{"id":344142,"date":"2024-02-11T05:38:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-11T10:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/?p=344142"},"modified":"2024-06-18T12:59:20","modified_gmt":"2024-06-18T16:59:20","slug":"vietnam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milesopedia.com\/en\/guide\/destination\/vietnam\/","title":{"rendered":"Vietnam Travel Guide | Itineraries and Highlights"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Vietnam<\/strong> is a captivating travel destination, offering a combination of breathtaking scenery, rich history and delicious cuisine. Heare are some of the best places to visit for an unforgettable adventure in this Southeast Asian<\/a> country.<\/p>\n

What’s more, the guide includes practical tips on how to organize your trip and how to save with points.<\/p>\n

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Vietnam<\/strong> is divided into three main regions: the north, center and south. Here’s what to see and do in each of these regions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The currency used in Vietnam<\/strong> is the Vietnamese dong (\u20ab or VND). Prices in this guide are converted to Canadian dollars (1 CAD is equivalent to approximately 18,000 VND in January 2024).<\/p>\n

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Start or end your trip to Vietnam<\/strong> by exploring Hanoi<\/strong>, the country’s capital. This city is known for its lively atmosphere, narrow streets full of motorcycles, colorful markets and French colonial architecture. A change of scenery guaranteed! <\/span><\/p>\n

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The <\/span>foodies<\/span><\/i> will be delighted by the abundance of street food and the myriad of small local caf\u00e9s. Don’t miss a visit to the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and H\u00f4 Chi Minh’s mausoleum. If you’re looking for some late-night action, Ma M\u00e2y Street in the Old Quarter is packed with restaurants and bars.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The famous Ha Long<\/strong> Bay is the most photographed place in Vietnam<\/strong>, and with good reason. Listed as a UNESCO<\/a> World Heritage Site, this natural wonder is made up of thousands of limestone islands and islets emerging from emerald waters. <\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to visit the bay is on a one, two or three-night cruise. There are cruises to suit all budgets and comfort levels, starting at $70 for one night and going up to over $1,000 for a 5-star cruise. Most packages include the cabin, meals and activities such as kayaking and swimming. <\/span><\/p>\n

Be sure to check whether transport from Hanoi is included, as the port is a 2.5-3 hour drive away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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If you have time, I recommend cruises that also stop off at C\u00e1t B\u00e0<\/strong> Island, the largest in the bay. I loved the bike ride through the rural countryside. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Nicknamed the “Ha Long Bay on land”, Ninh B\u00ecnh<\/strong> was a last-minute addition to my itinerary, and what a pleasant surprise! From May to July, during the harvest season, the rice paddies offer a breathtaking natural spectacle. You can admire the golden fields crossed by the river and framed by mountains. Go to the Hang Mua<\/strong> lookout for a breathtaking view of the region.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even out of season, Ninh B\u00ecnh has much to offer visitors. Points of interest lie a little outside the city, mainly around the village of Tam Coc<\/strong>. The Tr\u00e0ng An<\/strong> landscape complex is another UNESCO World Heritage site. The site is made up of rocks, caves and temples linked by a network of rivers. For around $14, a leisurely punt takes you around the complex in two to three hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Some cruise packages cover the Hanoi-Ha Long Bay-Ninh B\u00ecnh triangle. So it’s easy to add this region before or after your cruise. <\/span>Alternatively, Ninh B\u00ecnh can be reached from Hanoi by van in 2-3 hours for around $15. Some visitors also opt for a day trip from the capital (from $75).<\/span><\/p>\n

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The small town of Sa Pa<\/strong> is perched in the mountains near the Chinese border. Here you can admire rice terraces and hike to explore the tribal villages of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. I recommend a day trip with a local guide to fully immerse yourself in the culture and traditions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Before going there, I’d heard a lot of negative comments about Sa Pa’s popularity and overtourism. I was surprised because my visit in December 2022 was very peaceful. The pandemic has certainly put a damper on tourism, but it’s still a pleasant place to visit for the time being.<\/p>\n

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To reach Sa Pa from Hanoi, you have two choices: train or bus. The two options are similar in terms of comfort and price: expect to pay around $20 for a one-way ticket. I recommend taking the night bus, as the journey is shorter and you’ll arrive directly in the center of Sa Pa in six hours. <\/span><\/p>\n

Currently under construction, an airport at L\u00e0o Cai should open in a few years’ time, facilitating access to Sa Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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This region has been gaining in popularity in recent years. It mainly attracts visitors looking for an experience similar to Sa Pa, but without the mass of tourists. The main attraction is the <\/span>Ha Giang Loop<\/span><\/i>, <\/span>a three-day, 350 km adventure on a motorcycle. Most visitors join a group with a company that takes care of all the arrangements. You have the choice of driving your own motorcycle or riding as a passenger with an experienced driver. All-inclusive packages start at $250. <\/span><\/p>\n

H\u00e0 Giang<\/strong> can be reached from Hanoi by night bus in 6 hours for around $20. Prices and journey times are similar from Sa Pa.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Da Nang<\/strong> is the largest city in the central region. In recent years, tourism has developed strongly in the area, and there are now many large hotels (new or under construction) along My Khe<\/strong> beach. Wave-hunters will be happy to know that surfing is possible here, and autumn is the best time to indulge in this activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The famous bridge held up by giant hands can be found in the Sun World Ba Na Hills<\/strong> theme park ($43 for a day ticket). Located about 45 minutes from the city, you’ll need to take a cab to get there ($20) or join a day trip that usually includes round-trip transportation, park admission and lunch. <\/span><\/p>\n

Although the bridge is impressive, I found the entrance fee and transportation to be expensive for what the park has to offer. I’d only recommend the visit if you’re going with children.<\/span><\/p>\n

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For a less expensive activity outside Da Nang, head for the Marble Mountains<\/strong>. You can visit caves, temples, pagodas and gardens across five hills of marble and limestone. The entrance fee is $3 and cab transport from Da Nang should cost around $12.<\/span><\/p>\n

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This charming little coastal town is one of my favorites in Vietnam. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with well-preserved colonial houses, temples, Japanese bridges and colorful lanterns on every corner. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re lucky enough to visit the city on a full moon day, you can take part in the lantern festival. During this evening, all the lights in the houses and shops go out, and the river is filled with lanterns floating on the water. A truly magical show! You can also admire Hoi An<\/strong> from the river on a short boat trip (around $10 for 20 minutes).<\/span><\/p>\n

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The town is also renowned for its excellent tailors. You’ll find countless boutiques where you can have tailor-made clothes made for you at very low prices. Men’s suits are particularly popular. Expect to pay around $130 for a suit (pants, shirt and jacket).<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoi An<\/strong> is easily accessible from Da Nang, either by a 1.5-hour bus ride ($10) or a 30-minute cab ride ($20).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Vietnam’s historic city, Hu\u00e9<\/strong> is the former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty. History and architecture buffs will love visiting iconic sites such as the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Celestial Lady Pagoda. Access to all monuments inside the citadel is subject to a fee (around $9<\/span>). What’s more, there are numerous mausoleums and tombs of former kings outside the city, accessible via a boat trip on the Perfume River.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hu\u00e9<\/strong> is almost three hours by train ($10) or bus ($15) from Da Nang.<\/span><\/p>\n

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If you’re looking for a place off the beaten track in Vietnam, Phong Nha-Ke B\u00e0ng<\/strong> National Park is for you. Nicknamed the kingdom of caves and caverns, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to the world’s largest cavern and longest underground river. Adventure-seekers can discover several cave systems by boat and on foot. Expect to pay around $100 for a day trip that visits two caves.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The village of Phong Nha is about an 8-hour bus ride from Da Nang ($25). A faster option is to take a domestic flight from Hanoi to Dong Hoi airport (1 h, $60), then a cab (45 mins, $23) or bus (1 h 30, $2) to Phong Nha.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Please note that most caves are inaccessible from October to December<\/strong> during the rainy season.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Formerly Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city was renamed in honor of Vietnamese hero Ho Chi Minh when the war ended in 1975. Start or end your trip by exploring this metropolis; this is where you’ll find Vietnam’s tallest skyscrapers, such as the Landmark 81 and its luxurious 5-star Vinpearl hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame de Saigon Cathedral and Ben Thanh market for a taste of Vietnamese urban life. Don’t miss the War Remnants Museum for an insight into the country’s history.<\/p>\n

The Cu Chi tunnels are another interesting place to learn more about the Vietnam<\/strong> War. Located on the outskirts of town, you’ll need to take a 1.5-hour cab ride ($35) or a 2.5-hour bus ride ($1) to get there. Access to the site costs around $6.<\/p>\n

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Located south-west of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta<\/strong> is a labyrinth of rivers, islands and marshes surrounding the river of the same name. The most important towns for tourism are Can Tho<\/strong> and Ben Tre<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Mekong Delta is famous for its floating markets, including Cai Rang<\/strong> in Can Tho. It’s an experience to be had in the morning, when hundreds of loaded boats ply the river to sell and trade their fresh produce.<\/p>\n

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Near My Tho<\/strong> is the impressive Vinh Trang pagoda. This superb Buddhist temple is the most famous in the region, blending Vietnamese, Khmer and Chinese styles.<\/p>\n

Many travelers explore the region on day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. Guided tours are affordable (from $30) and mainly visit My Tho and Ben Tre.<\/p>\n

Can Tho, the region’s main city, is about a 4-hour bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City ($10).<\/p>\n

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Vietnam’<\/strong>s leading seaside resort, Nha Trang attracts visitors with its long white sandy beaches and diving sites. There are many large hotel chains and all-inclusive resorts.<\/p>\n

After a day or two at the beach, visit the Ba Ho and Fairy Spring waterfalls, the Po Nagar historic site and the Long Son pagoda.<\/p>\n

Nha Trang<\/strong> is more than ten hours by bus from Ho Chi Minh City ($20) or an hour’s flight ($40).<\/p>\n

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I loved my few-day visit to Da Lat. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and a small lake, this town has a romantic, peaceful charm. Renowned for its cool, pleasant year-round climate (or polar climate, if you ask people from the south!), it’s popular with local tourists.<\/p>\n

Every two years, in December, the town takes on magnificent colors for the Da Lat<\/strong> Flower Festival.<\/p>\n

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Don’t miss a visit to the Linh Phuoc pagoda and a gondola ride ($6) over the mountains. This leads to a station near a lake, a monastery and a magnificent garden.<\/p>\n

If you’d like to try a local dish, goat meat (d\u00ea) is a local specialty and is eaten in hot pots<\/em> or grilled.<\/p>\n

Da Lat is a four-hour bus ride from Nha Trang ($20), an eight-hour night bus ride from Ho Chi Minh City ($20) or a one-hour flight ($40).<\/p>\n

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This island is nicknamed “The Pearl of Vietnam” because of its magnificent scenery and the pearl farms that can be found everywhere. The country’s most beautiful beaches can be found here, including Sao Beach, Long Beach and Starfish Beach.<\/p>\n

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Tourism is growing steadily, and there are two Marriott Bonvoy hotels here, with others under construction.<\/p>\n

Don’t miss a visit to the night market at Duong Dong, the cable car over the sea at An Thoi ($34), a tour of a pearl farm and a pepper plantation. It’s also a great destination to visit with the kids, with the VinWonders and Vinpearl Safari theme parks ($77 for both).<\/p>\n

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Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it can be reached by ferry from H\u00e0 Ti\u00ean (1 h 15, $20) in the extreme south of the country, or by air, which is by far the most popular option (two hours and $60 from Hanoi or one hour and $40 from H\u00f4 Chi Minh City).<\/p>\n

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Vietnam has a lot to offer in terms of magnificent landscapes and culture. To make sure you don’t run out of time and have time to visit all three major regions, I recommend at least a two-week trip.<\/p>\n

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If you are arriving in Vietnam<\/strong> from a neighboring country by land, please note that it is NOT possible to obtain a visa at the border. To obtain an electronic visa (eVisa), you need to apply online<\/a> in advance. This is a very important piece of information to note if Vietnam is part of a larger Southeast Asian<\/a> travel itinerary.<\/p>\n

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The question on everyone’s mind when planning a trip to Vietnam<\/strong>: should you travel from north to south or from south to north? The answer depends on the season and the time you spend in the country. The weather is very distinct between the northern, central and southern regions.<\/p>\n

For example, if you’re visiting the country in February (the month with the best weather in all regions), the direction of your itinerary won’t matter much. Likewise, if you’re traveling for seven to ten days, the weather won’t have time to vary much. So choose the direction of your itinerary according to which flights suit you best.<\/p>\n

Second example: your trip lasts a month, from May to June. The rainy season is fast approaching in the south of the country, while the climate remains favorable in the center and north. In this case, it’s best to take a south-to-north route.<\/p>\n

I really like this site<\/a>, which can help you choose the best time to visit Vietnam<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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One week is a very short time to visit Vietnam<\/strong>‘s main attractions. If you don’t have more time, I recommend you focus on a single region. Here are my suggestions for places to discover:<\/p>\n