Vietnam Travel Guide: Highlights, Itinerary & Travel Tips
Welcome to the land of the ascending dragon! In this Vietnam travel guide, you’ll discover everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip — including the best Vietnam highlights, travel tips, and a complete north-to-south itinerary.
Vietnam is a sensory explosion. From the frantic motorbike-filled streets of Hanoi to the emerald karst islands of Ha Long Bay and the world-class food scene in Ho Chi Minh City, this country offers a diversity that few others can match. Whether you're trekking through northern rice terraces or relaxing in a lantern-lit ancient town, Vietnam captures the heart of every traveler.
I have traveled through Vietnam in 2023 on my world travel and it remains one of my absolute favourite destinations in Southeast Asia. The combination of deep history, incredible landscapes, and the most delicious street food in the world (all for a few dollars!) makes it a place you'll want to return to again and again.
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Because Vietnam is over 1,000 miles long, the weather varies significantly. Generally, the best time to visit the whole country is November to April.
- North (Hanoi/Ha Giang): Cool and dry from November to April. Expect cold nights in the mountains!
- Central (Hoi An/Danang): Dry and sunny from January to August.
- South (HCMC): Hot and dry from November to April.
The rainy season (May–October) brings high humidity and tropical showers, but it's also when the rice paddies are at their most vibrant green. I've traveled during the "green season" and while it rains, the showers are usually short and refreshing!
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| Hoi An |
Entry Requirements for Vietnam
For most travelers in 2026:
- A valid passport (6 months validity) is required.
- E-Visa: Most nationalities can apply for a 90-day multi-entry e-visa online (approx. $25).
- Check if your country is on the visa-exemption list for shorter stays (usually 15–45 days).
Language in Vietnam
The official language is Vietnamese, but:
- English is widely spoken in tourist hubs and by the younger generation.
- Learning "Xin Chào" (Hello) and "Cảm ơn" (Thank you) will earn you many smiles.
Getting Around Vietnam
Vietnam has a fantastic transport network for every budget:
- Domestic flights: Fast and cheap for long distances (e.g., Hanoi to Da Nang).
- Sleeper Buses: A backpacker staple! Great for saving on a night's accommodation.
- Trains: The "Reunification Express" is scenic and comfortable for slow travel.
- Grab: The "Uber of Southeast Asia"—essential for cheap bike or car rides in cities.
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| Sleeper Bus Vietnam |
Is Vietnam Safe?
Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia for solo and female travelers:
- Be mindful of "bag snatching" in crowded areas of HCMC.
- Always negotiate taxi prices or just use the Grab app.
- Cross the street slowly and steadily—the motorbikes will flow around you!
My Vietnam Travel Route
This itinerary covers the most viral Vietnam highlights from South to North:
- Ho Chi Minh City – The bustling southern metropolis
- Hoi An – The magical ancient lantern town
- Danang – Coastal city with the famous Golden Bridge
- Hanoi – The historic and soulful capital
- Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba – Iconic limestone karsts and island vibes
- Ha Giang – The legendary "Loop" in the far north
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| North of Vietnam |
Vietnam Highlights & Experiences
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Energy & History
HCMC is a whirlwind of skyscrapers and colonial architecture. It’s the perfect place to start your journey.
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| Ho Chi Minh City |
- Visit the War Remnants Museum for a deep look into history.
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels—an incredible underground network used during the war.
- Eat street food at Ben Thanh Market.
- Try the famous egg coffee.
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| Cu Chi Tunnels |
Hoi An & Danang – Magic & Mountains
Just a short flight from the south, Central Vietnam is where most travelers lose track of time.
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| Hoi An |
- Hoi An: Get custom clothes made by world-class tailors and walk the ancient town at night when thousands of lanterns are lit.
- Danang: Visit the Marble Mountains and take the cable car to the "Golden Bridge" (the giant hands) at Ba Na Hills.
- Hai Van Pass: Rent a motorbike or take an "Easy Rider" tour between the two cities—it's one of the best coastal drives in the world.
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| Golden Bridge and giant hands |
Hanoi – The Soul of the North
Hanoi is older, more traditional, and incredibly charming compared to Saigon. The Old Quarter is a maze of 36 streets, each named after the goods once sold there.
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| Hanoi |
- Drink "Bia Hoi" (fresh beer) on a plastic stool at Train Street.
- Visit the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.
- Try Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)—it sounds weird, but it tastes like liquid tiramisu!
Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island
I did a 1-night cruise in Ha Long Bay and it was kind of a party boat tour with younger people. I can highly recommend the tour with the Buffalo Hostel. The boat was also pretty luxury. I also highly recommend staying on Cat Ba Island.
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| Ha Long Bay |
- Take a boat tour through Ha Long Bay. I did it one night with the Buffalo Hostel.
- Hike to the Cannon Fort viewpoint on Cat Ba for the best views.
- Go kayaking through hidden lagoons and swim in the emerald water.
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| Ha Long Bay and our boat |
The Ha Giang Loop – The Absolute Highlight
If you do only one thing in Vietnam, make it the Ha Giang Loop. This is a 3-4 day motorbike journey through the highest mountains in the north near the Chinese border.
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| Ha Giang Loop |
- The Ma Pi Leng Pass: The most breathtaking road in the country, carved into a cliffside above the Nho Que River.
- Easy Riders: If you don't ride a bike, hire an "Easy Rider" (a local driver) so you can sit on the back and just stare at the views.
- Homestays: Stay with local ethnic minority families and experience "Happy Water" (local rice wine). It is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
- The Tour: I booked the tour via Bong Hostel and I can highly recommend. The groups are smaller than e.g. with Jasmine Hostel and the pace is more slower.
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| Ha Giang Loop |
Cost of Traveling in Vietnam
Vietnam is incredibly budget-friendly:
- Dorm Bed: $6–$12 / Private Hotel: $25–$50
- Street Food Meal: $1.50–$3
- Domestic Flight: $30–$60
- Ha Giang Loop: 4 Days/3 Nights $171
- Ha Long Bay 1 Night Party Boat: $100
Tip: Look for "Cơm Bình Dân" signs for the cheapest, most authentic local buffet-style meals.
Final Thoughts on Vietnam Travel
Vietnam is a country that stays with you long after the motorbike horns fade. It’s a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and history.
Whether you’re motorcycling through the clouds in Ha Giang or sipping coffee in a Hanoi alleyway, Vietnam will exceed every expectation you have. It is, quite simply, "Unmissable."
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