Vietnam Travel Guide

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Vietnam is quickly becoming a top destination for travelers, thanks to its breathtaking UNESCO-listed landscapes, rich history, and incredible cuisine.

This fascinating country, which has only recently embraced tourism, offers everything you need for an exotic yet budget-friendly adventure.

Below, you’ll find all the articles I’ve written so far to help you explore Vietnam. And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help you. 😉

Get Ready for Your Trip to Vietnam

If you’re planning your first trip to Vietnam, these articles will be especially helpful. Be sure to check out my Tips for Traveling to Vietnam guide.

I covers everything you need to know, including visas, vaccinations, safety tips, avoiding scams, currency exchange and payments, outlets, SIM cards, and plenty of other practical advice.

The other article will help you decide exactly what to pack for your trip.

How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam?

To fully explore Vietnam and see its must-visit spots, you’ll need at least 13 days, divided like this:

  • 6 days in the north
  • 3 days in the center
  • 4 days in the south

Vietnam Must-Sees

Vietnam is a long, narrow country, and its highlights are grouped into three main regions: north, central, and south.

Here are some of the most amazing places to visit:

  • North: Hanoi (the capital), Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc and Hoa Lu, Sapa.
  • Central: Hue (the imperial city), Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary.
  • South: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island.

You’ll find several articles about the central and northern regions of Vietnam below.

Accommodation

Vietnam has a wide range of accommodations, and overall, they’re very affordable. However, the quality is often below European or the US standards.

👍 Friendly Tip: If you’re looking for affordable places to stay, make sure to check reviews from other travelers carefully. In Vietnam, some budget hostels or hotels might have hygiene issues or even mold problems.

If you use a platform like Booking you can filter by accommodations with high ratings that can save you a lot of hassle. This is always a good habit, but it’s especially important in Vietnam.

Check in these links the deal for the best hotels in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh, all with excellent traveler reviews.

đŸ€‘ If you want to save on your next adventure, use this Booking link to get 15% off your stay.

Getting Around Vietnam

One of the best things about traveling in Vietnam is how easy it is to get around by public transportation. For specific destinations, you can join day tours to save time, visit more places, and even cut costs.

Driving

Driving in Vietnam can be very dangerous, so I won’t go into much detail about it. Speaking from experience (after living three years in Thailand), even I didn’t dare to drive in Vietnam. 🙈

That said, renting a motorbike might be worth it in small, quiet cities like Hue.

But for most other areas, I recommend sticking to public transportation or booking tours instead of driving yourself.

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Vietnam is both efficient and affordable. Depending on where you’re headed, you can choose from trains, buses, planes, or boats.

Below, you’ll find a detailed guide to all the public transportation options. Also, I recommend using this website, which shows all available transport options for your chosen destination, along with schedules and prices.

You can even book tickets directly online, so there’s no need to visit the stations.

Outdoor Adventures for Active Travelers

Here are some of the most adventurous activities you can try in Vietnam. They’ll take you off the beaten path and give you a more authentic experience:

Hiking & Trekking

No guide to Vietnam would be complete without highlighting its incredible mountain trails.

The country is home to many stunning hiking and trekking routes, especially in the north, like those in Sapa.

You can get there by transportation and then this group tour to explore the area or a tour from Hanoi.

If you prefer to go solo you can use All Trails to plan your hike. Sapa alone has 16 hiking routes, most of which are moderately challenging.

Motorbiking

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, Sapa has some incredible motorbiking routes. You can join this guided 5-day tour to explore them.

Another must-try is the famous Hai Van Pass, also called the "Ocean Cloud Pass." This one-day guided ride from Hoi An to Hue is an incredible experience.

Surf

You might not expect it, but Vietnam is a great surfing destination, especially in the central region.

Da Nang is known for its waves, particularly from July to March, with the biggest swells happening between July and September.

The article below has all the details on renting surfboards, pricing, lessons, and everything else you need to surf in Da Nang.

Yoga in Vietnam

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, consider joining a yoga retreat.

The article below lists several excellent and affordable retreats that are worth checking out during your trip.

Fun Facts about Vietnam

If you’re curious to learn more about the country before your trip, don’t miss the article below. It’s packed with fascinating and unexpected facts about Vietnam that might surprise you.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Vietnam travel guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to a country that truly awakens all your senses.

Keep this guide handy; it'll be a valuable resource throughout your journey, providing access to all my articles. If you found it helpful, don't hesitate to share it with fellow travelers. Have a wonderful trip! 💚

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