Welcome to Vietnam – a country where ancient history, lush landscapes and hectic cities converge, waiting to be explored. There’s a reason that it’s long been recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s most treasured gems. Delve in with this Vietnam travel guide.
Oh, Vietnam. I’ll never quite get my head around you. Complex, beautiful and diverse – travelling in Vietnam, like anywhere in Asia, is always an unforgettable experience.
It’s not exactly a secret that Vietnam is a spectacular travel destination. From emerald green rice paddies to the crispest white-sand beaches, sprawling metropolis cities, incredible rocky limestone islands in the South China Sea, and so much more, it has everything you could want from a travel experience.
Forever linked with the devastating war that split the country and decimated it for two decades midway through the 20th Century, it has since emerged as a Southeast Asian travel powerhouse.
The only problem? The best way to plan your Vietnam trip. Don’t worry – this guide is filled with practical tips to help you ace your travels. Whether it’s the country’s must-visit spots to lesser-known gems or suggested itineraries, I have you covered.
So, hop aboard, grab a cup of (green) tea, and discover what to expect from your Vietnam travel experience.
November through to April is generally the best time to visit Vietnam as these times are cooler and drier than summer. However, the climate varies significantly from the country’s north to further south.
If you want to experience the spectacular sights of Tet Nguyen Dan (the Vietnamese Lunar New Year), coincide your visit with early February.
Hanoi – the modern Vietnamese capital and gateway to the country – has a rich ancient, colonial, and cultural history. Packed with pagodas, museums, and memorials, this is the perfect start or end point for any visit to Vietnam.
Stay in the beautiful Soleil Boutique Hanoi hotel for comfort and a dash of luxury.
Vietnam’s largest city, formerly known as Saigon and the capital of South Vietnam is equally steeped in history and culture. This favourite stop-off for backpackers travelling in Vietnam has incredible nightlife and street food vendors.
I was absolutely charmed by the Amanaki Boutique Saigon Hotel, and I think you could be too.
For anyone wanting to mix some of the most romantic scenery in Vietnam with a sense of adventure, Da Lat offers incredible vistas, stunning hikes, and exciting motorbike trails.
Le Recit Boutique Hotel de Dalat is the perfect base for your visit here.
Sapa is a culturally diverse mountain town in the country’s extreme north, mixing views as far as the eye can see of stunning mountain ranges and tiered rice paddies. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera!
The Pistachio Hotel Sapa offers suitably nutty views from each of its highly comfortable rooms.
Don’t forget these things when packing for your travels in Vietnam.
Although it’s an extra expense, trust me, travel insurance is a must-buy before you set off on your Vietnam trip for peace of mind. Protection against unforeseen cancellations, losses and medical emergencies makes life so much easier.
I use AXA Travel Insurance for their comprehensive coverage and competitive premiums.
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There’s so much to see and do in Hanoi it’s unlikely you’ll find time to stop and take a breath. From the endless aromas from street food vendors permeating the air to the continuous hum of motorbikes and mopeds that zig-zag through the traffic – it’s a city with a lot of spirit.
Spend some time marvelling at the gorgeous old-school architecture in the Old Quarter, see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and take a walk down Hanoi’s famous “Train Street”, where a railway line cuts its way through a bustling street.
Sat on the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City bursts with life. With French colonial influences still evident in the city’s architecture, it’s a must for your time in Vietnam.
No visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. Elsewhere, cruise along the river or just bask at one of the countless superb cafes and bars that line the boulevards.
Huge limestone karsts rising from the azure sea, Halong Bay may very well be Vietnam’s prettiest spot.
The best way to explore the many varied, unique, and stunningly picturesque charms of Halong Bay is to jump on a cruise.
Huế is one of Vietnam’s most ancient cities and is a real gem in Vietnam’s glittering crown, awash with the ruins of extensive royal palaces.
Spend a couple of days exploring the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Head on a tour of the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City.
As far from the maelstrom of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as chalk is from cheese, Hội An is an oasis of calm where you can walk at your own pace without needing to dodge motorbike.
Walk to the Japanese Bridge – one of Hội An’s most famous spots. You should also book a cooking class in Hoi An. You’ll head out on a shopping trip to the local market and learn how to fish from a basket boat.
Looking for a unique experience that takes you into the heart of Vietnam? Explore the Mekong Delta.
You can either join an all-day cruise from one of the many stops along the river, or explore the incredible natural plant life, wildlife and villages as you negotiate your own way along this stunning river.
Sat 20 km off the coast of Hai Phong, Cat Ba Island is a buzzing tourist island that used to be a local fishing centre – not to mention the perfect spot for adventurous souls looking to go rock climbing, scuba diving, trekking, mountain biking, and kayaking in unbelievably beautiful surroundings.
If there’s one thing Vietnam isn’t short of, it’s caves, and Phong Nha National Park is the best of the lot.
Take a dragon boat cruise and drink in the astonishing views as you paddle through the caves. You’ll see scars made by American missile attacks before drifting among the illuminated jagged limestone walls.
3 Weeks
Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Tam Coc – Hue – Hoi An – Ba Na Hills – Da Nang – Da Lat – Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc
See the country’s highlights in one fell swoop with this all-singing, all-dancing itinerary.
1 week
Hanoi – Phong Nha – Hue
Kick things off in the beautiful city of Hanoi, head to Phong Nha to explore the incredible caves in the National Park. Then zip your way to Hue to discover its famous underground village, Imperial Citadel and stunning local lagoons.
2 weeks
Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho – Phu Quoc
Take in the unique beauty of Vietnam’s most unique and beautiful spots (along with a couple of cities along the way), ending in the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc with its gorgeous clear water and quiet sandy beaches.
12 days
Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi
Learn the history of one of the 20th-century’s bloodiest conflicts in the very locations it took place in.
1 week
Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Phan Thiet
This one-week tour begins by seeing all the sites in and around Ho Chi Minh City, including the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta, before spending a few days taking in the paradise that is Phan Thiet from its unmissable beaches.
Cao Bang is one of the most incredible natural places in a country stacked with natural beauty.
Blessed with sprawling rice paddies, stunning farmland, and every hue of green as far as the eye can see, Cao Bang is home to several UNESCO sites, Vietnam’s largest waterfall and some of the most awe-inspiring geological structures you’ll see anywhere.
You would be mistaken for thinking you were in the Middle East or the wild plains of the Sahara with a visit to Mui Ne Dunes.
This vast, arid desert in the south of the country offers something very different to the rest of the country. Enjoy sand boarding and jeep touring, and take in the beautiful orange colours as the sun dips below the horizon.
Cham Islands – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is a must-visit for anyone who wants natural beauty and unmatched marine biology.
This dreamy tropical vacation spot is perfect for all the “s’s.” Sunbathing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
If you’re comfortable on a motorbike, Doi Hong, the capital city of the Quang Binh Province is well worth a visit off the beaten tourist track.
The tunnel network in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a fascinating visit and there are plenty of beaches to lay back and unwind in.
Vietnam is a great place to visit on a budget. If you want to save your cash to experience the best of the cuisine, there’s plenty to do free of charge.
Several free guided or self-guided walking tours exist around Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other cities and towns. Or, if you’re in a more rural location, there’s no better way to explore than following a hiking trail.
Many of the main attractions in Vietnam offer free admission, too. Visit the splendour of the Notre Dame Cathedral or visit the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Reunification Palace in Hanoi.
Pho-Pho-real – While Pho is readily available worldwide, nothing matches the experience of trying the range of noodle soups throughout the country.
Com Ga – A tasty mix of chicken, pickled shallots, and rice is a must-have in Hoi An.
Xoi – This sticky rice comes in savoury and sweet options. A great breakfast, there are more than 20 types of Xoi, many of which are coloured with natural plant extracts.
Sinh To – These fresh fruit smoothies aren’t just strawberries and bananas. These stunning, refreshing mixes include dragon fruits, custard apples and jackfruits.
Tra Atiso – Believed to be a potent hangover cure, this artichoke tea is said to have liver-cleansing and detoxifying properties. Not only that, it tastes incredible.
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