woman diving off of a boat in Halong Bay Vietnam

Helena And Laurent Martin / Stocksy United

Northern Vietnam

Wow, the vistas. This is Vietnam's big-sky country; a place of rippling mountains, cascading rice terraces and the winnowed-out karst topography for which the region is famed.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Northern Vietnam. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Unoccupied beach at the Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam

Cat Ba Island

Lying to the south of Halong Bay off the north-eastern coast of Vietnam, the 300-or-so karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are just as…

The Ban Gioc Waterfalls on the border with China, Cao Bang, Vietnam.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Ban Gioc is one of Vietnam’s best-known waterfalls, and its image adorns the lobby of many a cheap guesthouse. The falls, fed by the Quay Son River that…

Cannon Fort, Cat Ba Island.

Cannon Fort

For one of the best views in Vietnam, head to Cannon Fort, where there are astounding panoramas of Cat Ba Island's jungle-clad hills, the harbour and the…

Trench warfare at A1 Hill, a famous historical site from the battle of Dien Bien Phu.

Dien Bien Phu

This vantage point was crucial in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. There are tanks and a monument to Viet Minh casualties on this former French position,…

Dien Bien Phu Museum.

Dien Bien Phu Museum

This well-laid-out museum, contained in a space-agey modern structure, features an eclectic collection that commemorates the 1954 battle. Alongside…

Dong Van market meets once a week on Sunday morning, where many ethnic groups gather.

Dong Van Market

Once a week, local villagers from the surrounding hills, including the Hmong, Tay, Nung and Hoa ethnic groups, flood into Dong Van for the Sunday market…

Bac Ha Market in Vietnam.

Bac Ha Market

This Sunday market is Bac Ha’s big draw. There's an increasing range of handicrafts for sale, but it’s still pretty much a local affair. Bac Ha Market is…

Hong Van beach in Co To Island.

Hong Van Beach

Bai Tu Long Bay

Most Vietnamese visitors make a beeline for Hong Van Beach – and justifiably so. It's nearly 3km of fine, white sand lapped by blue water and backed by a…

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Northern Vietnam and beyond

Cascading rice terraces near Sapa.

8 treks for discovering Vietnam’s rural heartlands

Joe Bindloss

Nov 23, 2022 • 8 min read

An Asian tourist man watching at Fansipan mountain hills with paddy rice agricultural field valley in summer in travel trip and holidays vacation concept, Sapa, Vietnam.

Fansipan mountain and other areas throughout Vietnam offer thrilling opportunities for hiking and trekking © Getty Images/iStockphoto

Modern Vietnam is a million miles from its war-torn past.

Jungle-cloaked hills that once shook with the sound of combat are now the serene setting for adventurous hikes to remote villages, lofty lookouts, tumbling waterfalls and the summit of Indochina’s highest mountain. With plenty of local guides and trekking agencies on hand to help you to the top of the trails, all you really need to do is pick a route – and set out. 

Many of Vietnam’s top hikes are best attempted with local support. The tropical terrain can be challenging, the weather can be unpredictable and you’ll need someone who speaks the local languages to make arrangements for meals and accommodation in hill-tribe communities. If you combine a trek with a village homestay – which we heartily recommend – it’s possible to escape the crowds and find the hospitality and captivating culture that first put Vietnam on the travel map. 

With its towering topography, the mountainous north of the country offers the best trekking opportunities, but there are routes all over the country, from the Chinese border to the lowland jungles near Ho Chi Minh City . Here’s our pick of the top treks in Vietnam. 

1. Cultural treks from Sapa

Easiest hikes for beginners  Distances vary, 1–2 days, easy

Hill-tribe treks from Sapa are a core part of the tourist experience in northern Vietnam , and hiking here is quite mainstream these days. Still, there are still rewarding experiences to be had if you go with a guide who speaks the languages of local minority groups and can get you acquainted with the diverse communities that French colonizers grouped together under the umbrella term Montagnards (mountain-dwellers).

Don’t expect to get too far off the beaten track – the most popular villages have entry fees, souvenir shops and a rather entrepreneurial attitude towards tourism. Favor treks to Sin Chai, Cat Cat, Ban Ho, and Y Linh Ho, which will take you away from the heaviest crowds. For a more authentic experience, trek over two days with an overnight stop in a local homestay, or save your trekking for a more remote location such as Bac Ha or Ba Be National Park. 

2. Tribal treks around Bac Ha 

Best treks for tribal encounters 7–10km (4–6 miles), 1–3 days, easy to moderate  

Quite how Bac Ha slipped under the radar as a trekking base is a mystery: the village remains a charmingly unspoiled hub for hikes to the villages of 11 tribal groups, including the Flower Hmong, Dzao, Giay, Han, Xa Fang, Lachi, Nung, Phula, Tay, Thai, and Thulao. To really get a feel for local life, go with a local guide and stay overnight in villages tucked away in the emerald hills. 

For an easy day hike, try the 8km (5-mile) hike through the Flower Hmong village of Thai Giang Pho to the Tay village of Na Lo, passing some of the finest rural scenery anywhere in northern Vietnam. For a great overnight route, test your legs on the 10km (6.2-mile) hike through rice paddies, cinnamon forests and misty hills to the Dzao villages of Nam Det and Nam Khanh. 

Wherever you trek, aim to be back in Bac Ha by the weekend:  the Sunday market in Bac Ha and the Saturday market in nearby Can Cau both draw tribal people from across the region. There are also markets in the villages of Coc Ly, Lung Phin and Sin Cheng.

A giant Buddha statue and terrace overlooking clouds and landscapes below from the top of mount Fansipan, Đường District, Lai Chau, Vietnam

3. Fansipan 

Best mountain trek  9–20km (5.5–12.5miles), 1–3 days, moderate to difficult

At 3147m (10,326ft), Vietnam’s highest mountain presents a satisfying challenge – though the paths are rough and regular rain means the going can be slippery underfoot. As you climb the slopes of Fansipan, expect adrenaline-inducing scrambles up steep slopes and gasp-producing views across the Tonkinese Alps when the clouds clear.  

The summit of the mountain known as the “roof of Indochina” is most easily reached from the Tram Ton pass on the northern side of the mountain, accessible by local bus from Sapa. There are also challenging alternative trails starting from the villages of Cat Cat and Sin Chai that require camping for one or two nights. 

Guides are mandatory – and sensible in this rugged terrain – though some travelers sneak up the trails unaccompanied. Fit trekkers can tackle the Tram Ton trail in a day, returning via the cable car across the Muong Hoa Valley. Most people cover the ascent over two or three days, camping at rustic sites along the way. With scenery so lovely, why rush the journey?

4. Ba Be National Park

Best treks for escaping the crowds Distances vary, from 1 day, moderate

Lush, green Ba Be National Park offers everything you could ask for from the Vietnamese highlands: limestone peaks climbing out of misty valleys lined with ribbon-like lakes, dense jungles hiding myriad bird, mammal and butterfly species, and a dozen villages populated by the Tay, Dzao and Hmong communities. Best of all though, Ba Be is still largely undiscovered by the masses, even if word is slowly getting out.

Treks here are as they were in Sapa a generation back, offering a deep dive into mountain culture and a way of life that still moves with the rhythms of the seasons. As well as sampling village life, you can drop in on dramatic waterfalls and tortuous cave systems, and stop overnight at quiet homestays overlooking the lakes. 

Trekkers walk through the dense jungle of Cat Ba National Park, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

5. Cat Ba National Park

Best island adventure trek Distances vary, 1–2 days, moderate

The scenery in Cat Ba National Park in Halong Bay is almost impossibly green, with beds of moss and forest glades exhibiting a spectrum of emerald, lime, chartreuse and other hues. And this vivid landscape is best experienced on foot, starting from the park headquarters at Trung Trang. While guides are not obligatory, they’ll help you get closer to the wildlife: be sure to keep an eye out for golden-headed langurs, the world’s most endangered primate.  

The “easy” option here is the short, strenuous hike to the top of Ngu Lam peak, a modest ridge offering views over the surrounding jungle, though many opt for the more challenging 9km (5.5-mile) hike across the park to the fishing village of Viet Hai, where you can stop over at a friendly homestay. The park is also a great spot for climbing, with several operators running trips to local karst outcrops with all gear included.  

Female tourists exploring giant Tetrameles tree roots in the rainforest of Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Province, Vietnam

6. Cat Tien National Park 

Best trek in southern Vietnam  2–26km (1.2–16 miles), 1–3 days, moderate to difficult

The south of Vietnam is often overlooked by trekkers. Don’t make that mistake.

Cat Tien National Park covers 72,000 hectares (177,916 acres) of lowland tropical rainforest that teems with biodiversity. While there are elephants and leopards hiding amid the foliage, you’re more likely to spot primates such as gibbons, pygmy lorises and langurs, alongside reptiles, amphibians and myriad bird species. 

Guides can be arranged through local lodges. The most popular trip is the half-day hike from the national park headquarters in search of golden-cheeked gibbons, though this involves an early start to catch the primates’ hooting dawn chorus. Most trekkers drop in on the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre for more simian encounters; trip fees help fund the park’s conservation activities. 

7. Mai Chau villages

Best easy hikes near Hanoi  5–18km (3–11 miles), 1–2 days, easy

You don’t have to roam far from Hanoi to find good hiking terrain. The township of Mai Chau floats on a green carpet of rice fields, about 135km (84 miles) southwest of the capital. This is pretty rather than challenging terrain, with the most popular destinations for walks villages inhabited by the White Thai. These people are known for their colorful textiles, which you can purchase without too much bargaining. 

For a taste of what the area has to offer, try the 18km (11-mile) trek from Ban Lac village to Xa Linh village. A local guide will help you navigate the slippery trail, and you’ll need to arrange a vehicle to meet you at the end of the trail for the trip back to Mai Chau. Longer treks can be arranged through local homestays and lodges, though we recommend coming during the week to avoid the weekend crowds. 

8. Cao Bang

Best off-the-beaten-track treks Distances and durations vary, moderate to difficult

Tucked away near the Chinese border in the far northeast of Vietnam , Cao Bang is the place to discover rural communities that have so far escaped the influence of mass tourism. This comes with a degree of responsibility, so be sure to trek with a guide and stay in village homestays to make sure your tourist dollars reach the local economy. The main destinations for hikers are hillside villages of the Tay, Nung, Hmong, Dzao and Lolo people, with markets that shift from village to village on different days of the lunar month. 

There are easy strolls around Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave – both served by local buses from Cao Bang – but to access outlying villages, you’ll need local support. Most treks are multi-day affairs, and your guide will need to make arrangements for overnight stays. It may be easiest to organize a trek through a reputable agency in Hanoi.

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Experience Vietnam

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- Local experts  share their love for the  real  Vietnam, offering  fresh perspectives  into the country’s  traditions, values  and  modern trends  to make your travel experience even more meaningful

- In the know   tips  to help you build on your experiences when visiting well-known sights and landmarks

- Fun insights  that will pique your curiosity and take you to the  heart of the place  - try an egg coffee at Loading T in Hanoi for a glimpse of Vietnamese coffee culture; discover The Happy Road’s epic tale of sacrifice; sip  ruou can  rice wine infused with mountain herbs picked by the Ede people

- Insider scoop  on the best festivals, secret hangouts, hidden locations, tantalising local food scene and photo-worthy views

- Handy seasonal trip planner  to guide you on  where to go ,  when to travel  and  what to pack

- Practical information  on money, getting around, unique and local ways to stay, and responsible travel

- Comprehensive selection of maps  throughout and  beautiful full-colour photography  to inspire you as you plan your unforgettable journey

Covers  Hanoi, Northern Vietnam, Central Vietnam, Southeast Coast, The Highlands, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta

eBook is available in ePub, MOBI and PDF.

ISBN: 9781838694852

Edition: 1st

Publication Date: September 2022

Writers: Lonely Planet

258 pages | Dimensions: 140mm width × 180mm height

Next edition due: September 2026

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Things to Know Before Traveling to Vietnam

saigon motorcycles roundabout

Vietnam has a lengthy and complex history, with each layer still visible in modern Vietnam. From tangible evidence of French colonial rule to the aftereffects of the American War and a food culture deeply influenced by the international flavors and cultures—this country has a lot on offer from north to south.

A brief history of Vietnam with the facts relevant to travelers.

Vietnam has a lengthy and complex history, with each layer still visible in modern Vietnam. Consider this a quick rundown on the basic backstory you’ll need to understand and enjoy traveling and backpacking through Vietnam. Ruled by the Chinese in 111 B.C., Nam Viet (what we now know as Vietnam) was a part of the Han Dynasty.

Over the next thousand years or so, Vietnam remained in the hands of the tyrannical Chinese, before regaining full control of their country in the 15th century. By the middle of the 17th century, Vietnam’s independence was being chipped away by France and in 1884 France gained full colonial control over Vietnam.

France’s impact on Vietnam is a living, breathing, tangible part of modern Vietnam, which is why you need to understand this history before traveling there. The French brought a Western-style education system, European architecture and food, and also instituted political and cultural changes.

Not surprisingly, despite some good brought by the French, many Vietnamese were unhappy with colonial rule. The Viet Minh attacked French forces in 1946, which eventually ended with Geneva peace talks between the nations and the decision to split Vietnam in half: north and south. The communist insurgency began 1957 in South Vietnam; two years later, weapons and men from North Vietnam began gathering in the south.

Quan Cong Temple

In response, the United States increased aid to President Ngo Dinh Diem. By 1963, the Viet Cong, a communist group specializing in guerrilla warfare, defeated The Army of the Republic of Vietnam. In a U.S.-backed military coup, representatives from The Army of Republic of Vietnam  overthrew and killed the President Diem ; U.S. intervention in Vietnam would only escalate from this point forward.

In response to the threats posed by the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong, by 1967 the U.S. had sent roughly 500,000 troops to Vietnam. The Vietnam/American War lasted far too long, fueled by poor decisions made by U.S. politicians and resulting in horrifying escalation of violence throughout the war (this is a sad and informative  visual history of the war ).

Many thousands of people were killed before Paris peace talks brokered a ceasefire agreement in 1973. By that point, the actions by American troops had forever changed the country as the after-effects of Agent Orange and other chemical weapons continue to impact the Vietnam even today.

Two years after U.S. troops left, North Vietnam invaded the south and took control of the country. As the socialists assumed control over the country, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese continued to flee, many resorting to crowding into small vessels—anything to escape life in Vietnam. This war is one key reason for the massive Vietnamese diaspora spread around the world.

It’d be great if the warfare ended there, but tired of the Khmer Rouge attacking remote villages near the border, Vietnam invaded Cambodia in 1979 and removed the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot from power. Ten years later, Vietnam removed their troops from Cambodia. There is still a large ethnically Khmer population in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. Since the 90s, Vietnam has grown and the government has stabilized, with tourism a major contributing part of the country’s economy.

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Fast Facts About Vietnam Travel

Vietnamese Dong (VND) ( current exchange rate )

Electricity

127V/60Hz (American or European plugs both work here, although only without the third prong)

Primary Airports in Vietnam

  • Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
  • Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (HAN)
  • Da Nang International (DAD).

Can you drink the water in Vietnam?

No, it’s not safe to drink the local water in Vietnam. Drink bottled, bring a reusable water bottle so you can buy big jugs, or consider the merits of a SteriPen or LifeStraw for your trip.

How’s the internet in Vietnam?

WiFi is rampant and thoroughly spread even into the smallest of Vietnamese towns. Saigon has a bustling café culture and these coffee shops all offer fast free WiFi. It’s also a standard amenity in all hotels and guesthouses.

You’ll need a VPN if you plan to access many U.S. sites and to stream U.S. Netflix. A VPN is also crucial for those working from abroad since many U.S. sites either IP block or serve an international version of their sites. I’ve used NordVPN since 2016 while living abroad and it’s never failed me once.

Local SIM Cards

Data is very cheap in Vietnam, even the tourist bundles (locals have different rates, so ask your first guesthouse owner to buy your SIM card if you’re a data hog and really need a lot).

I paid 70,000 Dong for 16 GB lasting three months, and the tourist rate is about 150,000 Dong for 8 GB lasting two months. Because I had so much data, I tethered my phone and worked from my data when I encountered slow speeds. Read  a full Vietnam SIM card guide here .

And it’s handy that NordVPN works on my iPhone, too.

Vietnamese Visas

The visa situation for North Americans changes often and is entirely unpredictable. That said, in early 2017, the government implemented an online e-visa program that is fast, safe, and affordable.

For more information, check the visa requirements here . While most visitors had to arrange a visa through a third-party company, that is no longer the case, so use the government site directly to avoid fees.

Festivals of Note

  • Tết is the country’s New Year’s celebration and is huge throughout Vietnam (late January or early February).
  • Lantern Festival in Hoi An (14th day of every lunar month—not calendar month—so research to find out when it’s happening).

Food Considerations

Vietnam is one of the best food destinations in Southeast Asia. The country has a vibrant street food culture and a range of different dishes from north to south. If you are vegetarian, it’s possible to find food, but not always street food. And you have to be diligent.

On my Vegetarian in Vietnam guide , I outline the considerations and obstacles. If you’re celiac, this is a fantastic and thorough post , complete with a downloadable GF translation card .

This post shares the most common street food dishes you will find, and this book chronicles a beautiful food journey through Hanoi. And if you decide to eat street food (which you will!), follow these food safety principles .

Accommodation

The links in city guides below go to my favorite hotel booking site, Booking.com many options are also found on or VRBO , if you are member.

For backpackers and families,  Booking.com  is perfect for pre-booking hostels and hotels; in high season the bigger towns book up fast ( Hostelworld has a solid selection of hostels, too).

And if you buy a local SIM (which you should), you can easily call ahead and directly reserve spots en route. If none of these will do, check out my detailed guide to finding good places to stay .

a vietnamese woman on Hoi an river

What’s the weather like?

Vietnam is long, with a varied topography, meaning at least one region has poor weather at all times of year. This chart is by far the best visual to use in planning your trip weather-wise (although note that Jan/Feb is noted as clear for Sapa, when in reality it’s bitterly cold and often very foggy).

How much should you budget to travel in Vietnam?

Vietnam may well be the most budget-friendly location in Southeast Asia, and that is saying a lot, because nearby Thailand , Laos , Cambodia are quite affordable. Budget backpackers sleeping at hostels and eating street-food will easily stay under $20 a day.

The only activity requiring you to splash out on cash is a Halong Bay Tour—and often you will get better value for a bit more if you choose your tour company wisely.

Mid-range travelers will spend $25 a night on nice accommodation (with A/C and spacious rooms), and another $10-20 on food. High-end travelers get a lot bang for their buck as even nice hotels and food are affordable—scale up from the mid-range budget of $45 a day depending on if you choose to splurge on food, accommodation, or both.

How to Get Around Vietnam

getting around vietnam by motorbike, bus, train and more.

Most backpackers in Vietnam take an overland route starting in one of the two primary cities, either Hanoi in the north or Saigon in the south. Vietnam offers train travel in many areas and buses in others—you can suss out the best routes around Vietnam on Bookaway .

It’s a very long country, so keep that in mind when you consider timing your trip. The distances are longer than you expect and if you’re cramming the entire country into a short week or two-week trip, you will need some long overnight trains and buses to navigate it all.

Air travel is another option. VietJetAir is the country’s privately run low-cost carrier and you can find fares as low as $25 to hop around the country. This is mega convenient and I recommend using SkyScanner to search for fares since it includes all the regional low-cost airlines.

Locally, when you are within a city you will likely use mototaxis and taxis to navigate.  Uber operates in this area and you can even catch a mototaxi with it! Instead of haggling with xe om drivers, I used Uber exclusively in the cities.

And because of the taxi scams in Saigon and Hanoi, I stuck with Uber getting to and from the airports and such, but if you need to hail a cab, stick to either Vinasun or Mailinh.

If you have a local SIM, Grab is the regional version of Uber and offers slightly better rates. Either option works, I used Uber because I already have an account that I’ve used in dozens of cities around the world; I highly recommend that travelers at least sign up for Uber and have it in your phone because you never know when it will come in handy to summon a ride and get out of a sticky situation (happened to me in South Africa!).

Can Tho, Vietnam

Is it safe to travel in Vietnam?

Vietnam is safe for travelers on the physical level—you don’t have to worry about bodily harm from the Vietnamese people. That said, theft is an issue and the scams center around money. Travelers should never walk the streets with cameras and bags draped on their shoulder or a motorbike might speed by and grab it from you.

Wear your purses cross-body and cameras secured to your wrist or neck. For the same reason, don’t walk with your cell phone held away from your body (consider investing in a phone leash ) they are fantastic and give peace of mind when wandering).

In touristy areas especially, count your change. Confirm your taxi fare before the ride (or just use Uber , which is what I did—it’s explained more in the transportation section). Use TravelFish to research possible scams in places like Hanoi ,  Hoi An  and Saigon . Since anything can happen on the road, I am a firm advocate of travel insurance and I always carry IMG Global travel insurance .

In addition to the safety concerns listed above, many travelers rent motorbikes and scooters in Vietnam. This is a dangerous place to learn to ride. In the months I visited, I saw dozens of travelers with serious road-rash scarring their bodies.

If you rent a motorbike, please make sure it’s covered by your travel insurance (usually only if you are licensed to drive in your home country) and that you wear the proper gear to protect you if you fall (pants and good shoes). If you have respiratory issues, pollution is a problem in both Hanoi and Saigon, so bring a surgical mask.

vietnam travel lonely planet

Pre-Trip Reading Inspiration: Books About Vietnam

Books about Vietnam and fascinating longreads from around the internets.

Fiction & Nonfiction Books About Vietnam

  • Catfish and Mandala : Travel memoir is often an intriguing way to learn about the culture. A Vietnamese-American return to the Vietnam he left as a young child when his family moved to California. He bicycles around the country, and the journey is beautiful.
  • The War. There are no shortage of books about the Vietnam-American War. If you read just two, go with  The Sorrow of War , a harrowing recounting of the war and aftermath written from the perspective of a North Vietnamese soldier, and Embers of War , a Pulitzer Prize winning account of the long path of policies and leaders that eventually led to the devastating war.
  • Saigon: An Epic Novel of Vietnam : For historical fiction that perfectly accounts the war, but contextualizes it with romance, politics, story, and intrigue, this novel is a better read for those less inclined to learn about the war through drier non-fiction books.
  • The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel : Showcasing modern Vietnam in the context of its war-torn history, this beautiful novel takes place in Hanoi and is an easy read. If you’re looking for a better cultural look at contemporary Vietnam, however, Vietnam: Rising Dragon is my recommended non-fiction read.
  • Inside Out and Back Again : A beautiful and lyrical story written from the perspective of a 10-year-old girl. This is a wonderful family-friendly read if you are traveling Vietnam with children.
  • Eating Viet Nam : A journalist moves to Hanoi and begins a food journey through the back alleys and tiny street stalls of Vietnam. A great read for food lovers.

Podcasts and Online Reads

  • The Sandwich that Ate the World : A close look at the history of bánh mì, a tasty Vietnamese sandwich that is wildly popular in Vietnam, and how that love has spread around the globe.
  • The History of Pho : This longread recounts the history of Vietnam’s other famous dish, loved the world over: Pho.
  • The Vietnam Solution : An interesting piece about current American and Vietnamese relations and how the two countries overcame the war to work together in modern politics.

Find more regional fiction and nonfiction  books and long-reads .

Recommended Guidebook

I traveled through Vietnam using the  Lonely Planet Vietnam . It was solid. It had just the right amount of detail I needed to understand the nearby travel options.

I used online booking sites ( Booking.com ) for accommodation, and then the Lonely Planet to help figure out transportation and what to do nearby.

hoi an river vietnam

Socially Responsible Travel in Vietnam

vietnam travel lonely planet

Let’s talk about socially responsible travel in Vietnam, as well as the greater opportunities in Southeast Asia. This topic has many layers. From volunteering to donating to beggars to choosing ethical activities. It’s a complex situation.

Animal tourism has a dark side, and responsible travelers should research alternatives. Child sex trafficking and tourism is particularly an issue in Vietnam. Environmental pollution from tourism has devastated parts of Halong Bay.

There are a lot of considerations. All travelers should also read this  post on giving to child beggars ; you will face this conundrum, so it’s best to be ready. Read our full Vietnam Responsible Travel & Social Enterprise Guide (and one more general responsible travel in Southeast Asia  to lessen your impact on any place you visit, then read below for specifics to Vietnam.

Let’s jump into activities you might want to do, as well as alternatives that are just as fun! And at the end, I share tips for responsible volunteering in Vietnam.

Engaging in Human Tourism

mekong delta tour homestay vietnam

Vietnam is among the most unique places to participate in hill tribe tourism. Unlike the sketchy ethnic group tour options in Thailand , northern Vietnam has a well-developed infrastructure of hill tribe groups offering homestay and trekking. Most notably, Sapa O’Chau has a wonderful business model employing and supporting hill tribe communities.

Also, throughout Vietnam, home stays are a common and excellent way to respectfully visit rural communities, support the local economy, while also learning a lot about the people and culture. Use the regional and city guides below for links to community-based tourism options, and responsible tour companies throughout Vietnam.

Riding an Elephant

If you’ve long dreamed of riding one of these majestic creatures, you should read up on their treatment and what it takes to actually break an elephant’s will enough for it to perform tricks and ferry around tourists. It’s a sad industry and one that has grown exponentially alongside tourism.

Traditionally, the Southeast Asians used elephants for hard labor, to help clear land and forests. They make more money from tourism, however, and this has led to a cycle of overworked and abused animals. On the flip side of the debate , feeding an elephant costs a lot, and tourism (including rides) help  mahouts afford to properly care for their elephant. It’s a complex, complicated issue.

There are options though! To the best of my knowledge, there are no responsible elephant experiences in Vietnam. There are, however, several sanctuaries in Thailand and Cambodia that offer responsible traveler-elephant interactions. Travelers love  the responsible experience .

These sanctuaries are doing wonderful work to give elephants a home and a peaceful life. Avoid elephant experiences in Vietnam, and check out the Save Elephants Foundation to plan a visit in Thailand or Cambodia.

Side note. Generally, avoid riding any exotic wild animal. Riding ostriches in Dalat is gaining popularity and it’s beyond unfortunate. An ostrich’s body is not designed to hold an adult’s weight and these animals fully panic when ridden.  

Buying Endangered Animal Products

ethical social enterprise travel vietnam

Vietnam has a massive industry built around selling, exporting, and trafficking in exotic wild animals. Likewise, many of these animals are used for tourist souvenirs. Avoid purchasing anything made from wild or endangered animals—turtle shells, skins, ivory, etc. And do not buy exotic animal meat or turtle eggs for consumption. Engaging in these practices is either illegal or contribute to the continuation of these destructive practices.

To ensure you’re buying authentic, ethical souvenirs handmade in Vietnam, shop at any of the fair trade shops that offer unique gifts made my vulnerable groups.

Haggling Too Much

Bargaining is a fun part of the culture in Vietnam, and it’s surely something you should engage in freely when buying fruit, souvenirs, and even tours. But be warned that certain over-touristed locations have started a dangerous precedence for the locals.

In Hoi An, for example, the prevalence of so many tailor shops has driven prices so low that some locations will accept a commission and lose money rather than lose business (the fabric is a sunk cost, so some are willing to lose net money if it means food on the table that night).

Bargain respectfully and remember, your sale is directly helping the local economy, so spend money and feel good about infusing your cash into the local economy.

Volunteering

Many travelers are keen to volunteer or support responsible businesses on the road. If you’re backpacking Southeast Asia, you may want to stop for a few weeks or months and support a cause near and dear to your heart. Since not all NGOs and volunteer companies are doing great work, consider this list of vetted independent volunteer opportunities in Vietnam .

Supporting Responsible Businesses

reaching out teahouse hoi an vietnam

Vietnam has standout social enterprises operating all over the country. I highlight a few in the city guides below , and I profiled my absolute favorite social enterprises in Hoi An . Consider researching all of the options for supporting  social enterprises on your trip .

Supporting social enterprises is one of the easiest ways to create a trip with positive impact. This means picking businesses that are using funds to support local communities and to offer training, support, or to protect natural resources. You can do everything from get a massage or pick a trekking guide—all with companies committed to social impact.

Don’t forget to  book travel insurance for your trip —a great policy provides coverage in case of medical emergencies, lost or stolen gear, adventure sports riders, and more. I’ve used  IMG Global  for more than a decade  highly recommend it !

A boat in the morning sunshine on the Cổ Chiên River.

Best Things to Do in Vietnam

vietnam travel lonely planet

Starting in southern Vietnam, I spent three months backing north through Vietnam. Many travelers pick a direction for their Vietnam travels since the country’s long and skinny shape lends itself to this style of travel—if you’re backpacking across Southeast Asia , your clockwise or counter-clockwise route through the region will determine where you start.

I used a combination of buses, trains, and budget airlines to skip over some long distances, but it’s super common for adventurous travelers to rent a motorbike and ride the length of Vietnam either independently, or on a tour, while exploring the vast number of things to do.

Three months doesn’t make me an expert, but I did find information was surprisingly scarce in some areas (the Mekong Delta), so I offer these city and regional suggestions below as an accounting of how I did the trip, great accommodation I discovered, and my favorite social enterprises and tasty eats.

My Favorite Experiences in Vietnam

  • Sipping tea at the Reaching Out Teahouse in charming Hoi An .
  • Boating through the Ha Long Bay region from Cat Ba Island.
  • Boating through the karst rocks in Tam Coc.
  • Spending lazy days in the sun-drenched colonial towns in the Mekong Delta region.

Best Things To Do in Saigon

Notre Dame Basilica (Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn) in Ho Chi Minh city

Humidity, noise, and a friendly face greeted me when I landed in Ho Chi Minh City airport. My friend James has lived in Ho Chi Minh City (known as both HCMC and Saigon) for several years, and he met me at the airport and served as my official welcome party over the next two weeks I visited the city.

We mowed down on spring rolls the first night, and then toured a range of tasty veggie spots and coffee shops around the city. I am far from the expert on this massive, vibrant city, so I polled my global community of travelers for inspiration and guidance during my time.

And I researched, a lot. I detail the handful of things I did before I traveled south to the Mekong Delta, and I’ll link out to other fantastic resources that will allow you to eat and sightsee your way around Saigon.

Take a self-guided walking tour of District 1 highlights.

Saigon vietnam in the rain

Most tourists stay in D1 and spend most of their time exploring this part of the city—it holds the bulk of the historical monuments, museums, buildings, and markets. Grab a map or use your smartphone to walk the city.

You could start at Ben Thanh market, then pass the Ho Chi Minh City Hall and head toward Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office—each of these are beautiful structures.

Be sure to enter the post office and look at the old city maps along the walls. From there, you can either head to a coffee shop along the waterfront and beat the heat of the day, or loop around to visit the two primary museums that tourists should visit.

Visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum.

You could combine this with your walking tour, or fill a different afternoon with these two activities. Each one is a must visit, though if you had to pick just one, I recommend that all Americans should visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering take on the Vietnamese-American War.

Spend a half-day visiting markets and temples in Saigon’s Chinatown, Cholon.

In Cholon, the Chinatown in Saigon, Vietnam.

Either take the bus or a mototaxi to Cholon in District 5. This makes for a fascinating morning wander, especially for photographers or those keen on visiting architecture and temples. Check out this blog post for all the details —I saved the map offline to my phone, then used it as a guide throughout the morning.

I started at Binh Tay Market (furthest point east of D1 on the map), and walked back toward District 1, zig-zagging through town to see the buildings, pagodas, and churches. I summoned an Uber back to D1 once I had reached the end of the marked Cholon sites. All told, it took three to four hours at a very leisurely pace.

A vendor walks the streets in Cholon.

Hang out at a coffee shop.

The coffee culture is alive and huge throughout Vietnam, but especially in Saigon, where local chains dot every corner and hipster boutique coffee shops hide in plain sight. Many cafes have balconies overlooking busy intersections or streets, making for prime people-watching.

These cafes are also the ideal place to work from if you have a bit of travel planning research or work on your docket. This post has a map you can use to find an expat’s extensive list of quirky, fun, and unusual coffee shops throughout the city.

Take a day trip.

A day trip from Can Tho to the Phong Điền floating market Mekong Delta.

There are several popular day trips from HCMC. The Củ Chi Tunnels is the most common and you can join a tour bus from the backpacker district for less than $10 for the day (negotiate, negotiate, negotiate). You could also head to  the beaches of Vung Tau . Although I skipped this day trip in favor of flying to Phu Quoc , Vung Tau is a popular day or weekend spot that is quite easy to get to from HCMC, from what I am told.

Lastly, you could take a day tour to the Mekong Delta—it’s a canned tourist experience with heavy sales pressure at points, but if you’re pressed for time, you could get a taste of the Delta on the day trip (I opted to spend nearly two weeks in the Mekong Delta and below I detail how you can navigate the sun-drenched delta towns).

If you go for the day or overnight tours, consider researching more creative tour experiences, like the Delta by Vespa , or a private guide navigating you by motorbike through the interesting towns.

Sip coffee at Quán Cà Phê Cheo Leo.

vietnam travel lonely planet

This is a completely local spot beloved by those who sip local iced coffee and tea throughout the day. The owner has been written up in several local publications for her decision to continue preparing the coffee using traditional methods.

Grab your coffee from a new spot every morning.

Chances are that your guesthouse or Airbnb has several neat coffee shops nearby. Star this free Google map of the city’s coffee shops and try a new one every day.

Eat something tasty in Saigon.

vegetarian vietnam food guide

Vegetarians in Saigon will find a wide range of tasty eats, although it’s hard to eat street food throughout the city unless you know where to look. But there are a plenitude of tasty vegetarian restaurants. Use Saigon Vegetarian and Happy Cow for initial ideas, and I marked a few of my favorite spots on the Google Map. Although many of the vegetarian street eats are sweet and dessert-like, I’ve included a few street food stalls on the map, too.

vietnam travel lonely planet

  • Sample tasty food at Hum Vegetarian, Cafe & Restaurant . (32 Võ Văn Tần). Convenient place to eat just near the War Remnant’s Museum. It’s mid-range price but the dishes are beautifully prepared, the setting is lovely, and I highly recommended eating here. It offers both Western and Vietnamese dishes, but there are plenty of tasty dishes that do not rely on fake meat.
  • Find evening street eats near Mani Vegan . (291/2 Võ Văn Tần). Although I didn’t sample this restaurant, there is a street food stall out front that serves delicious vegetarian soups and spring rolls. She’s there most nights and was the only one serving food on that corner, but be sure to confirm it’s “chay” before eating.
  • Use this street food guide to eat well in Saigon . It includes a rundown of the dishes, as well as where to find them in the city.

Sleep somewhere central in Ho Chi Minh City.

street food vendor vietnam travel

With several weeks in HCMC, I tested out a couple of accommodation locations before settling on a VRBO located on a quiet street about halfway between the Ben Than market and the Pham Ngu Lau backpacker/party district. J

ust a six-minute walk to either area, it was central without having a party vibe and few other tourists. Those on an extreme budget and those wanting proximity to the backpacker scene will likely stay in Pham Ngu Lau, others should look for a place walking distance to the main sights in District 1.

  • Book a VRBO in a central spot . Vacation rentals in HCMC average about $30-60 for a modern room that sleeps two people and often includes a kitchen nook where you could store breakfast items. Some have multiple bedrooms or beds and can sleep more, or a few even offer penthouse views for a bit more money.
  • Stay at a central hotel . Uber-budget travels should look at Vintage Hostel Saigon and La Hostel Saigon . Midrange options are plentiful, including Ngoc Phan Guesthouse and Town House 50 Saigon (both a hotel and a hostel), and for a nicer central spot, consider Cap Town Hotel .

Phu Quoc Travel Guide

Phu Quoc surprised me with its lovely vibe and laid-back beaches. After years of avoiding the party vibe on the busiest of the Thai islands, I had feared that Phu Quoc would follow a similar fate.

Well, it’s not there yet. I tacked this trip on the end of my three months and I flew round trip from Hanoi for less than $100—Vietnam’s budget airlines have amazing deals. So, with flights secured I enjoyed a full week down south, with my last days coinciding with Tet holidays.

I had anticipated either the place would be packed, or everything closed. In reality, most of the island is open during Tet, but the restaurants tack on a surcharge to every meal. You’ll find quiet beaches during the day, and a bit of a party at night, if you want it.

The night market underwhelmed me, but it’s there if you want seafood and souvenirs one night. Otherwise, head to a resort or bungalow for beach time. The island has a lot of investment income—new airport, new roads, new resorts, etc.

So it’s developed, but in the anticipation of large-scale tourism, which it’s not there yet. It’s a beautiful island and I recommend at least a few days here, especially if you are at the end of your travels and need to detox a bit.

Enjoy pristine sands at Sao Beach.

Located a 30-minute motorbike ride from Long Beach, this is the most gorgeous white sand beach you can imagine. It’s very lightly developed, so pack snacks, sunscreen, and a good book.

While there are many chair and towel rentals just near the parking lot, walk further down the beach for shady palms and open sands. To get there, I rented a motorbike from my accommodation and drove out there for the day with a travel friend.

Sleep somewhere budget but nice.

Stay at Kim Lien Phu Quoc Guesthouse for private budget accommodation. This guesthouse offers a convenient location and basic but clean accommodation.

Although the bungalows are not beachside, you are incredibly close. It’s a one minute walk through Rory’s Beach Bar to reach the sand and sun. The family is exceedingly lovely too, and I enjoyed my time there.

Splash out some cash for a great sleep.

Splurge for luxury at La Veranda Resort . While I didn’t stay here, I chatted with a Canadian couple several mornings in a row who use this resort as their go-to vacation spot in Vietnam. The husband works for Vietnam Airlines and they escape here on long weekends.

Sip drinks at Rory’s Beach Bar .

This spot is pricey by Vietnamese standards and it’s straight-up Western, which is sometimes welcome. The Aussie owners serve the best cappuccino on the island and offer creative Western dishes if you are jonesing for a change of flavors. It’s also the central backpacker hangout spot on Long Beach, so head here if you want drinks and a bit of a party vibe in the evening.

Eat at September Vegetarian.

September Vegetarian (141 Trần Hưng Đạo) offers creative vegetarian fare and tasty smoothies. The restaurant is right on the main street, so the location is unfortunate, but the staff is friendly and the food is great.

Enjoy beach-side barbecue.

Around sunset, all the beachside restaurants on Long Beach set up barbecue stations and display fresh, iced fish and seafood. While expensive, my traveling friends said their meals were spectacular. Walk along the beach at sunset and you can peruse the selections and find ones that hit your price points and food preferences.

Things to Do in Hoi An

Hoi An at night.

My custom Google Map shares a full list of cafes and vegetarian friendly spots and you can easily save this map and see it overlaid on your own Maps app while you’re in town.

I was in Hoi An for several weeks, so I visited many places. For that reason, the cafes and restaurants are just my favorite spots that I found myself returning to time and again.

Visit the historic sights in Old Town.

You’ll buy a pass at one of the entrances to Old Town. This pass includes entrance tickets to any five of the 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each time you enter one, you’ll need to hand over your pass and they will snip one ticket.

Admire the Japanese Bridge.

Japanese Bridge Hoi an travel guide

The Japanese Bridge (Chùa Cầu) is obviously gorgeous and worth visiting and photographing, but the shrine inside is quite small and I don’t recommend that you hand over a ticket to visit—you can walk across the bridge with just your tourist pass, no ticket required. No matter how hard they try to snip your pass, don’t let them unless you’re keen to see the shrine. 

Photos from the bridge are lovely, although you will likely want to circle around to the small footbridge that gives you reflective views of the Japanese bridge in the water. Visit both day and night as it looks entirely different and they do a great job illuminating the structure.

Take in the vibes as you photograph Old Town.

bike on streets of old town hoi an

Hoi An is seriously pretty. It’s also seriously touristy. More so than any other spot in Vietnam, you will find yourself navigating waves of Chinese and international tourists.

The crowds thicken throughout the day, so your best bet for gorgeous photographs is to roll out of bed early and stroll through town at sunrise. That’s when the sunshine-yellow houses look most atmospheric and you’ll be one of the few tourists up that early as the locals rush through breakfast and preparations for the day ahead.

This is a great blog post outlining timing and how to get gorgeous photographs in and around Hoi An . I was crushed that I couldn’t take  this photo tour , but the photographer was away leading a tour in Burma, so I’ll have to do it next time.

Visit all of the main sights at night, too!

hoi an lanterns at night

Lanterns light the streets of Hoi An and it just couldn’t be more picturesque. If you enjoyed the city during the day, it’s time to take a look at your favorite parts at night, too.

Wander the central market.

Hoi an central market

You’ll find a labyrinth of food stalls inside of the central market, and numerous fruit and vegetable sellers lining the streets around the market. This is a good spot for lunch (there is one veg-friendly restaurant in the northeast corner inside), and also just interesting to see and experience the bustle of locals going about their daily business.

Sip tea and support a social enterprise.

me at reaching out drinking vietnamese tea

Stop by the Reaching Out Teahouse (131 Trần Phú). Visiting this teahouse was a highlight of my time in Hoi An. It’s a quiet sanctuary away right in the center of Old Town. While the streets can be crushingly busy, the teahouse is run as a social enterprise employing deaf people from the local community.

The staff communicate through gestures, small word blocks, and notes. It’s thoroughly lovely and I recommend the tea or coffee tasting and sampling all the handmade sweets. Read my full profile on this delightful social enterprise.

Visit the temples and historic halls.

Quan Thang Ancient House

There are several main temples that travelers should explore to soak in Vietnam’s cultural heritage. One key significant site is the Quan Cong Temple, dedicated to General Quan Cong, adorned with exquisite carvings and remarkable craftsmanship.

Additionally, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Trieu Chau Assembly Hall, and Quan Thang Ancient House are must-visit destinations, each showcasing distinctive architectural features and offering insights into the town’s history and multicultural influences.

The map above shows the five places I think you should visit in Hoi An if you buy just one tourist pass while in town. These include the three ancient houses of: Tan Ky, Duc An, and Quan Thang. Also visit The Museum of Trade Ceramics, and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall—the most impressive of the ones in Hoi An.

The Museum is low-key and the most interchangeable of the recommendations, so consider visiting a second assembly hall if you’re not keen on reading about the history of trading and how that built Hoi An.

Bike the rice paddies (and stop for coffee and treats!).

ride paddies bike ride hoi an vietnam

Many guesthouses provide free bicycles for your use, or you can easily rent one in town. While you can use the bike to navigate around town, you should also head out on the road toward the beach and get lost in the rice paddies.

It’s nigh impossible to actually get lost, so you should instead wander through narrow lanes and dig deep into this rural slice of life right outside of touristy Hoi An.

You could also stop by  Jack’s Cat Cafe for a coffee and cat cuddles—this social enterprise supports strays.

Visit the beach.

Near the beaches, try P&B Restaurant for food (corner of Nguyễn Phan Vinh and Hai Ba Trung) and Sound of Silence for a coffee—it’s has a great indie vibe.

Enjoy delicious vegetarian eats.

vietnam cao lau hoi an

Eat something great at Minh Hien Vegetarian Restaurant (50 Trần Cao Vân). This is the best all-around vegetarian restaurant in town. They have an extensive menu with a range of options. This is a good spot to try vegetarian versions of local Hoi An specialties. They also have an informal cooking class every afternoon.

Other great vegetarian eats include:

  • STREETS Restaurant Café   was one of my favorite nice dining experiences in the city. This social enterprise is right in Hoi An’s old city and has a hospitality and culinary training program for disadvantaged young people in the community. The restaurant not only provides opportunity to youth but also funding to the work of STREETS INTERNATIONAL, an organization that develops and operates sustainable programs for street kids and disadvantaged youth in SE Asia and throughout the world. I LOVED their vegetarian cao lau (this is a dish local to Hoi An) and you should try it here (they have a non-veg version too).
  • Bánh mì Phượng . (2B Phan Châu Trinh). The most famous place in Hoi An for the iconic Vietnamese sandwich. The egg one is vegetarian option, but make sure to also reiterate that you want it vegetarian so that they don’t use pâté or any other meat ingredients. Meat-eating friends said it truly was the best banh mi of their entire trip through Vietnam.
  • Sample other restaurants. Morning Glory has beautiful dishes of Vietnamese food and several tasty vegetarian options—it’s midrange prices but a great spot for meat-eaters to try the local Hoi An dishes. I deeply enjoyed the pizza at Good Morning Vietnam (near Morning Glory, the general Google Maps location is wrong; my map pinpoints it accurately). My custom Google Map shows all my other favorite spots. Or my friends Simon and Erin have shared a great guide to vegetarian restaurants in Hoi An , which provides a few recommendations that I did not include here.

Sample the best coffees in Hoi An—there are a lot!

vietnam travel lonely planet

  • The Hill Station Deli & Cafe . (321 Nguyễn Duy Hiệu). A stunningly pretty spot, make sure you go upstairs. This is the most hipster spot in town and a surprisingly quiet setting to sit with a laptop or a book. If you’re into Instagramming against textured walls, you’ll be here doing that for hours. The menu offers artisanal cheeses and high-end charcuterie, as well as a mix of neat jams and other items from various provinces in Vietnam. The coffee is well-priced and equivalent to any place in town. The meals are a bit more dear, with most things starting at 100,000+ dong per dish. I spent Sunday mornings as the only person writing in the picture-perfect room upstairs.
  • Faifo Coffee . This spot has excellent coffee and gorgeous upper floors with views of Old Town. Very chill place to sip coffee and relax.

Sleep somewhere nice.

  • Midrange : Longan Homestay is my absolute top recommendation for budget to mid-range travelers. This spot is a four-minute walk to the Japanese Bridge entrance to Old Town, and an easy 15 minute walk to the backpacker street. It’s on a quiet side street, so you will get a good night’s sleep. Plus, it’s nice to be away from the action, but still so close. The family is so lovely and I spent two weeks here so that I could catch up on work while still exploring from a convenient base.
  • Budget : Backpacker accommodation is condensed into one area, and it’s a bit intense if you’re spending anything more than a few days in town. Stay at  Tipi Hostel for the a classic uber-budget backpacker option where you’ll meet new people and it won’t break the bank.
  • Stay near the beach : To stay near the water, head to An Bang Vana Villas  for budget accommodation, and Under the Coconut Tree for mid-range prices in a quirky setting. 

Hue Travel Guide

Central Vietnam experienced historic flooding and rains during my visit, and this impacted my time in both Hoi An and Hue. For that reason, I don’t have a heap of information on what to do. I spent three days in Hue, and it rained buckets each day. I stayed close to town, wore sandals, used an umbrella and poncho, and explore anyhow.

Plus, I loved my guesthouse so much that I have to include it here. So if you are visiting Hue, you will need to use other guides too, but here are the things I loved from my friend time there.

  • Stay at Hong Thien Ruby Hotel . One of the nicest places I stayed. The entire hotel is recently renovated. Although rooms are small, beds are cozy and all is spotless. It’s a great price too. Plus, the free breakfast is speedy and unlimited, and they always had welcome drinks and fruit plates when I returned from sightseeing. Can’t recommend it highly enough that you stay here while in Hue.
  • Eat at Red Chili . There are many thoroughly tasty vegetarian items on the menu—good variety and well-flavored tofu dishes. The staff is friendly and didn’t mind when I camped out with a book and a hot tea one afternoon to beat the rain. It’s conveniently in the budget touristy area of town and makes for a great dinner or lunch.
  • Eat at Lien Hoa Vegetarian Restaurant . This place is large and very popular with locals. The food was hit or miss for me as it’s heavy on the dishes made with textured fake meats. That said, the menu is extensive and it’s likely that there are many fantastic dishes (but the menu is not in English, so bring your cheat sheet of Vietnamese phrases and foods).
  • Visit the Kinh thành Huế Royal Palace . The expansive Imperial City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has large grounds and beautiful elements. Built in 1362, construction took 203 years to complete. This was the seat of religious and political power during the last royal dynasty in Vietnam, and visiting the Hue Complex is the primary reason many travelers pass through Hue.
  • Venture out to Thien Mu Pagoda . Located on the river outside of town, this is a part of the UNESCO sites in Hue. Either arrange for transportation and a guide with your guesthouse, or you could easily bicycle out to this spot. This pagoda is included in the day tours outside of town.
  • Consider using  Hearts for Hue tour operators . Its main purpose is to improve the living conditions of the boat people in Thua Thien Hue Province, just outside Hue. It runs tours to local community projects as a way to generate income for its programs.

Hanoi Travel Guide

Densely packed and filled with history, visiting Old Town Hanoi is an experience unlike any other city in Vietnam. While some areas of Vietnam ooze charm (here’s looking at you, Hoi An), and in some the pace of life moves at a glacier pace (hello, Mekong Delta), Hanoi has a vibe entirely its own. The jumble of people, sights, smells makes every moment in the city feel alive.

I spent more than five weeks in Hanoi house sitting over the holiday season. The expats returned home for the holidays, and I had a gorgeous flat overlooking the lake in Tay Ho—the residential and quieter part of the city.

I spent one week of that time in a wonderful hotel in Old Town that comes with my utmost recommendation. While there are many guides to the city far more comprehensive than my own, here’s a brief list of my favorite places and sights.

Use your smartphone to zip around the city.

I used Uber almost exclusively in the city, although I used the public bus once or twice from the airport (so handy!), and used private VIP coaches between cities around Hanoi for my day trips.

This map has the Hanoi bus routes if you’re feeling enthused to sort it all out. If you don’t use Uber or Grab, you should only use one of three trusted taxi groups Mai Linh Taxi (0438-222-666), Taxi CP (0438-262-626), or Hanoi Taxi (0438-535-353).

Take a Hanoi Kids tour of Old Town.

Hanoi Kids is a social enterprise that offers free personalized city tours run by students who want to practice their English and learn of other cultures. Any donations go to the organization, not the guides, which keeps the entire exchange as this sweet experience of pure cultural exchange.

You can ask your guide to show you any aspect of the city—food, architecture, history, markets—and you will pay for their entrance fees into the sites, and any transportation, but nothing else.

I went on the tour after an ALA reader raved about her experience, and I echo her sentiments—it’s a fabulous way to see the city and you will end the day with a new friend. Highly recommend.

Visit the Temple of Literature.

This Confucian temple is gorgeous and a real highlight of the various temples in Hanoi. It was the first national university in Vietnam and it’s well-preserved and lovely to stroll the shady grounds on a nice day.

Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and visit the temple.

Old Town circles this lake, so it’s easy to visit. Walk around the lake on a weekend morning and you will see many locals using the parks for exercise and enjoyment.

Relax at Omamori Spa.

Omamori Spa is a social enterprise that employs the blind, and the massages are spectacular. The only downside is that it’s far outside of Old Town, so you will need to use Grab or Uber for transportation. Call or email ahead for a reservation as it’s a small spot.

Organize a tour to Sapa with Sapa O’Chau social enterprise. 

Sapa O’Chau is phenomenal social enterprise offering tours to Sapa with local guides and a lot of input from the indigenous groups you would visit. Includes treks, homestays, and most anything you’re interested in doing in Sapa.

Learn how to make your favorite Vietnamese dishes.

You’ve surely been mowing down on delicious Vietnamese food throughout your travels in the country, but you should consider learning the secret to all of those amazing flavors. Book a morning or afternoon cooking class with Rose Kitchen Hanoi to visit a local market for ingredients before having the chance to whip up your favorite Vietnamese dishes.

Try egg coffee!

You can’t leave Hanoi without sampling egg coffee, which is unlike anything you’ve likely tried before. Originating during the war, when milk was in scarce supply, the frothy, sweet egg coffee drink is delightful.

Although you will find many shops offering it, Giảng Cafe (39 Nguyễn Hữu Huân) is the best place to sample for the first time. Read more on the history of egg coffee , and this shop.

Pull up a tiny stool alongside locals for a delicious street food desert.

Mow down on chè, a local desert. On your evening wanders, stop by  Chè 4 mùa (4 Hàng Cân), pull up a tiny stool among the locals, and point to whatever looks tasty. Although no one spoke English, the proprietress brought me the dish of the night, a sugary-sweet concoction with sesame and ginger.

Drink lots of Vietnamese coffee.

Vietnamese, in general, loves coffee, and Hanoians are no different. There are dozens and dozens of great coffee shops in Old Town Hanoi. Use the map to find my favorites when you’re out and about.

Eat something tasty.

If you’re on a gastronomic trip through Vietnam, then you should start your Hanoi travels by reading Eating Viet Nam , a chronicle of a journalist’s quest to eat the streets of Hanoi. Then try some of these wonderful restaurants in the city.

  • KOTO Training Restaurant . (59 Van Mieu). This hospitality training restaurant aims to give at-risk and disadvantaged youth the possibility to learn and thrive in their lives. Located conveniently near the Temple of Literature, which you should visit, the food is priced mid-range and has many great Vietnamese dishes. It’s a social enterprise and mission worth supporting.
  • Eat at the Hanoi Social Club .  (6 Ngõ Hội Vũ ) . Delicious western food and has several great vegetarian options. It’s all very healthy and the vibe is cozy and nice, although very Western. There is live music certain nights during the week, so check the Facebook for details. Although not a formal social enterprise, the restaurant aims to hire those who have just finished the hospitality training programs.
  • Sample favorite student street eats . This street food guide  lists the most iconic dishes, and where the university students running Hanoi Kids go to find them.

Sleep somewhere central.

  • Midrange : Mai Charming Hotel  is my favorite spot in Hanoi .  After several failed attempts at a good hotel, I found this budget to mid-range option, and then extended my stay since I so enjoyed my time here. Located near the cathedral, the staff go out of their way to make your stay amazing. Every single staff member learned my name and greeted me warmly, and provided great advice for onward travel. It’s central, cozy, and the free breakfast is filling. Rooms are newly renovated and bathrooms are modern—the most budget rooms are very small, but completely worked for one person. While there are certainly budget hostels, and pricier hotels, this place offers great value for money.
  • Budget : Head to Hanoi Lotus Hostel for a nice budget travel spot. I booked a spot here after some long weeks of travel, when I was returning to the city and wanted to meet other travelers. There are many mega party hostels in Hanoi, and this seemed like a good alternative. A glitch in their system meant my booking didn’t go through (cue me scrambling for a place to sleep), but I did check out the place and would easily try again if I needed a hostel option in the city (they have a private room).

Mekong Delta Travel Guide

Can Tho, Vietnam

Many backpackers head to the Delta on a one- or two-day arranged tour from Saigon. This is a mistake. If you have a few days (or a week), head to the region as an independent traveler.

For me, I took the one-day tour to My Tho from Saigon and I brought my luggage with me and then journeyed on to Ben Tre instead of returning to Saigon with the tour bus. This is convenient if you want an easy ride out of town, but the tour is awful. It’s one of the worst packaged tourist experiences in my many years on the road.

Consider just heading straight to Ben Tre, or better yet, catch a bus to Can Tho, where I had a phenomenal tour organized from my guesthouse (more on that in second).

I took a mototaxi to Ben Tre from My Tho, and I spent two nights in Ben Tre, using my full day to take a long and scenic bike ride around the nearby islands. The next morning, I took a scenic cargo boat for six hours to Tra Vinh, a quaint and quiet city with a lively day market and a few interesting Khmer temples.

From Tra Vinh, I took a cheap and fast bus ride to Vinh Long, just 1.5 hours. Near Vinh long is the Cai Be market; it’s a larger market with the bigger boats selling bulk vegetables to vendors in the area. My tour left at 6am and returned by noon, so I took an afternoon bus to Can Tho, which was less than an hour away.

In Can Tho, I took a deep breath for the final push of early morning wake ups and river tours. I had the option of visiting the larger Cai Rang floating market and Phong Dien, or doing an alternative tour to Phong Dien and then a backwaters tour of the villages. I am so glad I did the second option as it was fascinating and exactly what I had hoped for in a tour of the Mekong Delta. From Can Tho, I took a cheap VietJet flight to Da Nang.

  • Stay at the  Oasis Hotel , this is the best accommodation option in town. It’s run by a Kiwi-Vietnamese couple, and the owner Ken is a character. It’s spotless, breakfast is tasty, and it has many cozy touches and a Western-style bed. Ken is a fountain of advice for onward travel too, especially if you are looking to explore the area off the path a bit.
  • Relax with a drink . If you’re staying at Oasis, Coffee 3D is very close and is a great spot for an afternoon coffee or a sweet smoothie after dinner. It has wifi and a very relaxed vibe of teens and young couples hanging out.
  • Bike through the countryside . Oasis provides free bicycles to guests and this makes navigating Ben Tre a cinch. Using the giant map painted on the guesthouse wall, I followed a route through the tiny paths and used tiny ferries to bike across two nearby islands. It was about an 18 kilometre ride that took about four hours with many stops for photos and coconuts to refuel—it was lovely.
  • Visit the night market . Along the riverbank each evening you can find the usual street foods and wares for sale. It’s a pleasant, low-key town and the market reflects that.

vietnam travel lonely planet

  • Visit the morning market . This morning market is my favorite in all of the Mekong towns. Tra Vinh sees few tourists and so the locals have a fresh and delightful joy in seeing you wander around. Many vendors beckoned me to their stalls and then asked to take their photo, or they asked me to photograph their son/cousin/reluctant brother, etc. It was a lovely way to spend the morning before my bus ride.
  • Sleep somewhere central . Khách Sạn Thanh Trà is serviceable and central but completely underwhelming; this is where I stayed. They have several tiny rooms at backpacker to mid-range prices and will never be fully booked. If I go back, I will try Gia Hoa 2 , which looks just generally a bit nicer. Or consider staying in the rural areas at a nicer location, like the Coco Riverside Lodge , which looks a bit swanky and lovely.
  • Stop at the Chùa Mạc Dồn pagoda . This is located very near to the bus station (which is on the outskirts a ways out of town) so it’s easiest to pay for your mototaxi/taxi to stop for a few minutes here before dropping you off at the bus station.
  • Cai Be Floating Market . I organized the tour from my guesthouse and it had overtones of the My Tho tour, but nicer. The tour stopped at a coconut candy factory and honey farm, but it there was no pressure to buy and far fewer tourists. If you’re into the idea of visiting these shops and seeing how they make it, opt for a tour from Vinh Long. Alternatively, if you’re just interested in seeing the Cai Be floating market then you can bargain at the dock and arrange a morning tour with a guide who will motor you out to the market in a tiny boat, show you around, and then motor you back—I would do this option if I ever return.
  • Van Tram Guesthouse is very near to everything and was perhaps the nicest value of all my time in Vietnam. The rooms are large and spotless. The only downside is the karaoke across the street until 10pm-ish. I had planned to stay at Hotel Ánh Hồng, but it was fully booked and I was good with Van Tram as my alternative since it turned out the most central budget option. Also, most tourists stayed on the island in a homestay. Having just come from very rural areas, I opted to stay in a guesthouse, otherwise, I had picked out the Bay Trung Homestay .
  • Eat veggie food or at the local market . The owner of Van Tram Guesthouse did me a solid by scooting me across town to a hole-in-the-wall vegetarian restaurant. It’s linked on my custom backpacking Vietnam map . The market is just outside the hotel’s front door and makes a great dinner spot for non-vegetarians. If you’re wandering near the market at sunset, check the map and walk across the small bridge—great views and a long board walk on the other side makes for a wonderful stroll.
  • Sip drinks riverside at Cafe Hoa Nắng . While I would not eat here, I did enjoy a coffee mid-afternoon and a cold been in the evenings. This is more than just a tourist spot, it’s favored with locals and makes for great people-watching.

Can Tho has an airport easily accessible from the city center. Viet Jet flies from Can Tho to various other cities around Vietnam (I flew to Hoi An/ Da Nang, and many travelers also fly to Phu Quoc or Hanoi). This was my last stop in the Mekong Delta before I jumped half-way up Vietnam to Hoi An.

The city is very plain; it’s primarily a stop-over point for travelers exploring the floating markets, or those en route to Cambodia. I actually traveled north, and then headed back down to spend a week lounging on the beaches in Phu Quoc—I highly recommended heading there after Can Tho so that you don’t have to back track.

  • Visit Cai Rang and Phong Dien morning markets . Plan on a very early morning as the Cai Rang market begins as early as 5am. Many tours leave Can Tho around 5:30am so that you arrive while there is still a lot of activity. If you stay at a homestay then you will cut about an hour off of your morning commute to the market. These markets showcase a fading way of life. As bridges span more of the rivers, these floating markets are shrinking. It’s a lovely way to spend a morning.
  • Stay at the  Mekong Logis Guesthouse  in Can Tho . I highly recommend this guesthouse; it’s among my favorite places that I stayed in Vietnam. The family is fantastic and so accommodating and the rooms are spotless and comfortable. The family goes out of their way to ensure you have all the knowledge and help that you need to enjoy Can Tho. I took Linh’s special tour. We rode motorbikes outside of town and then visited the smaller of the two markets by boat. After a tasty breakfast, we toured the smaller rivers and visited a few homes in the rural areas. She shares a lot about the culture and people as she shows you the region. The family speak French and English. Because I had already seen the market near Vinh Long, I appreciated that this tour included a few other aspects.
  • Stay at the Nguyen Shack Homestay  outside of town . I had definitely planned to stay here as my favored homestay in the Delta, but this place books up far in advance. It’s a lovely location and my best friend loved her time there so much that she wrote about the love story of the couple who run it . It’s outside of Can Tho proper and closer to the floating markets. You can arrange tours directly through them, too. And the market tours are generally cheaper from Nguyen Shack because you’ve already paid to travel outside of town.

Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island

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This is a signature item on the bucket list for travelers in Vietnam. It’s a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and worthy of a visit, truly. Before I visited, I had heard awful stories from travelers who had been scammed or disappointed by the experience of visiting Ha Long Bay.

The area is well trodden on the tourist path and, as such, there are a range of experiences on offer, and some are cringe-worthy. The moment that you step foot in the north of Vietnam, you will have no shortage of companies promising to arrange your Ha Long Bay excursion.

For my trip, I got myself to Cat Ba Island and only then entertained the various organizations trying to woo my business. I found a highly-acclaimed, locally-owned tour company and used them for a one-day trip around Lan Ha and Ha Long Bays. It was beautiful and I loved the experience. One of the sections below shares information for those also visiting via Cat Ba Island.

What Are Your Options?

  • Book a Round-Trip Experience from Hanoi . If you are short on time, this is likely your best option. The companies will arrange for your transfer from Hanoi to the coast (about 4-5 hours all-in from Hanoi to the bay area). They will then put you on a boat for a one- to three-day liveaboard experience where you cruise around the karst rocks. The quality of your live-aboard varies wildly depending on your budget and your tour company. After your cruise, your tour deposits you back on a shuttle and brings you back to Hanoi.
  • Stay on Cat Ba Island & Explore From There . Use the shuttle transfers to make the trip between Hanoi and Cat Ba Island (by way of Haiphong, since you’ll need to take a ferry to the island). From there, rent a room at the very affordable hotel rooms (private budget rooms are less than $10). Then organize either a day trip, or a multi-day experience. You will also have the chance to visit the beautiful national park on the island. From there, organize a shuttle back to Hanoi, onward to Sapa, or to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc.
  • Visit a Different, Less Touristed Bay . Ha Long Bay has very likely reached peak tourism capacity. The UNESCO area extends across the entire Ha Long Bay Archipelago and to many other bays that are equally beautiful. When on Cat Ba Island, you are adjacent to Lan Ha Bay, which you can easily visit on a Cat Ba cruise. But there is one other main option that is just emerging on the tourism scene. Several travelers that I met in early 2017 had beautiful experiences on Bai Tu Long Bay. The boats running here are a bit pricier, but they are better maintained and it’s a far more remote and tranquil experience.

How to Choose a Tour Company

My hands-down best advice: Wait before booking. Do NOT allow any hotel or tour operator to pressure you into booking a trip before you have sat down with several companies and then researched them all on Trip Advisor.

The most common “scam”—which I use the word lightly because it’s not a full scam, it’s a case of unmet expectations—is to book you on a low-quality boat and take you on an underwhelming but well-trodden path. Some of the boats are dirty, dingy, and infested with rats or roaches.

When you book through a budget hotel or operator, there is no telling which company is actually running your tour.

Find a reputable company. Truly take your time deciding which company you use to book the multi-day cruises. I painstakingly researched before selecting Cat Ba Ventures , a locally run business of repute and was well pleased with the quality of my tour. Here are a few things to consider before booking.

  • Quality of the boat . Many of the boats operating in Ha Long Bay are very old; some of the rock-bottom priced budget options are patently unsafe. There are high-end luxury boats, but you would likely have a good trip on a mid-range choice too, it’s not necessary to go luxury to have a good trip, it’s just necessary to know the quality of your boat. The less touristed bays tend to use newer boats from what the locals told me when I chatted them up on Cat Ba Island.
  • Sights Visited . If you take a budget backpacker tour you can be 100% sure that you will share the bay each evening with hundreds of other boats, and your boat may tend toward the closer caves and inlets that don’t require much fuel for the boat to visit. If you do just one night, you really lack the time to visit anything in the remote areas of the bay. When you start from a different bay, or the island, you are able to see less touristed areas since you are starting far from the most popular tourist city, Ha Long City.
  • Reputation . There are  hundreds of tour operators booking trips. They dot every single corner of the northern cities. Use Trip Advisor to find one that you trust. Read the hotel reviews too for any associated properties as many guests book through the hotels and then include the review of the boat trip in their general review of that hotel. Hotels make a hefty sum from your tour package so they have an incentive to charge more and book you on the most budget option they can find. This happens a lot. Research.
  • Price . The adage “you get what you pay for” proves true here. You don’t have to blow money to enjoy the trip, but I would highly recommend considering Cat Ba Island as a base for budget backpackers instead of the packaged trips to Ha Long Bay. You will pay about the same, so it’s still budget, but it’s just alternative enough to provide a better experience for the same price.

Cat Ba Island Travel Guide

  • Get to Cat Ba Island with a shuttle service . Your hotel in Old Town can organize transport, or you can book it through either Good Morning Cat Ba (what I used to get there) or email  Cat Ba Ventures to organize (that’s who I used to book onward trip to Tam Coc).
  • Use Cat Ba Ventures for your boat excursion . This company has, by far, the best reputation on the island for a strong standard of service. The tours are priced mid-range, and the vibe on the boats is very nice since everyone paid a bit more to enjoy their trip. I took their one-day trip with kayaking.  Cat Ba Local  is much newer to the scene, but as of early 2017, feedback from other travelers indicated it was a more affordable alternative for budget travelers looking for something a small step down from Cat Ba Ventures but still well-run.
  • Go rock climbing with Asia Outdoors . This is the only organization you should use if you are keen to organize rock climbing; it has a highly trained staff and was the original company pioneering the rock climbing scene in the region.

Day & Weekend Trips Around Northern Vietnam

backpacking vietnam

The north of Vietnam is a gorgeous region of the country and has many of Vietnam’s most notable backpacker experiences. If you’re heading south, there are also gorgeous spots worth an overnight stay at the very least.

Tam Coc/Ninh Binh

  • Stay at Nam Hoa Hotel  in Tam Coc . I love this hotel so much. The staff is lovely beyond measure. The rooms are small but spotless and freshly renovated. It’s mid-range if you’re solo, but budget if you’re a couple and able to split a room. Breakfast included and an easy walk to town. Bike rental is free and the bikes are in great condition. Highly recommend that you use this as your base, I will stay here again.
  • Homestay at Nguyen Shack . Although I loved Nam Hoa Hotel, I would be remiss to not recommend Nguyen Shack as a gorgeous homestay option. This tiny Vietnamese chain of bungalows is thoroughly lovely. If you’re after a home-stay experience then it will get no better than here. Book in advance as it is often fully booked.
  • Eat at Sunflower Restaurant . Vegetarian options and is a low-key, locally run restaurant serving good food. There aren’t a ton of eating options in town, so this is a good lunch or dinner choice.
  • Visit Hang Mua Cave by bike . The bike ride here is flat and easy, or you could ask the taxi to Tran An to stop here as well. However, you get there, hike to the top here for sweeping views over the river. My friend Jimmy visited, and his Tam Coc photos show just how beautiful it is at the top if the weather is on your side (it wasn’t the day I visited).
  • Bike to Bich Dong Pagoda . This is a pretty spot and an easy ride from town. Although it’s not a “must visit,” if you have an extra afternoon in town, it’s worth visiting.
  • Take a boat tour from Tràng An . If you’re staying in Tam Coc, rent a taxi for a couple of hours and take the boat tour from Trang An, rather than those offered in Tam Coc. The tours are run with precision since this is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the scenery is stunning.

Onward Travel

Having spent years backpacking Southeast Asia across many trips, plan your time in the following locations.

Thailand » Chiang Mai | Digital Nomad Costs | Elephant Tourism | Loy Krathong | Songkran | Bo Sang | Transportation, Explained | Fun Facts

Vietnam » Hoi An | Eating Vegetarian

Laos » Luang Prabang | Gibbon Experience | Mekong River | Kuang Si Waterfalls | Pak Ou Caves | Vang Vieng

Cambodia » Angkor Wat | Apsara Dancing

Myanmar » Bagan | Inle Lake | Yangon | Hpa-An | Eating Vegetarian | Spirituality | Burmese Hospitality

How to Plan Your Time in Southeast Asia

📍 Navigate more effectively. Bookaway  is super handy to assess the full range of transport options between two cities—it shows everything from flights to trains, buses, minibuses, and more. If you’re booking a rental car, I’ve always found the best deals on  RentalCars.com .

🛏️  Find great accommodation . Agoda has the widest and most affordable selection in Southeast Asia. It’s part of the Booking.com family, but has better reviews for SEA. You can book hotels, hostels, and even vacation rentals.

❗ Yes, you need travel insurance . IMG Global  is the travel insurance I’ve used for well over a decade of traveling solo, and with kids.  Here’s why .

Book Tours Ahead of Time I use Get Your Guide to book locally run tours since I can assess the options, read reviews, and lock in a date.

✈️  Book affordable flights. Expedia and Skyscanner are the first places I look for  low-cost flights .

🧳 Smart packing can save your trip. Shop my favorite travel gear , including all of the packing essentials for traveling , gear to keep you safe in Southeast Asia, my favorite travel books , and more.

📖 Read up on any off-the-path activities. Travelfish is among my go-to resources for anything in Southeast Asia. It’s updated far more often than print guidebooks and has extensive local insight and a fairly active forum, too. If you head off-the-path, this should be the first place you check for tips, transport advice, etc.

☕ Peruse all of my tips for round the world travel , or learn how to move and live abroad .

Vietnam Travel Guide: Travel Stories from the Blog

Discover all of my travel stories blogged in real-time while I was traveling through this beautiful country.

vietnam travel lonely planet

A Little Delight… Stories of Responsible Travel in Hoi An, Vietnam

Viet Reader.

Premier Newspaper for Vietnamese Worldwide

Top 10 Places To Visit In Vietnam By Lonely Planet

With its dizzying metropolises, blissful islands and immense national parks (not to mention a legendary cuisine!), Vietnam tops many traveller’s bucket lists. The highlights of the country are innumerable, but there are some spots that simply can’t be skipped. Here’s the list of top places to visit in Vietnam by Lonely Planet.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Vietnam By Lonely Planet

Halong Bay’s stunning combination of karst limestone peaks and sheltered, shimmering seas is one of Vietnam’s top tourist draws, but with more than 2000 different islands, there’s plenty of superb scenery to go around. Definitely book an overnight cruise and make time for your own special moments on this World Heritage wonder – rise early for an ethereal misty dawn, or pilot a kayak into grottoes and lagoons. Prefer your karst landscapes a little less… crowded? Try the less touristy but equally spectacular Lan Ha Bay, located a little way to the south, or Bai Tu Long, to the north.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

vietnam travel lonely planet

Vietnam’s headline natural wonder is the jaw-dropping Hang Son Doong, one of the world's largest caves, located in the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The images of ant-like travellers shining head torches around the vast, empty caverns tug on the wanderlust strings; however, unless you have a cool $3000 to spend on a tour, you won’t be able to enter this subterranean marvel. But fear not, Phong Nha-Ke Bang has a wealth of other caves that you can clamber, crawl, boat or zipline through for a fraction of the cost, including Hang En, which boasts its own beach. More so, there are plenty of attractions above ground, including guided treks around the oldest karst mountains in Asia, home to tigers, elephants and 300 species of bird.

Ho Chi Minh City

vietnam travel lonely planet

Increasingly international but still unmistakable Vietnamese, former Saigon has visceral energy that will delight big-city devotees. HCMC doesn’t inspire neutrality: you’ll either be drawn into its thrilling vortex and hypnotised by the perpetual whir of its orbiting motorbikes, or you’ll find the whole experience overwhelming (and some visitors seem to be perpetually seesawing between the two!). Dive in and you’ll be rewarded with a wealth of history (the War Remnants Museum an essential stop), delicious food and a vibrant nightlife that ranges from beers on street corners to swanky cocktail lounges. The heat is always on in Saigon; loosen your collar and enjoy.

vietnam travel lonely planet

Lapped by azure waters and edged with the kind of white-sand beaches that make sun-seekers sink to their weak knees, Phu Quoc – way down in the south of Vietnam – is ideal for slipping into low gear, reaching for a seaside cocktail and toasting a copper sun as it dips into the sea. And if you want to notch it up a tad, grab a bike and hit the red-dirt roads: the island is relatively compact, and offers areas of natural, unblemished jungle alongside some newer, less-serene additions (a Vietnamese version of Disneyland and the world's longest over-sea cable car as two examples).

vietnam travel lonely planet

Vietnam's capital is a city with one foot buried in a fascinating past, while the other strides confidently towards tomorrow. Sample Hanoi’s heady mix of history and ambition by wandering the streets of the Old Quarter, sipping an egg coffee (coffee prepared with egg yolks) or slurping on a hearty bowl of bun rieu cua (a sour crab noodle soup) while watching businessmen breakfast on noodles or play chess with goateed grandfathers. When you’re done, check out the crumbling decadence of the French Quarter then zip up the cosmopolitan Tay Ho for fine dining options and the lowdown on Hanoi’s growing art scene.

vietnam travel lonely planet

Historic Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric and charming town. Once a major port, it boasts the grand architecture and beguiling riverside setting that befit its heritage. The face of the Old Town has preserved its incredible legacy of tottering Japanese merchant houses, elaborate Chinese guildhalls, and ancient tea warehouses – though, of course, residents and rice fields have been gradually replaced by tourist businesses. Lounge bars, boutique hotels, travel agents, a glut of tailor shops and vast numbers of daily tourists are very much part of the scene here. If it gets too much, hop on a bike to explore the town’s outskirts and pristine surrounds, where you’ll find that life moves at a much more sedate pace.

Ba Be National Park

vietnam travel lonely planet

Detour off the regular Vietnam tourist trail in Ba Be National Park, an essential destination for adventurous travellers. The scenery here swoops from limestone mountains peaking at 1554m down into plunging valleys wrapped in dense evergreen forests, speckled with waterfalls and lakes. The park is a haven for hundreds of wildlife species, including monkeys, bears and pangolins (the only mammals wholly-covered in scales) as well as the highly endangered Vietnamese salamander, while birders will want to keep an eye out for the spectacular crested serpent eagle and the oriental honey buzzard, which can be spied on boat trips or trekking excursions. After a day of animal-spotting, recharge in rustic homestays and village guesthouses of the local Tay ethnic minority.

vietnam travel lonely planet

The high-rise, high-energy beach resort of Nha Trang enjoys a stunning setting: it's ringed by a necklace of hills, with a turquoise bay dotted with tropical islands. A sweeping crescent beach of white sand defines the shoreline, backed by an impressive promenade dotted with parks and sculpture gardens. Inland there's a cosmopolitan array of boutiques and dining options, but as restaurant service winds down for the evening, nightlife cranks up – central Nha Trang is a party town at heart. Looking for a more tranquil vibe? The city also makes for a great launching pad for a beach crawl up the coast to the city of Quy Nhon, with stop offs at Doc Let, Bai Bau and Bai Xep.

vietnam travel lonely planet

The capital of the nation in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hue is perhaps the easiest Vietnamese city to love and spend time in. Its situation on the banks of the Perfume River is sublime, its complex cuisine justifiably-famous, and its streets are relatively traffic-free. And that’s without mentioning the majesty of the Imperial City, a citadel-within-a-citadel, housing the emperor’s residence, temples and palaces, and the main buildings of state, within six-meter-high, 2.5km-long walls. Explore the city’s fringes to find some of Vietnam’s most impressive pagodas and royal tombs, many in wonderful natural settings.

vietnam travel lonely planet

Ha Giang province is Vietnam’s spectacular destination for intrepid bikers, with dizzying ascents up the Quan Ba Pass (Heaven’s Gate), jaw-dropping vistas on the epic ride between Dong Van and Meo Vac and the opportunity to venture to Lung Cu, a hilltop flag tower that marks the most northern point of the country. And with improved roads, new trekking routes, and a wider choice of guesthouses, homestays and restaurants in the province’s small towns and villages, Vietnam’s far north is firmly planting itself on the travel map as a hotspot for bikers and non-bikers alike.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has submitted the three-phase plan to the Ministry of Transport, in which the first phase will only allow charter flights (combos) for Vietnamese nationals.

Starting from July 2021, the resumption of international routes will be transferred to phase 2, with deployment of regular passenger flights into Vietnam and quarantine after entry applied for both Vietnamese nationals and foreigners (must have a negative test for COVID-19). These flights will initially operate on routes between Vietnam and Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan (China), with a frequency of four flights per week on each route, applied for each airlines of each party from both sides

Phase 3 is expected to start from September. Depending on vaccination progress in Vietnam and an assessment of herd immunity after public mass vaccination, the CAAV will deploy regular flights carrying passengers into Vietnam that do not require post-entry isolation with "vaccine passports" applied.

The market for deployment during the third phase is countries/territories that announce the acceptance of the COVID-19 epidemic effect of the same vaccines Vietnam has announced for wide application in its territory. The initial frequency is expected to be seven one-way flights per week on each route for the airlines of each party. According to Nhan dan Online

Jennifer Tran

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COMMENTS

  1. Vietnam travel guide

    Purchase our award-winning guidebooks. Get to the heart of Vietnam with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance. Shop Our Guidebooks. Vietnam's best sights and local secrets from travel experts you can trust.

  2. 23 things to know before visiting Vietnam

    1. Pack for the climate. Perhaps the most important consideration 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, and the highlands around Sapa can be downright chilly in winter. If you plan to visit both halves of the country, bring some clothes for the cooler highlands ...

  3. A guide to visiting Vietnam for the first time

    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 ...

  4. 10 of the best places to visit in Vietnam

    Trips to the Tu Lan, Phong Nha and Paradise caves are possible on a shoestring budget; more cash will buy access to Hang En, where trekkers set up tents on an underground beach, illuminated by shafts of natural light. 6. Hoi An.

  5. Getting around Vietnam is easy whatever your budget

    Travel agencies in tourist areas offer all sorts of ready-made car-and-driver packages but it's just as easy to arrange a custom itinerary. Bank on paying US$60 to US$150 per day plus petrol; your driver will cover their own food and accommodation. Split the trip with other travelers to bring down costs.

  6. Vietnam Travel Destinations

    Vietnam. Where to go, best places to stay, travel tips and and best holiday destinations - inspiration from the experts at Lonely Planet.

  7. Lonely Planet Vietnam (Travel Guide)

    About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures Company, is the world's number one travel guidebook brand. Providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973, Lonely Planet reaches hundreds of millions of travellers each year online and in print and helps them unlock amazing experiences.

  8. Lonely Planet Vietnam 15 (Travel Guide)

    Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, and Iain Stewart, Damian Harper, Bradley Mayhew, and Nick Ray. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a ...

  9. Northern Vietnam travel

    Northern Vietnam. Vietnam, Asia. Wow, the vistas. This is Vietnam's big-sky country; a place of rippling mountains, cascading rice terraces and the winnowed-out karst topography for which the region is famed.

  10. Vietnam Travel Book and Ebook

    Lonely Planet's Vietnam is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Kayak through Halong Bay, sample street food in Hanoi and immerse yourself in a rich history; all with your trusted travel companion.

  11. The best hikes in Vietnam

    6. Cat Tien National Park. Best trek in southern Vietnam 2-26km (1.2-16 miles), 1-3 days, moderate to difficult. The south of Vietnam is often overlooked by trekkers. Don't make that mistake. Cat Tien National Park covers 72,000 hectares (177,916 acres) of lowland tropical rainforest that teems with biodiversity.

  12. Lonely Planet Vietnam 14 (Travel Guide)

    Check out Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over ...

  13. Lonely Planet Vietnam 16 (Travel Guide)

    Lonely Planet's Vietnam is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Kayak through Halong Bay, sample street food in Hanoi and immerse yourself in a rich history; all with your trusted travel companion.

  14. PDF © Lonely Planet Publications 16 Destination Vietnam

    FAST FACTS. Population: 86 million Life expectancy: 68 for men, 74 for women Infant mortality: 24 per 1000 births GDP: US$70.2 billion Adult literacy rate: 94% Annual rice production: 34.4 million tonnes Tonnage of bombs dropped on Vietnam during the American War: 15 million Number of motorbikes:

  15. Lonely Planet Vietnam 16 (Travel Guide) by Iain Stewart

    4.29. 7 ratings2 reviews. Lonely Planet's Vietnam is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Kayak through Halong Bay, sample street food in Hanoi and immerse yourself in a rich history; all with your trusted travel companion.

  16. Experience Vietnam Travel Book and Ebook

    Lonely Planet's Experience Vietnam travel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic destination with one-of-a-kind adventures at every turn. Slurp thick noodle cao lau in Hoi An, cruise around Halong Bay's ancient islets, wander Banana Island's plantations - using our local experts and planning tools to cr

  17. Vietnam 13 (Lonely Planet Travel Guide) by AA. VV.

    Inside Lonely Planet Vietnam Travel Guide: • Colour maps and images throughout. • Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests. • Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots.

  18. Lonely Planet Experience Vietnam 1 (Travel Guide)

    Paperback - Folded Map, October 25, 2022. Lonely Planet's Experience Vietnam travel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic destination with one-of-a-kind adventures at every turn. Slurp thick noodle cao lau in Hoi An, cruise around Halong Bay's ancient islets, wander Banana Island's plantations - using our local ...

  19. Vietnam by Lonely Planet

    Check out Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over ...

  20. Lonely Planet Vietnam

    Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet's Vietnam is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Kayak around towering limestone peaks into grottoes and lagoons in Halong Bay; wander the warren-like lanes of Hoi An's Old Town; and sample the freshest, tastiest local specialities (and learn ...

  21. Lonely Planet Vietnam (Travel Guide)

    Kindle Edition. Lonely Planet's Vietnam is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Experience Hanoi's labyrinth-like Old Quarter, kayak in Halong Bay, and wander through historic Hoi An; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Vietnam and begin ...

  22. Vietnam Travel Guide » 33 Best Things to Do (2023)

    The menu offers artisanal cheeses and high-end charcuterie, as well as a mix of neat jams and other items from various provinces in Vietnam. The coffee is well-priced and equivalent to any place in town. The meals are a bit more dear, with most things starting at 100,000+ dong per dish.

  23. Top 10 Places To Visit In Vietnam By Lonely Planet

    Lonely Planet, a large travel guide book publisher, has named top eight national parks in Vietnam. Travel The 10 best destinations in Vietnam for 2023 voted by Lonely Planet magazine: No. 10 go now this February

  24. Lonely Planet Experience Vietnam (Travel Guide)

    Lonely Planet's Experience Vietnam travel guide reveals exciting new ways to explore this iconic destination with one-of-a-kind adventures at every turn. Slurp thick noodle cao lau in Hoi An, cruise around Halong Bay's ancient islets, wander Banana Island's plantations - using our local experts and planning tools to create your own ...