Thinking about traveling to Vietnam and not sure where to start? Relax — we’ve all been there.
In this specialized blog we’ve poured out everything we’ve learned since 2019 traveling the country — where we spend a good part of the year — so you can organize your independent trip without drowning in a thousand open tabs: guides to every destination, tried-and-tested itineraries and all the practical information you need.
What to see in Vietnam: destination guides
When planning a trip to Vietnam, some of the first questions that come to mind are: What can I see? How do I organize it all so I know what to prioritize? What’s most worth it for the time I have? Do I try to see everything, or stick to one region?
If that sounds like you, here you’ll find some of the best places to visit during your stay — the ones you won’t want to miss for anything. The good news: most of them are concentrated in the north and center of the country, so you can see many of them even if you’re short on time.
Northern Vietnam
Mountains, rice terraces and the capital: northern Vietnam holds the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
The country’s capital and one of the most vibrant and special cities in all of Southeast Asia. Hanoi is an avalanche of sensations for anyone arriving in Vietnam for the first time, and a place charged with emotion for those ending their trip here.
If you want to discover everything this city has to offer — from Hoan Kiem lake to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, by way of landmarks like the Temple of Literature and Train Street — here’s the guide to help you get lost in and savor every corner of this fascinating city.
Images of Halong Bay have traveled the world on the strength of their beauty. This spectacular corner of northern Vietnam has filled travel magazine covers and countless blog posts, becoming one of Vietnam’s true icons.
Planning your visit to Halong Bay can get complicated. To spare you the stress, we’ve prepared a guide to everything the bay holds and the best ways to visit it — from Cat Ba Island to the lesser-known Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long bays.
If one place’s fame has crossed every border, it’s Sa Pa. This small town in the north has drawn travelers from around the world to the feet of its valleys and terraces.
The secret? A perfect combination of ethnic minority villages like Cat Cat, terraced rice fields laced with trekking trails, and the imposing presence of Indochina’s highest peak, Fansipan, crowning an area packed with rewards for the traveler.
Ever since Ninh Binh appeared on Vietnam’s tourist map, more and more people are amazed that such a natural treasure went unnoticed for so long.
Boating through Trang An, a World Heritage Site celebrated for its beauty, wandering the rice fields of Tam Coc, climbing Mua Cave for the sunset, or exploring the nooks of Bich Dong pagoda are just a few of its charms.
A multi-day motorbike route, the border with China, and one of the most stunning natural parks on the planet.
That combination has a name: the Ha Giang loop. One of the most spectacular experiences any trip can offer — the kind that marks a before and an after.
A peaceful valley ringed by mountains, made for a few days deep in nature.
Mai Chau is the ideal place to rest and wander among rice paddies on foot or by bicycle.
If you’re after a few days of peace, quiet and rural life, this is probably one of the best places to find them.
Central Vietnam
Beaches, an imperial city and caves: central Vietnam packs history and coastline into just a few kilometers.
Not every Vietnamese city is chaos. If you haven’t met Hoi An yet, write this name down in your travel journal — it’s one of the essentials on your route.
The city of lanterns and boats was once a trading port, and today it preserves an enviable old town, with famous spots like the Japanese Bridge and dreamy surroundings like the Cham Islands.
Vietnam’s old imperial capital was for centuries the most important city in the country.
Today the remains of that empire can be seen in places like the Citadel and the tombs of its emperors.
A city steeped in history and exquisite Vietnamese food you won’t find anywhere else — an obligatory stop on your itinerary.
Right in central Vietnam, Da Nang is the country’s third-largest city.
It’s packed with sights and attractions like the Golden Bridge held up by giant hands and the Hai Van mountain pass.
Add its proximity to Hoi An and Hue, plus an international airport, and Da Nang becomes a place you’ll almost certainly pass through.
If what you’re after on your trip through Vietnam is a shot of adventure and adrenaline for body and mind, Phong Nha is probably the place you need.
Known for holding the largest cave in the world, Phong Nha hides some of the country’s best treks and activities inside its national park, at every level of difficulty. Dare to challenge yourself?
Southern Vietnam
Tropics, rivers and islands: southern Vietnam runs from the energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the calm of Phu Quoc.
The old city of Saigon is one of those names you’ve heard echoing ever since the Vietnam War.
Today, renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the revolutionary leader who led the country to independence, it’s the most modern and cosmopolitan city of them all.
Perfect for starting your trip, it holds enough for a couple of days, from the Cu Chi tunnels to Ben Thanh market.
The city of flowers and love is waiting for you.
Da Lat is the most European city you’ll come across on your route.
Nestled in the Central Highlands and surrounded by pine forests, lakes and the greenhouses that grow much of Vietnam’s food, Da Lat is a break from the stifling heat — and from the country’s most crowded destinations.
Vietnam travel tips
Here you’ll find practical information to prepare your trip to Vietnam in advance and avoid unnecessary surprises.
Organize your trip properly and make the most of your time with our practical guides — from whether you need a visa or vaccinations to where to exchange money and how to stay connected, we’ve got your questions covered.
How to handle the Vietnam visa is one of the first things on every traveler’s mind.
To find out whether your country qualifies for visa-free entry — 45 days for the UK, Japan and most of Europe — or whether you need the 90-day e-visa (US, Canada, Australia, China, India), here’s all the up-to-date information to travel to Vietnam with peace of mind.
Do you need vaccinations to travel to Vietnam?
Stop worrying about the answer: here you’ll find out whether any vaccinations are mandatory, plus the recommended ones and where to get them.
The part that worries us all the most: the money.
Don’t fret too much, though — Vietnam is one of the cheapest destinations in all of Asia.
Here you’ll find everything about the country’s currency, ATMs and banks, plus some extra tips to stretch your budget.
Want to stay online during your trip? Addicted to unlimited data?
In this guide we cover the main local SIM cards and eSIM providers to keep you connected throughout your journey across Vietnam.
Will it rain on me? When is the best time to visit? The questions we all ask before buying the plane tickets.
Vietnam’s weather varies wildly by region and by month — here’s our complete guide to the best areas and moments for every part of the country.
How to get around Vietnam
Vietnam is long and narrow, so moving well from one city to the next — by train, bus, domestic flight or motorbike — is half the victory. We have a transport guide for every route:
Plan your trip to Vietnam
Looking to travel Vietnam but don’t want to overthink the route? Want to know how to organize your time to see the main sights — and a few less-known ones — the best way possible?
Our travel itineraries are designed to help you get the most out of your vacation in Vietnam without missing a thing. Depending on how much time you have, you can adapt and personalize them to your liking. Don’t miss them!
If, like many, you only have 15 days for Vietnam, in this article we lay out two 15-day itineraries to plan your trip the best way.
Whether you’re a classic traveler or more of a backpacker, you’ll find the 15-day route you’re looking for.
Prefer to start with the essentials? Here are the best things to do in Vietnam, gathered in a single article so you can build your route.
Who writes this blog
Hi, I’m Diego
I’ve been traveling Vietnam since 2019, and these days I spend much of the year living in Ho Chi Minh City. The 80+ guides on this blog were written with mud on my boots: the Ha Giang loop by motorbike, the night trains, the hotels worth booking and the ones that aren’t. And alongside me is Ngan, Vietnamese and from Hanoi: hers is the local eye — and every one of the blog’s best places to eat.