By Kaylin Bailey

Kaylin Bailey

Hi there! I'm Kaylin, and I am from sunny South Africa. For the past eight years, I've been living abroad and exploring the world. My adventures have taken me to some of the most beautiful places and hidden gems around the globe. I thrive on the island lifestyle, but love exploring the hustle and bustle of city life too. My passion is uncovering the coolest activities, the best places to stay, and the most aesthetic beach bars that offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you're looking for travel tips, stunning destinations, or just a slice of paradise, I’m here to inspire and guide you on your own adventures 🌴✨

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May 30, 2024

Vietnam Travel Guide 2024: From North to South

A place where the land is filled with ancient traditions that intertwine with modern wonders. Vietnam is a top choice for travelers, and rightfully so. It is one of those trips that will captivate you from all angles. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to serene beach towns in central Vietnam and Hanoi City's fascinating history and surrounding landscapes.

There are so many beautiful memories to create, feelings to be felt, and experiences to enjoy. This Vietnam travel guide will give you a breakdown of Vietnam's diverse landscapes from the north down to the south. There are so many things to do in Vietnam that you might get overwhelmed. But don’t worry. We will have you covered with the best things to do in Vietnam. This guide won't stop there. This guide will help you plan your trip and give you some practical tips and resources for things to do in Vietnam to ensure your trip goes smoothly without any issues.

Vietnam's Diverse Landscapes

Vietnam is blessed with a dizzying array of breathtaking natural wonders. Here, you can expect to experience a slice of all your best holiday destinations in one country.

Northern Vietnam is known for its incredible mountainous landscapes, rice paddies, and culturally prosperous cities.

Head central, and you'll witness endless beautiful ocean scenery through the window views of a trundling train. Eventually, reaching the south, you’ll experience a live city that beats faster than your heart.

Let’s dive into each region and give you the top attractions.

Northern Vietnam Attractions

Alongside the Red River lies Hanoi, a city so locked into culture and tradition that it may feel like you're simultaneously stepping back into time and somehow into the future. It can only make sense once you have experienced it. However, Hanoi is not all the North has to offer.

Just a short trip out is Ninh Binh, where you can hop in a row boat and travel through beautiful limestone cliffs and rice paddies.

Take a longer journey, and you'll be in the mountains of Sapa, where you can hike through some of the most beautiful and magical landscapes.

Besides all the greenery, you can visit Ha Long Bay, which is made up of thousands of little islands that you can explore by luxury boats.

Central Vietnam Attractions

Central Vietnam offers a different kind of travel experience. In Da Nang, you'll witness the mix of city life and serene beaches. A drive up the Hai Van Pass treats you to endless ocean views and the thrill of winding roads.

While in central Vietnam, you cannot miss the ancient towns of Hoi An City. You'll learn a history lesson just by walking through the streets here. You will also find some of the best, well-priced leather products, and you can make your own custom pieces. A popular thing to do in Hoi An is to get your clothes tailor-made for you!

Southern Vietnam Destinations

Ho Chi Minh can be best described as a beehive. It’s alive and buzzing. You can explore the streets for hours and see something interesting at every corner. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other. This might not sound appealing to everyone, but with a short trip out, you will arrive in Mui Nei, which has a laid-back beach vibe. It is known as the windsurfing capital, so hold onto your hats.

Things to do in Vietnam

Your experience in Vietnam is shaped by your travel preferences. Whether you're drawn to cultural and historical landmarks or crave adventure in vibrant hotspots, Vietnam offers a diverse range of options that perfectly balance both.

One day, you could find yourself in wartime history at Cu Chi Tunnels, and the next, you could be windsurfing in the exhilarating Mui Ne.

Below, discover an array of top-notch activities in Vietnam, catering to both history enthusiasts and adrenaline lovers alike.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Adventure Hotspots

Planning Your Vietnam Adventure

Being well-planned for your Vietnam trip will play a vital role in your time there. To get the most out of your time, you should consider the following.

Planning Your Itinerary

Once you've chosen your must-visit spots, you will need to decide the duration of your stay. Below is a suggested itinerary depending on how much time you have to travel.

• Ten days: Perfect for first-timers, a 10-day trip could include visits to the best cities from north to south, such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Fifteen days: With 15 days, you can explore less traveled destinations, including Mai Chau and Ninh Binh in the north, or enjoy some chilled-out beach days.
• 2-3 weeks or longer: If you are blessed with time, consider doing the whole experience. Start in the north for one week, head up to central for one week, and end it off in the south for one week.

Remember to consider travel time between destinations to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable trip.

Budgeting Your Trip

A successful journey sometimes means you have to do some budgeting. Spending all your money on the wrong things could lead to stress and holding back. Here's a breakdown of the necessary expenses:

• International flights: This is the most significant consideration for your budget. Book far in advance or consult your travel advisor for better rates.
• Domestic flights: Fares start at about $50 for a one-way economy-class ticket. This is very reasonable and time-saving to get to all the different places.
• Accommodation:
  1. Comfortable/Boutique: $50 - $100 per room
  2. Luxury: $150 - $200 per room
  3. Guesthouses: Prices start from $10 per room
• Food: Street food and local cuisine is incredibly cheap, and a meal can range from $1–2 per meal, while upmarket dining experiences cost $10–$30 per meal.

If you are traveling from Europe or the States, Vietnam will be a surprisingly cheap holiday destination for you. You might even find yourself spending less than your budget.

Considering the Weather

It’s always a good idea to consider the weather when traveling somewhere. This is the same case for traveling to Vietnam. Vietnam’s weather can be scorching hot, and it experiences a lot of rain during the typhoon season. Different parts of Vietnam experience different temperatures, too. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), for example, is mostly hot, while in North and Central Vietnam, the four seasons are experienced.

North Vietnam

Weather Patterns:

1. From November to February, it is Wintertime. It is a good time to explore Ha Long Bay and Sapa and go trekking.
2. From June to August, it is summertime, and the temperatures are often above 30°C (86°F). It makes it difficult to explore the outdoors.
3. The rainy season is from May to October. Remember to pack a rain jacket or buy one there!

The Best Time to Visit: November-April for dry weather, avoiding winter chill.

South Vietnam

Weather Patterns:

1. From November to April, it is sunny and dry. It is ideal for exploration.
2. From May to October: Increased rainfall, especially in the afternoons.

The Best Time to Visit: November-April for sunny days, and less rain.

Central Vietnam

Weather Patterns:

1. From November to April, the weather is dry and warm, with occasional rain.
2. From May to October, it is the rainy season, but less extreme than the North or South Vietnam.

The Best Times to Visit: February-May and September-November for pleasant weather and less rain.

Choosing Your Transportation

There are many transport options in Vietnam, which makes traveling around easy and affordable. The best choices are flying, trains, buses, and the Grab App.

• Domestic Flights: These are ideal for long distances. This will save you time and allow for more adventures. Domestic flights can start as low as $50 for a one-way flight. The cheapest airline to fly is usually Vietjet. You can also use Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airlines.

• Trains: Trains in Vietnam are an excellent option for those who need to get somewhere overnight and are looking for a cheaper alternative to flying. Trains operate all over Vietnam, and you can even get a cabin with a bed so you can stretch your legs and sleep.

• Buses: Buses are a great and affordable choice, providing easy access to most destinations across Vietnam. However, they are time-consuming. You can opt for sleeper buses, which have beds in them for increased comfort. For example, traveling from Hanoi to Sapa, you would opt for the sleeper bus or train.

• Grab: This app is similar to Uber and is the most popular transport option. You can choose cars and motorbikes. This option would be used once you are at your destination and used for getting around within that city. A great experience is hopping on the grab bike. This option is cheap and less time-consuming than going places by car.

• Rent a Bike: You can also rent a bike in Vietnam. Prices are around $4-5 per day, and you are required to leave a deposit or your passport.

Internet Connectivity in Vietnam

Getting and staying connected in Vietnam is relatively easy, with many options available.

• Free Wi-Fi: Most public places, such as airports, hotels, restaurants, and cafes, offer free Wi-Fi access. However, the connection can sometimes be unreliable.
• eSIM: Consider purchasing a Vietnamese eSIM, which offers convenient and reliable internet access throughout your travels in Vietnam. With an eSIM, you can stay connected from place to place without any hassles.
• Local SIM Card: Pre-activated Vietnamese SIM cards can be obtained at borders, airports, and SIM card vendors. However, this can sometimes be inconvenient due to language barriers and the need to purchase data when you run out.

Traveling to Vietnam with an eSim is by far the most convenient option. Without internet connectivity, getting off an airplane and trying to find your way to your hotel can be incredibly stressful.

The Benefits of Traveling with an eSIM

For those of you who may be unaware, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets you connect to mobile networks without the need for a physical SIM card. This comes with many key advantages when traveling to Vietnam:

• Increased Security: An eSIM can't be removed if your device is lost or stolen, so it is more secure than a physical SIM.
• Convenience: An eSIM eliminates the need to swap physical SIM cards, which can be lost or delayed during set-up processes.
• Easy Installation: You can easily install and activate your eSim card on any device.
• International Roaming: International roaming with an eSIM works the same as with a physical SIM. However, with eSimsurf, you can enjoy no roaming charges!
• Unlimited data: You can choose from a variety of packages with different lengths and sizes to fit everyone's requirements.

Practical Tips and Resources

When visiting Vietnam, it’s vital to consider the disparities between countries and what you are accustomed to. These variances may include visa requirements, safety concerns, language barriers, and climate conditions. Take a look at the following information and get some practical tips and resources when traveling to Vietnam.

Visas and Entry Requirements

When traveling to Vietnam, it's crucial to ensure you have the proper documentation. Compared to most countries, Vietnam's visa regulations keep changing, so it's best to double-check with your embassy or the government website for any updates. You can apply for an Evisa here and check your requirements.

Safety Considerations

Generally speaking, Vietnam is a safe country to travel to. The most common accidents involve motorbikes. While driving a motorbike in Vietnam can be an exhilarating experience, make sure you have the proper license from your home country, as most travel insurance policies won't cover you otherwise.

Language Barriers

In larger cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, many people speak a decent level of English, making it an easy place to travel. However, as you venture towards smaller towns and mountainous regions, the level of English drops. So, we recommend learning how to use translation apps.

Packing for the Climate

One of the most important considerations when planning a trip to Vietnam is the weather. The south of the country sits firmly in the humid tropics, but the climate becomes increasingly temperate as you head north. The highlands around Sapa are downright chilly in winter. If you plan to visit both halves of the country, be sure to pack clothes suitable for the cooler highlands.

Allowing Sufficient Time

Vietnam measures 1650km (1025 miles) from the Chinese border in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, so you'll need plenty of time to get from A to B. Road and rail transport can be slow, and there are lots of places where you'll want to stop as you travel between the major hubs. If you only have a short time, focus your itinerary on a small area – Hanoi and around, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), or Danang and around.

Conclusion

Vietnam's diverse landscapes, from the misty peaks of Sapa to the blue waters of Halong Bay, offer an adventure like no other. Whether you're seeking outdoor thrills, cultural immersion, or simply a chance to unwind on stunning beaches, this captivating country promises an unforgettable journey.

While exploring Vietnam's iconic destinations, take in the vibrant cultures, enjoy the incredible cuisine, and let the natural wonders of this remarkable country leave an indelible mark on your soul.

With careful planning and a sense of adventure, your Vietnam journey will undoubtedly be a treasured memory for years to come.