travel one vietnam

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.

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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

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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.

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The Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Vietnam, According to Experts

Here's when to visit Vietnam for sunny weather, lower prices, and excellent sightseeing.

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Best times to visit for good weather, best times to visit for lower prices, best times to visit for hiking in sa pa, best times to visit for cruising ha long bay, worst times to visit.

Khoa Nguyen/Getty Images

Cinnamon and star anise perfume my memories of Vietnam, a country that lodged itself into my palate in fragrant, frenzied bursts. That alluring scent of pho was one of few constants as I traveled through vastly different landscapes, trekking through verdant rice terraces, dodging motorbikes en route to speakeasies, and standing face to face with an endangered monkey in my oceanfront outdoor shower — all within the span of two weeks. 

Vietnam is more than 1,000 miles long, a spectacularly slim country that’s only 30 miles wide at its narrowest point. Every region boasts its own allure as well as its own climate, which means you’ll need to carefully consider the time of your visit based on your desired itinerary. 

“As the climate varies so much from north to south, there will always be somewhere worth going in Vietnam, whatever time of year you travel,” says Melissa Matthews, regional director for Southeast Asia and North America at luxury travel company Red Savannah .

Here's a regional breakdown of the primary tourist seasons in Vietnam:

• High Seasons: North: September to November, March and April; Central: April to August; South: October to April 
• Shoulder Seasons: North: December to February, May to August; Central: September to March; South: September to December 
• Low Season: North: May to October; Central: September to May; South: May to September

Before you start planning your trip, read on to learn about the best times to visit Vietnam for hiking the majestic, mountainous rice terraces of Sa Pa, cruising the limestone marvels of Ha Long Bay, and avoiding the rainy monsoon season. 

Irjaliina Paavonpera/Travel + Leisure

The high season in Vietnam varies according to the region, so you’ll always be able to find a place that feels more secluded from the bustle of crowded beaches or cruise ships. Wet season attracts fewer crowds, says Matthews, which falls from May to October in the north, September to May in the central part of the country, and May to September in the south. 

Visiting during this time has plenty of perks, as you’ll likely be able to save on accommodations and travel costs. Popular restaurants and tours will be less overrun with tourists, offering a rare opportunity to better immerse yourself in the local culture as you tuck into bun cha on a sidewalk stool. However, bursts of rain and cloudy weather can dampen any plans to hike in Sa Pa or cruise along Ha Long Bay — two quintessential experiences you won’t want to miss. 

There are also an abundance of places that remain less crowded throughout the year, says Benjamin Kreuz, general manager of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay — the resort itself is one of them, nestled in a private cove of Nha Trang that became my personal definition of paradise. Many visitors tend to prioritize other attractions as they make their way south, so natural wonders in the north like Ban Gioc Waterfall and the network of caves in Quang Binh remain less busy. 

Meet the Expert

• Melissa Matthews is the regional director for Southeast Asia and North America at luxury travel company Red Savannah.
• Benjamin Kreuz is the general manager of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam.

No matter when you visit, you’ll always find good weather somewhere in Vietnam. “Vietnam is a beautiful country with tropical weather, making it suitable for visits throughout the year,” says Kreuz. 

For those hoping to see Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and everything in between, it’s best to go in the dry season. “February and March are the best months to see the entire country from north to south in relatively dry weather,” says Matthews. She notes that Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, falls during this time and can last for up to 10 days. “During this time, most of the key sights in the cities are closed, as everyone goes back to their family villages to celebrate,” she says. She recommends heading to the beach during the festival and bookending your trip with time in the major cities. 

For a dry and temperate trip to Sa Pa or Hanoi in the north, head there from September to November, or in March and April, she suggests. A sunny beach visit to Hoi An or Nha Trang in the central region is best from April to August, while the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc Island in the south are warmest from October to April. 

Vietnam is a relatively affordable destination all year long, with abundant and economical street food and comfortable hotels for all budgets. For your best chance at scoring low-cost flights and accommodations, consider traveling outside the peak tourist season. April, May, October, and November are excellent times, as you’ll still find warm weather throughout the country, but will have fewer tourists to contend with. 

Wand_Prapan/Getty Images

A visit to the verdant, terraced rice fields of Sa Pa are a must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Overlooking the Muong Hoa Valley, the hills are surrounded by spectacular mountains and home to dozens of communities, including the Hmong and Red Dao peoples — many of whom open their homes for overnight stays and lead private or group trekking tours. You can reach this famed hiking destination by car from Hanoi in five hours, by a bus in six to eight hours, or on an overnight sleeper train. 

Matthews notes that this region tends to get colder from December to February, so it’s best to plan a trip from September to November or in March and April. Harvest season is also an unforgettable time to visit: In late August through September, the vibrant green hillsides turn a voluptuous shade of gold as the rice ripens. 

Nikada/Getty Images

Ha Long Bay, with its emerald waters and limestone towers, is one of the primary tourist destinations in Vietnam, and as such, has become increasingly overrun with cruise operators leading day tours. For a less crowded experience, consider booking an overnight cruise that will take you deeper into the bay — or to the equally beautiful, slightly less populated neighboring Lan Ha Bay. (I splurged for a two-night cruise with Orchid Cruises , one of the more luxurious tour operators). 

March, April, October, and November are ideal months to visit, as they tend to bring warm and sunny weather without as much humidity. You’ll also avoid the peak season, so while it’s still bound to be busy, you can enjoy kayaking through the tranquil waters and hiking Cat Ba island in relative peace. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a great opportunity for a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure. 

Nick Dolding/Getty Images

While Vietnam’s varied climate means there’s never really a bad time to visit, you may want to avoid traveling to the country during monsoon season. 

“When the monsoon hits, it is hard and heavy and very humid,” says Matthews, who suggests sightseeing in cities during the wet season, where you can still visit museums and historic temples between rainstorms. “Avoid the mountainous region of Sa Pa and definitely don’t book a cruise in Ha Long Bay, as storms will occur and boats are grounded,” she warns. 

If you do decide to travel during the rainy season, it’s best to remain flexible in your planning, says Kreuz. “Consider not booking everything in advance due to unpredictable weather,” he says, adding that staying open-minded may help you to take advantage of potential low-season discounts. 

Tet, which marks the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is another tricky time to visit, as many landmarks and businesses close for a week or more to celebrate. It typically lands in late January or early February — this year, it falls on Feb. 10. 

Related Articles

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.

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Vietnam Travel Guide: A Complete 3-Week Itinerary

Travel through Vietnam! An enormous country, home to tropical forests, limestone cliffs, and exhilarating mountain roads. Away from the wonderful nature, are cities full of culture and fascinating history. And perhaps best of all, eat your way through delicious street food in one of the most flavorsome countries in the world! Discover Vietnam in this 3 or 4 week Vietnam route.

Vietnam Travel Route (3 or 4 weeks)

Traveling in Vietnam is mostly done by bus or train as there are limited direct flights between places. Three weeks is a good amount of time to travel in Vietnam.

If going as far as Ho Chi Minh, allow another week (4 weeks in total) to see the beauty of far southern islands like Phu Quoc or the extraordinary maze-like rivers of the Mekong Delta.

Also read: Best Things to do in Vietnam

Day 1 – 3: Hanoi

Start your Vietnam route in the buzzing capital of Hanoi ! This ancient city, centered around the misty Hoan Kiem Lake, is home to the best street food on the planet.

Spend at least two days here soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautifully chaotic city. Get ready to get lost among the beautiful web of narrow streets with French-style buildings, and bravely attempt to cross the manic roads!

There is an international airport here that serves the rest of the world, as well as domestic flights to other parts of Vietnam . Because of this, it’s a good place to start on your Vietnam travels.

Where to Stay in Hanoi

The quality of guesthouses and hotels in Hanoi is extremely high for the money you’ll pay. Situate yourself in the Old Quarter or near Hoan Kiem Lake so that you can see all the things to do in Hanoi on foot.

Hotels in Hanoi 😴

Day 4 – 6: Sapa

Experience trekking in the wonderful, rolling rice hills of Sapa ! The luscious, green north of Vietnam is an absolute must-see on any Vietnam route.

Hike through the beautiful nature among mountains, paddies, and tribal villages, and stay with a local family to experience their way of living. Between May and September, see the rice fields at their greenest! Note : You will have to go back to Hanoi after Sapa before departing for Ha Long Bay.

Read more: Trek at the rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam

Getting from Hanoi to Sapa

Bus: Regular direct buses depart Hanoi, taking 6 hours. This is the cheapest and quickest option. Get your bus or train tickets here.

Train: Both day trains and sleeper trains run from Hanoi to Lao Cai (8 hours). From there, take a minivan in 1 hour to Sapa.

Day 7 – 9: Ha Long Bay

Enjoy sailing across the peaceful emerald waters of Ha Long Bay among limestone karsts and floating villages. From Hanoi, book an incredible cruise to either Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay.

These cruises normally include a return transfer from Hanoi and come in a variety of options. For example, a day cruise or a 2 night/3 day cruise. To properly enjoy the beauty of this magical part of Vietnam, spend 2 nights here relaxing and exploring your Vietnam route.  Find a tour online .

Tip: Take the return transfer back to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay. You may need to spend one more night in Hanoi before continuing on the rest of the journey.

Day 10 – 12: Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh province is the natural paradise of Vietnam, home to charming villages, stunning rice fields, rivers, and the limestone mountains of Tam Coc. Enjoy a relaxing few days of seeing the beauty and tranquility of nature. Whether it be spotting wildlife or exploring the mountaintop temples, caves, and shrines, there is something every traveler will love.

Read: Tam Coc, the natural paradise of Vietnam

Where to Stay in Tam Coc

Experience charming wooden bungalows, lotus ponds, and gardens filled with organically grown vegetables – there’s plenty to choose from in the Ninh Binh region.

Hotels in Tam Coc 😴

Getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc

By car: Tam Coc is a 2 – 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi. Some guesthouses will offer a return journey to Hanoi for an extra fee.

Bus: Buses run regularly from Hanoi.

Train: There is a direct train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. From Ninh Binh, you can reach Tam Coc in a 10-minute taxi ride.

Book your transportation tickets online

Day 13 – 15: Phong Nha

Explore the spectacular area of Phong Nha, known as the ‘adventure capital of Asia’, and for good reason! There are hundreds of mammoth caves here, nestled between limestone mountains and wide winding rivers. Because of this, travelers can enjoy trekking, climbing, or abseiling through tunnels and rivers.

The most extraordinary of all the caves is Son Doong, big enough to fit in city skyscrapers. To reach this cave is a 4-day trek, with a long waitlist, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to incorporate this into your Vietnam travels. Many others, which are just as impressive, such as Hang En, can be visited in a day trek.

Note: During the rainy season of July- December (especially in the later months) many of the caves become inaccessible.

Getting from Ninh Binh to Phong Nha

Bus: To get to Phong Nha from Ninh Binh, there is a direct overnight bus (7 hours). This is the most efficient and direct option.

Train: There are also trains from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi (8 hours). From Dong Hoi, it is a 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha.

Plane: To fly, go back to Hanoi and take a 1-hour domestic flight to Dong Hoi. From here, take the 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Vietnam trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Day 16 – 17: Hue

Hue is a lovely little city to spend a night and soak up the remarkable culture of Vietnam. It used to be the capital of Vietnam, a royal city on the banks of the wide Perfume River.

As such, it’s filled with ancient tombs, beautiful pagodas, and, most famously, the walled imperial city. Spend a few hours wandering around the ancient Imperial City, surrounded by a moat, and gain a glimpse into the royal history of emperors in Vietnam.

Because of its war-torn past, Hue is also home to many war/history museums, which are fascinating to visit. A cultural gem on your Vietnam route!

Tip: Try the legendary ‘Bun Bo Hue’, iconic of the city.

Getting from Phong Nha to Hue

Bus: From Phong Nha, take a direct bus to Hue. It can be done in 3 hours for as little as 6 USD!

Day Trip: Hai Van Pass to Danang

On your way from Hue to Hoi An , make a stop for the afternoon in Danang. To do this, hire a motorbike and ride the famous, exhilarating Hai Van Pass. This meandering road (20 km) worms through the hills and coastline 500 m above sea level! Because of its height, this is easily one of the most beautiful ways to see this part of the country. Make a stop in Danang to see the golden bridge or the weird and wonderful Ba Na hills.

Note: If motorbiking isn’t really your thing, Danang is reachable by train from Hue. It’s a beautiful journey along the coast, known as one of the best train rides in Vietnam!

Day 18 – 20: Hoi An (end of 3-week route)

Arrive in beautiful, colorful Hoi An! Discover lantern-lit streets and French-style architecture while taking romantic river strolls or relaxing bike rides.

This UNESCO world heritage site offers countless things to do, such as a ride in the traditional basket boats, as well as some of the best food you’ll experience while traveling in Vietnam. Try the famous Banh Mi sandwich here! Hoi An is also the final stop of a 3-week route, and you can fly out from the nearby Danang airport.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to visiting Hoi An

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Depending on what kind of trip you want, you can stay either by the beach or situate yourself more centrally by the old town. It’s best to stay just outside of the old town, as the accommodation will be cheaper and both the beach and the old town will still be easy to reach.

Hotels in Hoi An 😴

Getting from Hue to Hoi An

From Hue, make your way to Hoi An either by motorbike, public transport or minivan. Book your transport here .

Day 21 – 23: Dalat (start of 4-week route) 

Dalat is the perfect place to see Vietnam’s nature at its finest. The green mountain town is situated in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. This is a region home to dense tropical forests, roaring waterfalls, and countless species of wildlife.

Spend time here spotting animals, taking the famous Da Lat cable car, or riding one of the many legendary motorbike journeys in the area. Because of its high location, there are nice mild temperatures all year round, so it’s a great spot to cool off from the heat of the lowlands. 

Tip: Da Lat has an amazing coffee scene! Try a cup of the delicious brew here.

Where to Stay in Da Lat

Stay in a beautiful villa overlooking the city and the surrounding green scenery, or opt for a comfortable hostel with a smaller budget.

Hotels in Dalat 😴

Getting from Hoi An to Dalat

Bus: If heading straight to Dalat from Hoi An, take an overnight bus of 13/14 hours. 

Train:   Overnight train from Danang to Nha Trang (10 hours). From here, take the bus to Dalat in 4 hours.

Plane: Danang to Dalat is a 1.5-hour flight (more expensive than other ways of travel).

Day 24 – 25: Mui Ne

Mui Ne is famous for its relaxed beach vibe, but most importantly for its extraordinary white and red sand dunes! Visit the red sand dunes at sunset to see the fiery colors of the sun blend into the red of the sand.

Alternatively, visit the white sand dunes for adventurous activities like quad biking or sand dune sledding. This is a must-do on any Vietnam travel route!

Getting from Dalat to Mui Ne

Bus: Visit in a 4-hour bus ride from Dalat.

Day 26 – 28: Ho Chi Minh

Spend a few days in the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh! Formerly known as Saigon, this fantastic city is very modern, with broad tree-lined avenues, bright city lights, and skyscrapers. Get to know the various districts, eat incredible food, and make sure to visit the highly informative war museums. This is a must-visit when traveling in Vietnam!

Make sure to take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels: a huge network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong soldiers in the war. Join a tour that gives you the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels yourself for a true-to-life experience.

Getting from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh

Bus: 5-6 hours.

Train : 4-5 hours train from Phan Thiet (a 30 min drive from Mui Ne) that takes you directly to Ho Chi Minh.

Day 29 Onwards: Phu Quoc (Optional)

If you have time, visit the beautiful island of Phu Quoc , in the far southwest of Vietnam. This island is a true paradise of secluded white sand bays fringed by clear, emerald waters and hanging palm trees.

Head to the north of the island to explore the Phu Quoc National Park. Here you will find perfectly preserved nature, mountains, and dense forest that’s home to an abundance of incredible wildlife. Phu Quoc is definitely a perfect spot to relax, swing in a hammock, and enjoy the peace of nature after your adventurous Vietnam travels.

Where to Stay on Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is one of the few islands that Vietnam has. It’s not new to tourists, so it is popular, but it’s luckily still not developed enough to be crowded. There’s a variety of accommodations on the island, from budget guesthouses and homestays to luxury hotels. 

Hotels in Phu Quoc 😴

Getting from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc

Bus + Boat: It is possible to take the bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien (ferry piers) in 7-8 hours. From here, take the ferry to Phu Quoc in 2.5- 3 hours. 

Plane: There is a direct 1-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc. This is a little more expensive, but it’s the most efficient way of travel.

Tip: If heading to Phu Quoc it’s worth taking some time to visit other places in the Mekong Delta region. This stunning area of natural beauty is home to a network of rivers, fantastic floating markets, rice paddies, and forests.

Alternative Vietnam Route Options

If your time in Vietnam is limited, spend 3 weeks up until Hoi An and save the south for another trip! If you have more than one month, spend more time in the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc. Remote places like Sapa and Dalat, which take more time to get to, can be removed from the Vietnam route if time is tight.

What’s Vietnamese food like?

Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world! The fresh, salty, sweet, and sour Vietnamese flavors mixed with herbs and spices bring beautiful harmony to your taste buds. Most dishes are not spicy, but chili flakes are always served on the table separately.

Costs of Traveling in Vietnam

Travel in Vietnam is exceptionally affordable! Delicious food can be bought from street vendors at a very cheap price, and there are very well-priced hotels and guesthouses throughout the country.

Travel is very cheap by bus, but extend your budget if you want to take domestic flights as these can be more expensive. Expect to travel on a budget of 10-20 USD per person and 20-50 USD per person for a bit more comfort.

Travel on a budget in Vietnam, from $110 − $240 USD weekly per person, mid-range $280 − $830 USD, and high-end from $750 − $1250 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $6 − $100 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $5 − $20 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $15 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $20 − $30 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $2 − $30 USD
• Activities: $1 − $10 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Get Around in Vietnam

Vietnam’s infrastructure is varied. Although the roads are generally good, the traffic can be bad, so it’s good to always allow for delays when using public transport.

The main way to travel in Vietnam is by bus, and although this is slower, there are excellent sleeper buses which means you don’t have to take days off the itinerary. Good train routes operate down the coast of Vietnam, which also offer sleeper services.

Vietnam has a handful of domestic airports, but if you want to travel to more remote places, prepare to take the bus! ( Find cheap flight tickets )

Via this website you can easily book your busses and trains online

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

The climate of Vietnam is different from north to south. In the north, the weather is very seasonal, with hot, humid, and rainy summers and cold, dry winters. In the south, it is hot throughout the year, with the drier months between November to April and the wetter months between May and October. 

Avoid visiting Vietnam during public holidays like TET, as prices will be much higher. It’s also good to note that most shops will be closed and transport services will be greatly reduced.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Vietnam?

Yes! Apply for an electronic visa online before traveling to Vietnam. The e-visa costs 25 USD and is valid for 30 days of travel. It takes 3 days to be approved but allows for more time just in case of delays or problems with the application. For a 90-day visa, apply beforehand using a reputable agency or by visiting the Vietnamese embassy in your home country.

Easily order your Vietnam visa here

Note: As of 2023, citizens of 25 countries can travel to Vietnam without having to apply for a visa and can stay in the country for 14 to 45 days (depending on nationality). Make sure to check beforehand if you’re country is on the exemption list and what conditions apply.

Safety in Vietnam

Vietnam is a very safe country to travel through. Even so, always keep your belongings with you, and be wary of pickpockets and scams. If traveling by motorbike, be very wary of the chaotic traffic on the roads, always wear a helmet, and make sure you have insurance.

Here’s how to:   find the right travel insurance

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Best Things To Do in Ninh Binh & Tam Coc (Vietnam)

10 best things to do on phu quoc island, vietnam, 8 best things to do in mui ne, vietnam.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Thank you so much for this helpful content! It helped and inspired me a lot for my travels to Vietnam 🙏🏼 Just one little remark as it has changed on August 15 2023: a lot of European countries don’t require a visa anymore for a stay up to 45 days :)

Hi Lisa, thanks so much for pointing that out! We’ll update the guide :)

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The Ultimate 1 Month Vietnam Itinerary And Travel Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 29, 2024

Categories Vietnam

Vietnam is a wonderful country in Southeast Asia. There are lush rice fields in the North and tropical islands in the South.

In between, you can find anything from stunning limestone mountains to colorful temples, historic sites, and interesting cities.

This Vietnam itinerary includes the best things to do in Vietnam and will help you plan your trip. Happy travels!

The ultimate 1 month Vietnam itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Vietnam 1 month itinerary

In the map below you can find our Vietnam travel itinerary, accommodations, and highlights of our month in Vietnam.

I traveled from North to South but you can also do this Vietnam trip itinerary in reverse.

Click here for the interactive map.

The perfect 1 month Vietnam itinerary

Day 1-2: hanoi.

• Day 3-4 : Halong Bay
• Day 5: Perfume Pagoda
• Day 6-7:  Hoa Lu and Tam Coc
• Day 8-9:  Hue
• Day 10: Hai Van Pass and the Marble Mountains
• Day 11-17:  Hoi An
• Day 18-19: Hoi An to Dalat (via Nha Trang)
• Day 20-21: Dalat and around
• Day 22:  Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 23-25: Ho Chi Minh City and around

• Day 26:  Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc

Day 27-29: Phu Quoc Island

Plan your Southeast Asia trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Book your transport tickets (train, bus, ferry, minivan, and more) via 12Go.Asia ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Important things to know when planning a Vietnam trip

The best time to visit Vietnam is between February and April . Vietnam is a long narrow country with different climates in the north and south. While the north can be ‘chilly' in winter (around 15°C), temperatures in the south are much more consistent throughout the year (between 22°C and 30°C).

The official currency in Vietnam is the  Vietnamese Dong (VND).   Here  you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 26.000VND and $1 is approximately 23.000VND.

Yes, most nationalities need a visa for Vietnam . You can apply for a visa online. Keep in mind you will need to pay two fees: online you will pay the Visa Pre-Approval Letter Fee and once you arrive at the airport you must pay a Stamping Fee (to be paid in cash, so be sure to bring dollars).

Traveling and getting around in Vietnam is pretty easy. There are many options to choose from (flights, night trains, night buses, minivans, taxis, motor tours, etc.) and plenty of travel agencies selling tickets to each of those options, as well as organized tours . In the itinerary below, you can find more detailed information about how to travel from A to B in Vietnam.

Where to stay in Vietnam on a budget

In this table, you can find the accommodation we stayed at during our trip around Vietnam.

These hotels are all rated 8+ on Agoda and Booking , we stayed in private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. More details about these hotels can be found further on in the post.

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices and book ahead to get the best deal.

Itinerary for Vietnam

Ideally, if you have a month in Vietnam as we did, you’d travel from North to South (or vice versa). It's best to start your trip in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, as these are the largest hubs for international flights.

If you have less time available to explore Vietnam, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Further on in the post, I also suggest shorter options (7 and 10 days, plus 2 and 3 weeks) for your Vietnam travel itinerary.

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a fusion of different cultures (Vietnamese, French, and Chinese).

It's a busy city, with many (historic) sights, a chaotic but interesting Old Quarter, beautiful temples, and an abundance of restaurants serving delicious Vietnamese dishes.

I recommend spending at least two days in Hanoi, though you could easily stay much longer in this buzzing city without running out of things to see and do.

Spend two days exploring Hanoi on foot, board a two-day cruise to Halong Bay , and join a tour of the Perfume Pagoda, or a day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc .

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

I personally found visiting the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh very impressive, though also a little creepy.

I mean, the man died in 1969, and yet it looks like he is sleeping in his glass coffin and could wake up any minute.

Combined with an impressive number of guards, soldiers, and other officials and the endless line of Vietnamese honoring their great leader made visiting the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum a very unusual experience.

Visiting the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is free, but there can be long queues. The mausoleum is only open from 7:30 am until 10:30 am, so it's best to arrive very early in the morning. Closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

While this museum is mostly a promotional campaign of the Communist Party of Vietnam, it's interesting to learn about history from this point of view.

However, I'll be honest: this wasn't the highlight of my Hanoi itinerary and if you only have one day in Hanoi, I'd skip this particular sight.

The entrance fee is 40.000VND per person and the museum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. On the other days of the week, you can visit from 8 am to12 pm or from 2 pm until 4.30 pm.

The Temple of Literature

This ancient temple was built around the year 1100 and nobles, royalty, and other members of the elite traveled from faraway places to study Confucianism here.

It's pretty incredible that the building is almost 1000 years old. Take a moment to look around and imagine how life must have been in those times.

The Temple of Literature is open every day of the week from 8 am until 6 pm. The entrance fee is 30.000VND per person.

Ngoc Son Temple

Located on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, it is hard to imagine a place more suited for a temple. It feels like an oasis of peacefulness in the middle of busy Hanoi.

The entrance fee is 30.000VND per person, there is a small booth left of the bridge where you can purchase a ticket. The Ngoc Son Temple is open every day of the week from 8 am until 6 pm.

Where to stay in Hanoi on a budget

Hanoi Serenity Hotel is a great place to stay in the middle of the Old Quarter. The rooms are spacious, clean, and modern.

Breakfast is good and included in the price. The staff is very welcoming and helpful.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking

How to travel from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi city center

The easiest way, in my opinion, is taking the Vietjet airport shuttle bus.

This bus leaves every 1-2 hours and costs just 40.000 VND per adult. The price is clearly listed on the side of the bus, so you don't need to bargain.

The bus will stop next to Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can disembark and either walk or take a taxi to your accommodation (depending on where you are staying).

Travel tip: if you're exhausted from a long flight and want to get from Noi Bai International Airport to your hotel in Hanoi in a faster way, I recommend booking a private transfer . Your professional driver will be waiting with a personal welcome sign and deliver you safely to your Hanoi hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Click here to book your airport transfer .

Day 3-4: A two-day cruise in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is gorgeous, with its blue-green water and steep limestone cliffs rising high above the water, as far as your eyes can see.

It's one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam and a UNESCO heritage site.

However, I have to admit that while the cruise was a lot of fun and we spent a lot of time chatting with the other travelers on the boat, I didn’t find Ha long Bay as impressive as I thought I would.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, or maybe I was spoilt because we had just visited El Nido in the Philippines , which to me is the ultimate tropical island paradise.

We also were a bit unlucky with the weather. On the first day of our cruise, it was extremely foggy and we barely saw anything of the famous cliffs.

Also, there were many other boats and a lot of trash floating in the water.

That being said, we enjoyed our cruise and I'm happy we went on this cruise. Halong Bay is a unique place to visit and should be part of any itinerary to Vietnam.

Important: cruising Halong Bay is a very popular activity in Vietnam. If you want to make sure you can travel on specific dates I strongly encourage you to book ahead.

Furthermore, I highly recommend booking with a reputable tour operator , I have heard horror stories from other travelers who ended up on a boat with huge rats.

Also check if meals and transport are included and if there are additional fees (for example, to enter Sung Sot Cave or to use a kayak).

This popular Halong Bay tour has great ratings from other travelers (4.8 stars out of 5).

Day 5: Day trip to the famous Perfume Pagoda

I really enjoyed our tour of the Perfume Pagoda because coincidentally we timed our visit perfectly. We did our tour of the Perfume Pagoda tour shortly after the Vietnamese New Year.

The week after the Vietnamese New Year, many Vietnamese people visit this particular pagoda and the Huong Tich cave to make an offering, which makes the tour extra interesting.

During this tour, our guide told us a lot about the complex combination of religions practiced in Vietnam (Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism).

To get to the Pagoda complex, we took a seat in a tiny boat rowed by a small but surprisingly strong Vietnamese man.

During this boat trip over the Yen Stream, we passed lots of boats jam-packed with Vietnamese families who were on their way to visit the pagoda as well.

They smiled enthusiastically, waved, and took pictures of us and it made for an amusing boat trip. Click here to book a tour to the Perfume Pagoda .

Day 6: Day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc

This was the last of the three tours I did around Hanoi and my favorite one as well.

First, we visited Hoa Lu, which was the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009 during the rule of the Dinh Dynasty.

While this historic site was definitely interesting to visit, the highlight of the tour is Tam Coc. The area around Tam Coc is absolutely stunning, it's kind of similar to Halong Bay but with rice fields instead of water.

There are massive limestone cliffs soaring high above bright green rice fields, a beautiful sight!

We made a lovely boat trip along the Hoang Long River (the lady rowing the boat rowed with her feet!) and passed through an impressive case.

While this is a very worthwhile tour, please note that the bus ride from Hanoi to Tam Coc takes at least two hours (depending on traffic).

We opted not to go back to Hanoi, instead, we spent the night at Tam Coc as we planned to travel south.

Check out this excellent Hoa Lu and Tam Coc tour for more detailed information and book your ticket online .

Where to stay in Tam Coc on a budget

Tuan Ngoc Hotel is a small-scale hotel in Tam Coc and one of the best accommodations we stayed at during our one-month Vietnam trip.

The family who runs the hotel is incredibly friendly and really makes you feel at home. The rooms are clean, the bed is very comfortable and the Wi-Fi was good.

All the food was delicious and freshly prepared. A highly recommended place to stay!

Day 7-8: explore Tam Coc and travel to Hue by night train

I was very happy we got to spend another day admiring the beautiful surroundings of Tam Coc. We rented a bicycle and cycled over sandy roads between the rice fields.

We often rent bicycles during our travels and I always very much enjoy this.

Not only is it an eco-friendly way of exploring a place, but it's also healthy and allows for plenty of opportunities to make a quick stop to take a picture.

How to travel from Ninh Binh to Hue by night train

From Tuan Ngoc Hotel it's a 15-minute taxi ride to Ninh Binh station (we paid 100.000 VND). About 15 minutes before the train arrives, a bell will chime and railway employees will check your tickets.

Usually, they will guide you to the right spot on the platform, so you can board the cabin listed on your train tickets ticket.

I enjoyed our train trips in Vietnam. The 4 people soft sleeper cabins are pretty comfortable and I usually got a decent night's sleep. For more information about train travel in Vietnam, check seat61.com .

My most important tip for train travel in Vietnam is to book your train tickets online , at least a couple of days in advance! Beds sell out fast, particularly the soft sleepers.

Click here to book your train tickets via 12Go.

Day 8-9: Hue and around

I spent two lovely days in Hue, the capital of the Nguyễn emperors.

On our first day in Hue, we visited the Imperial City and on the second day, we rented a bicycle and cycled along the Perfume River.

The Imperial City

Hue was the capital of the Nguyễn emperors, who build the Citadel between 1804 and 1833.

Within the 2.5 by 2.5km and 6-meter high wall of the Citadel, the emperors build the Imperial Enclosure and within this enclosure, they build the Forbidden Purple City; a place only the emperor, his concubines, and eunuchs were allowed to enter.

Unfortunately, much of the complex has been destroyed during the Vietnam War, but with help from UNESCO, it is being restored.

The Imperial City is a very impressive complex, with beautiful temples and gardens and a must-visit during any Hue itinerary.

The complex is very green and quiet, it felt like we were the only ones there! Be sure to bring enough water along, it can get quite hot during the day.

The entrance fee to the Imperial City in Hue is 150.000 VND per person. The complex is open daily from 8 am until 5:30 pm (10 pm on Thursday evenings!)

Rent a bicycle

On our second day in Hue, we rented bicycles from our hotel and explored the area around Hue.

Thien Mu Pagoda

We visited the seven-story tall Thien Mu Pagoda, which is often regarded as the symbol of Hue. Found on the northern bank of the Perfume River, the Pagoda is an easy 5-kilometer bike ride from Hue city center.

Keep in mind there are monks living at the site so be sure to dress and behave respectfully.

Chùa Huyền Không temple

Another nice place to visit is the Chùa Huyền Không temple. This unknown temple is beautiful and highly worth a visit. It was built in 1973, around the temple there are lovely gardens and small lilyponds.

From the Thien Mu Pagoda, it's another 3km by bike to reach the Huyen Khong temple.

Other things to do in Hue

If you have more time to spend in Hue, other worthwhile activities are a day trip to Bach Ma National Park , the Tomb of Minh Mang, or the Tomb of Tu Duc.

? Only got a day to explore Hue? Check out this full-day private tour and visit the most significant and popular sights in Hue, (and learn more about the city's interesting history ) . Check availability here .

Where to stay in Hue on a budget

We received such a warm welcome at the Charming Riverside hotel . A cold towel, fresh fruit, juice, and information about Hue and the places of interest in the city.

There are different room options and some even have a river view! Bicycle rental for $2 a day. Breakfast is excellent and the staff is very helpful and accommodating.

Day 10: how to travel from Hue to Hoi An (by minivan)

The distance between Hue and Hoi An is only 150km and shouldn't take more than three hours without stopping along the way. However, that was not what happened during our trip from Hue to Hoi An…

The day before we departed, I asked the hotel how to get from Hue to Hoi An. No problem, they exclaimed, we have a minivan that can take you there for $15 per person.

I booked two tickets and we were picked up by an empty minivan the next morning. But as always in Southeast Asia, that quickly changed, and more and more people piled into the van.

After driving for about half an hour, the driver's phone went off, he had a short chat and pulled over. When one of the passengers asked why we had stopped the driver cheerfully said that more people were coming.

Apparently, they had forgotten to pick up two people in Hue, who were now on their way to our location in a cab. We patiently waited for a while until the missing passengers arrived and resumed our journey.

A friendly Vietnamese guy started talking about the surroundings, and the villages we passed and shared some historical facts.

Interesting, I thought, but why exactly is he telling this stuff? It turned out he was our guide.

Yes, apparently, I did not just book a transfer from Hue to Hoi An, I booked a tour!

Hai Van Pass

Along the way from Hue to Hoi An, we stopped at Hai Van Pass, a 600-meter high pass that gained instant fame when Jeremy Clarkson declared it ‘ A deserted ribbon of perfection ’ in the Vietnam special of Top Gear.

Beautiful? Definitely!

Deserted? Not so much.

The Marble Mountains

We also stopped at the Marble Mountains, which turned out to be an interesting place to visit.

There were many caves and Buddha statues, each of them slightly different. I didn’t know the difference between the different poses and types of Buddha statues but learned a lot during our visit to the Marble Mountains (see pictures above).

The entrance fee to the Marble Mountains is 40.000VND per person. The complex is open every day of the week from 7 am to 5:30 pm.

Final destination: Hoi An

Eventually, we arrived in Hoi An around 5 pm, after a great day of sightseeing. The tour reconfirmed my earlier lessons and my advice to you: when in Southeast Asia, always expect the unexpected:-)

For my husband and myself, it wasn't an issue that the trip had taken an entire day as we were planning to stay in Hoi An for at least a couple of days.

However, some of the passengers would be traveling back to Hue the next day, which unfortunately meant their day of sightseeing in Hoi An was cut short…

Day 11-17: exploring and relaxing in Hoi An

While we planned to spend three days in Hoi An , we ended up spending an entire week! Hoi An is a lovely town, with great food and a very relaxed vibe.

When darkness falls, Hoi An feels like a fairy tale village, lit by thousands of colorful lanterns.

Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An Old Town is a UNESCO world heritage site, with many beautiful historic buildings.

To visit these historic buildings, you need to buy a Hoi An Old Town admission ticket at one of the ticket booths spread around town.

The ticket gives you entrance to five historic buildings. There are 22 sights listed on the heritage map (you'll get one of these when purchasing the ticket) so choose carefully.

On the ticket, it says that it is valid for 24 hours only, but we used the same ticket on Monday and Wednesday without any issues. Some of the most popular sites to visit are:

• The Fujian Assembly Hall (also called Phuoc Kien)
• The Japanese Covered Bridge
• Duc An Old House
• Cam Pho Communal House
• Hoi An Museum

? Got more time to spend in Hoi An? Book this Hoi An bicycle tour and ride through the scenic countryside of Vietnam as you learn about the local way of life and enjoy a delicious lunch. Check availability here .

Have a massage

Something to add to your Hoi An itinerary is getting a massage. In Hoi An, there are many different spas, suitable for every budget.

I had a very relaxing massage at the Kiman hotel , which cost around 300.000 VND and took about an hour.

Get a custom-made dress

If you are looking to get a custom-made dress, suit, or other garments, Hoi An is the place to buy this. I had a beautiful dress made for my sister's wedding that I still wear.

Take a cooking class

During our week in Hoi An, we also took a cooking class . Before the actual cooking started, the instructors took us to the local market to buy the ingredients we were going to use in the dishes.

We learned to make fresh spring rolls and sauteed chicken. I love Vietnamese food and it tasted even better when we prepared it ourselves. Check the availability of the cooking class here.

Hang out at one of the many cafes

One of the best things about Hoi An was relaxing in one of the many cafes! I am a bit of a coffee addict and our favorite place in Hoi An was 11 Coffee.

Phap, the owner of 11 Coffee, is a great guy and a real coffee enthusiast. I can highly recommend visiting his cute cafe, we went there almost every day during our time in Hoi An.

Join a day trip to My Son

One of the most important historic sites near Hoi An is the UNESCO World Heritage site My Son Sanctuary . Learn about the Champa Kingdom and explore the ruins of this former capital.

Click here to book a tour to My Son Sanctuary.

Where to stay in Hoi An on a budget

Option 1: jolie villa homestay.

Our first hotel in Hoi An was Jolie Villa Homestay . We stayed in a spacious room with a huge comfortable bed.

The bathroom was large, clean, and modern. Also, the shower was high enough for tall people such as my husband, which is rare in Vietnam!

Wi-Fi was good (each room has its own router) and there are free bicycles available. You can also freely use the swimming pool at the Kiman hotel , which is also run by this lovely family).

But first and foremost, the host family is awesome, super-friendly, and helpful. They know each guest by name from the moment you arrive and make you feel very welcome. We had an excellent stay here!

Option 2: Sac Xanh homestay

Because all the rooms at Jolie Villa were booked and we wanted to stay in Hoi An for a couple more days, we looked for another hotel and found Sac Xanh homestay .

This was another great budget hotel and we had such a lovely stay with this family. The rooms are basic but spotlessly clean, the bed (with mosquito net) is super comfortable and there are free bicycles available.

The best thing about this homestay was the host family who was very friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout our stay.

They arranged transport for us to Da Nang train station and helped us make a reservation for bus tickets from Nha Trang to Dalat.

Also, they made us a delicious Vietnamese breakfast each morning. On the day of our departure, the family organized a special going away lunch and the food was among the best we had in Vietnam.

Day 18-19: how to travel from Hoi An to Dalat (via Nha Trang)

After a relaxing week in Hoi An, it was time to move on. The next destination on our Vietnam tour itinerary was Dalat. In the table above you can find more details about our journey from Hoi An to Dalat.

Even though it was a 24-hour journey, it didn't feel that long because we had a good night of sleep aboard the overnight train and the road from Nha Trang to Dalat was breathtaking.

Click here to book your train tickets from Danang to Nha Trang and bus tickets from Nha Trang to Dalat

Day 20-21: Dalat

We rented two mountain bikes from our accommodation, Cam Ly homestay , to explore Da lat and its surroundings. Dalat is located in the mountains and there are many fun things to see and do.

Ho Xuan Huong Lake

On our first day in Dalat, we cycled around Ho Xuan Huong Lake, located in the heart of Dalat.

The Crazy House

Southwest of the lake you can find the Crazy House, a maze of stairs, and hidden passages in a Gaudi meets fairytale style.

The entrance fee for the Crazy House is 60.000VND per person. It's open every day of the week, from 8.30 am to 7 pm.

Did you know? Besides visiting the Crazy House, you can actually spend the night in one of the 10 unique themed rooms!

We wandered around the Crazy House for about an hour, before cycling to the train station of Dalat.

A train ride from Dalat to Trai Mat

At the pretty Dalat railway station, we got on a beautifully restored train, which brought us to Trai Mat, a little village about 7km away.

In the table below you can find the departure times, the ride from Dalat to Trai Mat (and vice versa) takes approximately 30 minutes.

A return train ticket from Dalat to Trai Mat costs 126.000VND per person

Linh Phuoc temple (Trai Mat)

In Trai Mat, we visited the unique Linh Phuoc temple. The main feature of the temple is the 7-meter high and 49-meter long dragon, which is made of 12.000 bottles!

After our visit to Trai Mat, we returned to Dalat on the historic train and cycled back to our homestay.

Datanla Falls

On our second day in Dalat, we cycled to the Datanla Falls (approximately 6km from town), a nice place to visit. The entrance fee to the Datanla Waterfalls is 30.000VND per person.

? Looking for an adventure? Go on an epic canyoning adventure at the Datanla Waterfalls! Check availability here .

Dalat Truc Lam Zen Monastery

We continued our Dalat itinerary and cycled to the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, located on top of a mountain. This serene complex has lovely gardens and beautiful buildings.

The Truc Lam Zen complex is a lovely place to relax and contemplate all the beautiful things you have seen so far on your trip to Vietnam.

Luckily the way back from the Truc Lam Zen Pagoda to Dalat was mostly downhill, we were pretty tired from climbing all the steep mountains!

? Take the Robin Hill Cable Car and enjoy more panoramic view of Dalat. Click here to buy cable car tickets .

Where to stay in Dalat on a budget

Our stay at Cam Ly Homestay in Dalat was lovely! When we arrived Tri, the owner, welcomed us by name and showed us to our room.

The room was spacious and light, with a comfortable bed (with mosquito net). It had a nice view of the Cam Ly stream and a small balcony.

I highly recommend joining one of the BBQ evenings; there is great food (homemade spring rolls!), and cheap beers and it's a great way to meet other travelers and exchange stories.

Day 22: Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City 

Tri, the kind owner of Cam Ly homestay , called the airport shuttle bus the day before our departure and the next morning the shuttle bus picked us up from the homestay (only 15 minutes late, which in Southeast Asia is considered right on time;-).

Liên Khương Airport is located about 30 km south of Dalat, so it wasn't a long bus ride and we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to check in.

The flight from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh was also very short, just 50 minutes. From Ho Chi Minh airport we took bus 152 to the city center.

On the bus, we had to buy one ticket for ourselves and one for our big backpacks.

Granted, these took up just as much space as the average Vietnamese person. And when a ticket costs a mere 5000 VND you can't really complain anyway.

Click here to book a flight to Ho Chi Minh

The word that immediately comes to mind when I think about Ho Chi Minh City is organized chaos.

The rule when crossing the street isn’t ‘ Walk when the traffic light is green ’ but ‘Don’t mind the color of the traffic light, just cross slowly but surely and maintain eye contact all the time’ . 

Whatever you do: don’t stop!

It still amazes me that I have only seen one traffic incident in my month in Vietnam, so despite the chaos, it all seems to work out pretty well.

There are many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as in the surrounding area.

I really wanted to visit the Independence Palace (pictured above), the home and office of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but it's usually open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.

We also visited the Mariamman Hindu temple , the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Central Post Office (pictured below).

The post office was definitely my favorite building, I loved the symmetry on the inside of this beautiful place.

Other places we visited in Ho Chi Minh were the War Remnant Museum and the Cu Chi tunnels (about 40 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City).

Visit the War Remnant Museum

When you are in Vietnam, you’ll inevitably come across some vivid reminders of the Vietnam War such as disabled people and bombed buildings.

If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, a visit to the War Remnants Museum is a must. This impressive museum tells a terrible story. It's not a place to visit with young children, as the stories and pictures are truly horrible.

There are disturbing images of entire villages being massacred, pictures of prisoners being tortured, and photos of napalm victims.

Altogether, visiting the War Remnants Museum is extremely depressing. However, when you are in Ho Chi Minh City, you must visit this place and learn about the Vietnam War and what war does to people.

There are no winners in war, only pain, and loss…

The entrance fee is 40.000VND per person and the museum is open daily from 7:30 am until 6 pm.

Take a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels

We took a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels , another vivid reminder of the Vietnam War.

This 200km network of extremely cramped underground tunnels was constructed and used by the Vietcong during the war to fight the Americans with a guerrilla tactic.

When we descended into the tunnels, which have already been widened for tourists, I almost panicked (I am a little claustrophobic) and went back up.

But I felt that, if people lived there for almost 10 years, I should be able to crawl a mere 100 meters through the cramped, hot, dark tunnel with little fresh oxygen.

I was so relieved when I got out and so impressed by the tenacity of the people who had called these tunnels home for years…

Click here for more information about the Cu Chi tunnels tour .

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City on a budget

Our stay at Thao Nhi Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City was good. We got a free upgrade to a bigger room and the hotel is run by very friendly staff.

The hotel serves delicious and affordable food and is located close to all the sights (in a small street just off the main backpacker street).

Day 26: Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc (by plane)

While it was a long day, it was an easy travel day. We took the local bus (#152) back to the airport, where we had to wait for a couple of hours as our flight was delayed.

Luckily, the flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc island was only one hour and there was a taxi waiting for us upon arrival.

The airport is located in the middle of nowhere and arranging a taxi via your accommodation before arrival is recommended, particularly when you are arriving late in the evening.

Click here to book a flight to Phu Quoc

We spent three days in Phu Quoc , which was the perfect way to end our Vietnam travel route. On Phu Quoc, we rented a scooter for a couple of days and explored the beautiful island.

If you plan to travel to Phu Quoc during peak season (December-March), I recommend booking a scooter in advance to make sure there's one available for your trip.

Where to stay in Phu Quoc on a budget

Fortuna Hotel was another lovely place to stay. The rooms are lovingly decorated and spotlessly clean, with private bathrooms.

From the hotel, it's a 20-minute drive to Duong Dong, the main town in Phu Quoc. Not a problem if you rent a scooter but something to keep in mind when booking this hotel.

Alternative Vietnam itineraries (7 and 10 days + 2 and 3 weeks)

Vietnam itinerary 7 days.

If you just have 1 week in Vietnam, don’t worry! While you cannot see everything the country has to offer, you can get a taste and feel of the country.

Here is my suggestion for a 1 week Vietnam itinerary:

• Day 1-2:  Explore Hanoi and eat your way around this lively cit y
• Day 3:  Make a day trip from Hanoi (such as the Perfume Pagoda, or Hao Lu and Tam Coc )
• Day 3:  Take a flight to Danang and travel to Hoi An
• Day 4-5:  Explore Hoi An
• Day 6: Make a trip to My Son or a bicycle tour around Hoi An
• Day 7: Fly home from Danang

Vietnam itinerary 10 days

This 10-day Vietnam itinerary includes buzzing Hanoi, the imperial city Hue, and fairytale town Hoi An, but also the two most beautiful natural sights: Halong Bay and Tam Coc.

• Day 1:  Explore Hanoi and eat delicious street food
• Day 2-3: Make a cruise in Halong Bay
• Day 4:  Hanoi + take a night train to Hue
• Day 5-6:  Explore Hue + transfer to Hoi An on day 6
• Day 7-8:  Visit the historic buildings in Hoi An
• Day 9: Make a trip to My Son
• Day 10: Fly home from Danang

Vietnam itinerary 2 weeks

If you have 2 weeks in Vietnam, I’d recommend traveling either from North to South or vice versa. Your 2 week Vietnam itinerary could look like this:

• Day 1-2:  Explore Hanoi and sample some excellent street food
• Day 3: Make a day trip to Tam Coc
• Day 5-6:  Hue + transfer to Hoi An on day 6
• Day 7-8:  Explore the historic buildings in Hoi An
• Day 9: Make a trip to My Son or explore the countryside around Hoi An by bike
• Day 10: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City from Danang
• Day 11-12: Ho Chi Minh and a trip to the Cu Chu tunnels
• Day 12-14: Phu Quoc island

This itinerary for Vietnam in 2 weeks is especially suitable for people looking to travel in one direction instead of a loop.

Vietnam itinerary: 3 weeks

With this 3 weeks Vietnam itinerary, you get to experience very different sides of Vietnam. You'll explore several interesting cities, spend a night in Halong Bay, and get to relax in tropical Phu Quoc.

For this 3 week Vietnam itinerary, I suggest the following route:

• Day 1-2: Eat your way around Hanoi
• Day 3-4 : Make a cruise in Halong Bay
• Day 5: Day tour to the Perfume Pagoda
• Day 6-7: Day trip to the  Hoa Lu and Tam Coc
• Day 11-13:  Explore Hoi An Old Town
• Day 14: Make a day trip to My Son
• Day 15: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City from Danang
• Day 16-17: Ho Chi Minh and a trip to the Cu Chu tunnels
• Day 18-21: Explore Phu Quoc island

The best Vietnam itinerary: in conclusion

I hope this Vietnam travel guide and sample itineraries will inspire you to visit Vietnam and help you plan your trip.

If you have any questions, leave a comment below or send me a message . Also read these posts for more Vietnam travel inspiration:

• 10 interesting facts about Vietnam
• 50 unique things to do in Vietnam
• Authentic things to do in Hanoi
• Backpacking Guide to Vietnam
• Hang Son Doong: the world’s largest cave
• Planning a trip to Vietnam
• Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh city
• The best Halong Bay cruises
• Things to do in Hoi An
• Things to do in Phong Nha
• Things to know before traveling by night train in Vietnam

This post was updated in November 2022.

Tuesday 20th of December 2022

Thank you for this. Very informative and quite helpful.

Wednesday 21st of December 2022

Thanks so much Kevin for letting me know:-) Have a great trip to Vietnam en let me know if there's anything you need help with! Lotte

Friday 18th of November 2016

I love that you spend a week in Hoi An LOL :) I did the same! Hoi An is such a cute place with nice food and things to see plus an amazing beach! Phu Quoc island looks wonderful, i had no time for that, maybe some other time? x

Haha Hoi An is so relaxing, I loved the vibe... Phu Quoc was definitely nice, I'm curious to see how the island has developed in the past 2 years. There was talk of direct flights from Russia and China so it might be very different now.

Tuesday 10th of May 2016

Great post, I love that you documented the prices too. We're going to Vietnam in two weeks and we haven't chosen our full itinerary yet so your article is a great inspiration!

Hey Laure, thanks so much for your comment! I am happy to hear my post gave you inspiration for your upcoming trip and helped you plan. Have an amazing journey through Vietnam, I am sure you'll have a great time:-)

Friday 5th of February 2016

A Dutch friend of ours actually moved to Vietnam a couple of years ago and we are invited to come over, however we still haven't made it. We really should, one day...

Awesome! It's always really cool to be shown around by somebody who actually lives there and who can take you to off the beaten track places!

Wednesday 3rd of February 2016

Ik zou het geweldig vinden om Vietnam te bezoeken. Ik zou dan een reis maken en alle overblijfselen en memorials van de Vietnam oorlog bezoeken, maar natuurlijk ook de prachtige natuur en stadjes! Als ik deze foto's zie, wil ik alleen nog maar meer gaan! Grappig he, dat je beleving van temperatuur zo veel anders kan zijn dan de personen die daar wonen. Gaan wij in de winter naar Marokko bv. dan doen wij luchtige kleding aan, terwijl zij helemaal ingepakt zijn. Kom je van de Fillipijnen af, bevries je weer zowat in Vietnam. Zo te zien heeft het je reisplezier niet nadelig beinvloed!

Vietnam is ook zeker qua historie een bijzonder land om te bezoeken... Ik vond het Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum heel bijzonder net als de Cu Chi tunnels en het War Remnant Museum. En reizen is eigenlijk bij alle temperature leuk, zolang het maar droog is;-)

One Month in Vietnam: A Complete Itinerary

This complete one month Vietnam itinerary will take you on a journey from one end of the country to the other, showcasing all the highlights and must-sees along the way.

From magnificent mountains to pristine beaches, buzzing cities to fascinating culture, Vietnam is a country full of contrasts and one that will leave you utterly spellbound. It’s the perfect destination for budget-minded travellers, boasting wonderfully cheap street food, bargain hostels and lots of free activities.

This 1 month Vietnam itinerary will help you map out and plan your adventure. It contains a nice mix of cities, nature, beaches and history, enabling you to really see the best of what Vietnam has to offer. You’ll visit the magnificent Halong Bay, go trekking in the lush mountains at Sa Pa, explore energetic Hanoi, unwind in peaceful Hoi An, enjoy outdoor activities in Da Lat and so much more.

1 Month Vietnam Itinerary Overview Hanoi Halong Bay Sa Pa Tam Coc Hue Danang Hoi An Da Lat Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi: 3 days

I’m going to assume your arrival point into Vietnam will be Hanoi. If you’ve come from the south into Ho Chi Minh City, then you can simply follow this itinerary in reverse order.

I’m usually not the biggest fan of Asian capitals, but I absolutely  adored Hanoi. It’s a city that I could see myself living in. 3 days in Hanoi is plenty of time to see all the key highlights.

Things to do in Hanoi

• Explore the markets, shops and restaurants around Hoàn Kiem Lake
• Go to a water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
• Coffee shop hop around Hanoi’s buzzing cafe scene
• Visit the Ngoc Son Temple
• Take a Vietnamese cooking class

Ha Long Bay: 2-3 days

A UNESCO world heritage site featuring limestone karst cliffs bursting out of glistening emerald waters; Ha Long Bay is simply mesmerising. The best way to see Ha Long Bay is by taking a boat tour. Tours usually range from 1 to 5 days, with longer tours taking you out to less-visited parts of the bay.

There are over 200 companies offering tours to Halong Bay, from crazy booze cruises, activity-based cruises, relaxed family cruises and everything in between.

It was a hard choice, but we eventually settled on a 3-day, 2-night adventure cruise.  We were taken kayaking and hiking in the national park and got to enjoy the scenery of the bay from the deck. I can wholeheartedly recommend this tour if you’re looking for more of an activity-based cruise, rather than one that’s centred around alcohol.

Things to do in Ha Long Bay

• Explore the bay by boat
• Go hiking in Cat Ba National Park
• Kayak in the caves and inlets of Cat Ba National Park

Sa Pa: 2-3 days

Imagine lush mountains, terraced rice fields and friendly locals — you’re in Sa Pa. Sa Pa is often used as a base to go trekking in the mountains, which I really recommend you do.

You can hire a tour guide to take you on a multi-day trek, where you’ll get to stay in homestays en route. Homestays are great because you get to learn about the local village and the way of life there. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, opt to climb Mount Fansipan — the tallest mountain in Indochina.

Things to do in Sa Pa

• Go trekking in the mountains
• Explore the countryside and villages by motorbike
• Stay in a homestay in a local village
• Visit waterfalls
• Climb Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina

Tam Coc: 2 days

Often dubbed “the Halong Bay of inland Vietnam,” Tam Coc is an exceptionally beautiful place to be. It’s often skipped by travellers to the country, so it’s not quite as busy as other destinations. However, it’s a true gem of northern Vietnam and one you shouldn’t miss.

A highlight of Tam Coc is taking a boat ride down the Ngo Dong river. Vietnamese ladies wait with their boats at the pier and row you down the river at a peaceful, relaxing pace, passing through striking mountains and deep caves.

Things to do in Tam Coc

• Explore the Ngo Dong river by boat
• Visit the Hoa Lu temples
• Hike to Hang Mui Cave
• Explore the Van Long Nature Reserve by bicycle

I wasn’t a huge fan of Hue — I felt it lacked character and held nothing of particular interest. However, there was one thing in Hue which really stood out to me: the abandoned water park.

Visitors are denied access now, but if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to sneak your way in. If sneaking into an abandoned water park isn’t your thing, there’s also an imperial city in Hue which was beautiful to visit, too.

Things to do in Hue

• Explore the imperial city
• Explore the abandoned water park
• Visit some pagodas
• Visit the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh

Da Nang: 2 days

Da Nang is a modern city known for its sandy beaches and French colonial architecture. Many travellers visit Da Nang only briefly to see the Marble Mountains — a magnificent cluster of 5 mountains, home to temples, caves and stunning views.

While there isn’t a ton to do here as a tourist, I would allow two days to explore the Marble Mountains, relax at the beach and perhaps visit the Bà Nà hills. Bà Nà hills is a mountaintop theme park resort designed like a 19th-century French village. It has a slightly high price tag, but it’s like being transported to an entirely different world.

Things to do in Da Nang

• Relax at the beach
• Hike up the Marble Mountains
• Visit the Dragon Bridge at night
• Visit Bà Nà hills

Hoi An: 3-4 days

I’ve not met anyone who didn’t love Hoi An . Imagine cobbled streets draped in lanterns, a languidly flowing river and countless quaint market stalls — it’s simply dazzling. So dazzling, in fact, that its old quarter has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. I could have spent so much longer in Hoi An but time wasn’t on my side.

Hoi An used to be a famous port city, and its architecture reflects the melting pot of cultures that came here to trade: Chinese, French, Vietnamese and Japanese influences can be seen all over. It’s also famous for its tailors — people come from all over the world to have clothes handmade in Hoi An.

Things to do in Hoi An

• Visit the My Son temples
• Relax by An Bang beach
• Wander around the ancient town
• Visit the Japanese covered bridge
• Take a street food tour
• Visit the town at night to see the lanterns lit up
• Chill out. The pace of life is slow and relaxed here.

Da Lat: 3-4 days

Modern with a local twist, Da Lat  was my favourite place in all of Vietnam. There’s so much to see here: a thriving cafe scene, beautiful countryside, stunning temples and adrenaline activities. Da Lat has everything I could wish for in a location, and I could even see myself living here.

Things to do in Da Lat

• Go canyoning
• Visit a coffee plantation
• Wander around the lake
• Explore the waterfalls
• Have a drink at the maze bar
• Visit Linh An Tu Pagoda and Happy Buddha
• Stroll through Da Lat Flower Park

Tip: I recommend that you stay at Mr Peace Backpacker’s House while in Da Lat. This was such a lovely hostel, and the owner was incredibly friendly, greeting me like an old friend as I walked through the door for the first time. A “family dinner” is arranged every night — a brilliant way to get to know other backpackers.

Ho Chi Minh City: 2-3 days

Ho Chi Minh City is a huge hive of activity. It’s a collision of old and modern, where rich history has merged with swanky rooftop bars and towering skyscrapers. Motorbikes rule here and you’ll be shocked at the sheer number of bikes  everywhere.

There are many day trips that are worth taking from Ho Chi Minh City. You can opt to visit the Chu Chi tunnels, where the Vietnamese managed to hide from American soldiers, or take a boat trip to The Mekong Delta to explore the vast maze of rivers spawning across Southern Vietnam.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

• Visit the War Remnants Museum  
• Have drinks at a sky bar
• Stroll through Tao Dan Park
• Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Take a day trip to The Mekong Delta
• Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral

Additions and alternations to your Vietnam itinerary

Got longer than a month to spend? Or perhaps some of the destinations above aren’t right for you? Here are some other ideas to include in your Vietnam itinerary.

Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop is a 4-day motorbike route around northern Vietnam. It’s renowned for its dramatic scenery, characterised by towering mountains, glorious rivers, and rice terraces. You’ll need to be competent and confident on a motorbike to complete the ride — if that’s you, the Ha Giang Loop is not one to be missed.

As you travel down Vietnam, Mui Ne is the last coastal outpost before reaching Ho Chi Minh City. This ocean town is famous for its impressive sand dunes — yep, there are sand dunes in Vietnam — which are best explored on a jeep tour. You’ll only need a day or two in Mui Ne, but it’s worth the visit if you’re keen on exploring the dunes.

Nha Trang’s beautiful bays, golden beaches and turquoise waters have seen it blossom into a fun tourist destination. It’s a great place to island-hop and go snorkelling , or simply relax on the sandy beaches. If you love beaches and island hopping, Nha Trang might be for you.

As Phu Quoc is an island, it’s rather expensive compared to the rest of Vietnam. However, it’s a great place to relax by the beach for a few days. Many of the beaches are very touristy, but if you hire a motorbike and drive away from the town, you can find your own beautiful beach quite easily. You can take a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc.

Planning your trip to Vietnam

I hope my 30-day Vietnam itinerary has given you some ideas on how you might like to spend your time in the country. Keep reading for my travel tips on what it’s like to travel in Vietnam, including budgets, cuisine, visas, getting around, and more.

Do you need a visa for Vietnam?

Many European nationalities, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France and Denmark, as well as South Korea and Japan, can enter Vietnam visa-free for 15 days. Read the full list of countries that can enter visa-free here.

For visits of up to 30 days, or nationalities who cannot enter visa-free, you’ll need to purchase an e-visa online before your arrival. I recommend you apply for this e-visa at least 3 days in advance.

Some nationalities, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

You can visit Vietnam year-round as it has pretty sporadic weather. You’re bound to experience both rain and sunshine no matter when you visit. However, March and April are thought to have the lowest rainfall across the country, and temperatures are not too hot.

Costs of travelling in Vietnam

Vietnam is a very cheap country to travel in, especially if you stay in hostels and eat local food. Here are the typical costs of backpacking in Vietnam.

Accommodation : Hostels in Vietnam start at about 100,000 VND (4 USD) per night. Most hostels offer free WiFi and free breakfast, and some even give you a free beer upon arrival! If you want to stay in a budget hotel, rather than a hostel, you should expect to pay about 225,000 VND (10 USD) per night.

Food : Food is incredibly cheap in Vietnam. For example, you can get a large bowl of pho for 20,000 VND (just under 1 USD). I ate pho nearly every day. If you stick to street food, it will be easier and cheaper to eat out, rather than cook for yourself.

Transport: Vietnam’s bus network is extensive, and travelling by bus is cheaper than the train. You can get an Open Tour Bus Pass for about 50 USD, whereby you’ll be able to get on and off at any major city along the way. Standalone bus journeys between cities will usually set you back by about 15 USD. Public city buses are very inexpensive, with buses in Ho Chi Minh City costing about 4,000 VND (17 cents) per ride.

Activities : Vietnam is home to a ton of amazing, free activities. However, it’s likely that you’ll want to do some activities which cost. Halong Bay tours start at around 60 USD, going up to 130 USD for more luxury options. Trekking with guides can set you back 40-170 USD, depending on how many days of trekking you choose to do. Most museums, temples and site entrances will cost between 1-10 USD.

Vietnam daily budget breakdown

I would recommend allowing about 680,000 – 900,000 VND (25-35 USD) a day for backpacking in Vietnam. This is assuming that you’ll be staying in hostels, eating street food, taking local transport, and not drinking tons of alcohol.

If you’re planning on spending a lot of time on the island Phu Quoc, you’ll probably need to add another 231,900 – 463,900 VND (10-20 USD) or so a day to your budget for the duration of your time on the island, as it’s incredibly expensive. I found it difficult to track down good street food and accommodation on the island was quite pricey.

Also, if you’re going to be indulging in lots of expensive activities, such as trekking with guides, you’ll need to add a significant amount more to your budget.

Food & drink in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to some of the best food in Asia. Luckily, eating in Vietnam is incredibly cheap! Here are some local dishes you simply must try:

Pho: Probably Vietnam’s most famous dish, pho is a noodle soup consisting of rice noodles, spring onions, and a broth flavoured with ginger and coriander.

Goi cuon:  These transparent spring rolls are packed with delicious vegetables and coriander.

Banh mi:  Banh mi is a baguette-style sandwich, filled with green vegetables and a fresh omelette.

Nom hua chuoi: A banana-flower salad comprising lime and chilli flavours.

Western food: Knowing that their target market is primarily Western tourists, restaurants selling Western food, such as pizza or pasta, will be very pricey in comparison to local Vietnamese food. That being said, there is plenty of Western food available in the cities and tourist towns if that’s what you’re looking for.

Water: You can’t drink from the tap in Vietnam, so always be sure to drink bottled water. A litre of bottled water should cost about 5,000 VND (25 cents) from shops.

Alcohol: Alcohol in Vietnam is pretty cheap, particularly if you stick to local brews. Local Vietnamese beers include Bia Hoi, Saigon and Hanoi, which you can pick up for as little as 20,000 VND (86 cents).

Getting around in Vietnam

Vietnam is a large country, so travel between cities can be time-consuming. Luckily, the public transport network is very extensive, making travel within Vietnam surprisingly easy.

Open bus: If you’re planning to follow my Vietnam itinerary above, or something similar, I recommend getting an Open Tour Bus Pass. This costs about 50 USD, stopping at all the major destinations between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where you can simply hop on and off. It will be more cost-effective than buying lots of separate, standalone bus tickets.

Public bus: If you choose not to buy an Open Tour Bus Pass, standalone bus journeys between destinations will usually set you back by about 15 USD. Bus tickets are easy to purchase – I’m pretty sure every hostel I stayed in sold them, and there are always travel agents in towns who sell tickets. Public city buses are very inexpensive, with buses in Ho Chi Minh City costing about 4,000 VND (17 cents) per ride.

By train : Train travel in Vietnam is often slow and unreliable. However, the journey can be quite scenic and I can’t express how much more comfortable overnight trains are compared to overnight buses. Trains are usually a little more expensive than buses, but I think it’s worth it for the extra comfort. For example; Hanoi to Hue by train is 462,000 VND (20 USD) and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City by train is 666,000 VND (29 USD).

By taxi : For travel within cities, I recommend using Grab. It’s an app similar to Uber, so the price is locked and you can’t be ripped off. It always works out cheaper than a taxi and is hands down the best way to travel within a city. If Grab isn’t available, as it likely won’t be outside of cities, then always try to get a metered taxi. Drivers are usually friendly, but can sniff out a tourist from a mile off, and may attempt to over-charge you.

By plane : Particularly if your time in Vietnam is limited, there may be occasions when you’ll want to take a flight to save time. A train journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City would take over 30 hours, for example, whereas a flight would only take 2 hours. AirAsia  is low-cost and good for internal flights.

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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17 comments.

Thank you for helping me plan my month in Vietnam 😊

Glad it was helpful Rachel! Have a fantastic time 😊

Thanks for your great itinerary. I have wanted to go to Vietnam for some time but other things got in the way i.e. Covid! lol But I have now found two friends who want to go and am planning a trip in 2024. We are seniors but I am a world traveler so still intrepid despite being 74. We won’t be as active as you planned (or as I used to be). That said, are there issues we need to be aware of given our ages? We’re all relatively healthy and mobile.

I usually love capital cities, so I assume I’ll love Hanoi! I’m glad you did too 🙂 Vietnam is definitely on my list for next year. Your photos capture is beautifully.

I just loved Vietnam, I would went for two weeks a couple of years ago though I would of loved to go for a whole month. I am definitely envious of you and your trip. I would of loved to do have done Go hiking in Cat Ba National Park that sounds great and have drinks at a sky bar

I guess you’ll just have to go back one day so you can visit Cat Ba 🙂

I kind of laughed that you made a month-long itinerary for time-budgeted travelers; like most people, I get 2 weeks of vacation per year, so I don’t anywhere for an entire month!!! Lol. But, Vietnam looks like such a beautiful country! I’ve never heard of Tam Coc, and I love that it seems less touristy than Halong Bay and other places. I’ll make sure to check it out during my shorter-than-1-month trip one day 😉

Ah sorry about that! In the UK, we generally get about 28 days of holiday 🙂 But you’ll still get to see some awesome parts of Vietnam in two weeks!

Arrrrgh – now I want to go to Vietnam. Halong Bay, Sa Pa (wauw) and Da Lat look very much like my kind of thing. I have heard so many nice things about Vietnam, but I have yet to go myself. How cool you got to spend a whole month there.

I have always wanted to go to Vietnam! My boyfriend went diving there so I have always wanted to explore. It looks so beautiful and looks like you had the best time!

Everything about this post makes me kick myself for not going to Vietnam when I lived in Cambodia a couple of years ago. Back then you had to buy the pricey 30 visa and since I rarely had more than 10 days off it didn’t seem worth it at the time to visit for such a short time. Hindsight is 20/20 though, and I think it would have been worth it to go if only to see a couple of these gorgeous spots! Halong Bay has been a dream of mine for ages, and I’ve heard incredible things about Hoi An and Da Lat – especially reading about the thriving cafe scene and adventure activities there! I think this is the first time I’ve heard of Tam Coc, but looks like that one’s going on the list too! Definitely bookmarking this for when I finally make it back to SE Asia, which I’m hoping will be in summer 2019!

That’s so cool that you lived in Cambodia! What did you do there? I hope you do get to visit Southeast Asia again next year, I’m sure you’ll love Vietnam 🙂

What a lovely itinerary, I like that it’s not too rushed and has a great mix of different kinds of places. I hadn’t heard of Tam Coc, it looks utterly beautiful, reminds me of Cheow Lan Lake in Thailand, which we adored last year. Hoi An is one of the places we’ve been told to give lots of time, everyone seems to love it as you say! And I’m saving your post for the notes on Da Lat, which looks magical.

Thirty days in Vietnam would be so wonderful! I’m sure it goes by really fast too. I really appreciate all the details in this post, and the recommendations of where to stay, what to do and where to eat. I’d love to see the puppet theater!

I was just saying, not two days ago, that we should go to Vietnam. Now reading this, you’ve made us want to do it even more! It is such a picturesque and culture filled country. Thanks for capturing it so beautifully and posting it for your readers.

Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!

Your posts on Asia always give me wanderlust (I remember your post on Da Lat, and I was surprised how modern and breezy the city was). If I end up traveling to Vietnam at some point, this article will be really helpful- to get some general knowledge on the country and then start exploring in detail according to my preferences. Hoi An and Da Lat would definitely end up in my itinerary. 🙂

Glad to hear it Anja – that’s what I aim to do! Yes, Hoi An and Da Lat are definitely not to be missed in my opinion and I hope you get to visit Vietnam sometime soon 🙂

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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

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• Asia , Southeast Asia , Things To Do , Vietnam

Vietnam is becoming a popular tourist destination, for both budget backpackers and families alike. With pristine beaches, adventurous canyoning, and breathtaking scenery like striking mountains and lush jungles, it’s easy to see why! And with this 1 month Vietnam itinerary , you can be sure to get the best of it all.

Psst. This post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure .

Updated January 2023

For backpackers on a budget, it’s easy to spend very little on food, drinks, and activities when backpacking Vietnam. Beer is usually just a couple dollars or less and street food can be as little as $1-2 .

And for families looking for something fun to do, there’s no shortage of ocean activities or inland adventures .

Vietnam is a country that literally has something for everyone!

So, whether you’re looking to spend a while in Vietnam or just a couple weeks, this 30-day Vietnam itinerary will help you plan out your adventure .

Be ready for some crazy sightings, beautiful scenery, hectic cities, stunning culture, and more!

Table of Contents

The Best 1 Month Vietnam Itinerary

Short summary:

• Hanoi: 3-4 days
• Sapa: 2-3 days
• Halong Bay: 2-3 days
• Ninh Binh: 1-2 days
• Phong Nha: 2-3 days
• Hue: 1-2 days
• Hoi An: 2-3 days
• Da Lat: 2-3 days
• Mui Ne: 2-3 days
• Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): 3-4 days

If you spend the maximum days suggested in each city, it adds up to 30 days. Or one full month in Vietnam .

Although, that is just a suggested itinerary, as you most definitely have the option to change and modify it as you wish! For example, if you don’t really like Hue, only spend one day there. Or if you really like Mui Ne, spend more than 3 days there.

All in all, this itinerary is just a general itinerary  for exploring the country of Vietnam. Use it as an outline or just read up on the cities and decide which ones sound good for you!

Preparing for Your Vietnam Trip

So after you’ve decided to visit Vietnam, you’ll need to sort out your 30-day visa and flights . (More on that below.)

Flying into Hanoi is simple and the airport is easy to navigate. My travel buddies and I decided to take on Vietnam by going north to south and I wouldn’t do it any differently. (In fact, I did it again not too long ago! Still the best route in my opinion.)

Our first stop on our Vietnam one month itinerary was Hanoi and our last stop was Ho Chi Minh City. Thus, my first choice for future travelers would be to start your adventure in Hanoi and make your way down the country.

Although, you could go at it backwards by starting in HCMC and making your way north. It’s all fantastic no matter which way you begin!

Furthermore, before you go, check out my tips on how to prepare for any Southeast Asia trip !

Hanoi, Vietnam

The city of Hanoi is one of the most ancient capitals in the world , harboring a plethora of cultural sites like ancient pagodas, colonial buildings, unique museums, and more.

But the city not only has cultural sites, it also has a fantastic street food scene , a vibrant nightlife, wonderful locals, crazy markets, and unusual shopping.

Where to stay :

• BUDGET: Vietnam Backpackers Hostel – Downtown // Hanoi City Backpackers Hostel
• MID-RANGE: Hanoi Diamond King Hotel // Hangmy Boutique Hotel
• LUXURY: Trang Trang Premium Hotel // Grande Collection Hotel & Spa

What to do :  10 Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam

You can read the post above (which goes into more detail) but here’s a short summary:

• Visit the Hanoi Hòa Lò Prison Museum.
• Take a stroll by Hoàn Kiem Lake.
• See the Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain).
• Go to the Women’s Museum.
• See strange things at the weekend market (Friday, Saturday, & Sunday).
• Try some egg coffee.
• Go inside St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
• View the wondrous Bach Ma Temple.
• Visit the National Museum of Vietnamese History.
• Or just venture around the streets.

Where to Eat Vegan in Hanoi:

• Vegan Bahn Mi – Food Cart
• Bahn Mi 25 (some of the best bahn mi I’ve ever had!)
• Veggie Castle (super duper cheap vegan buffet)
• Gioia Gelati (for a sweet treat, this place has  amazing vegan gelato)
• For some chill drinks and an awesome nightlife experience, check out Hanoi’s Beer Street !

Interested in going on a tour in Hanoi to learn all about this cool city? The Hanoi Highlights Small Group Tour with Get Your Guide has raving reviews! Click here to check it out now .

Sapa, Vietnam

Sapa, Vietnam is one of my most treasured places I’ve ever been to and it will always have a small piece of my heart . With the lush mountains, shimmering rice paddies, friendly tribes, and breathtaking views, Sapa will surely hold a place at the top of your favorite destinations list.

You could easy spend a week roaming around here, either hiking for days in the mountains or exploring the area by motorbike.

Although, I recommend 2-3 days . This gives you enough time to hike the area, motorbike near and far, and get to know the locals you will stay with.

No doubt, the best accommodations for Sapa are at a homestay . This means you’ll be staying with a local family who live and thrive in the hills of Sapa, Vietnam.

They’re also the most friendly people I’ve ever met! Whilst there, my friends and I stayed at The Little Hmong House and the family went out of their way to make our stay incredibly special! It was amazing.

• BUDGET: Hoa’s homestay Sapa  // The Little Hmong House Homestay
• MID-RANGE: Amica House // Cơmlam Eco House
• LUXURY: Sapa Eco Bungalows & Spa // Sapa Eco Villas & Spa

What to do :

• Hike around to nearby waterfalls.
• Chill out and just enjoy the view.
• Rent a motorbike and cruise around the mountains.
• Hire a local guide to take you around Sapa.

Don’t want to plan a trip to Sapa on your own? Check out this 2-day Sapa tour from Hanoi , including free pick-up and drop-off, transfers, accommodations, and a beautiful trek with a local guide! Click here to view the tour .

Where to Eat Vegan in Sapa:

So, truth be told, I never actually stayed in Sapa! And you won’t either if you choose to stay at a rural homestay (which you should!). Good thing is, if you’re vegan, most of the time the homestay will do a family dinner and they’ll happily make vegan options!

While staying at The Little Hmong House Homestay , they made me fried tofu, rice, fried veggie spring rolls, sautéed veggies, and more! It was delicious.

Overwhelmed by the Vietnam visa process? Get yours through iVisa — the visa professionals! With just a small fee and a lot less stress, you can have your visa in no time. Click here to get yours online .

Emerald waters that’ll take your breath away, limestone karsts of all different shapes and sizes jutting out of the sea; striking views , and big bays packed with lively junk boats , filled with fun and friendly backpackers.

Halong Bay is definitely a must-visit destination on this month-long Vietnam itinerary!

There’s nowhere else like it in the world. And it’s the 7th new world wonder of nature ! Or so the internet says … but anyhow, it’s absolutely stunning and a ridiculously unique place to visit in Vietnam.

From Hanoi, visitor’s can book a 1 night/2 day or 2 night/3 day tour with multiple tour companies. We ended up going with the Vietnam Backpackers Castaway Tour and it was fantastic!

Our days were filled with boat chilling, partying at night, exploring in the day, hiking, eating good food, and more. Bonus: you also get to stay on an amazing island for however many nights you book! Usually in an 8-bed hut, which is pretty large and really clean.

You can check out the castaway tour here .

Or, if you don’t want to do a party tour, take a look at these three luxurious tours that’ll blow you away:

• Halong Bay Cruise: 3 Days, 2 Nights with Rosa Cruise 3 Star
• From Hanoi: Bai Tu Long Bay 2-Day Cruise
• Elite of the Seas: 2d/1n High-End Halong Bay Tour (Watch a video for this one here ! It’s AMAZING.)

Where to Eat Vegan in Halong Bay:

If you do any sort of tour you’ll be subject to a buffet style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But, similar to Sapa, the organizers happily accommodated for my dietary preferences. I splurged on fried noodles, tofu, spring rolls, and more!

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ninh Binh is no doubt a gem in Vietnam , yet it is overlooked by many travelers.

The area holds one of the most majestic and breathtaking natural landscapes in all of Southeast Asia. With the hundreds of striking limestone karsts jutting out of the land, some call it the Halong Bay of inland Vietnam .

Since it is not packed with tons of tourists, Ninh Binh allows travelers to get a little peek into the lives of rural Vietnamese life.

It’s also best explored on your own wheels , whether it be on a pedal bike or a motorbike. I highly recommend a motorbike, as there are some temples away from the main town that are absolutely amazing!

• BUDGET: The Banana Tree Hostel // Ninh Binh Central Backpackers Hostel
• MID-RANGE: Trang An Eco Homestay // Green Mountain Homestay
• LUXURY: Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa // Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow
• Go on a Tam Coc River ride, where the driver pedal the boat with their feet.
• Hike up the 482 steps to the Hang Múi and Hang Múi Cave.
• Visit the Bich Dong Pagoda where you can visit three ancient pagodas.
• See some beautiful scenery at the Van Long Nature Reserve.
• View the Hoa Lu Temples.

Where to Eat Vegan in Ninh Binh: 

• Chookies Hideaway (some of the BEST pizza I’ve ever had! Just make sure to ask for no cheese on the veggie one 😉. My travel buddies and I loved this place so much we ate here 3 times in two day.)

Curious to know where I book my flights and how I save money on buying tickets? Click here to check out my favorite flight booking sites for cheap tickets !

Phong Nha, Vietnam

Located in the majestic Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park , the area is surrounded by lush, green mountains with a network of stunning caves, waterfalls, and rivers.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site  in 2003, this national park contains some of the oldest karst mountains in Asia, forming approximate 400 million years ago!

The area is littered with a multitude of vast river systems and enormous caves, just begging to be explored!

Although, there are only a handful of caves that really stand out to travelers, the main one being the Son Doong Cave . Know as the largest cave in the world at more than 5km long, the cave was only recently discovered and opened to visitors in 2013.

Just imagine this… less people have seen the inside of the Son Doong Cave than the top of Mount Everest! Crazy, right?! Although, if you don’t have a spare $3,000 lying around to pay for the expedition there, you still have an array of other magnificent caves to explore.

From the longest cave in the world, the Paradise Cave , to the full-day expedition including a mud bath, swimming, zip-lining, and more at the Dark Cave .

In Phong Nha, it’s completely up to you how many or how little caves you want to dig deep in! No doubt, a must-do destination when spending a month in Vietnam. Any wild adventurer or adrenaline-junkie will be in heaven here!

• BUDGET: Central Backpackers Hostel – Phong Nha
• MID-RANGE: Nguyen Shack – Phong Nha Eco Resort // Lucky Homes
• LUXURY: Phong Nha Lake House Resort  // Victory Road Villas
• Go caving: Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave, Dark Cave, and the Tien Son Cave.
• Hike at the nearby Botanical Garden (which essentially a section of the jungle where you can trek around).
• Go to the Eight Ladies’ Cave.

Psst, I LOVE Phong Nha and it’s magical caves but… it’s essential to have a good camera to get quality photos, as the caves are a bit dark (as you can imagine!). That’s why I always travel with my handy dandy Sony a5000 mirrorless camera — small, compact, easy to carry, and awesome quality photos!

Where to Eat Vegan in Phong Nha: 

• Phong Nha Vegan
• Tree House Cafe
• Phong Nha Bamboo Cafe
• YOUandME Restaurant

Hue, Vietnam

Unlike many other cities throughout this 1 month itinerary for Vietnam, Hue isn’t necessarily a cultural hub. Considering all of its historical and finest building were destroyed during the American War, it now holds a more modern touch .

Although, Hue has a long and royal history, since it was home to the Nguyen Dynasty. Thus, Hue is often referred to as “ Vietnam’s Imperial City .”

Due to its imperial history , most of the things to do in Hue revolve around it. But the city also holds another interesting side, as wandering visitors riding around on motorbikes can uncover an abandoned waterpark .

Looking like the inside of a crashed spaceship , the abandoned waterpark boasts a towering dragon jutting out of the middle of a man-made lake.

Walking inside the dragon, you’ll find it holds striking glass shards scattered around the floor from broken fish tanks, as it used to be an aquarium.

There’s also abandoned pools filled with murky waters, lonely waterslides packed with dried leaves, and graffitied-up water toys sprinkled throughout.

• BUDGET: Vietnam Backpackers Hostel – Hue // Amy 2 Hostel
• MID-RANGE: Than Thien – Friendly Hotel // Jade Scene Hotel
• LUXURY: Gardenia Hue Hotel // Hue Serene Palace Hotel
• Visit the Abandoned Waterpark (more on that below).
• Take a stroll through the Imperial City.
• Go to some Imperial Tombs, the Tombs of the Emperors.
• Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda.
• Stroll down the Perfume River.
• Visit the bunkers from the Vietnam War.

Where to Eat Vegan in Hue: 

• Tịnh Tâm Vegan
• Red Chili (not a vegan restaurant but some of the best mock meat I’ve ever had!)
• QUÁN CHAY THANH LIỄU
• An Nhien Coffee

TIP : If you’re traveling to Hoi An next, don’t miss out on the Hai Van Pass ! It’s an extraordinary adventure where you can rent a motorbike and do the 4-5 hour journey yourself. You just rent a motorbike through a place in Hue, which also have a second rental place in Hoi An, and return it when you arrive. It’s awesome!

Want to learn more about this abandoned waterpark in South East Asia? Even though you can’t visit ( or can’t you… hint hint ), you can still click here to check out my cool post on it !

Hoi An, Vietnam

Just imagine this… you’re walking down a quaint little street in Vietnam, friendly locals sharing small smiles with you, while the smells of Vietnamese Pho waft around, tempting you for a taste.

As you continue to wander around, you see a soft glow beckoning a peek. You come across hundreds of lanterns , scattered around the whole of the little city center.

It’s extraordinary; you feel as though there’s truly magic in the air.

That’s what Hoi An is like.

Or at least that’s how it was for me! A little magical town in hidden along the coast of Vietnam. It’s unbelievable and no doubt one of my favorite places on this 30 day Vietnam itinerary! It should not be missed.

But that’s not all the city is known for, it’s also known for it’s impressive tailoring . Throughout Hoi An, you can find hundreds, if not thousands, of custom tailor shops.

You can get anything from a professional suit to a formal dress made to your measurements. And it only takes about a day!

• BUDGET: Bed Station Hostel & Pool Bar // Backhome Hostel & Bar
• MID-RANGE: Azumi Villa (we stayed here and LOVED it!) // Volar de Faifo Villa
• LUXURY: Anio Boutique Hotel Hoian // Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort
• Wander the city center at night to see the beautiful lanterns.
• Soak up some sun rays at the nearby beaches.
• Have a piece of clothing (or an entire new closet) custom tailored.
• Rent a bicycle and ride around in the quaint streets of Hoi An.
• Just chill out, because Hoi An is totally laid back and everything seems to be more relaxed here.

Where to Eat Vegan in Hoi An:

• Ba Dam Vegetarian Restaurant
• Lê Hội Bánh MÌ Chay (Le Hoi Vegan Banh Mi)
• An Hy Vegetarian Restaurant
• Chickpea Eatery
• Tam Quang Minh (a hot spot for locals and absolutely delicious — plus super cheap!)

Want to ride down a river in a circular boat, exploring the local market and picking up fresh food for your personal cooking class? If that’s a hell yes, take a look at this cool Hoi An tour !

Heading to Bali, too? Make sure to read this: 10 Essential Things to Pack for Bali, Indonesia

Da Lat, Vietnam

Known for being adventurists’  and adrenaline-junkies dream destination, Da Lat is filled with tons of different canyoning excursions and hiking trails.

And unlike the rest of Vietnam, Da Lat has more spring-like weather , rather than its normal humid, hot weather. So it’s absolutely perfect for getting outdoors and breathing in some fresh, mountainous air!

But that’s not all this place has to offer.

In addition to the many outdoor activities, it’s also a great destination for temple hunting , waterfall chasing , motorbike ventures , coffee plantation exploring , and admiring the beautiful French-Colonial architecture .

There’s definitely no shortage of things to do in Da Lat and it shouldn’t be missed when traveling Vietnam in a month!

• BUDGET: DaLat Sky Hostel // Dalat Happy Hostel
• MID-RANGE: BKV Homestay // Tulip Hotel
• LUXURY: Lamarque Dalat Villa // The Green House Da Lat 2
• Experience a canyoning adventure.
• Rent a motorbike and venture around.
• Seek out nearby waterfalls.
• Try some awesome coffee at one of the many nearby plantations.
• Visit the beautiful Da Lat Flower Park.
• Check out the Trúc Lâm Temple.
• Seek out some weirdness at the Crazy House.
• View one of the largest Buddhas at the Linh Sơn Pagoda.

Where to Eat Vegan in Dalat:

• Vegan House
• Guru Chay Restaurant & Coffee
• Từ Sen vegetarian and cafe
• QUÁN HOÀNG NHI – Ẩm Thực Chay Đà Lạt

Mui Ne, Vietnam

Mui Ne is of my favorite destinations in this month long Vietnam itinerary, although I didn’t get nearly enough time to spend there!

What used to be a small, unknown fishing village, Mui Ne has turned into a backpackers sunny haven.

As one of the sunniest places in Vietnam , with an average of only around 46 rainy days per year (unheard of for Vietnam!), Mui Ne is a great place to spend a few days relaxing by the beach or pool, soakin’ up some Vitamin D.

And even though Mui Ne is worth a couple days because of it’s sunny weather, that’s not all this great destination has to offer! There’s also something strange about this place.

Just about 25 minutes down the road from Mui Ne, there are massive   red and white sand dunes !

The red dunes are spectacular but the white sand dunes are the real gem of Mui Ne. Ocean winds sweep the breathtaking dunes into desert-esque formations, no doubt blowing the minds of anyone who visits.

Additionally, there’s also a magical place in Mui Ne called the Fairy Stream .

Imagine this… a shallow stream, filled with crystal clear waters, zig-zaging and twisting its way through colorful sand canyons and lush bamboo forests. It’s like another world!

• BUDGET: Mui Ne Hills Backpackers // iHome Backpacker Resort
• MID-RANGE: Mui Ne Hills Villa Hotel // La Marina Boutique Hotel & Spa
• LUXURY: Bamboo Village Beach Resort & Spa // Sailing Club Resort Mui Ne
• Stroll down the magical Fairy Stream.
• Visit the other-worldly sand dunes.
• Chill on the beach and soak up some Vitamin D.
• Visit the nearby fishing villages for a local feel.
• Relax by the pool at one of the many hostels that have ’em.
• Go crazy and ride around on an ATV at the sand dunes.

Where to Eat Vegan in Mui Ne: 

• Lovegan (Thực Dưỡng Chay Thiện An)
• El Cafe Vegetarian Foods (not the best vegan food in the world, but good options!)
• YoYo Vegetarian Food
• Feed Your Soul
• Phap duyen vegetarian restaurant

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

As the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) has no shortage of things to do. Although, before I arrived I didn’t think I’d really like HCMC, since it seemed similar to Bangkok (which, in my opinion, sucks).

But when I arrived and spent my first few hours wandering around the city, it actually grew on me!

Even though it’s a  huge city with hundreds of thousands of people, it didn’t feel like a big city. Not really. Considering it has a lot of greenery, like spacious parks and lots of  beautiful trees , it didn’t feel so constricted or packed together. Which was awesome!

There’s also a wide variety of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. With a multitude of museums , cute coffee cafes , a plethora of cultural sites , great shopping , and a wild nightlife , it’s easy to spend a few days here!

• BUDGET: City Backpackers Hostel // 9 Hostel & Bar
• MID-RANGE: Triple E Hotel Metro Ben Thanh // Calista Sai Gon Hotel
• LUXURY: Silverland Yen Hotel // Orchids Saigon Hotel
• Visit the Cú Chi Tunnels – a maze of wartime tunnels and relics.
• View Independence Palace.
• Admire the architecture of the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Experience the craziness of the Ben Thanh Market.
• Have your eyes metaphorically opened at the War Remnants Museum.
• View HCMC from above at one of the many sky bars.
• Visit the beautiful Saigon Botanical Gardens.
• Take stroll through Tao Dan Park.
• Visit the beautiful Saigon Central Post Office.
• Check out the breathtaking French Colonial Ho Chi Minh City hall.

Where to Eat Vegan in Ho Chi Minh City: 

• Veggie Saigon (awesome bahn mi and refreshing passionfruit juice!)
• Filthy Vegan
• Mang’s Mania
• SEN Vegan Restaurant
• Nha Hang Chay Sen (really convincing mock meats and delicious fried “chicken”)
• Hum Vegetarian, Café & Restaurant
• Shamballa Vegetarian, Restaurant & Tea House

If you’re interested in visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and riding down the Mekong Delta all in one day, take a look at this Ho Chi Minh City VIP day tour !

Backpacking Vietnam FAQs

How to get around vietnam.

When I first created this one month itinerary for Vietnam, I received so many inquiries on what the best way to get around Vietnam is.

Without a doubt, my tried and tested way (which I tested again on another second one-month backpacking trip in Vietnam last year) is hopping around the country by bus.

Whether you’re going 3 hours down the road to a new location or doing an overnight 12 hour journey, there’s a bus that’ll take you there. And the buses are all super duper cheap, too.

I’m talking like $7-10 for a pretty long bus ride!

Plus, they’re surprisingly comfortable. Most buses have three rows of semi-reclined seats, meaning you get your own chair/bed.

Also, many will have free WiFi, which I was super surprised and stoked to discover! (Psst, if the WiFi password is nowhere to be found, try 12345678 . 😉)

To book buses, just ask the hostel or hotel you’re staying at. They usually have a contact who can set you up with where you need to go.

Things to Consider : Buses are not for those who are short on time. Since Vietnam is a rather long country, bus journeys can be pretty lengthy. I’m talking like a 12-14 hour bus ride from Hoi An to Dalat. So, that’s just something to keep in mind!

Is 1 Month Enough for Vietnam?

Personally, I think one month in Vietnam is plenty of time!

If you stick to an itinerary like the one I’ve mentioned here, you will still have enough time to see lots of great attractions, do countless Vietnam activities, and chill out on days you don’t feel like doing anything.

Also, this one month Vietnam itinerary doesn’t rush things. For me, I hate feeling rushed or feeling as though I’m constantly on the move. I like days where I can simply relax on the beach or in a hammock reading a book. I think this itinerary achieves!

If you like to do and see more than the average backpacker, definitely add your own destinations to this Vietnam itinerary. Some recommendations would be Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.

What is the Best Month to Visit Vietnam?

The two separate times I backpacked Vietnam, I went in March and August. March was really nice, with cooler weather in the north and warm weather in the south. August was hot and humid (I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been that sweaty before).

If you’re trying to figure out what time of the year you should visit Vietnam, I would recommend sticking to spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November).

However, anytime of the year you visit will be great, as the weather varies quite a bit from north to south.

How Much Does it Cost to Backpack Vietnam for One Month?

Ah, the golden question, eh?!

How much do you budget for a month in Vietnam is one of the biggest questions when planning a trip to this magical Southeast Asia country.

While every backpacker is going to spend something different when traveling Vietnam, I’ll give you a general outline of what I spent as a bouncing backpacker with a not-so-big budget.

On my first trip to Vietnam, I spent about $960 for the month. This is about $32/day on average. Not too bad!

On my second Vietnam backpacking trip, I ended up spending just a little bit less, around $900 , due to not going on the full 2-night/3-day Halong Bay trip (Cat Ba Island is cheaper, yet still just as amazing!) and splitting most private rooms with the wanderful husband.

This works out to about $30/day in total.

To breakdown the costs even further to help you better plan your Vietnam budget, here’s what typical things cost:  

• Hostels: $6-10 per night, depending on the quality of the hostel. This number can vary widely though; a hostel we stayed at in Mui Ne cost $2/night (yeah, that’s not a typo!) and a hostel we stayed at in Hanoi cost around $10.
• Hotels: While hotels cost a bit more than hostels, it can work out in your favor if there’s two of you, as you can split the costs. Dan and I found private hotel rooms cost about $12-15 per night (so, $6-8 per person).
• Food: Street food in Vietnam is ridiculously cheap. I’m talking like $2-3 for a full-on, stuff your stomach meal. Though, as a vegan, I struggle to find street food I can actually eat in Vietnam, but nonetheless, restaurant food is still cheap! Working out to around $5-6 per meal.
• Beer : With beer being the choice drink among many backpackers, figured I’d include a bullet of how much one tends to spend on beer! In most cases, beer will cost about 30,000 VND-50,000 VND ($1.30-2.15 USD). Although, sometimes you can get it for as little as 10,000 VND ($.50 USD)!
• Transportation: As mentioned above, buses are definitely the way to go when doing 1 month in Vietnam! Though bus duration times can vary widely, you’ll find that most cost around $5-7. Additionally, you’ll want to use apps like Uber and Grab to get around cities, which are  super affordable! Typically, a 10-15 minute ride won’t cost more than a few dollars.

Travel Tips for Visiting Vietnam

Get travel insurance ().

This is a HUGE must-do.

If you’re traveling without reputable travel insurance , you’re putting yourself at unnecessary risk. So many unexpected things can happen when traveling, especially in Vietnam where things are especially chaotic!

Thus, I always recommend getting travel insurance. Sometimes, if you have a travel credit card you’ll automatically receive partial insurance, such as baggage loss and trip interruption coverage.

I personally use the Delta Amex Card , which comes with both baggage coverage AND rental car insurance — win!

Although, for full insurance (medical and otherwise), I personally use and trust World Nomads travel insurance.

They’ve covered me several times for unexpected situations, like that one time I lost my camera tripod when flying to Greece! They’re a bit more expensive but cover a plethora of activities, as well as expensive baggage items, like cameras.

Click Here to Get a Quote from World Nomads for Your Vietnam Trip

Alternatively, I recently used another travel insurance brand called SafetyWing and I’ve fallen in love!

Created for freelancers, nomads, backpackers, and all-around frequent travelers, SafetyWing is much more affordable than World Nomads and covers many of the same things (the only difference is the cost of the amount they cover per item and whatnot).

Click Here to Check Out SafetyWing

Don’t forget a vietnam visa.

This is an essential part of traveling to Vietnam! A visa is required for most travelers coming into Vietnam. Personally, to keep things easy peasy, my favorite way to get a visa is by having someone else do it for me!

Before I traveled to Vietnam I was in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and the hostel I was staying at provided visa services.

All I had to do was hand over my passport and $40, and fill out a small form. They took it to the Vietnam embassy for me — located within the city — and secured a 30-day Vietnam visa for me! Super duper easy.

On the flip side, you can obtain a Vietnam visa on arrival. I believe it costs $35 to do so!

There’s also an online form you fill out. However, while some travelers would disagree with me, I don’t really trust the online visa process for a visa-on-arrival.

Why? Because my travel buddy did the online visa form and had to pay twice. The immigration officers didn’t believe she already paid online. Not cool!

Alternatively, if those options aren’t for you, you can also pay a travel agency to send you a letter of invitation. This pretty much guarantees you’ll get a visa when you land in Vietnam!

Although it’s the priciest option, costing around $25 per person in addition to the $35 visa cost, this can take the stress of securing a Vietnam visa off your shoulders.

While you can do most of the Vietnam visa process yourself, why not hand it off to the professionals? Check the widget below to see if you need a visa. 

Trust Motorbikes Will Go Around You

So this is definitely a weird, but essential tip for Vietnam! This is most definitely a learning curve when traveling to Vietnam for the first time!

When walking across the streets, trust the motorbikes will go around you. A nice lady who was a Vietnam expert told me, “Walk across the road like a blind person.”

And I did. And it totally worked.

This was one thing that really shocked me while backpacking Southeast Asia… but it wasn’t the only thing! Click HERE  to read about 15 crazy things that shocked me while traveling SE Asia for the first time!

With this 1 month Vietnam itinerary , you can figure out how to manage the time you have in this beautiful country and plan out which cities you want to visit!

No doubt, you’ll fall in love with Vietnam just as I did, as there’s no other country like it in the world.

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam? Have any questions or concerns I didn’t answer in the Vietnam travel guide above? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Not sure what to read next? Check out these related posts:

• Top 10 Incredible Experiences to Have in Vietnam
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Article comments.

This is an amazing itinerary!! I spent just over 3 weeks there – a month sounds better! <3 ;P

Oh my goodness, this looks incredible! What an amazing place to spend a whole month! We haven’t even made it to Asia yet but I keep saying that when we do, we’ll have to go for a few weeks at a time to really get the feel for such a different culture. This truly sounds amazing!

Aimee Horgan

Oh wow, we fell in love with Vietnam and this post is really bringing back the nostalgia for it. Such a detailed post, a lot of work must have went in to it. Lovely photos too.

Jacomijn Heupink

I loved Vietnam! Your itinerary shows really the best spots!! I did the canyoning in Dalat, really loved it!

Hey Sophie,

oh, woooow! You covered all the best places in Vietnam no doubt. Also awesome to see you covered the water park in hue. I would also include Da Nang, just next to Hoi An. I wrote my own piece of things to do in Vietnam.

We did a 3 months motor bike trip from Hanoi to HCMC and found so many lovely places, I just had to put them together. I will share your article now on Pinterest =)))

Safe travels, Matt

The Wanderful Me

That’s awesome, Matt! I absolutely loved Vietnam; the Abandoned Waterpark was one of my favorite locations so I definitely had to include it! And I would have loved to do a motorbike trip across Vietnam like you but, alas, I’m too much of a liability and would have definitely crashed it haha!

Thanks for all the great tips! Do you have any info on the best way to get to these destinations? 30 days packed with these locations and activities..but how much travel time from one place to the next? Any recommendations on whether its best to take trains/buses/flights etc.? Thanks!

Hi Julia! Typically, if you’re staying at a hostel or a homestay, the owners or managers will have a bus schedule for most locations! You can book through them most of the time, although most buses aren’t ever on time haha! For example, when I was staying in Hanoi, the hostel I mentioned can book the transportation for you and they take you to the bus station/stop as well (from what I can remember that is). Overall, I’d recommend taking buses to most destinations. They’re surprisingly comfortable, as you get your own half-reclining seat, and some of the buses have WiFi! Good tip: if there’s a password, try 12345678 😉

Thanks so much for replying, looking forward to some bus rides!

No problem! If you have any other questions about traveling through Vietnam, please don’t hesitate to ask 🙂 Hope you have an absolute fantastic time!

Hey there! I am looking to do something really similar. Just wondering about how you went from place to place. We were thinking of renting a motor bike from Hanoi and leaving it in Ho chi Minh. How did you guys do it? 🙂

Hey Mathilde! We just took buses from place to place 🙂 Most bus routes can be booked right through the hostels or hotels! Although, I talked to many who rented a motorbike for the journey and they LOVED it! Just make sure to wear a helmet and stay safe 😉

Hi, how did you get from Hoi An to Dalat? This is a cool guide but I have the feeling that traveling days have been left out and that you sometimes need to use a full day where you can’t explore the place or do activities.

Hey Jonas! Throughout my entire trip in Vietnam I traveled by bus and I found a lot of the time you can take overnight buses. From Hoi An to Dalat you can take an overnight/day bus which lasts around 19 hours. From what I remember, I spent 2 full days in Dalat. Also, for this itinerary, I put “X-X” days so you have a bit of wiggle room for both transportation and if you like a place and want to stay a bit longer 🙂 Ultimately, it’s just an outline of awesome places to visit and a general route you can take through the country!

Wow. We are leaving for Vietnam from Laos in 2 days and were planning our 1 month trip, coming across this article. Absolute kudos to you, this article is perfect! Easy summary of the itinerary at the top and each city has just enough info on why you should visit, plus the key items PLUS vegan food.

Thank you for taking the time to publish such a comprehensive, useful article! Lee

Hey Lee! I’m SO glad to hear you found value from this article! I really wanted to give travelers like you the ultimate deep dive into how to spend a month in Vietnam, which is such an awesome country to explore. I’d love to hear about your Vietnam trip after you’re done there! Definitely stop back and say how it went 🙂 I’m sure others would love to hear as well! Safe travels!

Heya, Thank you for such an informative Travel Blog!! I’m just wondering what time of year you travelled? My partner and I are booked in for July ( for a month) which I do understand is the rainy season. I have read in some places that its “off peak” and then in other places that its the high season. I also just wanted to know with bookings for hotels, hostels and activities etc, did you just arrive at most places and book? Thanks heaps for your time, Amba

Hey Amba! I’ve traveled Vietnam in both February and August. For most places, my travel buddies and I just showed up to book a room/bed or booked the day of! We never really booked a place ahead of time except for Sapa (which I think was the day before). But with that said, Vietnam is definitely becoming more and more popular, so if you find a place you want to stay I’d book it right away! Hope you have a great trip 🙂 Sophie xx

Hang Hacopian

Hi, this article it is well written and has helped me a lot.

Be beautiful! Be happy! 🙂 Kiss you All!

Benton Feibusch

I have read some good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you place to make the sort of wonderful informative website.

zortilonrel

I’ve recently started a website, the info you offer on this website has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.

pilar gauthier

This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

Hi Sophie Great website and month itinerary. We are planning a trip from 20 Feb -20 March, but we are a bit old for backpacking so will have to be more traditional. Once we plan out a route- likely to be reasonably similar to the one you describe (but HCM to Hanoi to get warmer weather north)- do you think we should book all hotels in advance? And bus tickets? What about trains? Any idea about conditions during their TET holiday period- should we try to avoid that- I think it starts on 10 Feb pls reply to my email if you can thanks yunus

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• Be Inspired
• Destinations
• Things to do
• Eat & Drink

Destinations:  17

Travel time (hr):  75+

Transportation costs (USD):  200+

Total cost (USD):  950+

Itinerary details

Things to do : War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Skydeck, Bui Vien Street, Cu Chi Tunnels.

Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc :

• Transportation: Plane (Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways)
• Flying time: 1 hr 5 min
• Airfare: 800,000 – 1,200,000 VND

Things to do : Long Beach, Star Beach, Hon Thom, Phu Quoc Prison, Phu Quoc Night Market, Vinpearl Safari.

Phu Quoc → Ha Tien :

• Transportation: Ferry (Superdong)
• Travel time: 1 hr 15 min
• Fare: 185,000 VND

Things to do : Phu Dung Pagoda, Da Dung Mountain, Mac Family Temple, Ha Tien Night Market.

Ha Tien → Can Tho :

• Transportation: Bus (Tan Nien)
• Travel time: 5 hr
• Fare: 130,000 VND

Things to do : Cai Rang Floating Market, Ong Temple, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Muoi Cuong Cocoa Farm.

Can Tho → Mui Ne :

• Transportation: Bus (Lien Hung)
• Travel time: 10 hr 30 min
• Fare: 400,000 VND

Things to do : Mui Ne Beach, Ta Cu Mountain, Sand Dunes, Po Shanu Cham Towers.

Mui Ne → Dalat :

• Transportation: Bus (An Phu Bus)
• Travel time: 3 h 45 min
• Fare: 150,000 VND

Things to do : Xuan Huong Lake, Dalat Railway Station, Chicken Church, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Dalat Night Market.

Dalat  →  Nha Trang :

• Transportation: Bus (Phuong Trang, The Sinh Bus)
• Travel time: 3 hr
• Fare: 250,000 VND

Things to do : Nha Trang Beach, Vinpearl Land, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Dam Market.

Nha Trang   →   Quy Nhon :

• Transportation: Bus (Thanh Thuy)
• Fare: 200,000 VND

Things to do : Ky Co, Eo Gio, Twin Towers, Queen’s Beach.

Quy Nhon  →  Da Nang :

• Transportation: Bus (Phuong Trang, Lien Hung)
• Travel time: 6 hr 30 min

Things to do : My Khe Beach, Ba Na Hills, Marble Mountains, Museum of Cham Sculpture.

Da Nang  →  Hoi An :

• Transportation: Bus (01)
• Travel time: 45 min
• Fare: 30,000 VND

Things to do : Hoi An Ancient Town, An Bang Beach, Bay Mau Coconut Forest.

Hoi An  →  Hue :

• Transportation: Bus (Hanh Cafe, The Sinh Bus)
• Travel time: 3 hr 45 min
• Fare: 180,000 VND

Things to do : The Imperial Citadel of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Dong Ba Market.

Hue  →  Quang Binh :

• Transportation: Bus (Camel Travel)
• Travel time: 4 hr

Things to do : Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, Paradise Cave, Nhat Le Beach.

Quang Binh  →  Ninh Binh :

• Transportation: Train (Dong Hoi – Ninh Binh)
• Travel time: 8 hr
• Fare: 300,000 VND

Things to do : Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Mua Cave, Trang An Landscape Complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Ninh Binh → Cat Ba Island :

• Transportation: Bus (Cat Ba Express)
• Fare: 280,000 VND

Cat Ba Island

Things to do : Lan Ha Bay, Monkey Island, Cat Ba National Park.

Cat Ba Island → Ha Long Bay :

• Transportation: Ferry (Cat Ba – Tuan Chau)
• Fare: 80,000 VND

Ha Long Bay

Things to do : Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau Island, Bai Chay Beach.

Ha Long Bay → Hanoi :

• Transportation: Bus (Trung Thanh Limousine)
• Travel time: 1 hr 30 min
• Fare: 260,000 VND

Things to do : Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Dong Xuan Market, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Hanoi → Sapa :

• Transportation: Bus (Fansipan Express Bus)
• Travel time: 6 hr 10 min

Things to do : Sapa Stone Church, Ham Rong Mountain, Cat Cat Village, Ta Van Village.

Sapa → Hanoi : Bus (Fansipan Express Bus)

You take bus number 86 (35,000 VND) to Noi Bai International Airport from Hanoi city center, ending your 1-month itinerary in Vietnam.

A few notes

• The USD to VND exchange rate in 2023 is around 1 USD ≈ 23,500 VND.
• A month is a perfect duration to visit a majority of the renowned destinations in Vietnam, and it is also the maximum permissible length of stay for a Vietnam  Vietnam E-Visa .
• For train travel, we recommend booking tickets on the official website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation: dsvn.vn .
• The above recommendations for tours, hotels, bus operators, and airlines were selected based on suitability, without any advertising or affiliate marketing, so you can rest assured of these suggestions.

1 month in Vietnam costs

If you’re planning a 1-month trip to Vietnam, it’s helpful to have an estimated budget in mind. On average, many tourists spend around $950 on their trip. Here’s a breakdown of estimated fixed costs to help you plan:

• Transportation costs are approximately $200.
• Accommodation in a private hotel or homestay will cost around $15 to $20 per night. For solo travelers, hostels can be a more affordable option, with prices starting at around $5 per night.
• Food costs are typically around $15 per person per day.
• Admission to monuments, museums, and attractions costs around $1 – $5.

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One Life Adventure is taking you on a group tour in Vietnam! From the stunning limestone cliffs of Halong Bay to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a country that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re exploring the ancient temples of Hanoi, sampling street food in Hoi An, or cruising down the Mekong Delta, travelling Vietnam with One Life offers an experience that is both fascinating and unforgettable.

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With our local knowledge and expertise, you’ll discover hidden gems and unique cultural experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Our tour even includes taking you to the stunning SA PA rice fields with our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, you can travel with us knowing that your visit is benefiting local communities and preserving Vietnam’s natural beauty.

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We are thrilled to present to you the amazing country of Vietnam, a destination that is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with unforgettable experiences. We will delve into the top reasons why Vietnam should be at the top of your travel bucket list! Look out...

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giving back in Vietnam

As part of our itinerary, we will do a guided bike ride to help collect garbage outside of Hoi An. We will then visit a NGO we work with to turn the rubbish into Eco Bricks which are used in various community projects. This project not only helps to clean the riverbanks and canals, but also builds a good amount of eco bricks that can be used for construction in Quang Nam province’s remote areas, and used to build playgrounds and schools

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With broad beaches, fantastic street food, the fabled Hai Van Pass, and a growing collection of cafes, restaurants, and bars, it’s no wonder the residents of Da Nang sport some of the broadest smiles in the country. The warm sands of My Khe Beach sweep south from the mountainous Son Tra Peninsula. Da Nang hosts some of Vietnam's top luxury resorts, but much of the beach still belongs to the people who make it their playground, gym, and source of livelihood.

Click the image below for a 360-degree tour of marble mountains.

Top things to do in Da Nang

Enjoy the beach

Be sure to set the alarm clock early at least once on your stay. Along the shore, fishermen sell the day’s catch, football and volleyball matches spring up all around, and people jog, stroll or simply relax on the sand.

See the Son Tra Peninsula

The Son Tra Peninsula strikes out into the ocean, its densely forested hillsides are home to the endangered red-shanked douc langur -- one of the world’s most striking primates. Grab some binoculars, hire a motorbike, and head out for a day of wildlife spotting.

Learn about Cham culture

The Cham people once ruled much of Central Vietnam, and ruins of their temples have been excavated around Da Nang. The superb Cham Museum of Sculpture houses the largest collection of Cham sculpture in the world.

Dine on street food

Da Nang is a dream destination for foodies, with scores of seafront eateries and street food stalls. Mi Quang — a dish of rice noodles, pork, shrimp, quail eggs, peanuts and fresh herbs — is must-try delight.

Explore Marble Mountains

Marble Mountains is a collection of five outcrops topped with atmospheric pagodas, only 15 minutes from the city. Set out in the early morning to take a serene walk up stone steps, explore hidden caves, and admire ancient shrines.

Da Nang Weather

Da Nang is a great destination year-round. However, the best months to visit are from March to May and September to October, when the weather is warm. June to August sees little rain and the sea is clear and calm. The rainy season from November to February brings long rains and moody weather.

Da Nang Transport

The Da Nang International Airport has several daily connections to major cities in Vietnam. There are also a growing number of international connecting flights. Trains and buses pass through Da Nang, making it a convenient travel hub to explore the central region. In town, taxis are abundant, as well as ride-hailing apps. Popular trips from Da Nang are easily arranged, whether heading to Marble Mountain, Son Tra Peninsula, Hoi An, or Hai Van Pass, motorbike or car tours are readily available.

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9 Best Things To Do in Hoi An, Vietnam

N ear the South China Sea in Central Vietnam, an ancient town thrives. An international trading port for centuries, Hoi An disappeared from prominence in the late 18th century.

More than 200 years later, the Vietnamese city has seen a resurgence, transforming into a bustling tourist destination.

Strings of colorful lanterns illuminate the landscape. Pagodas and temples make a grand statement with their majestic architecture. Yellow houses once used by merchants line the narrow, winding streets. 

Now, they're brimming with tourists, sipping coffee, sampling Vietnamese cuisine, bartering for cheap goods, and coveting tailor-made suits and dresses.

Sampans and cruise boats drift lazily down the Thu Bon River, setting one of Vietnam's most iconic scenes.

Hoi An's old town oozes charm. Nestled in the Quang Nam province of Central Vietnam, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a delightful convergence of French, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese architecture.

Mix in the regional cuisine, the shimmering river, and the sacred shrines, and it's hard not to fall in love with Hoi An.

The lack of vehicles allowed in the old town makes it even more beguiling. Restricted for most of the day, visitors meander the thriving marketplace without worrying about motorbike exhaust or noise.

Bicycles and cyclos make the cramped roads denser but also add to the town's charm. 

It's a lovely trip back in time, one with historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. And that's before dusk when Hoi An becomes a magical lantern city.

There's no other place in Vietnam quite like it. Here are some of the best things to do in this enchanting city, whether you have a few hours or days.

Top Things To Do in Hoi An

1. walk the temple bridge.

The Chua Cau, also known as the Temple Bridge or the Japanese Covered Bridge, is a must to walk across.

More than 400 years old, the beautiful relic represents the physical connection between the Chinese and Japanese sides of town. 

The ornate bridge boasts intricately carved columns, a curved roof, and a tiny temple. Even more impressive, the ancient bridge is built entirely of wood. 

You might also recognize the bridge from your Vietnamese money. It's displayed on the 20,000 VND note.

2. Sample the Cafes

We enjoyed the beauty of silence at Reaching Out Teahouse , a tranquil teahouse with hearing and speech-impaired staff. One of our friends, who has a Cochlear implant, enthusiastically signed with our waitress.

The teahouse offers an assortment of Vietnamese coffees and teas. For the indecisive, their tasting sets are a fabulous option.

Their tea and coffee flights come with three offerings and handmade cookies. There's also a cookie sampler platter featuring handmade cookies, cakes, and candy for those with a sweet tooth.

We were also delighted to discover Phin , a foliage-covered cafe off the beaten path.

Related: The Perfect Coffee in Vietnam

Wandering down narrow streets and away from the hubbub of the busy marketplace, we found the coffee house named for the metal tool used to brew traditional Vietnamese coffee . 

You don't want to miss an opportunity to sip on bold coffee from the region's famous Robusta beans. The cafe also carries refreshing iced teas and American-style salads and sandwiches.

3. Barter for a Great Deal

Back in the local market, shophouses line the streets. You'll find stall after stall with lanterns, ceramics, trinkets, and, most of all, clothes and shoes.

There are plenty of opportunities to find handmade silk and leather goods for an affordable price. Shopkeepers will barter with you but don't go overboard with your lower offer.

Most items are already reasonably priced, especially compared to U.S. and European prices. Plenty of other shops have similar wares if you're unhappy with a deal. Simply move on. 

4. Get a Custom-Made Garment

Hoi An is renowned for its skilled tailors, making the city one of the best places to order a handmade dress or suit. 

Fabric and tailor shops are available throughout the ancient city, with sample mannequins showing off the stylish shorts, pants, dresses, and suits that could be yours.

There are plenty of fabric options; take advantage of the abundance of silk to create an exceptional custom-made garment.

You'll find quality material and prices substantially less than you'd pay in the U.S. or Europe. Bringing a picture can help the tailors better match your vision. 

Most tailors can whip out an outfit in a day or two, which is ideal for traveling visitors. A suit can take longer, so be prepared to stop by a tailor when you arrive in Hoi An.

You can also cut some legwork by doing pre-trip research on the best tailors and gathering design ideas.

5. Learn About Silk-Weaving

Go behind the scenes to see how all those gorgeous silk garments are made. The Hoi An Silk Village is a great place to get a guided tour and learn about traditional silk weaving.

You'll observe the silkworms, watch how the thread is woven into the fabric, and have the opportunity to purchase a beautiful silk souvenir.

The village offers several half-day tours, including a visit to the Quang Nam silk weaving house and one with a silk lantern -making component. 

If you want a quicker excursion, stop by Thang Loi, a fine arts handicraft company with more than 400 employees.

On our visit, we saw the silkworms up close, watched the weaving process, and observed embroiders creating handmade artwork. The shop also has artisans making sleeping mats, lanterns, and wood carvings.

An elaborate showroom enticed us with an assortment of silk dresses, suits, scarves, and ties. A friend chose a few colorful ties for her husband at a fraction of what she would have paid stateside.

Upstairs, the tailor shop is known for creating custom garments in less than a day.

6. Pay Your Respect at a Local Temple

The ancient city is a sacred spot for temples and pagodas. There are dozens of spiritual sites, most centuries old. 

Visitors can appreciate the peaceful tranquility of these houses of worship, gathering a firsthand look at the historical and religious soul of the city. 

The largest place of worship is Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, also known as Fujian Assembly Hall.

Built in the 1690s, the extensive grounds feature elaborate Tam-style architecture with a stunning gate, two halls, a courtyard, and a backyard.

Another striking landmark is the Ba Mu Temple. Even older than Fujian Assembly Hall, the ancient temple is distinctive for the small pond in front of the entrance gate and the gate itself.

Restored in recent years, the gate is characterized by its three entrances and a circular window.

While most pagodas are free to visit, some temples in the old town require an entrance ticket (including Fujian Assembly Hall).

Tourists should dress respectfully, covering their shoulders and avoiding extremely casual attire. Guests are welcome to purchase incense and pray for blessings at the shrines.

7. Indulge your taste buds with culinary delights

Hoi An is a delight for your eyes and a feast for your taste buds. You definitely won't go hungry in this town.

Street vendors and food stalls sell all types of cheap and delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Grab something as you wander around, or snag a low stool for a quick lunch. 

Banh mi is a street food staple. It can be found everywhere in Vietnam, but Banh Mi Phuong in Hoi An ancient town is considered the quintessential place to grab the famous sandwich.

The Hoi An Central Market features fresh meat, fruits, vegetables, and spices. But it also has numerous food stalls where foodies can try dumplings, noodle bowls, and sizzling pancakes. 

A local food tour is a delicious way to try multiple dishes, especially Hoi An specialties.

Cao lau is the most famous local cuisine, a flavorful noodle dish with pork and greens.

White rose dumplings, and Quang noodles are two more culinary delights distinctive to the ancient seaport town.

For those looking for a lighter experience, there are plenty of cafes and coffee shops. The riverside restaurants are also a picturesque choice for dinner.

A cooking class is another way to explore Vietnamese culture and cuisine. You'll learn traditional methods to prepare and cook authentic dishes.

Several classes include opportunities to meet local families and chefs and experience more of the Vietnamese countryside and lifestyle.

8. Take a Sunset Boat Ride in Hoi An

One of the magical aspects of Hoi An is the sunset along the river. As the sky lights up with warm colors, boats sail lazily along the Thu Bon River.

Paper lanterns along the riverbank, adjacent roads, and shops add to the luminous splendor.

The boats also carry paper lanterns, with smaller sampans holding up to four passengers, and covered cruise boats fitting more than double that. 

Lotus flower candles also float along the river. Purchased by tourists, they light a candle and place it in a paper lantern. The idea is the person makes a wish, and the river carries it on. 

The lanterns, city lights, and sunset combine to create stunning, shimmering reflections in the water. It's a spectacular site to witness on or off a boat. 

The river snakes along several villages, making it a unique way to experience village life and witness skillful workers creating pottery and silk.

Another option is to take a half-day cruise from My Son with a local guide to see the Hindu ruins and conclude with the sunset cruise into Hoi An. 

9. Watch the City Turn Luminous

The best part of visiting Hoi An is the lanterns at dusk. The city lights up under the colorful paper lanterns, setting a delightful ambiance you don't want to miss. 

Thousands of lanterns stretch above the streets, connecting the yellow market houses from one historic building to the next.

More lanterns light the riverbanks and boats, creating a lantern city of our Instagram dreams. There's an aura to it that pictures don't do justice.

As it grows darker, lights on the boats and shoreline create a neon effect on the water. On shore, the night market is also lit up, providing an opportunity to explore the city all over again.

Vendor stalls are chock full of lanterns, pottery, jewelry, clothing, and other souvenirs. There are also plenty of vendors selling street food and beverages. 

Strolling the riverbank and streets of Hoi An at night is one of the most popular things to do for good reason.

Getting There

If possible, Hoi An is the perfect place to stay for two or three nights, allowing you to capture all aspects of this magical city.

If budget or time constraints make several full days impossible, make a half-day visit to the old town of Hoi An. In this scenario, the best time to arrive is in the afternoon so that you can enjoy the evening ambiance.

Visitors with more time should take advantage of the stellar beaches along Hoi An's coastline, especially An Bang and Cua Dai. They may also want to arrange a tour of the Cham Islands, a peaceful and worthy detour.

From Da Nang

Hoi An is only about 20 miles from Da Nang, a popular beach town with a regional airport and multiple daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi.

It's an hour-long bus ride from the Da Nang airport to Hoi An's central bus station. It's about a 15-minute walk to the old city center. 

You can also hire a private driver (Grab is the Vietnam version of Uber) or rent a motorbike.

Remember, motorbikes are not allowed in Hoi An ancient town for most of the day. If you're only spending a day in the city, a tour group shuttle bus may be the best way to get there. 

Hue is farther north than Da Nang, so it will be a longer trip to Hoi An. A bus takes about 3.5 hours, while a hired car trip will take about 2.5 hours. 

A longer route over the Hai Van Pass takes about four hours but offers stunning mountain and coastal scenery.

A Hue train route also showcases similarly spectacular scenery, including mountains, beaches, rice fields, and lagoons.

Be aware the train stops at a station in Da Nang, not Hoi An, so you'll still need to utilize a public bus, car, or motorbike for the final leg.

Whether you stay in Hoi An or Da Nang, the Marble Mountains and Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills will be within easy reach.

The post 9 Best Things To Do in Hoi An, Vietnam appeared first on Go Backpacking .

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Vietnam's top 5 must-visit tropical attractions

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Jun 2, 2024, 17:23 IST

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Vietnam attracts visitors with stunning tropical landscapes and vibrant culture. Explore top tropical attractions like Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta, Con Dao Islands, and Cat Ba Island/HaLong Bay.

Vietnam attracts visitors with stunning tropical landscapes and vibrant culture. Explore top tropical attractions like Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta, Con Dao Islands, and Cat Ba Island/HaLong Bay. Read less

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• 5 Things To Do In Dalat Vietnam For Unforgettable Memories

Vietnam’s Dalat is a delightful place to visit. Be it an explorer, a nature lover, or a foodie — Dalat can be your go-to choice. All these experiences will leave you with priceless memories. This article explores the top things to do in Dalat Vietnam, so that you can make the most of this fascinating city.

Must-Visit Attractions For An Unforgettable Experience

Image Source: Shutterstock

Depending on the scale of your trip, it is vitally important to have a solid grasp on what activities are viable in Dalat, Vietnam. Due to its abundant attractions and activities, this city continues to be a perfect holiday vacation destination for different types of travellers.

Dalat is home to some of the most picturesque views, breathtaking architecture, delicious cuisines, the best adventure activities, and much more for anyone interested in exploring Dalat. This article provides a brief but comprehensive breakdown of the things to do in Dalat Vietnam that should enhance your Dalat experience.

Must Read: Notre Dame Cathedral Of Saigon

Experience The Magnificence Of Dalat’s Waterfalls

The breathtaking waterfalls are among the most amazing activities you can see at Dalat. Numerous breathtaking waterfalls may be found in the city’s verdant environs, each providing a distinctive experience.

1. Datanla Falls

One of Dalat’s most well-liked attractions in Dalat. This conveniently accessible waterfall is a short distance from the city centre and provides a variety of activities. You can ride the thrilling mountain coaster or take a beautiful stroll to the falls. Families and adventurers will love the surrounding environment, which is ideal for picnics and nature treks.

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for slippery paths when exploring Datanla Falls near Dalat, Vietnam.

2. The Pongour Falls

Pongour Falls, sometimes called the ‘Seven-Level Waterfall’,  is a breathtaking sight. Located around 50 kilometres from Dalat, this multi-tiered waterfall is considered one of the best things to do in Dalat Vietnam. The strong flow of water and the calm surroundings provide the ideal backdrop for leisure and photography.

Tip: Visit Pongour Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos amidst tranquil surroundings.

Suggested Read: Hoan Kiem Lake

Explore Dalat’s Unique Architecture

Dalat regarded the constructions as representing different architectural styles inherited from the colonial period and artistically gifted. Visiting these structures is a must-do activity when planning things to do in Dalat Vietnam.

1. Crazy House

Also known as the Hang Nga Guesthouse, it’s considered by many to be the most bizarre attraction in Dalat. Luding in Gami, Vinh Phuc Province, this extraordinary building was designed on a treehouse concept by architect Dang Viet Nga, and it has surreal curves and many colours.

Guests can follow poorly lit corridors with spiral stairs and slender bridges and pass through rooms that open a look into the mind of the architect.

Tip: Explore Crazy House Dalat early to avoid crowds and fully experience its whimsical architecture.

2. Dalat Railway Station

DatLat Railway Station is one of the first stations constructed in the early 20th century, and it features the French colonial style. The design of the station differs from other buildings in Dalat, including its roof in the form of an isosceles triangle and stained glass windows.

Currently, it does not participate in the everyday transportation of passengers by trains; however, there are some tourist attractions on the tracks: Trai Mat village has a charming short tour for train enthusiasts.

Tip: Visit Dalat Railway Station early in the morning for serene views and fewer crowds.

Suggested Read: Hotels In Vietnam

Embrace The Natural Beauty of Dalat

Surrounded by sheer natural beauty, there are numerous fun-filled things to do in Dalat Vietnam. Food tours, romantic honeymoons, amazing Dalat Vietnam bike rentals, and even hot air balloon tours offer deep appreciation for the area’s breathtaking scenery.

1. Xuan Huong Lake

Xuan Huong Lake is the most important destination in Dalat, as it is one of the few places where one can enjoy quite a calm environment while surrounded by the noise of a rapidly evolving city.

Located within landscaped gardens, cafes, and pine woods, the lake is excellent for a leisurely walk, shuffling along the lake in a paddle boat, or lying back comfortably on the lakefront. One of the must-dos in Dalat is a visit to Xuan Huong Lake, which I believe will interest every nature lover.

Tip: Rent a swan paddle boat for a romantic ride on Xuan Huong Lake, Dalat’s iconic attraction.

2. Valley Of Love

The Valley of Love is considered one of the more romantic sites for couples and families to visit. This park is perhaps the most beautiful in Dalat, which has arisen around exotic flowers, sculptures, and funny constructions resembling bridges. Alternatively, one can paddle a boat; you can hire paddle boats, take horse-drawn carriage rides, or go for nature walks because there are trails within the valley.

Tip: Embrace romance amidst nature’s beauty at Dalat Love Valley, creating unforgettable memories.

Suggested Read: Villas In Vietnam

Savour Dalat’s Culinary Delights

Image Credit: stuart_spivack for Wikimedia Commons

Tasting the local foods in Dalat is really a very special experience. Being one of the most developed cities in Vietnam, it is rich in restaurants where you can taste different Vietnamese dishes, common for the whole country and special to one or another region.

1. Local Markets

One food tradition that the Habesha group can try is the typical market around the vibrant city of Dalat. The shop called Hell Market is a proper market with fresh vegetables and fruits, different types of food, and other local specialities, including local markets where fresh-grown goods are bought and local Vietnamese food can be tasted.

As for the food, there are a lot of iconic dishes that you can only find in Dalat, such as banh trang nuong, which is like a Vietnamese pizza.

Tip: Explore Dalat’s local markets for fresh produce, handicrafts, and authentic Vietnamese culinary delights. Don’t miss out!

2. Specialty Cafes

Cafés are another marvellous discovery, and since Dalat is famous for its coffee, the locals are sure to introduce me to the most delicious places. The weather is rather crisp, especially in the mornings, which makes it ideal for drinking hot Vietnamese coffee, and most of the coffee shops have excellent and captivating views of the surrounding terrain.

Go ahead and taste the cheesy speciality coffee that comes from Dalat coffee beans originating from the volcanic soil region.

Tip: Explore Dalat’s speciality cafes while trying the unique blends, cosy ambience, and local delicacies for a memorable experience.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Vietnam

Experience Dalat’s Adventurous Activities

For adrenaline junkies, there are a number of things to do in Dalat Vietnam. The geographical landscape of the city can be described as diverse and quite suitable for many activities that seek to embrace the outdoors.

1. Canyoning

Trekking down a river is as adventurous as it gets, and that in Dalat makes it one of a kind. Coasting is an exciting activity whereby one will be abseiling down the waterfalls, sliding down over rocks, and swimming through river gorges. On the other hand, canyoning is a very professional activity, needing professional tour guides and safety gear; taking these into consideration, beginners can also participate in the thrilling activity in Dalat.

Tip: Stay hydrated, follow guide instructions, and embrace the adrenaline rush for the Canyoning Dalat adventure.

2. Biking And Hiking

Generally, Dalat’s topography features elevated terrain and hills that make biking and hiking especially inspiring. Besides, there are many trails, ranging from easy ones to the most difficult ones, that give the tourists a good view of the Ukunda countryside.

You can choose to relax by bicycling around the city or climbing Lang Biang Mountain, but whatever your choice, an adventure in Dalat is always in store.

Tip: Check weather forecasts, bring water, wear appropriate gear, and explore scenic routes for biking and hiking in Dalat.

Further Read: Vietnam In August

This exciting place offers adventure seekers and leisure travellers numerous things to do in Dalat, Vietnam, from admiring splendid waterfalls and architecture, water skiing, sightseeing the stunning natural landscape, and tasting delicious Vietnamese delicacies to visiting colourful gardens and ancient designs. Plan your trip to Vietnam today and set foot in the region to make lifelong memories.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here . Cover Image Source: Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Dalat Vietnam

What are the places one can visit to get a glimpse of the demented architecture in dalat.

The attractions that can be considered to be of an eccentric nature in the city include the Crazy House, which has gained the reputation for being one of the most bizarre structures in Dalat, and the Dalat Railway Station, which features a peculiar design as well.

What are the natural beauty sights that one can visit in Dalat?

Heaven is beautiful yet natural, which is another site that tourists may wish to visit in Dalat; some of them include Xuan Huong Lake and the Valley of Love.

What are some of the traditional dishes that one can expect in Dalat?

Both Banh trang nuong and nem nuong are among the recommended foods to try out of what to eat in Dalat.

How many kilometres are there from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City?

Dalat is located 300 kilometres south of Ho Chi Minh City, so a weekend trip to this place proves to be a good idea.

Is Dalat good for family holidays?

Yes, there are several things to do with your kids and family, such as going to the Datanla Falls and the Xuan Huong Lake in Dalat, Vietnam.

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Vietnam Airlines named among world’s best 25 airlines for 2024

Vietnam Airlines secured 11th place in world’s best 25 airlines for 2024 as named by AirlineRatings.com. The judging panel considers a range of criteria that include safety and product rating, fleet age, profitability, serious incidents, passenger reviews from several sources, innovation and forward fleet orders. The top 10 include Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air New Zealand, Emirates, Air France/KLM, All Nippon Airways, Etihad Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia/Atlantic.

Vietnam Airlines surpassed other airlines thanks to its continued efforts to improve service quality. Vietnam Airlines is currently the first and only airline in Vietnam to be recognised as a “Global 5-Star Airline” by Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).

The flag carrier affirms its world-class service and exceptional hospitality through its growing fleet; on time performance; ground and air services; strong Vietnamese cultural identity, and human factors. The airline’s campaign “Cherish Every Mile” represents its aspiration to transform ordinary flights into unforgettable journeys.

Vietnam Airlines boasts an innovative and efficient wide-body fleet including Boeing 787-10, Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350 aircraft, elevating the flying experience to new heights. The airline is anticipating the delivery of the Boeing 787-10 – one of the largest and most modern variants in the Boeing 787 family and the largest aircraft in Vietnam’s fleet to date.

The airline is set to revamp its inflight offerings including adding an array of entertainment options and a culinary experience that reflects the finesse of Vietnamese cuisine. In terms of ground services, Vietnam Airlines has been applying new technology to processes and diversifying services to better serve distinct customer groups.

Vietnam Airlines was recently named among the top five most punctual airlines in the Asia Pacific region as of April 2024 by Cirium, a leader in aviation analytics. Dedicated teams at Vietnam Airlines are praised by international passengers for their professionalism, courtesy and attentiveness. In 2023, The Customer Satisfaction Index of domestic and foreign passengers exceeded the airline’s targets. More than 9,100 appreciation letters were received in 2023 – an increase of 30 percent compared to the same period last year.

AirlineRatings, headquartered in Australia, is the world’s best one-stop airline safety and product rating review website of more than 435 global airlines. Since the awards launched in 2014, AirlineRatings.com’s scoring and categories have changed “to reflect industry dynamics and customer expectations.”

AirlineRatings has previously recognised Vietnam Airlines as one of “World’s best airlines for 2023” and with its “Best Value Premium Economy Award for 2024” based on criteria covering safety, fleet, comfort and value.

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Travel | Wish You Were Here: Exploring Laos, Cambodia,…

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Travel | Wish You Were Here: Exploring Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and more

Now a group of longtime Brentwood friends are sharing their adventures from a recent trip to Laos. Read on for details, then find more travel inspiration at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here/ .

Wish You Were Here

LAOS, CAMBODIA: Eight long-time friends from Brentwood — Scott and Linda Berridge, Scott and Kathy Dudek, Joe and Desiree Martinez and Henry and Colleen Torrez — journeyed to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in March with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT).

The trip, which included travel by every means imaginable, from trains to sampans, tuk tuks, remorks and even the back of an oxcart, hit all the big UNESCO World Heritage sites, Linda says, while also “delving in a little deeper, both educationally and culturally, to meet the people of these countries and get to enjoy their culture, food and traditions.

“We spent a somber day at the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields, crawled through the Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam and had a crazy night on the back of scooters in Saigon, as we enjoyed a street food tour.” Other trip highlights included visiting the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and Grand Palace in Thailand and Angkor Wat in Cambodia — “absolutely breathtaking!”

In Laos, the group enjoyed a dinner hosted by a local family, visited the COPE Laos center for bombing victims, and stopped in a small village (pictured) on the Mekong River.

TRAVEL TIPS:  “Your credit card is good at restaurants and hotels, (but) the local shops all want local money. ATMs are easy to use. We switched currency in each country from bhat, kip, riel to dongs! Get a currency converter app for sure.”

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