South
• 7 destinations
• 3 UNESCO Heritage sites
• 2 food tours
• 2 domestic flights

Highlights:

• One-hour talk Saigon Through the Ages 
• The contract between different living spaces in nowadays Saigon 
• Cu Chi tunnels 
• Jeep tour through city center by night

Sounds Like Your Dream Vacation?

Brief itinerary.

Day 1 -2:  Saigon. Cultural walk and admiring the local art.

Day 3-5:  Mekong Delta. Idyllic life on the Mekong.

Day 6-8: Hoi An. The charm of the Unesco protected Old Town.

Day 9-10:  Hue. Imperial heritages.

Day 11-14:  Sapa. Hilltribe culture and mountain treks.

Day 15:  Halong Bay. A journey into the dragon's jaws.

Day 16-19: Hanoi. Vietnam’s cultural heart and street food heaven.

Vietnam is an incredible mixture of cultural diversity and natural highlights. The scenery on offer ranges from lush green paddy fields to winding mountain passes.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 saigon.

Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be transferred to your accommodations and assisted with check-in, enjoying the remainder of the day at your leisure.

DAY 2 Saigon

Today's highlights One-hour talk Saigon Through the Ages

Start your Vietnam exploration with an insight into its history. The talk charts Saigon’s fascinating story, from its earliest days as a remote Khmer outpost until it's nowadays. Lunch at a local restaurant. Later, a local guide will take you to explore a lesser-known Saigon. You’ll visit old buildings where the residents love carrying out their daily activities outdoors and modern buildings where young generations prefer their privacy. Enjoy the A O art performance at the end of the day.

DAY 3 Saigon

Today's highlights Visit underground Cu Chi tunnel

Cruise the Saigon River on a speedboat to the notorious Cu Chi Tunnels. You’ll learn how the Vietcong used these massive subterranean networks of tunnels during wartime and be enlightened on their tactics and basic weapons. In the evening, hop on a Jeep and start a memorable and tasty night out. Your evening ends at the riverside where young generations love to go to chill out. 

DAY 4 Mekong Delta & River

Today's highlights Learn about local countryside life on the water

Leaving Saigon to Vung Liem. Upon arrival, continue to your lodge fronting the banks of the Mekong River. 

After lunch at the lodge, take a pleasant ride on quiet paths around the village to enjoy the rural countryside. Learn how to make traditional snacks and visit fruit orchards to sample fresh fruits. In the late afternoon, meet a neighborhood veteran to listen to his story and enjoy a traditional music performance before rolling up your sleeves to make Banh Xeo, the popular Vietnamese pancake. 

DAY 5 Mekong Delta & River

This morning, embark on a boat to get a glimpse into the local life and learn about the versatile uses of coconut, the most popular fruit of this region. You’ll see a local market, the colorful Cao Dai Temple, and visit coconut factories where you’ll witness manual processes that the workers do every day. 

In the afternoon, transfer to your zen retreat in Can Tho. Spread over an islet on the Hau River, your tonight base blends perfectly with its lush surroundings.

DAY 6 Hoi An

Embark on a wooden boat for a river cruise. You’ll pass Ninh Kieu Quay and fishing villages before reaching the once-called Cai Rang Floating Market to observe the local life on the water.

Later in the day, fly to Da Nang where your local guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An. Evening at leisure.

DAY 7 Hoi An

Today's highlights Discover the history of silk weaving & Hoi An Ancient Town

Start your morning with a bicycle ride on quiet village roads, visit an ancestral house to learn more about the genealogy of a traditional Vietnamese family, meet a local family and watch the techniques they use to weave sedge mats. Afternoon highlights are discovering the history of silk weaving and visiting Hoi An - UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved ancient streets and houses. Lunch at local restaurant.

DAY 8 Hoi An

Today is free at leisure.

Have a leisurely breakfast. Your guide will meet you and take you to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Check-in your hotel and relax. 

In the afternoon, take a scenic bike ride along the Nhu Y River to the poetic Chuon Lagoon. A peaceful boat ride will travel you through fishing boats, floating bamboo huts, and a network of fish farms. Relax in a bamboo shack where you can enjoy some fresh seafood with cold beer in a close look at the local life.

Today's highlights Learn about Vietnam history in Imperial Citadel

Begin your tour at the Imperial Citadel, a massive complex offering a look back to the life, architecture, and power of the Nguyen Dynasty. Cap off your morning tour with traditional Hue cuisine for lunch.

This afternoon, explore one more icon of Vietnam’s past and present - the Gia Long Tomb. Admire the masterpiece of nature and architecture and learn about the founding emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. Have dinner at a 19th-century charming garden house. 

DAY 11 Hanoi

Fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, meet your guide, and check in the hotel for day-use before transferring to the train station to take an overnight train to Sapa. Overnight on the train (2 soft sleeper berths/ cabin). 

DAY 12 Sapa Valley

Chill out in the back of your private car, enjoy the mountain landscape on the drive to Bac Ha Market. The Dzao, Hmong, as well as other hill tribes, gather together at this weekend market for trading and socializing, giving it a special vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.

After the market, continue your drive to Topas Ecolodge, a rustic, sustainable retreat, perched high above Sapa Valley.

DAY 13 Sapa Valley

Today's highlights Get an insight into the Hmong batik

Get an insight into the Hmong batik, and age-old hemp fabric dyeing method using beeswax to create patterns. Enjoy the intricate Hmong symbols, indigo color, then try your hand on some processes to learn more about the artistry of Hmong people. Aside from the workshop, you’ll have soft treks through beautiful mountain landscapes. Have a traditional H’Mong lunch before transferring back to the hotel.

DAY 14 Sapa Valley

Take a walk in the spectacular views of mist-clad peaks and rice terraces to visit the village of Red Dzao, the most colorful ethnic group in Vietnam. Later in the day, say goodbye to Sapa and you'll be taken to an overnight train to Hanoi.

DAY 15 Ha Long Bay

Arriving in Hanoi. Transfer to your next destination, Halong Bay. You'll embark on a beautiful cruise for your overnight sail through the bay. Relax on the deck in the stunning scenery of the World Heritage Site and wait for the dramatic sunset over the seascape.

DAY 16 Hanoi

Enjoy your cruising before driving back to Hanoi. Check-in hotel. In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, an art form that has been closely associated with thousands of years of history of the Red River Delta.

DAY 17 Hanoi

Today's highlights Meet and talk with an art curator

Your Hanoi exploration takes off with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Later, meander on the beautiful courtyard of the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature. After lunch at a local restaurant, meet up with an art curator for a glimpse of how local artists create a mixture of the traditional and the modern in their works.

DAY 18 Hanoi

Hop on a Vespa see a morning flower market, Long Bien Bridge, then stop at a garden house. Meet a local woman, make the village’s specialty for breakfast, and learn about life in a suburban village during a walk with her. Back to hotel. In the late afternoon, weave your way through the Old Quarter. Sample the delicacies of Hanoi such as Banh Cuon, Pho, and Banh Mi. End your day at a hidden cafe.

DAY 19 Hanoi

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Noi Bai International Airport to catch your flight home.

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We customize travel itinerary based on what you prefer for your own journey.

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We have been there and know what is good. Each of our client have multilingual experts available for any question along the way.

TESTIMONIALS

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We went to Thailand for our honeymoon and Exotic Voyages planned the perfect trip for us from start to finish. Lacey was wonderful to work with in designing and adjusting our plans and once we got ...

Minnesota, USA

Exotic Voyages is terrific to work with - they set up a fantastic trip for my friend and me. Very well organized and responsive, and the guides we had were A+. The lodging was also wonderful.

Wakefield, UK

Our honeymoon trip with Exotic Voyages was absolutely incredible! Kien was super responsive and really understood what we wanted for our honeymoon. He created an itinerary that perfectly matched our ...

Great experience with Exotic Voyages on my recent trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos! I'm from Califonia and was taking a birthday trip with my mom. I started with one of the standard trips and then ...

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Vietnam tips: a first-timer's guide

Aug 12, 2019 • 6 min read

Halong Bay is a World Heritage Sight and a highlight for many visitors to Vietnam © ©César Asensio / 500px

There's a lot to love about travelling in Vietnam , which stretches from the soaring mountains and fascinating ethnic groups of the north to the endless rice paddies and vibrant waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south, with more than 3000km of glorious coastline in between.

Throw in a good transport infrastructure of buses, trains and flights and an abundance of cheap but excellent street food and it's no surprise Vietnam graces countless bucket lists. But, like any country, it has its challenges, and some visitors come home with tales of scams, hectic roads and pushy vendors. Following these top tips will help you avoid the major pitfalls, and ensure you come away from your first visit to Vietnam with happy memories, as well as your souvenir conical hat.

Vietnam 's long exposure to foreigners means that many local residents aren’t as overtly curious about visitors as some of their counterparts in Cambodia , Myanmar and Laos . Also, because most Vietnamese are not confident with spoken English despite learning it in school, people tend to ignore lost-looking foreigners unless you actually ask for help. But be assured that the Vietnamese really are friendly people. If you ask someone a question with a smile and in slow, clear English, you’ll almost certainly have it answered and the smile returned. Simple phrases such as  xin chào ('hello', pronounced 'seen chow') and cám ơn ('thank you', pronounced 'kaam uhn') go a long way.

Get connected

While most hotels , cafes and restaurants have wi-fi, you can easily buy a SIM card and get connected to the internet for as little as US$3. Vietnamese street names are notoriously long (most are named after people), so digital maps trump paper ones for many travellers. You’ll also find having a local phone number handy for meeting up with tour guides and making last-minute bookings on the road. SIM cards are widely sold in corner shops and are easy to top up. Once you have a card, the process to register for internet can be tricky, so ask the shopkeeper or your hotel to do it for you. Lonely Planet's Guides app covers Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City .

Know your dong from your dollar

The Vietnamese dong is the currency of Vietnam and comes in denominations ranging from 200 to 500,000 (about US$22 at the time of writing). While it’s thrilling to become a Vietnamese millionaire, dealing with that many zeros can become frustrating, especially since some of the currency is very similar in colour. For example, the 10,000d note and the 200,000d note are both tan while the 20,000d and 500,000d notes are both blue. It’s very easy to hand over the wrong bill to a taxi driver while in a rush. Spend a minute in your room before going out to sort your bills to avoid overpaying. Even if you do end up overpaying a small amount for certain things, take it in stride. In the grand scheme of things, it’ll likely not be worth the aggravation.

While international credit and debit cards are accepted at most larger hotels, restaurants and travel agencies (sometimes with an added fee), cash is still king in Vietnam for day-to-day transactions. ATMs are widely available, and currency can be exchanged at banks (and some gold shops, although this practice is frowned upon by the government).

Note that the official system of separate prices for Vietnamese and foreigners – which applied to everything from train tickets to entrance fees – is a thing of the past.

Be wary of taxi scams

For many, motorcycle taxis are the best way see the thronging streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, scams can happen, and your best protection is a decent knowledge of where you are going and points along the way. Always agree on a price beforehand and be prepared to be quoted a higher price than the locals. For regular taxis, stick to the two major companies of Mai Linh and Vinasun (both have apps). Smaller, independent taxis are known for fast meters and aggressive drivers. If you’re in one of the larger cities, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Grab are good, offering both car and motorcycle taxis. Sometimes the driver will call to confirm, so having a Vietnamese-speaking friend nearby will come in handy.

Know your transport options

Overnight buses are a good way to cover long distances and save on accommodation costs. However, the layback seats don’t offer much legroom, so tallish passengers (anyone over 1.6m) will find it impossible to stretch out fully. While the top bunk offers slightly more privacy, they can be right at the height of street lights. Sleep masks, ear plugs and noise-cancelling headphones (especially if the bus is playing music or movies) are recommended.

That said, sometimes you can pay a few more dollars and fly – the more convenient but less sustainable option . Vietnam has several budget airlines, which offer cheap fares but are notorious for being late and strictly enforcing carry-on limits. The national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, has better service and comparable pricing if booked in advance.

More comfortable than buses and cheaper than flights, train travel is another option for getting around Vietnam. A railway line spans the length of the country, following the coastline from HCMC all the way to Hanoi and beyond. It's a must for rail enthusiasts, with the ride considered amongst the most amazing train journeys in the world .

Be aware of your surroundings

Violent crime is extremely rare in Vietnam, and firearms are heavily regulated. But snatch-and-grabs and, to a lesser extent, pickpocketing, do happen. It pays to be vigilant. Use your phone and other electronics sparingly when outside (even while sitting at a sidewalk cafe or on the back of a motorbike). Leave your passport at the hotel; there’s rarely a reason to have the original on you.

Also, while Vietnam has some of the cheapest beer in the world, be careful about overdoing it. Inebriated tourists wandering back to their hotel in the morning hours when there is little traffic around can be seen as easy targets. If you come home late at night, go with a friend and splurge the extra dollar or two on an automobile taxi instead of a motorcycle taxi.

Be safe on the roads

Traffic in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can seem terrifying at first glance. Just walking across the street during rush hour can feel like an impossible task! But there is method to the madness and, like a school of fish, the traffic will inevitably glide around you as long as you keep moving at a slow and steady pace. If unsure, do as the locals do and raise one hand high to be seen above the sea of helmets.

If you’re looking to drive a motorbike yourself, it’s best to save it for one of the quieter destinations like Hoi An , Dalat or Phu Quoc . Always wear a helmet, and be aware of the exhaust pipe, which has caused many a leg burn. As motorbikes tend to drive closely to each other, keep your feet pointed inwards and think of wearing closed shoes which offer extra protection for your feet.

For more tips on planning a trip to Vietnam, including what to wear and what to book in advance, see our planning tips .

This article was originally published in July 2012 and most recently updated in August 2019.

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/vietnam-travel-guide-14

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Voyage to Vietnam

12 days ,   4 cities   |  From $2,159 before flights   |  Payments as low as  $78.89

4.9 out of 5 stars

In Vietnam, you’ll see it all. Bustling cities? Check. Beautiful landscapes? Double check. One motorbike for every two people? Of course. This is cultural immersion in a place unlike any other, so get yourself to Southeast Asia asap—’cus all this pho isn’t going to slurp itself.

What you'll get

• Round-trip flights and airport transfers
• 10 nights in handpicked accommodations
• 10 breakfasts
• 3 lunches and 3 dinners
• Expert Tour Director
• 24/7 support from our travel gurus
• 3 insider city tours with local guides
• Overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay

Picture yourself

• Trekking through the highland’s lush patty fields
• Snapping photos of island-bespeckled Ha Long Bay
• Eating the best pho in the world for every meal
• Casting a fish net from aboard a traditional wooden boat
• Gazing at the French-inspired architecture of Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1: Overnight flight

Hop on your overnight flight to Vietnam, recline that seat, and start dreaming about mountain views, mountaintop temples, and mountains of noodles.

This tour requires a visa for U.S. citizens. Check entry requirements or call us with questions at 800-766-2645.

Day 2: Arrive in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi. The capital city of Vietnam has seen a lot over the years, and is now a lively metropolis full of historic monuments, friendly locals, and crosswalks where you’ve got to look both ways. Twice.

• Meet an EF representative at the airport and head to your accommodations.
• Receive the latest schedule from your Tour Director.
• Get to know the other travelers as they arrive—tomorrow we have a DAY.

Chat with a Trip Expert!

1-800-766-2645 Monday–Thursday 9am–7pm ET Friday 9am–5:30pm ET

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Select trip date.

Overall rating based on 24 traveler reviews

Showing 1 - 6 of 24 traveler reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Traveler Alexis, traveled in Sep 2023

Vietnam is a breathtaking country. The locals are extremely sweet and the food is delicious!

Anonymous traveler, traveled in Jan 2024

It was a beautiful trip! very nice scenery a lot of cities to go visit definitely worth it!

Traveler Robby, traveled in Apr 2024

This trip was a bucket list item for SURE - though fast-paced, you spent ample time in each area of Vietnam as you travel from North to South. Tuan was an AMAZING, FRIENDLY, and HELPFUL tour guide and made navigating through this country effortless. I will say, the one thing... Read more of Good Food and Views (but LOTS OF STAIRS)

Traveler Lily, traveled in Apr 2024

I’ve never been out of the country before and I am so glad I booked a trip with EF for my first time overseas. As a solo traveler and a newbie to flying internationally, booking a trip with EF and having them take care of flights, hotels, the itinerary, etc took a ton of stress... Read more of First time out of the country and with EF Ultimate Break

Traveler Gabrielle, traveled in Mar 2024

This was a trip of a lifetime! The history and teaching learned were more valuable than I ever expected. You get to see it all on this trip. The tour director was what made this trip an 8 to a 11. When someone loves what they do the rest us the group also picks up on that love... Read more of Trip of a lifetime!

Traveler Emily, traveled in Feb 2024

The EF trip had to be hands down one of my favorite travel experiences I have ever had! You get to see so much of Vietnam on this EF tour and it was a truly wonderful experience. Our tour guide, Hai, was amazing and made our trip so much more special! He was so knowledgeable,... Read more of Absolutely book this trip!

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Travel Agency Vietnam Since 1999

Our mission

Our destinations, our expertise.

At Viet Ventures Travel Agency Vietnam , our mission is to provide you with unforgettable travel experiences tailored to your interests and needs. We believe travel has the power to transform and enrich our lives, and we are committed to making it accessible to everyone.

The experts of our travel agency in Vietnam have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are dedicated to helping you plan your dream vacation. We will work with you to create a personalized itinerary including or joining with us with our departure of Vietnam Cultural Tour , Vietnam Photo Tour and Vietnam Wildlife Tour .

Our local travel agency Vietnam specialize in a variety of destinations around Vietnam, from the stunning rice terraces of the mountains of North Vietnam to the rural Mekong Delta. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or cultural immersion, we've got you covered. We will take you off the beaten track to discover hidden gems and authentic experiences.

Online Booking from TourRadar

Next departures, vietnam discovery tour.

Tour special design to discover Vietnam with moderate fitness.

Vietnam Cultural Tour Flânerie Indochine)

• Destination : Mekong Delta, South Vietnam, Central Vietnam and North Vietnam
• Bilingue tour of English and French 
• Fitness level : Moderate
• Group tour : maximum 20 Guests
• Departures : 19-29 Nov 2024
• Departures : 19-29 Jan 2025
• Departures : 19-29 Mar 2025
• Departures : 19-29 May 2025

Vietnam Farm Tour 2 Days 1 night

• Destination : Dong Nai (60 km from Ho Chi Minh City)
• Duration : 2 days 1 night
• Meeting point : Ho Chi Minh City
• Departure: Up on request

Discover Dong Nai Farm Tour 1 Day

• Duration : 10 hours

Tour designed for photographer who love photography during travel in Vietnam.

Vietnam Art Photo Tour

• Destination : Southern highland, southern coastal and Central of Vietnam.
• Departures : 08 - 22 Feb 2025
• Small group photo tour : maximum 6 Guests

Best Photo Tour Vietnam

• Destination : Mekong delta and northern hills of Vietnam 
• Departures : 13 - 27 Aug 2025

Vietnam Cultural Photo Tour

• Destination : Mekong delta, southern coastal and northern hills of Vietnam. 
• Departures: 6 - 20 Dec 2025
• Fitness level : Moderate.
• Small group photo tour : maximum 6 Guests.

More fun, more happy and more experience with us!

Discover the unique corners of Vietnam with local travel agency in Vietnam

Local travel agency in vietnam.

Created in 1999 by a group of friends wanting to share their twenty years of experience in tourism, Viet Ventures Travel Agency Vietnam wants to offer the best of what our country can offer. Not limiting ourselves only to “ cultural travel ”, we also offer “ discovery travel ” and “ photography travel ” 

All our itineraries are studied, tested and carefully chosen by our passionate explorers. Eco-tourism, a new way of traveling, is one of our priorities, promoting an in-depth discovery of Vietnam, in this country where legends and traditions are intimately linked to the lives of its inhabitants. Eco-tourism particularly makes it possible to respond to the pressing demand for trips off the beaten track, for authentic trips to meet the many ethnic groups in Vietnam.

License International Travel Agency Since 1999

We are fully licensed travel agency Vietnam (under license number 79-076 /2018 /TCDL-GPLHQT). 

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Viet Ventures Travel Agency Vietnam

Viet Ventures - Hành Trình Việt, Ho Chi Minh City, 713200, Vietnam

+84938882075

TRAVEL AGENCY IN VIETNAM SINCE 1999

Business Registration: Công ty TNHH Du lịch Vận chuyển Hành Trình Việt (VIETVENTURES)

Address: 2 Hoa Phuong Street, Phu Nhuan district, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tax number: 0301867043 - License of international travel agency: 79-076 /2018 /TCDL-GPLHQT

Office: LA0103 Block A, Lexington Residence, 67 Mai Chi Tho Street, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City

Working hours: 9h00 to 17h00 (Monday to Friday) - Hotline +84938882075 [email protected]

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• (84) 989 383 572
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Discover the Beauty of Vietnam

Few nations are as interesting and diverse as Vietnam. It features significant historical changes, lovely landscapes, idyllic beaches, delicious food, and unusual natural scenery. As a result, in recent years, Vietnam has attracted a large number of tourists.

Visiting Vietnam, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the outstanding beauty of each region. If the North is famous for destinations such as Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh… then the South attracts tourists with ideal destinations such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc with diverse beaches…. All will be encapsulated in a beautiful S-shaped strip of land.

Day tours & Excursions

A day trip is an excellent way to visit some of your desired destinations

Vietnam Luxury Adventure with SJourney Train – 13 Days

Highlight 14 Days Vietnam Tour From North To South

Vietnam in Depth: 12-Day Classic Experience

Vietnam Package Tour with Nha Trang Beach 10 Days

South and North Vietnam | Best 6 Days Package in Vietnam

Vietnam 3 Days Tour Package – Halong Bay Cruise

Vietnam Beach Break Tour For Family 8 Days

Vietnam Tour – 9 Days Of Culture & History

All packages tours in vietnam.

Metta Voyage customizes tours based on the client’s preferences and budget 

Hiking Tour in North Vietnam | Wellness Tour

Luxurious Vietnam Exploration Package 12 Days

Vietnam Special – Best trekking in Sapa

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Tour | Vietnam Tour – Metta Voyage

Vietnam Classic In North & Central

Vietnam 8 Days | Explore Culture & History

Da Lat & Nha Trang Tour 6 Days

Explore The North Of Vietnam

Vietnam Cambodia Tour with Historical and Cultural Discovery

An Exiting Central Vietnam Itinerary 6 Days

The Mixing Of Adventure & Heritage Sites Visit In Central Vietnam

Vietnam Culture Tour With Family

Indochina Revealed 20 Days 19 Nights

Vietnam Group Tour 9 Days – Best Vietnam Culture Tour

Best place to visit in vietnam ​, best beaches in vietnam.

Vietnam has a long coastline that boasts a variety of beautiful beaches. We recommend some beaches for your vacation in Vietnam

• Phu Quoc Island: Sao Beach, Khem Beach, Long Beach,..
• Nha Trang: Bai Dai, Doc Let, and Ninh Van Bay
• Da Nang: My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach.
• Mui Ne: Bai Rang, Bai Da, and Hon Rom.
• Con Dao Islands: Dam Trau Beach and An Hai Beach.
• Hoi An: An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach.

Each region in Vietnam has different weather patterns especially the North and South of Vietnam. Make sure to research your destination’s weather in advance so that you can pack the most essential and suitable things for your trip to Vietnam. 

North  Vietnam

The North of Vietnam has all 4 seasons including spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best time for travelers is likely to be from March to May and September to November. 

You will be able to experience the pleasantly warm weather of late spring in the North of Vietnam around March-May. The best thing about this season is the blooming season of many beautiful flowers of the North. This can be a perfect time to visit the mountainous Sa Pa and enjoy the impressive scenery of light pink ban flowers all over the town. This is also the time when the paddy fields are in fresh green. 

In addition to mountainous Northern towns, Halong Bay is also a top hit. Everyone yearns for relaxing on the deck in the sun and cool breezes. The water is not too cold, which makes it perfect for swimming as well. 

The least recommended time to visit North Vietnam is between June and August. The temperature can nearly hit 40 degrees Celsius which is extremely hot and humid. If you are a summer lover, make sure to stay hydrated all time and apply sufficient sunblock to protect yourself from the heat.

A lot of the North locals escape this summer heat by flying to beaches in the Central Highlands and the South. So this season’s domestic flight tickets and accommodation can be more pricey than usual. 

The weather can change suddenly in summer and a downpour can come at any moment. Unexpected showers can be a “delicacy” of summertime in Hanoi so remember to carry an umbrella or a poncho with you.

On the other hand, winter (November to February) is totally opposite. Hanoi and North Vietnam are cold and humid in the summer. The temperature can drop to below 10 Celcius degrees sometimes. With the humidity, it can feel a lot more freezing than the number. Northern destinations such as Sa Pa and Ha Giang are sometimes below 0 Celcius degrees. 

Average temperature and rainfall levels of Hanoi: here  

Central Vietnam

The central region of Vietnam has a coastal climate so it has great weather most of the year. However, there are likely to be thunderstorms in October and November so it is better not to plan too many outdoor activities at this time. May to August is summertime, which means it can be quite hot. The temperature can hit up to 40 Celsius degrees. 

If you plan to visit Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An, January/ February to August is recommended. The weather is pleasantly nice with rare heavy showers. 

Average temperature and rainfall levels of Hue: Here

South  Vietnam

The southern region of Vietnam is especially great between December and April. In contrast to the North of Vietnam, the South has a consistently warm weather pattern all year round. 

There are specific seasons in Southern Vietnam including dry and wet seasons. The dry season is between November and April/ early May. The hottest time of the year belongs to this season’s February and May with a peak of 34 Celsius degrees. The wet season begins in May and ends in early November. June, July, and August are the months that receive the largest amount of rainfall. An interesting feature of the Southern wet season is how quickly the heavy rains last. Sometimes the rain only lasts for 10 minutes but it can get you soaking wet. 

At the end of Vietnam, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Island are often sunny all year round with enjoyable weather. 

Average temperature and rainfall levels of Ho Chi Minh City: here

Within the country

To travel within Vietnam, airplanes, trains, and coaches are the most common mode of transportation. If you want to get from Hanoi to the Central Highlands or South Vietnam, it is highly recommended to book a flight. Flight tickets might be pricier but it will save you from the long wait and uncomfortable accommodation on trains. 

If you only travel to a nearby city that takes only 4-5 hours on the road, book a coach.

Within the city

Vietnam offers a wide range of transportation from taxis, taxi motorbikes, Grab app, Be app, and buses. (But it can be really difficult for foreigners to take a bus.) 

Vietnam has different climates depending on each region. Therefore, this is a broad question to answer. If you want to experience a bit of everything in Vietnam, you can scroll down to understand more about the weather in Vietnam.

If your Vietnam plan is to go on a North -to- South tour, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) might be the most beautiful seasons of Vietnam. Overall, the weather is not too hot or cold. Most of the time, it will be cool with breezes and light sun rays.

In short, each Vietnam region has different weather patterns but spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) have the most pleasing weather.

North Vietnam

Hanoi, the capital of thousands of years of civilization, is one of the places that any Vietnamese would like to visit once in a lifetime. Traveling to the capital, visitors will visit famous attractions such as Ba Dinh Square, Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda… or admire the beautiful scenery of West Lake, Sword Lake, and Hoang Thanh Thang Long… Besides, visitors can also taste many unique delicacies such as Vong village nuggets, bun cha, pho, fried spring rolls,…

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh is one of the most attractive destinations in our country. With an area of ​​​​up to 1,553 square kilometers, including 1,900 limestone islands with many beautiful and vivid shapes.

Traveling to HaLong – one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, visitors will discover many unique caves, beautiful islands such as Dragon Eye Island, Ngoc Vung Island, Con Coc Island… Along with the beautiful scenery, this place also has many delicious specialties such as squid rolls, sam worms, grilled oysters, spring rolls, sea sam…

Trang An – Ninh Binh

Among the Vietnamese tourist destinations that hide the most cultural and historical values, Trang An – Ninh Binh is certainly the top name. This relic was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 2014.

This beautiful location collects the buildings from the regal ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which was tucked away in the majestic limestone mountains and the ethereal meandering river. Some of the following structures will leave visitors “heartbroken” if they follow cultural or spiritual tourism: Temples in Tran Ninh Binh, Tu Tru, Suoi Tien, etc.

Visitors can take a boat to travel through the water, across the lotus lake, and across the golden rice fields to the Vu Lam palace, one of this location’s most stunning structures. Trang An is the center of caves with several oddly formed stalactites, through woods and pristine lagoons, in addition to man-made monuments. Nau Ruou cave, Ba Giot cave, and others are popular tourist destinations.

Sapa – Fog Town

Located in the northwest of the country, Sapa, in Lao Cai province, is known as the land of fog, with a dreamy landscape hiding many miracles of natural scenery. Fansipan Peak is not only the roof of Vietnam but also of Indochina. Its massive height created a majestic scene. When you come here, you can almost touch the clouds.

There are some other places in Sapa, such as Stone Church, Ham Rong Mountain, Muong Hoa Valley, an ancient stone beach, etc, that you should not miss.

In the journey to discover Central Vietnam, visitors cannot ignore the tourist destination of Da Nang. This is the city of many beautiful bridges such as Han River Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, Love Bridge; wild and poetic beaches such as My Khe beach, Non Nuoc beach, Xuan Thieu beach… and many other beautiful landscapes such as Ngu Hanh Son mountain, Son Tra peninsula, Ghenh Bang, … Da Nang not only attracts tourists by the beautiful scenery, but also attracts visitors by many attractive Da Nang delicacies such as vermicelli with seasoning, veal, Quang noodles, chicken rice, …

Located on the central coast of Vietnam, Hoi An is a well-preserved Ancient Town that cuts through the canals. As a former port, Hoi An is a reflection of history in its architecture. It is a combination of Chinese styles with wooden shophouses and temples, the colorful French colonial buildings, the iconic Japanese Bridge Pagoda, and the traditional Vietnamese tube houses.

Regardless of the fast pace of life outside, once you set your foot in this town, your mind is instantly calm and restful. The incredibly cozy and intimate atmosphere created by the ancient houses and the peaceful scenery will definitely put your mind at ease. 

Hue City is a vibrant and lively city located in the central region of Vietnam. It has a rich cultural heritage, with many temples, pagodas, and monuments that are popular tourist attractions. Hue is also known for its stunning natural beauty, including beaches, rivers, and mountains. The city offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy, from shopping at local markets to exploring ancient ruins or taking a boat ride along the Huong River. With its unique blend of culture and nature, Hue City tour is an ideal option for travelers looking to experience something truly special in Vietnam.

South Vietnam

The most vibrant and busy metropolis in our nation is Saigon. Visitors to the popular tourist destination of Saigon can explore numerous notable landmarks and attractions throughout the city, including Nguyen Hue pedestrian street and Nha Rong Wharf. Additionally, tourists have the chance to explore well-known tourist destinations close to Saigon such as the Cu Chi tunnels, Thanh An island, Long Hai beach…

Mekong Delta 

The Mekong river is the 12th longest river in the world flowing from the Tibetan plateau to the South China Sea. It stretches over an area of almost 5,000 km2 and crosses 6 countries, namely China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The river itself has created the fertile Mekong Delta with a biological treasure nowadays. Even though this magical land of Vietnam is quite off-the-beaten-track to foreign tourists, we are sure that a day trip to the Mekong Delta will not let you down. Let’s quickly explore the beauty of the Mekong Delta before you take your own real trip!

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels is a giant underground tunnel system that was initially built under the forest, connecting tunnels among hamlets and small communities during the war against French colonialists. It provided cover for Vietnamese revolutionaries as they traveled between areas covertly and avoided French scouts. This will definitely be a memorable destination for you in your travel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Most visitors to Vietnam will need to obtain a visa before arriving. You can apply for a visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country, or contact Metta Voyage for support with your e-visa application.

Hanoi food tour

Talking about Hanoi’s capital is talking about the land of thousands of years of civilization, in addition to famous destinations such as Sword Lake, Bat Trang pottery village, Hanoi’s old town, commercial centers, etc. You will experience the unique cuisine here.

Hanoi cuisine is known for its delicious traditional dishes with unique and rich flavors that have never disappointed diners everywhere . Hanoi, with its 36 ancient streets, has a variety of delicious food options spread throughout, so everyone can enjoy delicious Hanoi dishes.

When it comes to Hanoi, the first thing will be pho, a dish that has reached the world. In addition, there are many other special dishes such as vermicelli, vermicelli, vermicelli, vermicelli, vermicelli, Thang long fish cake, Hanoi vermicelli, shrimp paste vermicelli, Ho Tay shrimp cake, rib porridge, mussel porridge, cake Thanh Tri rolls, Phu Thuong sticky rice, Vong village nuggets, Phu Do vermicelli, banh chung, Uoc Le spring rolls, etc.

Northwest food tour

Food tourism in the North, especially in the Northwest mountains, always gives visitors new experiences. Northwest cuisine is very diverse and prepared according to the local people’s own recipes . You can try dishes such as buffalo meat guarding the kitchen, Thang Co horse of Lao Cai, pa ping top, Lai Chau’s armpit pig, grilled stone moss, au tau porridge, Bac Me Lam rice from Ha Giang, etc.

The Northwest is also famous for forest bamboo shoots from Vau, cork, bamboo, and apricot. Northwest specialty rices such as Bac Huong Dien Bien rice, Eight Dien Bien rice, Seng Cu rice (Bat Xat Lao Cai), Ta Cu rice (Muong Te Lai Chau), Nuong Dien Bien sticky rice, Tu Le sticky rice…

Hue food tour

Besides discovering the ideal destinations in Hue, you should definitely not miss the culinary experience here. Referring to Hue cuisine, we will immediately think of royal cuisine because of the sophistication in each dish.

For Hue, eating is also one of the arts that Hue people pay great attention to and elaborate on. The dishes in Hue are very carefully prepared and have a very unique taste that can’t be confused anywhere.

Hue cuisine is one of the elements that make up the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine. Most of the dishes are made from popular ingredients but have a rich and unforgettable aftertaste. The most famous specialty is probably “Bun bo Hue”. Besides, there is also mussel rice served with fish sauce and topping, Hue cakes such as filter cake, Banh Beo, or Hue cake, 36 kinds of Hue royal tea, etc.

Hoi An food tour

Traveling to Hoi An includes discovering and experiencing famous places such as the old town, Cu Lao Cham, Tra Que vegetable village, beautiful beaches, etc. You will experience Hoi An cuisine with Hoi An specialties such as Quang noodles, Cao Lau, chicken rice, wontons, cauldron cakes, wet rolls with grilled meat, etc.

Not only causing memories with ecstatic delicious dishes, the restaurants in Hoi An also make visitors fall in love with their beautiful decoration, professional service, and distinctive space. Restaurants located in the old town often hang old paintings decorated with flower pots, ornamental plants, and fine art objects. Restaurants in Hoi An also have traditional names, inherited from many generations.

Saigon food tour

Saigon is the most developed and busiest city in Vietnam. Saigon cuisine has the influence of many regions and some countries in the world . Saigon is a city that “does not sleep”, You can come here and comfortably eat and play at any time. You can experience Saigon cuisine by eating in clusters such as markets or food alleys such as:

Ben Thanh Market and Ho Thi Ky Market are two places that always attract a large number of diners. Coming to Ben Thanh market , there will be vermicelli, rice vermicelli, sweet tea or sticky rice, and also various kinds of Banh Beo in the Central region. Ho Thi Ky Market is famous for attractive dishes with Cambodian cultural colors such as Cam tea, Num Bo Choc vermicelli, grilled beef spring rolls with lemongrass, etc.

You can also try to experience culinary alleys such as alley 76 Hai Ba Trung, alley 84 Nguyen Du, and alley 284 Le Van Sy to learn more about street food culture. The Japanese Quarter (Le Thanh Ton), the Chinese Quarter (District 5, District 6, District 11), or the Han Quarter (District 7) are the same attractions in Saigon.

In addition, in Saigon, there are hundreds of street stalls, street vendors, and street vendors specializing in Saigon snacks such as mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, Saigon knock-on noodles, smoothies, etc. It will make you forget the way home because it is surprisingly delicious, cheap, and diverse.

No matter what parts of Vietnam you are traveling to, here is a list of 10 essential items you need to pack.

A thick-strapped backpack will be extremely useful for all the walking and traveling. It is recommended to pick a backpack that is big and durable enough to carry all your essential belongings such as water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, and maybe some clothes to change during the day. If you buy some food or souvenir on the way, a backpack is your credible safe. 

• Travel pillow

If your trip includes a lot of road trips, a travel pillow is a must-have. Long hours of sitting and sleeping on a coach will be much better with a soft pillow to assist your neck. For your health, remember to pack a travel pillow to Vietnam.

Vietnam is sleepless, but travelers are not. Earplugs are necessary for light sleepers to have a restful and peaceful sleep. These items are perfect to ward off snorers or crying babies on long flights as well.

• Diarrhea treatment

Medicines are a need for travelers. At some time during your travels, you will suffer from a terrible stomach ache for eating something you are not used to. Your travel routine is also different from your normal routine so the digestive system might have some problems getting used to it. Some remedies will help you to quickly recover and allow you to fully enjoy your Vietnam trip.

• Below-the-knee skirts/ trousers

Vietnam has a lot of pagodas and temples along with the country. If you want to enter these holistic places, below-the-knee clothing is required. To express your respect, make sure that you bring some modest skirts or trousers while visiting sacred locations. On days that you plan to visit pagodas or temples, it is best to dress politely and not show too much skin. 

• Power adapter

For Vietnam, travelers are recommended to use plugs type A (two flat vertical pins), type C, and type F (two round pins). The electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 Volts at 50 Hz. It is best you prepare a global adapter before traveling to Vietnam. 

If you are from Europe (excluding the UK), your power plugs are similar to the ones in Vietnam. If you are from North and Central America or Japan, you use the same plugs but it is needed to check the voltage carefully. If you are from the UK, type G plugs with 3 rectangular pins can be used in Vietnam but this plug is not common in Vietnam. If you are from Australia, you need an adapter. 

• Power bank 

Power banks are super convenient. This will save you from boredom on a long flight, bus, or train ride. If you are using LTE constantly, power banks will be your lifesaver as your phone battery will burn down really fast. The worst scenario is having a dead phone in a foreign country that doesn’t speak English so avoid that by having a power bank.

•   Sun protection

Vietnam has a tropical climate, which means it will be sunny and hot for most of the time. Protection yourself with a high SPF sunblock or spray. A wide-brimmed hat is also recommended to cope with the extreme sunlight. 

• Waterproof jacket

During the monsoon season, a light and waterproof jacket will protect you from sudden rainfall. In Vietnam, the locals often use a thin plastic poncho that is extremely helpful when you are riding a motorbike. 

• Mosquito-repellent

Undoubtedly, there are a lot of mosquitoes and insects in Vietnam. It is wise to carry a bottle or spray of insect repellent. Remember to apply it before going out and reapply it during the day. This can save you from malaria and dengue fever. 

If you happen to get bitten by mosquitoes, the famous tiger balm can prevent the bites from getting infected. Rub it to the mosquito’s bite to reduce swellings and itching

The currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). While US dollars are accepted in some places, it’s generally recommended to use Vietnamese dong for smaller transactions.

Most visitors to Vietnam will need to obtain a visa before arriving. You can apply for a visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country, or through an online e-visa application.

We will send you an email notification within 24 hours of your order, and we will make every effort to find and suggest a similar alternative hotel that matches your preferences. If the suggested hotel is more expensive than your original choice, we will contact you first to discuss the price difference and get your approval before making any changes to your booking.

In this case, please inform us and the hotel immediately, as any modifications or charges will be subject to the hotel’s regulations. We will make every effort to provide you with comparable ground services.

Yes, booking online is a secure and straightforward process. All you need to do is fill out the reservation form with your relevant details, including your email address. Once we receive your request, we will respond within 24 hours to confirm your booking.

We connect with OnePAY Payment Gateway to accept Online Card Payment ( www.onepay.vn ). All of your card information are processed through SSL protocol with international card security standard. Your card information will not be stored at our system (merchant) but MasterCard with internation security standard.

We accept the payment online with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB Card

Bring mosquito nets during the rainy season if you go backpacking. 

As mentioned above, petechial fever is quite dangerous even though we have treatment for it. If you have a petechial fever, the worst scenario is that you would end up hospitalized. The mosquito sucks your blood to nourish her eggs and our trip sadly ended earlier than expected. A mosquito net will protect you from this bloodsucker. 

Equip yourself with hats, umbrellas, and raincoats to avoid heat in hot seasons

Some tourists prefer to soak up the sun but in Hanoi, Vietnam, the hot season is so extreme that many people get sunstroke. Do not underestimate this problem! Also, without umbrellas or raincoats, you may get soaked to the skin due to sudden showers. 

If your immunity is weak, it makes sense anyway that you are ill, have to lie on your bed, take some pills and stare dejectedly out the window. A sense of disappointment arises, for sure. 

Weighing up all the pros and cons, Metta Voyage highly recommends tourists visit Hanoi during the dry season (November to April) for the sake of your exhilarating and unforgettable experience.  

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About Northern Vietnam

• Visiting President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum

President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, also known as Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum, is the resting place of Uncle Ho. This is the work with the most precious cultural value of the nation and the pride of the country with foreign tourists.

The landscape around the mausoleum is green, with more than 250 species of plants; each tree and each flower planted have their own meaning. In front of and behind the mausoleum are planted 79 perennials, symbolizing the 79 years of President Ho Chi Minh’s life.

Every Monday and Friday, Uncle Ho’s mausoleum will be closed. If that day coincides with the holidays of May 19, September 2, and the 1st of the Lunar New Year, Uncle Ho’s Mausoleum is still open to welcome visitors.

• Ba Dinh square

Ba Dinh Square is the largest square in Vietnam, located on Hung Vuong Street, in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Ba Dinh Square has a large campus with many large grass squares that are images of mats spread on communal courtyards in ancient Vietnamese villages, interspersed with a 1.4-meter-wide walkway. In the middle of the square is the national flagpole.

• Ho Chi Minh Museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum, located south of Ba Dinh Square (behind the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum), is one of the favorite destinations of many domestic and foreign tourists when traveling to Hanoi for one day. 

Ho Chi Minh Museum is a place to display and store documents, artifacts, and images reflecting the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh. The museum also has an exhibition floor on thematic images of President Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam and other interesting cultural and historical topics

• Discovering the unique One Pillar Pagoda

One Pillar Pagoda is an ancient temple in Vietnam built during the reign of King Ly Thai Tong. It is also known by many different names, such as Mat Pagoda, Lien Hoa Dai, or Dien Huu Tu. The pagoda was built entirely on a single pillar in the middle of a lotus pond.

One Pillar Pagoda is one of the most unique architectural temples in Asia and a cultural symbol and spiritual destination in Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital.

• Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a natural freshwater lake located in the center of Hanoi, also known by other names such as Sword Lake, Luc Thuy Lake, or Ta Vong Lake. Sword Lake with its azure water, surrounded by trees casting shadows on the surface of the water, creates a romantic beauty. This is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll in Hanoi.

Turtle Tower is located in the middle of Sword Lake and also has other famous heritages such as Pen Tower, Dai Nghien, The Huc Bridge leading to Dac Nguyet Floor, or Tran Ba communal house on the entrance to Ngoc Son temple… creating an image of Hoan Kiem Lake bearing a characteristic imprint in the hearts of tourists

• Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Hanoi’s Old Quarter has long been famous for its 36 streets. This is a busy and bustling trading place for Ha Thanh people from ancient times to the present. Not only that, but this place also preserves and faithfully reproduces the cultural and historical values of the people of the capital.

Hanoi’s Old Quarter seems to have become a must-visit place for most tourists when traveling in Ha Thanh. Coming to the old town, you will admire the beauty of the architecture, quiet lifestyle, and culture of the landscape and people here.

• Visiting Hoa Lo Prison, a former prison turned museum

Hoa Lo Prison has the French name Maison Centrale. Hoa Lo Prison was originally built by the French to hold political prisoners. A place to witness barbaric crimes, the will, and the unyielding spirit of so many patriotic Vietnamese children.

After buying tickets to visit, there will be a guide for you to follow. From the first exhibition space, you will be able to go through many different areas in turn, with realistic images exposed right in front of your eyes.

• Watching a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet

Water puppetry is a tradition dating back to the 11th century, originating in the villages of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. Water puppetry is a traditional folklore art bearing the imprint of the wet rice agricultural civilization.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is the place where Vietnamese water puppet shows take place. This art form attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists.

• Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda

Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi has a very long cultural history of nearly 1500 years; the oldest is in Thang Long, Hanoi. Traveling to Tran Quoc Pagoda, visitors will discover and learn about Hanoi’s cultural beauty.

The pagoda is located on the only island in the romantic West Lake. In the midst of a bustling capital like Hanoi, the pagoda has a fresh and quiet atmosphere. The landscape of the pagoda and the scenery of West Lake have changed, but somewhere, they still create a unique historical and spiritual landscape for this place.

Bun Cha is one of the most famous dishes in Northern Vietnam, especially in Hanoi. This dish consists of grilled pork belly and pork balls. It is served with a bowl of fish sauce mixed with garlic, chili, sugar, and lime juice. In addition, a few herbs and lettuce leaves are also regularly present in the bowl.

• Pho Bat Dan

Pho is a dish you should try at least once during your trip to Hanoi. Beef noodle soup is prepared the traditional way, including vermicelli, onions, and green onions in a bowl with beef broth for a long time. It also includes a bit of coriander and various types of beef.

• Noodles with bean paste with shrimp paste

This dish is called “bun dau mam shrimp” in Vietnamese. The vermicelli served in this dish is made into patties and usually cut into bite-sized rectangular pieces. As the name suggests, it also includes soft and crispy fried tofu.

• Trang Tien ice cream

Although many new ice cream brands at home and abroad were born in Hanoi, many people still ignore Trang Tien because of its unique, natural, and cool taste. The secret to making this dish popular with many people is the traditional way of making it without using preservatives.

Address: 35 Trang Tien Street, Trang Tien Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City

• Try egg coffee at Giang Café

Cafe Giang is one of the first egg cafes to appear in Hanoi, attracting a large number of guests thanks to its delicious taste. The shop’s egg coffee has two types: hot egg coffee and iced egg coffee. Giang Coffee Hanoi is not only a place to serve the best egg coffee but also a place to keep a simple and beautiful Hanoi amidst the hustle and bustle.

Address: Lane 39 Nguyen Huu Huan Street, Ly Thai To Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City.

• Go discover caves

There are currently 59 “discovered” caverns in Halong Bay, but experts think there may be up to quadruple that number still hiding there. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), Thien Cung Cave (Paradise Cave), and Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave) on Bo Hon island are the most well-known of these caves.

Sung Sot Cave is ideal for spelunking since it includes two chambers that climb to a height of around 30 meters with a steep route. If you enjoy folklore, you might be interested in the legend surrounding Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave).

• Go Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Our tours provide a wonderful opportunity to go snorkeling or scuba diving in and around the renowned karst of the bay. Dive deep into the ocean to see up to 163 different varieties of colorful corals, including red and forest corals. On your scuba diving tour, discover subterranean caverns and seagrass beds that are home to marine turtles and sea horses.

Take a boat excursion out to sea if you’re a diver and see what lies beneath the emerald waves. There are many PADI-certified dive operators nearby for a secure and memorable dive. Keep your underwater camera close at hand!

• Go Sea Kayaking and Canoeing

Taking out a kayak or canoe is one of the best things to do in Halong Bay because tourist vessels cannot travel some of the narrow passages that cut between some of the 1960 islands. In some cases, accessing hidden lagoons among the islands requires paddling through tunnels in the rock.

The beaches like Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, Bai Dai, Quan Lan, Ti Top, and Tra Co are the greatest sites for these activities. In addition, Bai Chay is the beach that is closest to Halong Bay.

• Visit a Floating Village

For centuries, there have been floating settlements. Cua Van floating hamlet, with its vibrantly painted houses and fishing boats, is unquestionably the most well-known. About 170 families make up its approximately 600 residents, the majority of whom depend on fishing.

Visit this place to see how locals live. Visit the serene and beautiful Cua Van Village to get a feel for daily life there. Take a boat ride with the fishermen and try your hand at nighttime prawning, pulling fishing nets, and nighttime squid fishing.

Ambassador Cruise

Ambassador Cruise was launched in 2018 and has gained much popularity among luxurious Halong Bay cruises for its premium amenities, unique classy live music, professional butlers, signature Michelin menu, and environmental-friendly business. With 86 meters long, 13.9 meters wide, and 13 meters high, the Steel vessel of Ambassador is the largest and newest one in Halong Bay, making it an ideal ship to grace seascapes. Also, its elegant cabin design will dazzle first-time passengers. It is well-suited for tourists who want to explore Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Cua Van Fishing village, etc. 

• Style: Modern & International
• Category: 5-star standard services
• Highlight: Spacious boat with complete privacy; Unique Evening Entertainment with Brazilian Jazz Band; Professional Butlers; a signature Michelin menu; Environment-friendly Cruise.
• Location: 1st Floor, 29 Phan Dinh Phung Str., Ba Dinh Dist., Hanoi 

Capella Cruise

Debuting in 2020, Capella Cruise is an all-suite vessel with Indochina interior decor that cruises around Halong bay and Lan Ha bay and provides tourists with luxury facilities. It is recognized as a gateway for passengers to experience the grace of the untouched beauty of seascapes to the fullest. In particular, the cruise has a swimming pool and a card room  to make customers time for relaxing on the cruise after daytime activities on the bay.

• Style: retro style
• Category: 5-star with state-of-the-art amenities
• Highlights:  ocean-view bathtub, onboard recreations at Oasis and Ocean Pool and Card’s Room
• Location: Lot 27, Tuan Chau International Harbour, Halong City

Elite of the Seas Cruise

In addition to having full of the finest comforts such as fine dining, a panoramic bar, a Wine and Cigar Cellar, a mini-golf course, an Infinity swimming pool, and the like, the Elite of the Seas Cruise also attracts tourists with long itineraries to off-the-beaten-track areas of Lan Ha Bay. You can enjoy a private sun terrace and bathtub guaranteed in each room offered by this modern yacht. Moreover, you can do kayaking, watch a cooking demonstration, join a Taichi class or take a local row boat. 

• Style: Modern Yacht 
• Category: 5-star with excellent services and professional staff
• Highlights: private sun terrace and bathtub guaranteed in each room, Organizing new itineraries 4 days/ 3 nights and 5 days/ 4 nights to lesser-known areas of Lan Ha Bay
• Location: 39B Hang Hanh Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Orchid Premium Cruise

Ultimate comfort is the first thing that Orchid Premium Cruise promises to give each tourist. Built in a simple chic design, Orchid Premium Cruise lures passengers with its simple but sophisticated decorations such as wooden furniture, fine artful pictures, and brocade rugs. As many reviews say, the food on board is absolutely delicious and pleases the pickiest eaters. 

• Style: Indochine
• Category: 5-star with immaculate service
• Highlights: Ultimate comfort, the perfect combination of Asian and European styles cuisine, Large outdoor Jacuzzi, particularly explore Lan Ha Bay
• Location: Suite 901, 9th Floor, Viet Tower, 152 Pho Duc Chinh St, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi

Heritage Line Ginger

If you decide to enjoy Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay with Heritage Line Ginger, the thing waiting for you is a spacious designer suite offering the highest standard and comfort for a luxury overnight cruise. Heritage Line Ginger stands out from other luxury cruises with its opulent, tasteful cabin, faultless service and totally delicious food. The cabin right at the front with its own private jacuzzi provides tourists with fabulous forward views. 

• Style: Indochinese-Ming Design with contemporary accents
• Highlights: Restaurant with Live Cooking and Al Fresco Dining, Terrace Deck, health treatments in massage room
• Location: 6D Ngo Thoi Nhiem, District 3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

About 100 kilometers from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the right choice for travelers who do not have much time but they want to explore the majestic nature. Famous for tourist attractions such as Trang An, Bai Dinh, Hang Mua, Ninh Binh attracts millions of tourists to visit here every year. Metta Voyage would like to suggest the top 10 ideal destinations for Ninh Binh Private Tour that visitors should not miss

• Trang An Scenic Area

Trang An has an area of over 6000 hectares, known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” with a natural cave complex and a unique limestone mountain system. You will be surprised by a majestic natural masterpiece with a population of 50 trans-water caves connecting 31 flooded valleys. When visiting the caves, you will be able to admire the natural stalactite system and take a boat ride through the cool water to form beautiful winding flows.

• Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Tam Coc-Bich Dong has a system of limestone caves and historical sites of the Tran dynasty. Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist area has a natural area of 350.3 ha, belonging to Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu.

Hang Mua is an attractive “check-in” place when traveling to Ninh Binh, with an impressive view from the top of the mountain of the whole beautiful scene of Tam Coc area, from the ripe rice fields to the vast river scenery. Hang Mua, in addition to its wild beauty and beautiful scenery, is also a challenging journey to conquer the 500 stone steps.

• Hoa Lu ancient capital

Hoa Lu’s ancient capital, Ninh Binh, is a complex of historical and architectural relics, consisting of three main areas: a special protection zone, a buffer zone, and other important monuments. With more than 1000 years of ups and downs, the current ancient capital of Hoa Lu still retains important relics from the Dinh and Le dynasties.

• Van Long Lagoon

Van Long Lagoon is a natural landscape located in the largest wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta. When visiting Van Long Lagoon, you will be able to sail on the calm water, reflecting the beauty of heaven and earth. You can also admire the limestone formations of Mother Nature, which have many interesting names such as Meo Cao Mountain, Mam Xoi Mountain, Hom Sach Mountain, etc.

• Ninh Binh mountain goat meat

Ninh Binh mountain goat is a famous specialty here with moderately tender meat, not too chewy, and a characteristic but not strong smell. When eating Ninh Binh mountain goat, you can eat it with cork sauce or ginger fish sauce with lemon, ginger, chili, lemongrass, galangal, and raw vegetables to increase the flavor and sweetness of the meat.

Burnt rice is a famous specialty of Ninh Binh made by mixing two types of rice: dry rice and sticky rice. Through the process of cooking in many stages, the finished piece of burnt rice has a spongy yellow color, is crispy, and is a little salty, so when eaten, it has a greasy but not too greasy taste.

• Eel vermicelli

Eel vermicelli is a specialty in Ninh Binh, using eel nuggets, the back is pinkish brown, the belly is yellow, and the baby is a bit small, but the meat is very fragrant and firm. Ninh Binh eel vermicelli broth is cooked from the eel bones, and the tubular bones are boiled for a long time to create a natural fatty and sweet taste with a dark brown color, rich consistency, and mouth-watering taste.

• Fish Nhech salad

Fish Nhech salad is loved by everyone, even the people of Ninh Binh. The best fish Nhech salad is still in Kim Son, and it is not only famous in Ninh Binh; it is also famous throughout the North. Processed fish for salad is carefully selected and must be the freshest; after filtering, it will be combined with seasoning spices (ginger, lemongrass, dried onion, etc.) and served with star fruit, figs, chili, and herbs.

• Ninh Binh mountain snail

Ninh Binh mountain snail is a specialty dish of Ninh Binh with a characteristic sweet taste and is slightly chewy with many cooking methods, such as stir-fried with chili and pepper or boiled snails with fish sauce and steamed with ginger.

• Trekking Fansipan 

Fansipan is the highest mountain in Vietnam, with a height of 3,143, and is a trekking location to be noticed by any adventurous travel lover. This place is known as the “Roof of Indochina” with diverse flora and fauna. Standing on the top of Fansipan, you will see a majestic and poetic Sapa firsthand. In particular, you can also feel the cold of the dew, about 8-10 °C. You can climb this mountain self-sufficient or book tours with tour guides in tourist destinations.

• Cable car trip Fansipan

Besides climbing, Fansipan has a cable car 6,292.5m long for tourists who love sightseeing and relaxation. This activity has made many people’s dreams come true: to touch the “Roof of Indochina” easily. When taking the cable car, you can see the four-season beauty of Muong Hoa Valley and the majestic Hoang Lien Son range. Besides, you can also see the spiritual cultural complex with 12 impressive architectural works through 6 transparent tempered glass panels. 

• Traditional experience at Cat Cat village 

Cat Cat village is a place that attracts many tourists every time they come to Sapa, just 3km from the town. You can rent motorbikes and motorbike taxis or book tours to visit this place. On the way around Cat Cat village, you will encounter factories powered by flowing water wheels, ethnic houses, Cat Cat waterfall, terraced fields, etc. Besides, there are many things to do in Sapa village, such as drinking alcohol, enjoying local food, or trying on Hmong clothes. Surely this place will make you feel excited with countless beautiful photos.

• Have fun at The Hmong Sisters bar

The Hmong Sisters bar is one of the most favorite bars for tourists when they visit Sapa, with a cozy space and wooden decoration design. Moreover, this place has modern music, good food, a great drink list, and friendly staff. The Hmong Sisters is a great place to kick-start the nightlife by strolling around the pool, playing billiards, or simply sitting by the fire to enjoy a cocktail. Although the space here is small, it is very chill and affordable. 

• Enjoy Red Dao herbal bath

Red Dao herbal bath is one of the things to do in Sapa. This herbal is a perfect medicine for your health because Dao ethnic has tested them for hundreds of years. Specifically, they help to clean the skin, treat rheumatism, blood circulation, restore health, and relax the mind. The tobacco mixture will be heated for about 30 minutes, then the water will have a deep red color like wine, with a characteristic aroma of herbs. You can take a herbal bath after a long trip in Sapa or rest after a trekking trip. 

• Shopping at the Sapa market

Sapa Market is only about 1.5 km from Holy Rosary Church, right in town. This market of Hmong and Red Dao ethnic with Vietnamese cultural identity. In particular, the market is also a meeting place for young men and women through singing, flute, and lip lute. In addition, the market sells food products and gifts of the Northwest, such as shiitake mushrooms, buffalo meat, brocade meat, and beautiful handicrafts for tourists to bring back as gifts. The items here are affordable and of outstanding quality.

• Visit Thac Bac waterfall 

Thac Bac waterfall is about 12km from the center of Sapa town. You can comfortably take many beautiful photos; feel the charming scenery of Northwest nature. February to June every year is a suitable time to visit Thac Bac waterfall because of the cool weather. You can also experience some places, such as visiting Muong Hoa stream, Love Waterfall, Ham Rong mountain, etc. Coming to this famous place, you should try to eat specialti

• Buffalo meat upstair kitchen 

Buffalo meat upstairs kitchen is made from tenderloin and corn of buffalo. After preliminary processing, the meat will be marinated with typical spices of the northwest mountains and finally smoked. The taste of this dish has the spicy taste of chili mixed with the spicy taste of ginger, along with the unique spice of mac Khen and the smell of wood smoke.

• Recommended address: – An Thinh service – 57, Thach Son street, Sapa, Lao Cai – Sapa night market – Dien Bien Phu street – Sapa, Lao Cai
• Price: From 25.42$ to 33.90$/kilogram
• Armpit Pigs 

Armpit Pigs are also known as Sapa Muong pigs ; people often put them under their armpits and bring them to the market to sell. Because it is raised in the highlands, the pork is very fresh and clean. Armpit pig can be processed in many different dishes such as grilled pork, fried pork, and steamed very attractive.

• Recommended address: – A Dung restaurant – 12 Xuan Vien, Sapa Town, Lao Cai – Hoa Dong Tien restaurant – 29 Cau May, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Price: From 2.12$ to 10.59$ 
• Bamboo – tube rice

Com lam known as Bamboo – tube rice , is an indispensable food in Sapa . People will remove the bamboo tube, bake it over the fire, and then put it in a tray on a layer of banana leaves. Each tube of lam rice is big, round, and fragrant when you enjoy it. 

• Recommended address: – Cat Cat village – Cat Cat village, Sapa town, Lao Cai – A Quynh restaurant – 15 Thach Son, Sapa town, Lao Cai 
• Price: From 4.24$ to 12.71$ 
• Stream fish

Stream fish is considered the best food in Sapa . Stream fish is smaller than the fishes living in ponds and lakes but has the characteristics of firm meat, soft bones, delicious, and is not fishy. Usually, stream fish will be grilled and eaten with sour fish sauce.

• Addresses: – Thai Bac restaurant – Thac Bac tourist area, Sapa town, Lao Cai – A Phu restaurant -15 Fansipan Street, Sapa town, Lao Cai 
• Price: From 8.47$ to 23.30$  

With a rich taste, eye-catching color, and high nutritional value, salmon is often present in the high-end menus of Sapa, such as sashimi salmon, curry salmon, pan-fried salmon, fish salad salmon, steamed salmon roe, smoked salmon, salmon salad, etc.

• Recommended address: – Dong Nhi restaurant – Thac Bac Waterfall, Sapa, Lao Cai – A Phu restaurant – 15 Fansipan Street, Sapa town, Lao Cai 
• Price: From 4.24$ to 42.36$ 

Con Sui is used with flat noodles like pho , also known as Pho Khan . This dish is not eaten with broth, but with a thick and fragrant sauce. Eating a bowl of Con Sui will surely make you feel warm in the cold weather of Sapa. 

• Recommended address: Ong Ha restaurant – 436 Dien Bien Phu Street, Sapa, Lao Cai
• Price: About 1.48$/ bowl 

Thang Co is a traditional Northwestern food. Initially, it was only cooked from horses, then other ethnic groups modified beef, buffalo, and pig and created many different ingredients and recipes. Eating Thang Co will be more delicious when drinking highland wine such as corn, Bac Ha, and Lan Sung wine. 

• Recommended address: – Lien Ton restaurant – 61 Xuan Vien, Sapa town, Lao Cai – Cau May restaurant – 92 Ngu Chi Son, Sapa town, Lao Cai
• Price: From 4.24$ to 13.98$ 
• Five coloured sticky rice

Five-color sticky rice has five colors: red, yellow, blue, purple, and white. It is made entirely from natural ingredients: upland sticky rice and forest leaves. This food is the specialty food in Sapa you should try. Specifically, on the occasion of Tet holidays, or there are precious guests, the villagers will invite visitors to enjoy this fragrant sticky rice with the taste of the Northwest mountains. 

• Recommended address: – Anh Dung restaurant – 6 Xuan Vien, Sapa town, Lao Cai – Hoa Dao restaurant – 48 Le Van Tam, Sapa town, Lao Cai
• Price: From 3.39$ to 6.35$ 

BBQ is a familiar culinary feast around the world, but eating BBQ in Sapa is a fascinating experience. Under the cold weather, fresh meat in the mountains will bring you a feeling of both deliciousness and mouth-watering.

• Recommended address: – Gia Bao restaurant – 498 Dien Bien Phu, Sapa town, Lao Cai – Hmong BBQ restaurant – 33 Cau May, Sapa town, Lao Cai
• Chestnut cake

Chestnut cake is the best food in Sapa with reasonable price. The cake is designed to be small, made with flour, nuts and sugar, sometimes with honey. The cake has a very fragrant and delicious taste and is baked and heated before being sold to tourists.

• Recommended address: – Sapa night market – Dien Bien Phu street, Sapa town, Lao Cai – Muong Hum Market – Muong Hum, Bat Xat district, Sapa town, Lao Cai 
• Price: 2.96$ / 10 pieces
• Chargrilled Sapa black chicken

Unlike many other chicken breeds, Sapa black chicken weighs only about 1.2kg to 1.5kg and is quite small. Thanks to that, this is one of the rare chicken breeds. Black chicken can be processed into many different dishes, such as fried, pan-fried, steamed, and boiled, but visitors say that black chicken is best eaten when they are marinated with Northwest spices and grilled with honey.

• Recommended address: – A Phu restaurant -15 Fansipan Street, Sapa town, Lao Cai – Red Dao restaurant – 4B Thac Bac Waterfall, Sapa town, Lao Cai

Khau Nhuc is a dish of Chinese origin, later reprocessed by the Tay people. This dish is made from pork with five spices, garlic, and chili and is very delicious with white rice. On important occasions, this is an indispensable dish on the trays offered to ancestors.

• Price: From 2.12$ to 2.96$ 

Pau Plau is a delicious Sapa dish that is highly suitable for people who like sweets. To make this cake, the chef must select the roundest glutinous rice grains and then grind them manually; afterward, sun exposure to sufficient. Pau Plau cake is usually filled with green beans, baked or steamed, and served with honey.

• Recommended address: Sapa new market, Sapa town, Lao Cai 
• Price: From 0.85$ to 1.27$ 

Pau Co has ingredients, including Dao (a plant of the Northwest) and glutinous rice milled into powdered water. The finished cake has the aroma of glutinous rice; when eaten, it will have a yummy and flexible taste. This cake can be preserved for a long time, so visitors often bring it back as a gift. 

• Recommended address: Sapa new market, Sapa town, Lao Cai

Men Men is a dish of the Hmong ethnicity, made from cornmeal. Men men have aromatic, flexible, and bold flavors typical of the mountains; when enjoyed, you need to be accompanied by pumpkin soup or chayote to taste better. 

• Recommended address: Highland markets in Sapa
• Price: 0.42$ / bowl

Pho is a familiar specialty food in Vietnam. In particular, Pho Bac Ha in Sapa is famous for its sweet and fragrant pho flavor. You can also feel chewy meat and yummy in each bowl. In addition, Pho Bac Ha has an affordable price and is located in an easy-to-find location, so it is very popular with tourists.

• Recommended address: 53 Le Van Tam, Sa Pa town, Lao Cai
• Price: From 1.69$ to 2.12$/ bowl
• Nem mang dang

Nem mang dang is a wonderful ingredient in the cooking style of the Tay ethnic group. Spring rolls are made from chicken, shallot leaves, tubers, and a little spice. This food, when combined with Muong Khuong chili sauce – a specialty in Sapa is tastier.  

• Recommended address: – A Quynh restaurant – 15 Thach Son, Sapa town, Lao Cai – Red Dao restaurant – 4B Thac Bac Waterfall, Sapa town, Lao Cai
• Price: From 2.54$ 

Moc Com is a rustic dish, but it is the best food among tourists as a gift after coming to Sapa . Every autumn, the Tay people will harvest rice and process Moc Com. To make the dish, people first take a fat duck’s fat and thick skin and cut it into thin and long pieces. Next, the remaining parts of the duck, such as wings, neck, and spine, are minced and then fried until cooked to make the filling.

• Recommended address: Bac Ha market – Sapa town, Lao Cai 
• Price: 5.08$ /kilogram
• Roasted chestnuts

Roasted chestnuts are a food to be noticed when coming to Sapa; nuts contain many vitamins such as C, B1, and B2. Sapa chestnuts have brown skin. You will feel the fleshy, greasy, and extremely mouth-watering taste when eating. In addition, Sapa chestnuts can also be grilled with butter and honey.

• Recommended address: – Sapa new market, Sapa town, Lao Cai – Muong Hum market  – Muong Hum, Bat Xat district, Sapa town, Lao Cai
• Price: From 0.42$ to 0.85$ 

Tao Meo is a favorite fruit in Sapa and can be made into many different foods, wines, and remedies. In particular, Tao Meo can be processed into a sweet and sour snack that appeals to the taste buds. Tao Meo’s benefits are liver cooling, digestive benefits, sedation, stress relief, etc. They are sold at many markets at very low prices.

• Recommended address: – Sapa new market, Sapa town, Lao Cai – Bac Ha market – Sapa town, Lao Cai 
• Price: 1.69$/ kilogram 

About Central Vietnam

• The Imperial City of Hue

The Imperial was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Hue Imperial City sustained significant damage in 1968 during a military campaign in the Vietnam War. After the fight, only 10 important structures were left out of the 160 total. Over time, the Hue Citadel’s structures have been gradually restored. There are many temples, pagodas, royal tombs, quarters, palaces, residences, and the Forbidden Purple City within this expansive complex. 

• Royal Tombs of Hue

The Hue tombs give off the impression of a long-forgotten, almost legendary world, with their moss-covered structures concealed in the hills and their worn-out stone warriors bravely guarding the dead. Before the Nguyen Dynasty’s deaths, all of them prepared their own royal tombs that reflected their individual temperaments and ideologies.

• Huong river (Perfume river)

Huong river or Perfume river which looks like “a silver sword upright to the sky”, is around 80 kilometers long. When traveling to Hue, do not forget to experience a while of boating along the Huong river to take in the fresh air and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape on both sides of the poetry River. When the nights come and the lights are on, you will immerse yourself in the splendor and romance of Hue. 

• Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda (as known as Linh Mu Pagoda) was built by Lord Nguyen Hoang in 1601. The most distinctive feature of the pagoda, the Phuoc Duyen octagonal seven-story tower, was erected in 1884. The pagoda is not only famed for its significant architectural achievements but it is also regarded as the most sacred temple in all of Vietnam. In 1996, Thien Mu pagoda was recognized as a national relic (art architecture).

• Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is the largest commercial center of Thua Thien Hue. In the market, you may find a variety of foods such as clam rice, beef noodles, khoái cakes, pancakes, and sour shrimp…. In addition, the market sells Hue’s traditional crafts, such as Phu Cam conical hats, bronze items made by the Duc guild, Phuoc Tich pottery, and Bao La rattan and bamboo products. These cultural gifts and souvenirs would be very special!

• Walk around the Old Town

Hoi An ancient town is located on main roads close to the river, such as Bach Dang, Nguyen Thai Hoc, Phan Chau Trinh, Tran Hung Dao, Tran Phu, Le Loi streets, Minh Anh Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.

• Visiting the assembly hall and ancient house

One of the most opulent buildings in Hoi An is the Fujian Assembly Hall which dates from the 17th century. This was built by the Fujian Chinese community in Hoi An and is considered a sacred space.

• Admire the Japanese Covered Bridge

The Japanese Covered Bridge is located in the center of the city and is also one of its focal points. The bridge spans some 12 meters and is famous for its ornate carvings. 

• Enjoy a traditional Hoi An water puppet show

A great way to get under the skin of local culture, this re-creation of Vietnamese traditional village tales through the medium of puppets who seem to float on the water is a delight for all ages. An English-language narration helps you keep up with the light-hearted storylines. Make sure to pre-book – these hour-long shows (made up of several mini-tales) are deservedly popular.

• Dropping flower garlands on the river 

If tourists come to Hoi An on the full moon day of the month (lunar calendar), do not miss participating in the traditional lantern festival on the Hoai River. This is the most beautiful moment that Hoi An owns. When the shimmering lights from the candles flicker from the lanterns floating on the river, it is also the time when they bring people’s thoughts and sorrows along with the flowing water.

• Discovering the old-town cuisine 

Hoi An cuisine is extremely rich and diverse, with a distinct Central Coast flavor. When visiting Hoi An, you should try white rose cake and Cao Lau.

• Participating in Folk games 

Coming to Hoi An and participating in folk games is a great experience you should not miss on your travel itinerary.

• Take a trip to Ba Na Hills

When you come to Danang, Ba Na Hills is a destination you should not miss. Ba Na Hills, nestled in the Truong Son Mountains near Danang, is a captivating destination that offers an enchanting escape for tourists. Accessible via a scenic cable car ride, this mountain resort boasts breathtaking panoramic views, a cool climate, and a charming French village ambiance. Visitors can explore attractions like the Golden Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel held up by giant hands. Thrill-seekers can indulge in exhilarating rides at the Fantasy Park amusement center, while nature enthusiasts can trek through the lush forests and discover hidden waterfalls. 

• Visit My Son Sanctuary

A visit to the My Son Sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Danang Vietnam for tourists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a mesmerizing complex of ancient Hindu temples dating back to the Champa Kingdom. Steeped in history and spirituality, the My Son Sanctuary showcases intricate architectural details and ornate carvings, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Exploring the ruins and learning about the religious significance of this sacred site is a truly immersive experience. The tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings make it a perfect place for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

• Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture 

Located in the heart of the city, the Museum of Cham Sculpture houses an impressive collection of Cham artifacts, providing a fascinating insight into the ancient Cham civilization that once thrived in central Vietnam. The museum showcases intricate sculptures, statues, and reliefs, showcasing the artistic and cultural brilliance of the Cham people. Visitors can admire the exquisite craftsmanship and learn about the religious and historical significance of these artifacts through informative exhibits. With its rich cultural heritage and captivating displays, the Museum of Cham Sculpture offers an enriching experience that should not be missed.

• Explore the Marble Mountains

Exploring the Marble Mountains is also a must-do activity for tourists visiting Danang, Vietnam. These five majestic limestone mountains are not only a natural wonder but also hold great cultural and spiritual significance. Each mountain is named after one of the five elements – metal, wood, water, fire, and earth – and is adorned with caves, pagodas, and breathtaking viewpoints. Visitors can climb the stone steps to reach the mountain peaks, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Inside the caves, intricate Buddhist shrines and statues create a serene atmosphere. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility, a visit to the Marble Mountains is a memorable experience in Danang.

• Visit the Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda is a well-known pagoda, situated on the Son Tra Peninsula in Danang. The pagoda is home to a towering 67-meter-tall white statue of the Goddess of Mercy, known as Lady Buddha, which is an awe-inspiring sight. The tranquil atmosphere, beautifully manicured gardens, and stunning coastal views create a peaceful ambiance for visitors. Exploring the pagoda complex allows tourists to admire the intricate architecture, and intricate Buddhist artwork, and learn about Vietnamese religious practices. A visit to the Linh Ung Pagoda definitely is an unforgettable experience in Danang for visitors.

• Visit Danang Night Market

The Night Market in Danang is a vibrant and bustling destination that should not be missed when visiting Vietnam. As the sun sets, the market comes alive with colorful stalls selling an array of goods, from local handicrafts and souvenirs to delicious street food. The aromas of sizzling grilled meats and aromatic herbs fill the air, tempting passersby to sample the mouthwatering dishes. With its lively atmosphere, friendly locals, and unique offerings, the Night Market in Danang is truly one of the top things to experience in this coastal city.

Exploring the entertainment paradise Vinpearl Land

Vinpearl Land Nha Trang is without a doubt a top-tier entertainment haven. Vinpearl Land boasts the second-longest cable car across a coastline in the world (3320 meters), which has been used as the most thrilling visitor transportation system. 

A visit to Vinpearl Nha Trang is an opportunity to enjoy the recreation paradise and the beauty of top-notch world-class resorts in addition to immersing into the elegance of the unending heaven, the white sand beaches, the pleasant sea air, and the wonderful green palm.

• Address : Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang Bay, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
• Opening hours : 8:30 – 21:00
• Ticket price (including the fee of all games and cable car going in, out Vinpearl Land): 

800,000 VND (~$40): people over 1.4m

700,000 VND (~$30): people under 1.4m

Free for people under 1m

Exploring Po Nagar Cham Towers

Po Nagar Cham Towers is a unique architectural complex that has long been recognized as a representation of Nha Trang City. Paying a visit to Po Nagar Cham Towers will give you the chance to discover the magnificent Champa architecture and discover more about the Cham people’s history. 

• Address : 61 Hai Thang Tu Street, Vinh Phuoc, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, 2km north of the center of Nha Trang City
• Opening hours : 8:00 – 18:00
• Ticket fee: 21,000 VND/person/visit

Soaking at Thap Ba Hot Springs and Mud Baths

The Thap Ba Hot Springs Center, which is situated behind the Ponagar Tower, is the first in Vietnam to offer hot springs and mud bathing. It is the ideal location if you are looking for relaxation. Due to the rich mineral composition of the mud, which is claimed to have healing effects, people typically apply it to their skin before lying down in the bath to let it do its magic. 

• Address: 438 Ngo Den st, Ngoc Hiep ward, Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, Viet Nam
• Serving time : 7:30 – 18:00
• Price: 1-4 pax/ private pool: 350,000 VND/ pax

5 pax/ private pool: 300,000 VND/ pax

6 or more/ private pool: 260,000 VND/ pax

Child (1- 1,4m height): 130,000 VND/ pax

Discovering the National Oceanographic Museum of Vietnam

The National Oceanographic Museum is home to substantial collections of marine life and archipelago history from Vietnam . 20.000 marine specimens are housed in the museum’s extensive collection for use in research and teaching. Furthermore, many aquatic animals reside in its huge aquarium.

• Address: 01 Cau Da, Vinh Nguyen ward, Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province.
• Ticket prices: Adults: 40,000 VND (about $2)

Students: 20,000 VND (about $1)

• Opening hours: 6:00 – 18:00

Visiting Monkey Island

Monkey Island is located outside of the city core of Nha Trang. This is a perfect habitat for a variety of wild creatures, mainly monkeys. Visitors to Monkey Island get the opportunity to interact with more than 1,500 monkeys of various varieties. On this 25-hectare-wide island, a variety of delightful monkey-related activities have been devised to provide guests with amazing experiences.

• Address : Ninh Phu Commune, Ninh Hoa town, Khanh Hoa province.
• Entrance fee : free
• Price ( including 2-way train tickets, tent seats, fresh water bathing, animal circus viewing, watching monkey swimming and motor racing, watching dog racing, and playing in the floating park):
• Adult: 600,000 VND
• Children: 1m – 1,4m height: 400,000 VND
• Children: less than 1m: free

Taking a tour to Hon Chong Promontory

The Hon Chong complex is one of the must-see sights in Nha Trang since it is at the confluence of a lively coastal city and peaceful nature. Travelers can participate in a range of exciting activities while visiting Hon Chong. You can participate in physical activities like swimming, rock climbing, or picking up seaweed and sea snails with the locals when the tide is out.

• Address : Phuoc Vinh ward, Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa
• Entrance fee: Free
• Prices (climb the rock): 22,000 VND/adult, 11,000 VND/child
• Opening hours : 7:00 – 19:00

Going Diving

Due to its vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs, Nha Trang is a fantastic location for scuba divers from all over the world. The summer months of June through August are the finest for diving in Nha Trang. During this time, the weather is quite sunny, the water is crystal clear, and the currents are calm, making it possible to take a deep plunge under cool water.

You can experience diving in Nha Trang:

• Hon Mun Island
• Monkey Island

Taking a Jet Ski Tour

Riding a jet ski in the sea is one of the most intriguing options to explore Nha Trang beach. Your instructor will demonstrate how to operate, drive, and troubleshoot so you can begin your journey. You can explore islands, observe monkeys and native cultures. Taking part in riding a jet-ski in the sunshine on the waves by yourself is an extremely wonderful experience!

Trying street food in Nha Trang

Along with being a popular destination for island hopping and historical tourism, Nha Trang is also renowned for its delectable local cuisine, which features a variety of unique dishes for both domestic and international tourists. The street food in Nha Trang is a delicious fusion of ingredients from the ocean and other natural sources.

About Southern Vietnam

• Visit Ben Thanh Market 

Ben Thanh Market started construction in 1912, which is a characteristic of Saigon. With an area of ​​over 13,000 m², the market sells mainly clothes, fabrics, shoes, fashion, handicrafts, fresh food, fresh fruits, and flowers. Also, coming to the market, you will be overwhelmed by the long line of sweet soup stalls of all colors and delicious flavors. Besides, dishes like broken rice or hearty crab soup noodle bring irresistible flavors for visitors. 

• Saigon Central Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office is one of the ancient architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City, built from 1886 to 1891 by a famous French architect. Many souvenirs and postcards about the country and people of Vietnam, as well as about Saigon in particular, are sold to serve tourists along both sides of the building’s corridors.   

• Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts 

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts has a unique beauty imbued with history and art culture. The museum has a lot of valuable artifacts, with up to 21,000 artifacts of famous painters from Gia Dinh school, Indochina Fine Arts, and modern art from before 1975.

Vietnam History Museum 

Vietnam History Museum was established in 1979, which collects and preserves the unique cultural heritage of the Vietnamese nation since the reign of the Hung king built the country. The whole building was built in the style of ancient Indochina, with tiled roofs decorated with phoenixes and stylized dragons, attracting many international visitors.

• War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum was established in 1975, specializing in researching, collecting, preserving, and displaying evidence of crimes and consequences of the wars of aggression in Vietnam. It consists of 3 exhibition floors, with a total area of 4,522 m² and with nearly 1 million visitors annually. 

• Independence Palace

Independence Palace is one of the most unique and famous architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City, which has existed for more than 150 years. The Palace has three main floors and a terrace that is also a helipad. More than 100 rooms of the Palace are decorated in different styles depending on the purpose of use, including staterooms, cabinet meeting rooms, offices of the President and Vice President in the past, etc.

• Explore the floating markets in Can Tho and Cai Rang

Experience the vibrant culture of Vietnam by exploring the floating markets of Can Tho and Cai Rang. These markets are a unique sight to see and offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. From exotic fruits, to colorful souvenirs, and fresh seafood, these markets offer a variety of goods that are sure to catch your attention. Take a boat ride down the Mekong River and witness the hustle and bustle of the vendors as they barter and sell their goods. Not only will you get a chance to see the unique floating markets, but you’ll also get the chance to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Vietnam.

• Visit the Banh Xeo rice paper village for a unique culinary experience

If you’re a foodie searching for a unique culinary experience, look no further than the Banh Xeo rice paper village. Located in Vietnam’s central region, this village is renowned for its Banh Xeo pancakes, which are made from rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, and a variety of savory ingredients such as pork and shrimp. What sets Banh Xeo apart is its crispy texture and unique method of preparation. At the village, you can take part in making the pancakes by yourself or watch the locals do it while learning about the cultural significance of the dish. The experience is not complete without savoring the finished product, served hot and fresh with a side of herbs and dipping sauce. Visiting the Banh Xeo rice paper village is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure.

• Enjoy a boat ride down the Mekong River to explore more of its beauty

The Mekong River is a natural wonder that spans over six countries in Southeast Asia. With so much to discover, a boat ride down the Mekong River is the perfect way to explore its beauty. As you cruise along, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscape. From floating markets to local temples, there’s plenty to see and experience. Delight your taste buds with delicious cuisine from the region while taking in the breathtaking views. Don’t forget to snap a few photos to remember this unforgettable journey. A boat ride down the Mekong River allows you to immerse yourself in the lively culture and history of this magnificent area. It’s a must-do experience for anyone visiting Southeast Asia.

• Visit Coconut milk candy factory

Ben Tre, one of Mekong’s provinces, is known for its abundance of coconut plantations, which has resulted in a variety of coconut goods, including coconut milk sweet. Chau Thanh hamlet is one of several localities who have made a living by producing this delicious dessert for decades. Coconut milk candies, known as one of the best Vietnamese delicacies, have been sold to numerous markets throughout the world. When visiting Ben Tre, you may witness the ancient process of creating coconut candy using the old techniques. When you visit the factory of this traditional technique, you will be able to taste this candy 

• Explore local fruit gardens

The enriched soil in the Mekong Delta is suited to producing various types of tropical fruits all year round; such fertile land has earned the region the title of “the country’s fruit bowl.” In the local gardens, you’d usually see tropical fruit trees including durian, jackfruit, mangosteen, watermelon, bananas, pear, and pomelo. The majority of the fruits grown in the Mekong Delta are consumed domestically, and some are even exported throughout the world. These local orchards allow you to experience the farmer’s life by picking fresh fruit and bringing some home for a very affordable fee. The price is determined by seasonal demand for that type of fruit. 

Com Tam (Steamed Broken Rice)

Com Tam is an iconic dish from Saigon, Vietnam that is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the city. It is a simple yet satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner item typically made with broken rice grains cooked in a steamer. The Vietnamese people have long used broken rice in times of poverty and hardship, making Com Tam more than just a meal but a symbol of strength and resilience. 

The flavor of Com Tam is subtle yet distinct, with the steamed broken rice cooked to a light crispness that pairs perfectly with various condiments such as fish sauce, garlic, and chili. The addition of pork, shrimp, or other meats adds an extra dimension of flavor while still allowing the broken rice to shine through. 

Reference price : 25.000 – 65.000 VND/bowl. ( 1-3$ )

Reference address:

• Sa Bi Chuong: 179 Tran Binh Trong, Ward 13,  District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho: 236 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Com Tam Tu Map: 89-91 Dong Den, Ward 12, Tan Binh District
• Com Tam Bai Rac: 73 Le Van Linh, Ward 13, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 

Banh My (Saigon Baguette)

My is a signature dish in Vietnam that has become popular among locals and tourists alike. This delicious bread can be found on the street corners of Saigon and usually comes with various toppings such as Chinese sausage, lean pork paste, egg, chicken, and pork. This dish has a unique flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who visits Saigon. The combination of various ingredients makes for a hearty and flavorful sandwich that can be enjoyed any time of day. It is also surprisingly affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to get their street food fix. All-in-all, Banh My is an excellent example of the delicious cuisine available in Vietnam and definitely worth a try. 

Reference price: 25.000 – 65.000 VND/piece. ( 1-3$ )

• Hoang Yen – Saigon Bakery: 654/1 Pham Van Chi, Ward 8, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
• Tu Hai Banh Mi Sticks: 356 Dinh Tien Hoang, District 1. Ho Chi Minh City
• Huynh Hoa Bread: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Co Diep Bread: 238 Vo Thanh Trang, Ward 11, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hoa Ma Bread: 53 Cao Thang, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Pha Lau dishes

Pha Lau is a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, made of various animal organs including stomach, intestine, lungs, liver, and heart. The organs are marinated with spices and then fried until golden brown before being boiled until tender. Coconut milk is the main ingredient of the broth which gives it a sweet and fatty flavor. Eating Pha Lau with bread adds an extra delicious twist that can only be found in Saigon. The dish is widely available at small alleys throughout the city and appeals to both local tourists and visitors from afar due to its unique taste. In conclusion, Pha Lau is definitely a must-try for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City and wanting to experience the true flavors of Saigon.

Reference price : 35.000 – 65.000 VND/dish ( 3-4$) 

• Pha Lau Mr.Li: 1A Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Pha Lau Mrs.Thao: 243 Ton Dan Street, Ward 15, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
• Pha Lau Mrs. Nui Saigon: 243/30 Ton Dan Street, Ward 15, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Pha Lau Mrs. Hat: 533 Ba Hat, Ward 8, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Pha lau Mrs. Oanh: Alley 200 Xom Chieu, Ward 14, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City  

Banh Trang Tron (Rice Paper Salad) 

“Banh Trang Tron” is a Saigon street food dish that has become increasingly popular throughout Vietnam. This savory snack is composed of small pieces of raw beef jerky, dried shrimp, quail eggs, mango, laksa leaves, satay, and shrimp. These ingredients are all then wrapped in a thin layer of rice paper, which adds an interesting texture to the dish. The spicy and slightly sweet flavor of the laksa leaves provides a unique depth of flavor not found in many traditional Vietnamese dishes. 

The best part about this street food is that it can be eaten on the go or enjoyed while sitting in one of the many street-side eateries. The small size of the dish also allows for a quick meal, making it ideal for busy urbanites.

Reference price: 15.000 – 35.000 VND/dish (1-2$)

• Banh trang tron Sai Gon Hao Hao: Hoa Hao Street, Lot S, Ngo Gia Tu apartment building, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Banh trang tron Long: 34 Nguyen Thuong Hien, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Banh trang tron Sai Gon Mr Vien: 38 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Banh trang tron Sài Gòn Thuy Long An: 108/2 Le Tu Tai, Ward 4, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City 
• Banh trang tron Nhat Quynh: 78/10 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 

Banh Trang Nuong (Grilled Rice Paper)

Banh Trang Nuong, or grilled rice paper, is a simple but delicious dish that has been beloved by the people of Saigon for generations. This dish is so popular because it is easy to make and very cheap, yet still provides an unforgettable flavor. The thin rice paper is placed on a griddle and then topped with a mixture of beaten eggs, scallions, and dried shrimp. A hint of chili sauce gives it an extra bit of kick that ties the flavors together beautifully. Banh Trang Nuong is a great dish for any occasion and can be enjoyed by everyone. 

Reference price : 15.000 – 35.000 VND/dish (1-2$) 

• Goc Da Lat: 386/43B Le Van Si, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Banh Trang Cao Thang: 61 Cao Thang, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Banh Trang C002: 002 Lot C, Apartment 23/49 Dinh Tien Hoang, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Banh Trang Mam Ruoc: 173 Cao Thang, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hu Tieu (Noodles)

Hu Tieu is a delicious and unique specialty dish from Saigon. It is made with soft metal noodles combined with water, along with special spices to give it a strong flavor that is distinctly Southern. The combination of the flavors and textures makes Hu Tieu stand out from other noodle dishes. 

The aroma of the spices fills the air as soon as you open the package and it just gets better from there. When cooked, the noodles are perfectly soft with a subtle flavor of the spices that really bring out the best in this dish. The addition of raw vegetables provides a nice contrast to the softer ingredients and creates an overall balanced flavor. 

Reference price : 35.000 – 60.000 VND/bowl ( 2$-3$)

Reference address: 

• Hu Tieu Pham Van Hai: 154/56 Pham Van Hai, Ward 3, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hu Tieu 18 Ly Thai To:  18 Ly Thai To, Ward 2, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hu Tieu Nam Vang: A65 Nguyen Trai, Ward Nguyen Cu Trinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hu Tieu 52 Tan Hung Dao: 52 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Hu Tieu food stall with braised ribs: alley 192 Ngo Quyen, Ward 8, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Fried dough

The fried dough dish is made very simply using fried flour, eggs, shredded papaya, soy sauce, and green onions. Crispy fried dough with soy sauce gives a deep, tasty taste. Many visitors to Saigon must praise it since the meal appears to be basic, made from common materials, and simple to prepare, yet it has such a unique flavor. On cold days, come to Saigon to savor this delectable fried dough.

Reference price : 45.000 VND/dish

Reference address : 

• Hoai Thuong- Fried dough near Cho Lon post office: 280 Hai Thuong Lan Ong, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
• Dat Thanh Fried dough: 277 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Van Thanh Fried Flour – Vo Van Ta: Alley 185 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Fried Noodles, Fried Flour – Nguyen Kim: 187 Nguyen Kim, Ward 6, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)

According to TasteAtla, which presents itself as a globe atlas of traditional meals, local ingredients, and genuine eateries, Bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew) ranks fourth among the top ten stews in the world. Bo Kho is full of juicy, fall-apart braised beef slices, herbs, aromatics, and a savory broth that pairs nicely with Vietnamese bread!

• Bo kho Tron: 706 Truong Sa, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Bo kho Mrs Mai: 6 Thang Long, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Me Chung Quan: 166 Ngo Tat To, Ward 22, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Xoi Saigon (Sticky rice)

Xoi- is not only a tasty and appealing food for many Saigon locals, but it is also an important part of Vietnamese culinary tradition. Vietnamese people like eating sticky rice for breakfast. Nobody knows how long or who originated this dish, but it is currently one of the most popular meals served at the breakfast table. I hope you give it a shot if you ever get the chance to visit Vietnam. You could choose to have a choice between salty and sweet flavors. People in Saigon prepare sticky rice on the spur of the moment; no matter what can be eaten with sticky rice, another unique sticky rice meal will emerge.

Reference price : 20.000 – 45.000 VND/bowl. ( 1-2$ )

Reference address :

• Sticky rice Mrs. Lan: 14b Ky Dong, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Sticky rice in Ba Chieu Market: Ba Chieu Market, 318/1 Bui Huu Nghia, Ward 1, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
• Mama Chang: 318 Hoa Hao, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Bap rang (Roasted popcorn)

It comes to Bap rang (Roasted popcorn), you undoubtedly already know how tasty and oily this Saigon street snack is. This meal is popular throughout the country due to its distinct flavor, which generates a distinct regional style. Bap rang is created with simple ingredients like sweet corn, dried shrimp, and green onions, as well as a little butter. The sweet and soft corn kernels combined with creamy butter, the crispiness of fried shrimp, the fat, and the scent of green onions all combine to make an unforgettable meal.

Reference price : 15.000- 30.000 VND/disc( 1$)

• Miss Ba – Stir-fried Corn with Salted Eggs: 24c Cao Thang, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Stir-fried Corn in Turtle Lake: 118 Co Giang, Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
• SUDO Stir-fried corn with salted egg: 435/47/12c, 47 Huynh Tan Phat, Tan Thuan Dong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

Snail is a famous street dish in Saigon that is cooked in a variety of ways, giving it a distinct flavor. And the Saigon snail dish has a distinct Southern taste. Several different cuisines are made from various species of snails, such as boiling snails, fried snails with spicy tamarind, fried snails with chili pepper, grilled snails, and so on. It makes a meal with the dusty style of Saigon people when combined with the signature sweet dipping sauce, fiery chile, and salty figs. Snail foods are often seen and enjoyed throughout Saigon’s streets. Try this recipe in particular during the winter, as its unique hot and spicy flavor will provide you with a sense of relaxation on cold days.

Reference price : 80.000 – 200.000 VND/dish ( 3-10$)

• Oc Nhu: 650/4/29D Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 11, District 10,  Ho Chi Minh City
• Oc Nho: 178 Le Quoc Hung Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
• Oc Dao: 212B/C79 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

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Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago

A member of lux cruises group.

Heritage Cruises' Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago, built with great pride and inspired by the legacy of the King of Ships, Bach Thai Buoi, commemorates the centenary of its launch in Hai Phong. A century ago, Bach Thai Buoi successfully inaugurated the Binh Chuan ship.

Heritage Binh Chuan offers an authentic experience, accommodating a range of 40 to 60 passengers, ensuring an intimate and refined cruise through the Gulf of Tonkin. Passengers immerse themselves in Vietnam's culture, history, art, and its people while voyaging amidst the awe-inspiring natural wonders.

The excellence of Heritage Binh Chuan has been acknowledged with the prestigious TripAdvisor 2023 Travelers’ Choice ``Best of The Best`` award. Furthermore, it has been nominated for the title of World’s Best Boutique Cruise Line 2023 by the esteemed World Cruise Awards.

August Promotion 2024

10% Off on your stay, 20% Off shuttle bus transfer Valid until August 31st 2024

Our Experiences

Heritage Discover Cruise 2 Days 1 Night

Cat Ba Archipelago is an exotic destination with pristine beaches, secluded lagoons, coves, tropical forest and lakes. On this program, find the best places for kayaking and boating. Experience, discover, explore, immerse and relax!

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Heritage Explorer Ocean Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights

The Heritage Explorer Ocean Cruise is a program particularly designed for those who love exploring. Venture off the beaten track, go kayaking and visit floating fish farms and villages. Discover secluded beaches, lagoons, coves and caves.

Heritage Expedition Cruise 4 Days 3 Nights

Heritage Expedition is a program particularly designed for those who love exploring and immersing themselves in local life, nature, culture and adventure to discover the authenticity of the destination.

Testimonials

Pham Ha - Founder and CEO of Heritage Cruises

Colm Hutchinton - Director of Halo Digital Marketing Agency

Huong Pham - Operation Manager - Luxury Travel

Nguyen Tien Hiep - Director of Halucom

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit.

Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Cat Ba Archipelago in the Gulf of Tonkin can be visited all year round. The best time to visit is September to April. Expect hot weather and some tropical rain in the summer from May to August, but the sun and blue skies reappear after the rain before a magical sunset and the moon rising high into the night sky. Be the first to cruise with us on board Heritage Cruises where our team ensures you enjoy every experience whatever the weather conditions.

Is a one-night cruise with Heritage Cruises enough to experience everything?

Some of our clients have told us that one night is too short, so if you want a trip that offers both activities and time to relax, the two-night Heritage Explorer or the three-night Heritage Expeditions options are recommended.

With an extra day, guests can relax in the stunning environment, spend time at a beach, or take a more active approach with swimming, kayaking or cave exploring The boat is a destination in itself with many experiences to offer. Each cabin has a private balcony, and the bathroom has a Jacuzzi allowing guests to enjoy spectacular views while soaking in the tub.

How To Decide Between Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Or Bai Tu Long Bay?

No trip to the North of Vietnam can be considered complete without a visit to the absolutely stunning Halong Bay region. But it’s not always that simple to choose your ideal cruising journey: The Tonkin Gulf actually includes 3 bays: Bai Tu Long, Lan Ha and last but not least, Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is by far the most well known by tourists, who come from all over the world to see its stunning beauty. But here’s the catch: Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay have the same scenic beauty as Halong Bay, in fact, some people say more so. Travelers are seeking new and exotic experiences and plus value, whether it is in terms of personal value or value for money. They are looking for new destinations, new hotels, and new cruising experiences. They search for exclusivity and want to be the first to discover a destination. Many have moved towards a quieter understated luxury and plan their trips with a focus on authenticity and experiential travel, searching for particularly enriching once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For us, it is essentially about creating an experiential type of travel that is personal as well as authentic and memorable.

Halong Bay is understandably popular and crowded, but if you want to come experience it alone without other tourists, be sure to book our private charter boat that will sail where you want, cruising on your own itinerary. Go deep into the bay. Explore the caves and grottoes. Head over to Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Go trekking in the Cat Ba National Park, rock climbing, kayaking, and, watching some of the most amazing sunsets that you’ll ever set eyes on. The choice is yours.

Book online today and look forward to a relaxing stay with us

Call us on +84 886 03 66 68 or 024 3223 9988 or email [email protected]

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​UPSTREAM JOURNEY WITH VICTORIA MEKONG CRUISE

3 Days - 2 Nights ​ From VND 10,990,000

Designed for Vietnamese locals & expats, this luxurious all-inclusive cruise takes you through the hidden gems of the Mekong Delta in utmost comfort.

MEKONG CROSSROADS SAMPAN CRUISE

3 Days - 2 Nights From VND 6,900,000

Embark on a river cruise aboard the private Song Xanh sampan, witnessing life as it is lived on and by the river.

NIGHT ON THE MEKONG RIVER WITH SAMPAN CRUISE

2 Days - 1 Night From VND 4,900,000

Spend the night on the river with our sampan cruise in complete privacy & explore the best of river life.

NORTHERN & CENTRAL VIETNAM EXPLORATION

7 Days - 6 Nights ​ From $769

Ready for an action-packed adventure in Northern and Central Vietnam? Explore Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and more.

ELITE VIETNAM

10 Days - 9 Nights From $1759

Explore the length of Vietnam, hitting two UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites as well as historic Hanoi and bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

ULTIMATE NORTHERN VIETNAM EXPERIENCE

5 Days - 4 Nights From $599

Explore the highlights of Northern Vietnam by land, sea and air, visiting magical Halong Bay and the cool highlands of Sapa.

BEST OF VIETNAM

12 Days - 11 Nights From$2,299

Travel through all three of Vietnam’s regions to witness the past, present, and future of the country, with an idyllic beach retreat built in.

A TASTE OF VIETNAM

12 Days - 11 Nights From $1,599

Travel the length of Vietnam on a culinary journey through all three regions, sampling and learning how to cook the best of Vietnamese food.

ULTIMATE MEKONG DELTA

4 Days - 3 Nights From $599

Traverse the Mekong Delta from Saigon to Chau Doc (gateway to Cambodia), visiting a floating market, ethnic Khmer village, enchanted submerged forest and more.

ULTIMATE SOUTHERN VIETNAM

6 Days - 5 Nights From $859

Experience this lovely contrast of city and country on a journey through beautiful southern Vietnam.

A TASTE OF THE MEKONG DELTA

4 Days - 3 Nights From $425

Experience the highlights of the Mekong Delta, including Can Tho’s bustling floating market, the picturesque town of Sa Dec, and an overnight cruise for intimate views of life along the river.

START PLANNING YOUR VIETNAM TRIP TODAY:

WHY CHOOSE VICTORIA VOYAGES

In- House Travel Providers

Our Partners come from within TMG's 4-star portfolio, many of whom boast 20+ years of award-winning experience.

Our Partners offer truly unique travel experiences 

Our Partners enable us to deliver consistently high-quality service to clients. 

Unmatched Savings

We use our own providers with no middleman, delivering maximum value for money to guests.

Our guests also enjoy extra perks: 15% off on all in-house services & free room upgrades (upon availability at check-in).

Expert Knowledge

Your expert travel consultant will look after you from beginning to end.

 We craft your journey from our region-specific experience & extensive local knowledge.

You'll travel with English-speaking guides who are local experts themselves.

It's All About You

Our journeys are customisable with Tour Extensions (optional extra experiences).

 All our tours are private or small group.

We're always here to support you during your travels.

READ OUR VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDES:

Seizing TMG raining offers for only this SUMMER HIGH campaign RIGHT NOW

Discover the amazing vietnamese cities of hanoi, hue, and saigon, visiting the beautiful beaches of vietnam.

Victoria Voyages   - Sales & Reservation 

Level 3, 46 Nguyen Truong To street, Ha Noi, Vietnam

Tel: +84 243 926 3148 - ext. 315

Fax: +84 243 926 3148

Email:  [email protected]

* Operated by Ivivu.com Joint Stock Company, Hanoi Branch

Our Journeys​

Ultimate Vietnam Experience

Elite Vietnam

Ultimate Northern Vietnam

Ultimate Mekong Delta

Essential Information

How to book

Booking terms and conditions

Privacy Policy

• Tonkin-Voyage-Travel
• Vietnam Tours
• Cambodia Tours
• Myanmar Tours
• Thailand Tours
• Off the beaten path
• Multi-country
• River Cruise
• Shore Excursions
• Our Travel Agency
• Our Commitment
• Our Vehicles with Drivers
• Sale Conditions

• Tonkin-Travel
• Customize your trip
• CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

Embark on an extraordinary voyage with our travel company, backed by an astounding 99% rating of excellence on Tripadvisor. Consider us your skilled artisans, crafting tailor-made trips that transform into cherished memories that will endure forever!

• 100% Tailor-Made Journey
• Direct Local Agency, No Intermediary
• Excellent 99% Rating on Tripadvisor
• Recognized & Proven Know-How
• Guaranteed Local Prices
• Simple & Flexible Organization
• Reliability and Payment Security

Weather & When to go

Recommended holidays.

Special Occasions

Best Price Trips

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