Vietnam: From Mountains to Mekong
Vietnam stretches over 1,000 miles from north to south, offering incredible diversity in landscapes, cultures, and experiences. Here’s your comprehensive guide to exploring this captivating country.
Northern Vietnam: Mountains & History
Hanoi: The Capital
- Stay: Old Quarter (chaotic, authentic), French Quarter (quieter, colonial charm)
- Must-see: Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Food: Pho Gia Truyen, Bun Cha Dac Kim, Banh Mi 25
- Activities: Water puppet show, egg coffee, street food tour
- Duration: 2-3 days
Ha Long Bay: Natural Wonder
- Options: Day cruise (rushed) vs overnight (better)
- Alternatives: Lan Ha Bay (less crowded), Bai Tu Long Bay
- Activities: Kayaking, swimming, cave exploration
- Tip: Book mid-range boats for best value
- Duration: 2 days / 1 night minimum
Sapa: Rice Terraces & Hilltribes
- Best time: September-October (rice harvest), avoid summer (crowded)
- Activities: Trekking to minority villages, Fansipan cable car
- Stay: Sapa town or homestay in villages
- Getting there: Overnight train from Hanoi (sleeper bus alternative)
- Duration: 2-3 days
Ninh Binh: Halong Bay on Land
- Tam Coc boat ride through rice paddies
- Bai Dinh Pagoda (largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam)
- Trang An UNESCO site
- Hang Mua viewpoint (500 steps, stunning views)
- Duration: 1-2 days, easy day trip from Hanoi
Central Vietnam: Imperial Cities & Beaches
Hue: Imperial Capital
- Sights: Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Royal tombs
- Food: Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup)
- Activities: DMZ tours, Perfume River cruise
- Duration: 1-2 days
Hoi An: Ancient Town
- Must-do: Old Town exploration (UNESCO site), lantern festival
- Activities: Cooking class, tailoring clothes (24-hour service!)
- Beaches: An Bang, Cua Dai (15-20 min from town)
- Food: Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, Banh Mi Phuong
- Duration: 2-4 days
Da Nang: Modern Beach City
- My Khe Beach (one of world’s best)
- Marble Mountains
- Dragon Bridge (breathes fire on weekends!)
- Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge with giant hands)
- Duration: 1-2 days
Phong Nha: Cave Kingdom
- Paradise Cave (stunning stalactites)
- Phong Nha Cave (boat tour)
- Son Doong Cave (world’s largest, expensive expedition)
- Dark Cave (adventure activities)
- Duration: 2-3 days
Southern Vietnam: Deltas & Cities
Nha Trang: Beach Resort
- Best for: Beaches, diving, partying
- Activities: Snorkeling, mud baths, island hopping
- Vibe: Russian influence, developed, touristy
- Duration: 2-3 days
Da Lat: Cool Mountain Retreat
- Escape the heat in Vietnam’s highlands
- Coffee plantations, waterfalls, Crazy House
- Canyoning adventures
- French colonial architecture
- Duration: 2-3 days
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The Metropolis
- Must-see: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral
- Districts: District 1 (center), District 3 (local feel), District 2 (expat area)
- Food: Ben Thanh Market, Lunch Lady, street food tours
- Day trip: Cu Chi Tunnels
- Duration: 2-3 days
Mekong Delta: River Life
- Can Tho: Floating markets (Cai Rang best)
- Boat tours through narrow canals
- Fruit orchards, coconut candy factories
- Stay overnight in Can Tho for authentic experience
- Duration: 1-2 days
Phu Quoc: Island Paradise
- Vietnam’s largest island
- Beautiful beaches: Long Beach, Sao Beach, Ong Lang
- Snorkeling, diving, night market
- Relaxation after long travel
- Duration: 3-5 days
Suggested Itineraries
2 Weeks – Classic Route:
Hanoi (3) → Ha Long Bay (2) → Hue (1) → Hoi An (3) → Ho Chi Minh City (3) → Mekong Delta (2)
3 Weeks – Complete Vietnam:
Hanoi (2) → Sapa (3) → Ha Long Bay (2) → Ninh Binh (1) → Phong Nha (2) → Hue (1) → Hoi An (3) → Da Lat (2) → Ho Chi Minh City (2) → Mekong Delta (2) → Phu Quoc (3)
1 Week – Highlights:
Hanoi (2) → Ha Long Bay (1) → Hoi An (2) → Ho Chi Minh City (2)
Practical Information
Visa:
- E-visa available for most nationalities ($25, 30 days)
- Visa on arrival for some passports
- Check current requirements before booking
Transportation:
- Flights: Cheap domestic flights with VietJet, Bamboo Airways
- Trains: Overnight sleepers, scenic routes
- Buses: Sleeper buses common, book through hotels/hostels
- Grab: Uber-equivalent, works everywhere
Money:
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- ATMs widely available
- Bargaining expected at markets
- Daily budget: $25-40 (budget), $40-80 (mid-range)
Best Time to Visit:
- North: October-April (cool, dry)
- Central: February-May (dry season)
- South: December-April (dry season)
- Overall best: February-April
Food Guide
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pho: Beef or chicken noodle soup (breakfast dish)
- Banh Mi: Vietnamese sandwich
- Bun Cha: Grilled pork with noodles
- Fresh Spring Rolls: Rice paper rolls
- Cao Lau: Hoi An specialty noodles
- Com Tam: Broken rice with grilled pork
- Vietnamese Coffee: Strong, sweet, iced
Eating Tips:
- Eat where locals eat (plastic stools = good food)
- Street food is generally safe
- Pho for breakfast, Bun Cha for lunch
- Try regional specialties in each city
Cultural Tips
- Dress modestly, especially in temples
- Remove shoes before entering homes/temples
- Bargaining is normal and expected at markets
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases (appreciated)
- Be patient with English language barriers
- Don’t touch people’s heads
- Avoid pointing with your feet
Safety Tips
- Watch for bag snatching on motorbikes
- Only use metered taxis or Grab
- Drink bottled water only
- Be careful crossing streets (walk slowly, steadily)
- Scams: Overcharging taxis, fake tour operators
- Travel insurance recommended
Vietnam offers an incredible journey from north to south, with diverse landscapes, rich history, and some of the world’s best food. Take your time, embrace the chaos, and discover why so many travelers fall in love with this remarkable country!
