JUMP TO : Vietnam Travel Itineraries | Places to Visit | Where to Stay | Travel Tips | Cost of Travel
Backpacking Vietnam… If you are seeking epic adventures, unique experiences, mouth watering foods and ancient historical sights; Vietnam is the place for you. Once upon a time, the very mention of Vietnam conjured up images of war torn destination but now Vietnam is a backpacker haven and travelling in Vietnam is a popular part of many Southeast Asian adventures. Vietnam has fast become one of Asia’s top travel destinations due to its well established backpacker circuit, friendly people and chilled out visa situation…
Backpacking Vietnam offers an incredible opportunity to get off the beaten track… Explore dramatic mountains in the North, stop in for some corn wine and a friendly chat with the locals before heading south to party the night away…
Many travellers opt to explore Vietnam by motorcycle which is hands down the best way to get around if you have plenty of time and can afford to linger rather than to just rush through Vietnam’s tourist sites. Vietnam is a big country and there’s lots of Vietnam backpacking itineraries floating around the interwebs… The most popular backpacking route is heading from Hanoi to Saigon.
Backpacking in Vietnam is a great choice for broke backpackers owhatn account of the super cheap cost of living and the plentiful adventures… I spent six weeks exploring Vietnam and cannot wait to return in 2017.
The adventurer’s dream, Northern Vietnam.
Table of Contents
Where to Go Backpacking in Vietnam
Vietnam is generally split into two regions, the north and south. If you only have less than two weeks, you can focus on one region. Another popular way to backpack Vietnam is to combine a trip with a neighboring country. For example, combing Southern Vietnam and Cambodia.
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Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Vietnam
Below we have put together the grand tour itinerary. This is great if you have over 3 weeks to backpack Vietnam, and best completed by motorbike or bus! If you only have 2 weeks, aim to complete the first or second half of the itinerary.
Backpacking Vietnam Itinerary #1: The Grand Tour
4 Weeks: Vietnam’s Highlights
This itinerary can be complete in either direction, but I will discuss from North to South. Start your trip in the beautiful city of Hanoi. Make a side trip to the countryside of Sapa, where you can ride your motorcycle through the hills and explore waterfalls. Then arrange a trip to Halong Bay, a highlight on any Vietnam trip.
Head south, stopping in the quaint town of Hue, to Hoi An, where you can get an affordable, good quality suit made. Then go to Nha Trang to let loose, get a bit wild and have some fun on the water. A popular water sports area with the likes of windsurfing, paragliding and jet skiing on offer; there’s enough adrenaline here to keep even the most adventurous happy.
Head to Mue Ne and Dalat, then to Saigon, the starting point for most backpackers travelling Vietnam. Saigon is a crazy bustling city. You can also go explore the Mekong River, a paradise for wildlife.
Places to Visit in Vietnam
Below we’ve explained each destination on the itinerary in much more detail, including what to do, see, and where to stay in each place.
Backpacking Hanoi
One of my favourite cities in all of Asia, Hanoi is a beautiful combination of Old meets Modern: a gateway to the incredible mountains and scenery to the North and the warm beaches and bustling cities to the south. Hanoi is worth spending at least a couple days exploring, on foot or by bicycle.
I recommend staying at the fantastic Central Hanoi Backpackers Hostel. The dorms are comfortable and at only $5 a night, including breakfast, internet and free beer, they certainly know how to cater to those backpacking Vietnam.
Train tracks running through the small streets of Hanoi
In Hanoi, it is definitely worth visiting the War Museum, easily spotted it has a great collection of weaponry marking the entrance. It costs just $3 to get in and it’s a good introduction to exploring Vietnam’s war-torn past.
Stop by the Temple of Literature; Founded in 1070 it was Vietnam’s first university where the rich and incredibly brainy attended. Even if you’re not into the history behind it, it’s handcrafted architecture is pretty breathtaking. If you aren’t templed out, definitely head over to the ‘old section’ of the city and stop by Bach Ma Temple. The oldest temple in the city. If you only see one temple in Hanoi, make it this one.
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the ‘Lake of the Restored Sword‘. Legend goes that once the Emperor defeated the Chinese from Hanoi, a giant golden turtle grabbed the sword and disappeared into the lake to restore it to its rightful owners. All traffic here is banned between 7 pm – midnight every Friday to Sunday turning this beautiful place into a meeting place for friends, giving it an almost funfair vibe. If you’re an early bird and like morning exercise, 6 am Thai Chi takes place every morning.
Sapa the adventurers dream, with sensational views.
Backpacking Sapa
An explorers paradise, you are likely to arrive here early in the morning. Check into the Enjoy Sapa Hostel, leave your bags here, and go in search of Motorbikes for hire! It’s around $10 per day to hire a motorbike, cheap for the freedom to explore some of the incredible sights around Sapa at your own pace.
Getting lost on a Motorbike, exploring the beautiful countryside is just one of the many fun things to do in Sapa. Drive to the beautiful Thac Bac Waterfall, around 15kms outside Sapa main town. A legend says if you look at the falls long enough, you will see a white dragon peering down into the valley below.
Get off the beaten track while backpacking Vietnam and take a day trip out of Sapa town and visit the incredible Ban Pho Village. One of the friendliest tribes in South East Asia, it stands out among others due to the Mongolian Ban Ha population here. Settled on a Mountainous Cliff side these guys literally live life on the edge. Come and explore the culture, talk to the villagers and try not to get too drunk off the legendary corn wine they will insist you taste. Multiple times.
The girls in the Ban Pho Village showing me some epic sights.
If motorbikes aren’t your thing, you can still make an awesome tour of Sapa Valley by bicycle. If you go with a company all of your food and extra transportation (not on a bicycle) is covered, but it is easy enough to organize yourself.
There are some truly awesome treks around Sapa and you could spend a few days here exploring. For the more adventurous, why not conquer Vietnams highest peak, Fansipan. Not quite Everest but standing at 3,143m it’s pretty impressive; it is possible to do in a day but most will recommend at least 2 days. You can do this hike solo or with trekking companies in the area.
If you fancy heading off on some even more adventure-fuelled forays, consider treks around Ha Giang.
Halong Bay, a highlight of my trip!
Backpacking Halong Bay & Cat Ba Island
A UNESCO world heritage sight, often known as the Eighth Wonder of the world, is an unmissable stop whilst backpacking Vietnam. Almost everyone who visits Halong Bay does it as part of a pre-arranged package. I’m not normally one for taking the tour option but it is pretty impossible otherwise. The tour’s not too expensive and it was totally worth it. We had a great time and were surrounded by some awesome people. It’s essential to prebook your trip to Halong Bay; we booked a two day, two night tour from our stay at the Central Hanoi Backpackers Hostel. Check out my buddy Bradley’s post for everything you need to know about picking a decent Halong Bay cruise for backpackers.
Whilst exploring Halong Bay we stayed on A cool ‘Junk Boat‘ one night and in beach huts the other. Being part of a prepackaged tour meant all our food, transport and everything else was included, making it a hassle free adventure.
Once the tour is over you can either stay on Cat Ba island and check out the rock climbing scene or head back to Hanoi for a night before travelling South.
Book Your Cat Ba Island Hostel Here!
The Ancient City of Hue
Backpacking Hue
This is a beautiful small town offering a great break in the journey from Hanoi to Hoi An. Check into the Hue Family Boutique Hotel and meet the family for local recommendations. One of Vietnams most royal cities, Hue is littered with impressive historic sights, delighting the inner nerd in us all!
Check out the impressive Citadel on the other side of the perfume river. This impressive piece of history is made up of four separate citadel’s and will take a full day to explore, you can hire a bike to get around! There is a ton of things to do in Hue and you could easily spend weeks here.
Check out the Thien Mu Pagoda; standing at 21 metres high and decorated with mind-blowing architecture this pagoda is a pretty spectacular eyeful.
If rest and relaxation are what you are after the beaches of Lang Co and the mineral hot pools of Phong An are just a short distance away.
For awesome ideas on where to stay check out my insider’s post on the 10 best hostels in Hue.
Hoi An is a photographers dream
Backpacking Hoi An
Hoi An is THE place to get tailor made clothes whilst backpacking Vietnam. There are loads of things to do in Hoi An but most backpackers come here to get a suit made. Clothes tend to take at least three days to make so you want to get measured as soon as possible… So first stop? Find a tailor! I recommend Mr XE II – possibly the best tailor in Hoi An!
Check into Paddy’s Hostel. Dorms start from $7 USD a night, and it has an awesome pool! Spend a few days exploring the local area by bicycle. The hostel provides them for free. It’s located close to the beach which is great on hot days, as you don’t have to go far!
Look to get back into the city? Da Nang is a great day trip, only a forty minute drive from Hue; the sandy beaches, caves and buddhist shrines among many other activities make for the perfect day out.
Check out my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Hoi An here.
Beautiful beaches of Nha Trang
Backpacking Nha Trang
Nha Trang is a perfect place to let loose, get a bit wild and have some fun on the water. A popular water sports area with the likes of windsurfing, paragliding and jet skiing on offer; there’s enough adrenaline here to keep even the most adventurous happy. No need to prebook, all can be arranged from the beach.
The best places to stay are in the side alleys and not on the main road. Check into the iHome Hostel for as little as $7 a night they’ll offer free beers in the evening and free breakfast to fix you up in the morning.
If you need to get a job or just want to have an awesome night out head to the Why Not Bar, they are often hiring. The work is easy and fun, it’s a great way to replenish funds while travelling Vietnam. I was on a five dollars a day plus two meals and unlimited booze deal… I was totally wrecked for a week or two, not my proudest accomplishment. The beach at night is a great place to hang out with other backpackers and get royally pissed however it, can be dangerous and a few backpackers have been robbed there so avoid ending up there alone.
While enjoying the nightlife be aware of the many hookers strolling the street at night. They will try to pickpocket you by grabbing at your crotch with one hand and slipping the other into your pockets… Keep your hands in your pockets, no matter what.
Book Your Nha Trang Hostel Here!
Lake Lak, epic spot for a sunset
Backpacking Lak Lake
Recover from the heavy nights in Nha Trang and break up the journey to Dalat by venturing out to the tranquil and beautiful Lak Lake, the largest natural body of water in central Vietnam. Paddle out in a kayak and enjoy the still waters, beautiful scenery and explore the Jun Village; A Mnong settlement of wooden stilted houses.
Backpacking Mui Ne
From Nha Trang you can head to Mui Ne and check out the awesome sand dunes or you can hire a motorbike from Easy Rider for roughly thirty dollars and ride up the mountain paths to Dalat. There isn’t much other than the sand dunes, beach & fairy stream in Mui Ne (although you can ride an ostrich!).
Backpacking Dalat
There is not a whole lot to do in Dalat but the ride itself is very scenic. I managed to crash and hurt myself quite badly because the roads are difficult, and if you have limited riding experience I suggest you hire a driver and just go on the back of the bike. Most backpackers do this rather than riding themselves.
The busy streets of Ho Chi Minh
Backpacking Saigon/Ho Chi Minh
The starting point for most backpackers travelling Vietnam, Saigon is a crazy bustling city. Expensive for us broke backpackers I recommend spending no more than one night here before venturing into the ‘real’ Vietnam.
Many of the ‘must see’ sights around Ho Chi Minh are related to the terrors of the Vietnam War. The War Remnants Museum is a haunting insight into the life of those fighting on the front line during the period of 1954 – 1975. It costs around $1 to enter.
Take a trip out of the city and tour the incredible network of Cu Chi Tunnels. Brave claustrophobia and crawl around the safer sections of the restored tunnels, popping (or squeezing) out at the other end. You can pre book half day tours of the tunnels through the Hide Out Hostel travel desk.
Like Vietnamese cuisine? Consider taking a farm-to-table cooking class in Ho Chi Minh.
Check out this post for more things to do in Saigon.
From Saigon, it is easy to arrange a bus onwards to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. You get your Cambodian visa for a fee on the border.
Read our ultimate guide to the best hostels in Ho Chi Minh and where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City!
Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta is often referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Vietnam this maze of rivers, swamps and islands are home to tiny villages floating on the banks of the Delta. Paddle into the floating markets and pick up some cheap trinkets, you’ll find anything and everything. Unfortunately the market is becoming increasingly popular and much of the trinkets being sold are aimed at those travelling Vietnam.
If you have a day to kill in the Mekong consider renting a vintage Vespa scooter and checking out the Delta countryside and local culture.
Moving past the ‘tourist’ trap section the Mekong Delta is a paradise for local wildlife. The quiet and noise of nature is a refreshing change from the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh. Trips to the Mekong can be as quick as half a day or a couple of days, depending on budget. I would recommend spending at least a day exploring the Mekong Delta. The best place to stay when exploring the Mekong Delta is Can Tho just south of Ho Chi Minh
Backpacker Accommodation in Vietnam
Vietnam probably has some of the cheapest accommodation in South East Asia. You can find a dorm bed for as little as $3 USD a night or a private room with a fan for $7 USD. There are plenty of budget accommodation options like hostels, guesthouses, home-stays & budget hotels. Another option for travellers especially in a group is Airbnb follow this link for $35 free credit!
Book Your Vietnam Hostel Here!
| Location | Accommodation | Why Stay Here?! |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Central Backpackers Hostel | One of the best hostels in Hanoi. Free breakfast, city tour, beer & pub crawl, what more could you want? |
| Sapa | Ta Van Hostel | Nestled in a small ethnic minority village away from the touristy Sapa town. You really get in touch with nature here & have incredible views of the rice terraces & Fansipan mountain range. |
| Cat Ba Island | Full Moon Party Hostel | Incredible views of the ocean from your balcony. Free breakfast & friendly staff. |
| Hue | Hue Happy Homestay | Ran by the sweetest family who treats you like your part of it. Great location in town that's close to everything. |
| Da Nang | Funtastic Beach Hostel | Delicious free breakfast & daily shuttle into Hoi An. Clean facilities & located close to the beach. |
| Hoi An | Vietnam Backpackers Hostel | Great party hostel & it has a pool. Loved the social scene here & prime location. |
| Nha Trang | iHome Hostel | Located just off the main strip & close to the beach. Love the social atmosphere, rooftop bar, buffet breakfast & free beer! |
| Mui Ne | Mui Ne Backpackers Village | Home of the longest happy hour in town & massive swimming pool. Really social vibes & tons of games to keep you entertained. Loved their movie days when I was hungover. |
| Da Lat | Mr Peace Backpackers | Great travel family vibes here, especially with their family dinners. The free breakfast & happy hour is awesome too! |
| Ho Chi Minh | Vietnam Inn Saigon | Incredible rooftop bar overlooking the whole city! Great party vibes, cheap alcohol & free beer. |
Top Things to do in Vietnam
1. Cruise Halong Bay
No journey to Vietnam is complete without a trip to check out Halong Bay. Admire the breathtaking scenery of mountainous limestone rocks from the comfort of the ‘junk boats’. When the humidity hits take a leap off the side and into the tranquil water below and splash around till your heart’s content.
2. Squeeze into the Cu Chi Tunnels
See how the Vietnamese used underground tactics during the Vietnam War. Squeeze yourself into the tiny tunnels, overcoming claustrophobia as you try to experience what the Vietnamese Soldiers once did back in 1954.
3. Trekking in Sapa
Leave the hustle and bustle behind and check into some of the most beautiful mountainous landscapes in Asia. Home to Vietnam’s highest peak Fansipan, Sapa is an adventurers dream hike, and standing at 3,143m it’s pretty impressive. If this is a bit too adventurous, enjoy the day walks or simply kick back and take in the beautiful views.
4. Suit up in Hoi An
Thailand has Elephant Pants and Vietnam has incredible Silk Suits. Watch the talented tailors at work in Hoi An and get your own creation made cheaply, beautifully and in just a few hours!
5. Bar Hop Ba Hoi
Friendly bars with cheap beer, laid back feels and even more friendly locals. Often located up sketchy looking side streets, these little bars are a great place for a laugh and cheap beer.
6. Water Puppet Show
Originating as far back as the 11th Century from the villages of the Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam, Water Puppet Shows are incredible. Lasting from as little as 5 minutes to hours, these are shows that you have to check out when travelling in Vietnam.
7. Street Food
For as little as $1 for a great meal, you really have no excuse not to try some of the local delicacies. If its good enough for Obama, it’s good enough for me.
8. Motor Bike across the Country
This is a fantastic way to see the countryside. Check out our motorcycling section in the How to Travel Vietnam below.
Water Puppet Show.
Vietnam Travel Tips
Below we have covered tons of essential information for backpacking Vietnam, including books to read, what to wear, backpacking travel costs, and how to travel around Vietnam.
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Books to Read While Travelling Vietnam
The Backpacker Bible – Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. Shameless bit of self promo here but this book is basically my dissertation on backpacking, nine years of tips and tricks and your purchase helps keep the site going. If you’ve found the content on this site useful, the book is the next level up and you will learn a ton – if you don’t, I’ll give you your money back. Check it out here.
Last Night I Dreamed of Peace: The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram – An incredibly personal account of the Vietnam War. Translated from Vietnamese, it can be a bit choppy but a heart pulling read.
Vietnam: Rising Dragon by Bill Hayton – Written by a BBC journalist, it’s an informative book which will help you understand contemporary Vietnam. Very readable I found this really helpful in understanding Vietnam.
The Dogs of Nam: Stories from the Road and Lessons Learned Abroad – A collection of short stories from over a decade of travel. This is no glamorous tale of #wanderlust, but a true and honest accounting of what it means to be a traveller.
The Quiet American – A fantastic fictional novel set around the time of the Vietnam War, also a great movie. Moving and will keep you hooked. I highly recommend this one.
Destination Saigon – A funny and fascinating book about backpackers travelling in Vietnam. If you are planning your backpacking trip to Vietnam, or just curious about the culture, this book is perfect!
Vietnamerica: A Family’s Journey – Read this on the plane and feel like you are travelling with GB on his adventure.
National Geographic Traveler: Vietnam, 3rd Edition – A great book guiding you through Vietnam. Offers up some great advice, interesting off the beaten track experiences and information.
When Heaven and Earth Changed Places (Tie-In Edition) – An account from a survivor of the Vietnam war who fled to America and then returned to her hometown many years later.
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Vietnam and Angkor Wat – An informative second ‘back up’ Vietnam travel guide. Also covers some parts of Cambodia, as well as Plenty of awesome maps and guides to the main ‘tourist, must do’s’ you’ll want to experience when backpacking Vietnam.
Tunnel Rats – If you’re a military history nerd, like me, this is a great book following the journeys of American GIs specially picked for their small stature to crawl into the Vietcong’s network of tunnels and engage reconnaissance missions and often hand to hand combat in tiny spaces. This book, more than any other, shows just how nuts the Vietnamese War was…
Vietnam Travel Phrases
Below I have listed helpful travel phrases for Vietnam. It always pays to be able to communicate with the locals, or at least try!
Goodbye – Tam biet
Thank You – Cám on Ban
No Problem – Khong Van De Gi
I like to Eat – Toi Muon An
What is this? – cái si te nài?
I am Sorry – Toi Sin Loi
I’m Hungry – Tôi Doi
What is your name? – Tên cua ban là si
I don’t understand. – Toi khong hieu
Staying Safe in Vietnam
Violent crime is almost nonexistent in Vietnam. Petty crime and pickpocketing can be an issue in the cities, so just watch your valuables or leave them locked at your hostel. Where backpackers need to be careful is riding a motorcycle. Vietnam’s cities are hectic, and the countryside has windy roads and animals roaming around. Even though road tripping with a motorcycle is a huge part of Vietnam tourism, I don’t recommend this for beginners.
Check out Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking.
Pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road.
Check out this post for plenty of ideas on ingenious ways to hide your money when travelling.
I strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst in Vietnam (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!) – check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.
Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll in Vietnam
The penalties for drugs are really harsh in Vietnam, like other neighboring countries in South East Asia. Weed is the most commonly used drug throughout Vietnam, but you will get into a bunch of trouble for having it if you’re caught. It is around & you can definitely find it, read Blazed Backpackers 101 on tips on how to stay safe whilst getting fucked.
Picking up in Vietnam can be quite difficult if you’re chasing a traditional Vietnamese woman. Chances are you’ll have to meet their parents & marry them if you want to engage sexually. The women in big cities like Ho Chi Minh & Hanoi tend to be more western influenced & relaxed. Just stay safe & use protection. Vietnam still has a big AIDS problem.
Insurance in Vietnam
Even if you are only going on a short trip, you should always travel with insurance. Have fun on your Vietnam backpacking adventure but please do get insurance – take it from someone who has racked up tens of thousands of bucks on an insurance claim before, you need it.
As a wise man once said, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you shouldn’t be travelling – so be sure to get your backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on a backpacking adventure! Travelling without insurance would be fucking stupid. I highly recommend World Nomads.
Find out why I recommend World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance review.
What to Pack for Vietnam
On every adventure, there are five things I never go traveling without:
1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.
2.Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. AR bottle are tough, lightweight and maintain the temperature of your beverage – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are. For every AR bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an initiative to reduce plastic in our oceans!
3. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
4. Headtorch: I would never travel without a headtorch. Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl LED headlamp with red light (which insects can’t see).
5. Hammock: Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks) and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Active Roots parachute hammock – it’s light, colorful and tough.
For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full backpacking packing list.
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Best Time to Travel in Vietnam
Vietnam is a country with multiple weather patterns ranging from monsoon rains, cold snaps and hot, humid sunny days. It can be hard to catch the whole country at a consistent time of year. But no fret, it is possible!
If you are planning to backpack Vietnam from top to bottom, the best time of year generally is September – December (Autumn) and March – April (Spring). These times of the year are your best weather window, where you might be lucky enough to see the whole country in sun!
Looking for specifics? Let me break down by regions, the best time of year for backpacking Vietnam;
North Vietnam: October – May will give you dry weather the majority of months. Expect some colder temperatures in the mountains and from March onwards, a little more rain as it gets more humid.
Central Vietnam: February – July is the best time of year to avoid heavy rain. Temperatures will hit the upper 30s in June to August.
Southern Vietnam: December – April is the ‘dry’ season. Temperatures will rarely fall below 20 degrees and will reach up to 40 degrees come March/April.
Locals trying to escape the rain!
Useful Apps to download before Backpacking Vietnam
XE Currency – My go-to currency app when travelling, you will definitely need this when travelling Vietnam. If not, you have some fantastic maths skills! A great way to keep track of how much your spending and understanding the exchange rate.
Google Translate – This app helped me out BIG time, especially when exploring the rural areas not yet blessed with English signs. Working offline you don’t have to worry about a huge data bill. It won’t necessarily help you learn the language but it’s great for practical and quick day to day scenarios.
Maps.Me – The most useful app you will ever download. Download the full map of the country before you go and use it offline while you backpack Vietnam. No data used and minimal amount of time getting lost means more time for fun stuff!
HIDE.ME – I always have a VPN ready to go on both my phone and laptop, I personally use Hide.Me which is one of the fastest and most reliable options out there. This particular VPN allows for up to five connections which is handy for keeping all your devices connected without having to purchase multiple VPN packages.
Beautiful inside decor of a temple in Hanoi.
Vietnam Travel Guide to Getting Around
Vietnam is one of South East Asia’s most accessible countries. Whether you are travelling the South East Asia loop and entering by land, coming down from China, or flying directly there, border crossings are relatively straight forward and the days of the tricky Vietnamese visa are now over.
There are long distance bus/train services that you can use to get all the way from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, train it from Europe all the way to Vietnam…
You can enter Vietnam by motorbike easily too. For those backpacking Vietnam without the luxury of time, the best way in is to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. There are flights with the likes of Emirates (via Dubai), Air China (via Guangzhou) and many more Airlines. I’ve found Vietnam Airlines tend to have the best deals for flying direct to Ho Chi Minh City.
Most flights will land in Ho Chi Minh but you can fly to other parts of the country. You can easily cross the border from Cambodia to Vietnam using local buses or, if you fancy travelling in style, there are VIP bus services available for flashpackers.
Entry Requirements for Vietnam
The visa situation in Vietnam has changed a lot in the last few years and it can be a little confusing. For UK citizens you can enter into Vietnam without a visa and travel for a maximum of 15 days. Which is great if you are paying Vietnam a quick visit, but if you want to stay any longer than this you will have to organise a visa before arrival.
Not as simple as just doing a quick border run I’m afraid, if they catch you out you’ll be paying a pretty hefty fine.
Thankfully visas are relatively straightforward to organise before you travel to Vietnam. Just pay a visit, or call your local Vietnamese Embassy to apply and ask any questions. The last time I checked it’s around $70 for UK citizens. If you don’t want to organise it yourself there are many companies out there who can help you apply. I’ve used VietnamsVisa previously to get mine done quickly and to generally avoid the dreaded paperwork.
How to Travel in Vietnam
Comfortable long distance transport and constantly improving road quality make travelling in Vietnam pretty smooth. Vietnam has a great coastal train line, reaching all the way up to the Chinese border and is a great way to travel across Vietnam on a time limit.
By Bus: Most backpackers choose to explore Vietnam via bus network. Buses in Vietnam are cheap, plenty are hop-on/hop-off style tickets, and they have ever increasing presence of Air Con. Basically, they are a broke backpackers dream.
Rather than just rocking up at the bus stop in the hope they will have space to fit you on, you can now book tickets in advance for most of South East Asia using 12Go.
views from the train carriage, pretty good.
By Train: A great way to get from one end of the country to the other fast and scenically. Vietnam Railways operates a single track train network running from Ho Chi Minh city al the way to the Chinese border with beautiful views of the countryside and coast. Slightly slow in places as much of the train line dates back to the colonial period; but that’s just part of the charm, right?
Ensure you book your tickets in advance, hard sleeper class offers the best value. Be aware that if you buy a through ticket you cannot break up the journey along the way, you will need separate tickets for this. Hop on the Reunification Express for a breathtaking journey.
By Domestic Flight: I did not travel via domestic flight within Vietnam. However, if you are on a time limit, a 2hr flight from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi is a lot more favourable than 30hrs + it can take on the train. Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier and Jetstar both offer cheap and backpacker friendly prices to many destinations within Vietnam.
By Motorbike: Many adventurers backpacking Vietnam choose to explore the country by motorbike. With a motorbike, you have a lot more freedom and will see a side of the country that is completely inaccessible if you are travelling by bus or train. Best of all, motorbiking Vietnam can work out pretty damn cheap as you can simply sell your used motorbike to another backpacker at the end of your trip.
Taxi: An increasingly common sight in the cities, it is not hard to find a ride. Just be sure to use a metered taxi or haggle and agree on the price before you get in. Vietnamese taxi drives have a reputation of touring you around town and/or taking you to alternative hotels. Be firm with directions and destination whilst using taxies within Vietnam.
Could you fit anymore on here?
Independent Travel VS Organised Tours in Vietnam
Vietnam is a great backpacker destination and can easily be explored on your own. If however you are short on time and keen to explore Vietnam, and the rest of South East Asia, with a group of like minded people then I recommend checking out Free and Easy Traveller.
These guys are all about getting under the skin of a destination and providing you with a unique travel experience in which you are bound to make plenty of amigos and memories. Broke Backpacker readers get a 5% discount – just use the code BROKEBACKPACKER. (All uppercase!)
Motorbiking in Vietnam
To kick your backpacking adventure into the next gear, get a motorbike. Motorbiking across Vietnam is often more cost effective than paying for multiple train/bus tickets. It gives you the freedom to really explore, get off the highway and go in search of raw adventure… Plus you look cool and you don’t have to deal with the drunken Aussie lads on the bus attempting to rope you into a game of ‘drink the beer’.
I picked myself up a Honda Win Manual Motorbike second hand from one of the many backpackers selling their bikes in Ho Chi Minh. I paid around $300 and for the few weeks I had it, only some minor repairs were needed.
Before travelling to Vietnam, I had never actually ridden a motorbike before and I was, in truth, a little intimidated. Luckily, riding a motorbike is a lot easier than it looks and after about an hour of (somewhat, hilarious) practice, I was good to go.
I had this expectation that the roads in Vietnam were going to be dangerous dirt tracks, but for the most part, they are fairly decent besides a few potholes. The biggest threat to you on the road is your own lack of attention, other drivers and animals/people. Make sure your travel insurance covers you for riding a motorbike in Vietnam.
Unfortunately, accidents among travellers are common, I came off my motorbike myself in Dalat and got away with just cuts and bruises… The bike flipped and hit me in the back of the head, and my helmet almost certainly saved my life – always wear a fucking helmet. You might think you look cool without one but, frankly, you look like a twat. Once in Hanoi, I managed to sell my trusty companion (the motorbike, not my friend) to another backpacker, making my money back with just a thirty dollar loss.
Motorcycling Vietnam – the best way to get around!
There is no greater feeling than whizzing through the beautiful countryside on the back of a Motorbike. Make sure you pack your camping hammock if you want to save money on accommodation. I usually rocked up to a restaurant for dinner & politely asked if I could hang my hammock there for the night, they always said yes & never charged me a dime.
The feeling of complete freedom is awesome, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face the entire time. For anyone backpacking Vietnam, I highly rate buying a Motorbike to explore this beautiful country.
Vietnam Backpacking Costs
Travelling in Vietnam can be cheap without you really having to think about it. I spent around twenty dollars a day in Vietnam, sometimes a little more when splurging on a day trip or imported beer.
If you are staying in hostel dorms, trying the local delicacies on the street, catching buses and trains (rather than domestic flights) and enjoying the odd day trip; you can expect to spend no more than forty dollars a day, if that.
Average Meal Cost: $1 street food – $8 meal in a mid level restaurant
Long Distance Bus Service: $3 – $15
Entrance to a site cost: $4 for foreigners on average
Average Day Trip Cost: $15+ depending on what you want to do.
Average Motorbike Hire: $10 per day
Money in Vietnam
Ever wanted to throw cash in the air and feel like a millionaire? Well, the Vietnamese Dong allows every broke backpacker travelling in Vietnam the opportunity to feel rich. $15 US Dollars = 341,219.29 Vietnamese Dongs, crazy huh?
Plus the name is Dong… Which, when enjoying multiple dirt cheap beers, is consistently amusing.
Don’t try to obtain Vietnamese currency before entering the country, it’s pretty much impossible. If you managed to snag some, you’ve probably had a pretty bad exchange rate. Take US dollars into Vietnam, you’ll find many shops and services accept US dollars.
Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted in the more built-up areas such as Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi but many of these, charge pretty insane withdrawal fees so it’s advisable to avoid small ATM transactions and get out a bunch of cash at once – just make sure you hide it well. If you need to transfer money internationally, use Transferwise, it’s the fastest and cheapest way to move money around when travelling.
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You should always have some emergency cash hidden on you and Will (Broke Backpacker founder) has written an entire post on the best places to hide your money. If you want to carry a fair bit of cash safely on your body, your best bet is to get hold of a backpacker belt with a hidden security pocket. |
So much dong…
Top Tips for Broke Backpackers in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia however, it is still possible to go a little out of control, especially when the currency makes you feel like a millionaire. So here are my top tips to keep it cheap backpacking Vietnam…
Take the Bus: The national bus service or ‘the chicken bus’ has great links throughout Vietnam, even into some of the more remote areas. For as little as $1 a ticket, I’d happily sit next to a chicken for a few hours.
Camp: Vietnam has some incredible countryside and coastline, views that shouldn’t be wasted by sleeping inside. Camping is most popular within the National Parks up and down Vietnam. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking. When camping isn’t an option i.e. busy streets, cities and high tides then go for the hostel dorms. A great back up option for as little as $4 a night. To connect with the locals, check out Couchsurfing.
Cook your own Food: Stock up on some simple basics at the market/supermarket and cook your own feast. I have a small Gas Cooker which I take throughout my travels, it saves you more money than you’d think!
Understand the Money: If, like me, you don’t have a great mathematical brain, use a currency app to help you understand how much you are spending. Knowing the value of the currency will help you avoid being ripped off or spending too much without realising.
Keep it Local: Where possible drink the local beer, eat the local delicacies and for day trips, try to use local companies. By using local companies you can haggle a bargain price that larger, international tour operators won’t offer. Plus supporting local businesses thrive is awesome!
Hitchhike: I didn’t hitchhike whilst backpacking Vietnam but I have a couple of amigos who have hitched the whole length of the country, no worries. Smile, motion for a car to stop and practise your Vietnamese….
Volunteer: If done properly, volunteering is an excellent way to cut down your costs on the road. I strongly recommend Workaway – you pay just $29 for the year and then have access to literally thousands of projects all around the world where you can help out in exchange for food and board.
Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!
Backpack Vietnam for Free
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In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.
Broke Backpacker readers get a 35% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code BACKPKR), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.
Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.
Internet in Vietnam
In major cities and touristy areas you shouldn’t have a problem finding free wi-fi. The national parks will be more isolated.
Must Try Experiences in Vietnam
People in Vietnam
The population is surpassed only by Indonesia as Southeast Asia’s most heavily populated country. However, Vietnam is the region’s most ethnically homogenous country with the Vietnamese making up about 90% of the population.
Buddhism is undoubtedly most common religion, but Vietnam has a rich and wide variety of religions including Catholicism, animism, theism and ancestor worship.
Food in Vietnam
Vietnamese food is popular all around the world. I would be gobsmacked if you have yet to try Spring Rolls, or Bread Rolls? As well as tasting absolutely wonderful Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest foods in the world; prepared with fresh ingredients, vegetables, herbs and either rice or noodles each dish is different but delicious!
Here are a few you should definitely try whilst backpacking Vietnam…
Buncha – One of my favourites! This is basically a Pork Meatball Noodle Salad. Yum!
Goi Cuon – The famous Vietnamese “Summer Rolls” are a perfect light bite. Normally filled with shrimp and/or pork, herbs and vegetables. They are wrapped in rice paper and served with Peanut dipping sauce.
Pho – Basically noodle soup. There are many varieties of Pho, perfect for those slightly unsure about Vietnamese food.
Banh Mi Thit – Or in other words, the best sandwich in Asia! Basically, a well sized baguette stuffed with yummy treats such as ham, cheese, fish, vegetables etc.
Brief Recent History of Vietnam
In the late 19th century, Vietnam became a French colony. The French built infrastructure in Vietnam such as the Saigon to Hanoi railway through taxation, and the Veitnamese wanted independence.
When France was losing in WWII, Japan took advantage and occupied French Indo-China. The Vietnamese Communists or Viet Minh fought the Japanese and by 1945 they controlled parts of North Vietnam. Viet Minh took control of most of Vietnam and declared Vietnam independent by 1945, but France ignored this. With no intention to give up power, fighting broke out between them and the Viet Minh.
After a siege lasting 57 days the French were forced to surrender.
In north Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh introduced a Communist regime while in the south Ngo Dinh Diem became ruler. Gradually, the USA became involved in the Vietnam War during the Cold War. First they were sending military advisers to South Vietnam. Financially, they supported the French and later the South Vietnamese government.
Then in 1964 two US ships were supposedly subject to ‘unprovoked’ attacks by the North Vietnamese. The Americans then bombed the north and Congress passed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution allowing the president to take ‘all necessary measures’ to prevent ‘further aggression’. As a result by December 1965 there were 183,000 US soldiers in Vietnam and by the end of 1967 there were nearly half a million. However, the Vietcong continued their guerrilla war.
Americans withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, but the South Vietnamese continued to fight the Vietcong alone until 1975 until the North Vietnamese captured Saigon. Vietnam was reunited under Communist rule.
Being a Responsible Backpacker
Writing your name in black marker on temples, chugging beer Saigon while shirtless, swearing loudly and visiting unethical animal attractions? You Sir, are a twat. Luckily, most backpackers don’t fall into this category but, when you’re out and about and have had a few too many drinks, it can be easy to embarrass yourself.
It’s easy to get carried away in South East Asia, everything is so damn cheap and so much fun. I’m in no way the perfect traveller; I’ve been the drunken idiot on the street. I know first hand just how hard it is to be the one person in a group to say no when somebody comes up with a stupid idea that, for some reason, everybody is down for.
By no means am I telling you not to drink, smoke and party. Do it and love it. Just don’t get so drunk you turn into an imbecile your mum would be ashamed of. If you can’t handle drinking buckets, then stick to beer.
Wear a helmet when you hop on a motorbike in Asia. Despite being an experienced driver, I’ve had a total of three crashes in South East Asia over the last ten years. On the one occasion, I wasn’t wearing a helmet, I split my head open and had to go to hospital. It was an expensive mistake. The local people are sick of scraping foreigners off the road and, trust me, you don’t look cool for not wearing a helmet.
Humans are humans; treat people you meet along the way with the same respect you would show your friends and family back home. You are not superior to anyone including the girls/guys walking the streets. Sex workers in South East Asia are people like you and me; they may enjoy what they do, or they may be on the darker side of it.
Regardless of your beliefs and thoughts on prostitution, remember this is another person with thoughts, feelings and a life outside of the sex industry too. You are not superior to these people, you just happen to be from a more privileged background.
Go to Asia and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of but be respectful along the way. Travelling the world makes you an ambassador for your country, which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country…
Vietnamese Flag on our boat at Halong Bay
Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a tough and cool travel water bottle. For every Active Roots water bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an awesome initiative aimed at educating people on the risk of single use plastic and helping to clean up our oceans. Help save the planet, pick up a water bottle here.
Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.
Want to learn how to travel the world on $10 a day? Check out the Broke Backpacker’s Bible…
Yay for transparency! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse crap. Your support helps me keep the site going.
Need More Inspiration?
- Backpacking Thailand Travel Guide
- Backpacking Laos Travel Guide
- Backpacking Cambodia Travel Guide
- Honeymoon backpackers guide to honeymooning in Vietnam
- Travel Route Ideas for Southeast Asia
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I loved backpacking in Vietnam, and visited everywhere that’s on your list. Sapa was the only place that, unfortunately, I really wasn’t keen on..
I think Sapa has changed a lot from what I have heard… I havn’t been for over three years now, I’d love to head back to Myanmar but I’m just preparing to head off on a whirlwind adventure around Central and South America! 🙂
Woah, also, I think that ostrich riding is not an activity that should be recommended. I saw the signs for it when I was in Mui Ne… Made me feel quite sad.
I’m currently in Central America, though will be travelling north I think. Unfortunately I don’t really have the funds to go south yet – as I want to do a massive long journey around South American in one go sometime in the future.
Hmmm, I don’t know enough about ostrich riding, other than that it is quite popular in South Africa, to say whether or not it should or should not be recommended. It was an interesting experience for sure and the ostriches seemed well looked after in a professionally run center.
Hi again Will – I would definitely recommend reading this post: http://right-tourism.com/2014/09/ride-ostrich/#sthash.frdGIE5P.KSwVRI2K.dpbs
Hi Charlie,
An interesting read for sure but it doesn’t really provide any evidence that there is a problem with riding ostriches, it uses phrases like ‘may’ and ‘maybe’ – although I think it’s important to be an ethical traveler, one has to try and get the balance right – after all, the most ethical thing for the planet would be to not travel at all! Riding an ostrich was a unique experience which I enjoyed, I’m not sure I would repeat it (I havn’t yet had a chance), and I saw no risk of harm to the ostriches themselves. When I can see a risk to an animal I will never increase that risk – for example, I would never dream of riding horses or donkeys abroad as they are usually treated badly.
In my opinion, no, not really. Hanoi is WAY nicer. Saigon has a good party vibe but it’s still not there best place in Vietnam to party so if I was planning a trip it would be the first place on my list I would scratch out if I was low on time.. 🙂
Tom and I met in Vietnam so it is quite dear to us! He rode a motorbike throughout Vietnam and had the time of his life! I went on buses but joined him along some of the stops. We will be posting a photo diary of his motorbike adventure on our blog soon. Great article, Will!
I would love to see the photo-diary!! keep in touch 🙂
Great blog and pictures!
Sapa changes every year as rapidly do other great destinations in Vietnam unfortunately! Though it still is a great country to visit!
I’m Vietnamese and working in tourism but I learn more from your post. Great blog Will Hatton.
Great article Will. We “Will” be using this as a basis for planning our backpacking trip through Vietnam, possibly in June or July. The trip will be anything from 6-8 weeks. We will be slackpacking as we are 49 & 50 years young. Don’t mind camping as we rough it often in South Africa on 4×4 trails & bike rallies. We don’t, however do hostels or share bathrooms. Not sure how much that will influence the daily spend, although in Thailand we found that we spent more on accommodation yet less on getting scammed and wasting money like we saw lots of the young backpackers do, so maybe this will balance figures. Will, do you have any tips you may think are relevant to us “Midlifebackpackers”? Cheers
…ps, your guide refers to around 20 different places to visit from North to South. Have you done this route & what would your estimated time frame be to travel this at a moderate, relaxed pace? How much time do you think we realistically need?
Loved your article.! Im planing my trip according this.! Also should i drop some of the stuff given above being a solo women traveler.?
Thank you! Hopefully I can get there soon!
– Jessica | http://brokegirlsdiary.com/
Very Informative article, Thanks for sharing!
,great blog. worth a read.I am currently planning my Vietnam- Cambodia backpacking and this will definitely help me a lot but I think I’m going to skip some places though.
Pretty impressive article! Thanks for sharing?
Recently completed our month long trip from Ho Chi Min to Hanoi & then beack to Thailand for another month. We based our trip on this article as we knew nothing of Vietnam. Found it usefull & informative.
Hello! My understanding is that you cannot ride a motorbike in Vietnam without a proper license? My insurance won’t cover me without a motorcycles license. You mentioned you had no prior riding experience before going there. How did you get around that?
Hey man, I’m not sure if the situation has changed but as far as I know it’s very unusual to get into any problems with the police – a small bribe will get you out of most traffic situations. Your insurance wont’ cover you to drive a bike but if you did get into an accident…. *cough* perhaps you could say you were on the back *cough*
Pour découvrir tout le Vietnam, je pense que cela prendra un mois. Et pour ce faire, mon budget doit être abondant
Thanks so much for this Will! My girlfriend and I are planning a budget trip to Vietnam and this guide is super helpful! You also shared so many destinations that I haven’t come across yet or found recommended so I definitely have a lot to consider with our upcoming trip.
Quick question for you – is it just as easy to get around using the train as the bus? Similar to how it is in Europe? or would you recommend using the bus for smaller destinations and the train to get between bigger cities?
Thanks Will!
Hey Stefan! It’s real easy to get around Vietnam using hop on hop off buses but I strongly recommend exploring by motorbike, that’s the best way to see the country! 🙂
Hi Will Hatton thanks a lot for posting this interesting blog and also a worth read.People who are plannnig to visit vietnam should definitely go through this blog.
The trip is really fun if you choose to have a great trip to experience all the best things that the tour has done, the difficult roads need patience and beautiful roads. will be recorded for your journey.
Hi Will
Awesome piece, some really helpful stuff on there for a first time traveller like me.
I had a quick question.
I’m planning on travelling through Vietnam solo in May next year and I was keen to find out exactly how “planned” my trip should be. Do you reckon I should pre-book all my accommodation before I go or do you think initially arriving with an idea of where I want to go will be fine? I obviously would like to have a good balance of being able to do things spontaneously if I meet a good crew of people but also wouldn’t want to be stuck without anywhere to stay!
Thanks for the help
Play it by ear amigo!
O gosh how I miss Vietnam. I absolutely loved the area of Halong Bay ad Ha Giang. The people are so lovely and friendly. The food is super. I want to go back!!
Hey Will! been following your travels for a while now! Awesome stuff! did you spend any time in Da Nang? I have been living here for eight months and love it here, so much more than Hanoi, HCMC and Hoi An!
I haven’t been to Da Nang, would love to go though! 🙂
Brilliant blog and pictures! Sapa adjustments each year as swiftly do other terrific destinations in vietnam alas! Even though it nonetheless is a super united states of america to visit! Thank you
for sharing.
Love how detailed your article is! I even share this to my friend who’s going to backpack here in Vietnam for a month and he also found your article very informative.
Hey Will, thanks a lot for this beautiful blog. I’m heading to Vietnam next month and cant ask for more now. Great job, will surely leave a review when I get back. Thanks again!
Thank you for a very detailed information. This blog is really suitable for one who wants to go and visit Vietnam. Hope that you will provide us the more interesting articles about this beautiful country. looking forward reading your others blog <3
Awesome blog WILL!!!
This is informative & especially relevant for a traveler on budget.
Thank you so much.
Have been struggling over multiple travel blogs to know more about Vietnam. This article has literally answered all my questions . Thanks Will, this is really great .
We are a group of 4-5 girls, heading for Vietnam in December , just a quick question, how’s the safety for female travelers there ? Thanks again! 🙂
Have an awesome time – safety in Vietnam for ladies is really pretty good if you follow normal precautions of not being alone at night in the street etc.
Hi everyone,
I just accidentally visit this blog, I’m a Vietnamese.
I have some tricks to travel VietNam with cheapest price.
I’ve just travelled across VietNam with 5,000,000 VND ~~ 250 USD with my motorbike. (around 4800km ~2900 miles in 9 days)
Here is my tips:
+ Live in small hotel (hostel, in VietNamese => “Nhà Ngh?”) -> it cost from 5$ ->10$ per night 🙂
+ There’s almost beautiful places in Northwest of VietNam, it called “Tay Bac”, it includes some provinces:
– Ha Giang (you should visit Ma Pi Leng pass – small himalaya mountain range :))
– Lao Cai (SaPa is good)
– Lai Chau(O Quy Ho pass (~40km))
– Dien Bien (many historical places)
There also many places that I can’t list here.
If you interest in travel or something you can ask.
Please contact tanmp1992@gmail.com
It’s my hobby, not work, so there no charge or fee. 🙂
Thanks for read my comments 🙂
Tan Pham
Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to write this. I have traveled Asia plenty of times before and I am just researching an upcoming trip to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The information you have provided here is so detailed and by far the most useful I have found. I’m pretty ‘laissez faire’ when it comes to travelling but in the past a lack of planning has seen me in a sticky situation. This makes me feel just prepared enough to arrive without a plan. Thanks and keep it up!
Thanks for your kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed the blog! 🙂
I have been to Vietnam so many times and I absolutely love it!
When you take a break and go to a new place, where everything is simply amazing and great to look at, then Vietnam is the place for you. I got Hanoi transfer service from Hanoi Travel Bus. It helps you from the airport to your lodging.
Wow, what a wonderful write up for someone who is planning to head for Vietnam for the 1st time.
Would you please tell me if 12 days are enough to cover all of them?
another thing is how much does is cost for Ha Long Bay cruise?
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks.
It’s not possible to do this whole itinerary in 12 days and I don’t recommend trying – it’ll be too rushed. For Halong Bay, there are many different packages and it partly depends on your haggling abilities but bank on somewhere between $100 – $200.
Thanks for your suggestions. We have finally made a plan of 15 days. Saigon(2n)- Mui Ne (half day) – Da Lat(2n)-Hoi An(2n)-Danag(1n)- Hue(half day) -Phong Nha(2n)- Ninh Binh(1day) – Halong Bay(1 and half day) – Hanoi (2n).
We have eliminated Sapa trek because we have just completed himalayan range trek.
Though it’ll be a speedy one but no way out. Wish to have a good time.
Best time to visit Northern Vietnam (Ha Noi, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang) is from Mar to Sep. It’s sunny and hot season. So boring if you visit these places in winter, rain all day, sometimes have storm >_<
Southern Vietnam like Hochiminh, Mekongdelta, Phuquoc island …, you can visit anytime. It's warm, hot, sometimes rain 1h or 2h. From here, it's easy to go to Laos, Cambodia and Thailand by flight or bus or boat.