Traveling in Vietnam is mostly done by bus or train as there are limited direct flights between places. When you purchase something through our links we earn a small fee. In the south, it is hot throughout the year, with the drier months between November to April, and the wetter months between May and October. I recommend Morning Glory, Cargo Club for brunch, Bahn Mi Phuong, Ba Dam Vegetarian, Visit the Central Market at sunrise to get a glimpse of local Hoi An residents going about their morning routine, See the intricate detail of Cao Dai Buddhist Temple. It can be done in 3 hours for as little as 6 USD! Make sure to take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels: a huge network of underground tunnels, used by the Viet Cong soldiers in the war. Eat everything. Plane: There is a direct 1-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc. Because of its high location, there are nice mild temperatures all year round, so its a great spot to cool off from the heat of the lowlands. 
Plane: Danang to Dalat is a 1.5-hour flight (more expensive than other ways of travel). Vietnam is a very safe country to travel in. Tip: Try the legendary Bun Bo Hue, iconic of the city. Apply for an electronic visa online before traveling to Vietnam. To do this, hire a motorbike and ride the famous, exhilarating Hai Van Pass. This is a must-visit when traveling in Vietnam!
An honest review of my Halong Bay cruise, direct trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Station, How I can afford to stay at world-class hotels without blowing my budget, 11 of the Best Things to Do in Milford Sound, 17 of the Best Restaurants in Chania, Crete, Indulge in cheap food and drinks on beer street, Try some authentic egg coffee from Caf Dinh, See the Tran Quoc Pagoda and One Pillar Pagoda, Warm clothes in case its cold (it was when I went in February), preferably clothes that are quick to dry, Snacks if you tend to get hungry between meals (meals are huge though!). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get inspired! Bus: To get to Phong Nha from Ninh Binh there is a direct overnight bus (7 hours). Get an outfit (or five) fully tailored to you! This is the most efficient and direct option. 
For a 90-day visa, apply beforehand using a reputable agency or by visiting the Vietnamese embassy in your home country. Good train routes operate down the coast of Vietnam, which also offer sleeper services. Some guesthouses will offer a return journey to Hanoi for an extra fee. Spend a night in an overwater bungalow for a fraction of what youd expect to pay, See (dont touch) hundreds of starfish at Starfish Beach, Get a glimpse into the Vietnamese War with a trip to Phu Quoc Prison, where they held Northern Vietnamese soldiers, Taste test local cuisine at Dinh Cau Night Market, Take a tour through a pepper farm or fish sauce factory, Try cocktails tailored to your preferences at Bittersweet Cocktail Bar, Learn all about the Vietnam War with a visit to the, See a different side of the city with this, Watch a circus or theatre show at the Saigon Opera House. There is an international airport here which serves the rest of the world, as well as domestic flights to other parts of Vietnam.
On your way from Hue to Hoi An, make a stop for the afternoon in Danang. These cruises normally include a return transfer from Hanoi and come in a variety of options. Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice This meandering road (20 km) worms through the hills and coastline 500 m above sea level! Because of this, travelers can enjoy trekking, climbing, or abseiling, through tunnels and rivers. Bus: Regular direct buses depart Hanoi, taking 6 hours. The e-visa costs 25 USD and is valid for 30 days of travel. Join a tour that gives you the opportunity to crawl through the tunnels yourself for a true to life experience. We hope you're enjoying our free travel guides & tips! Away from the wonderful nature, are cities full of culture and fascinating history. Spend a few days in the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh! . Travel is very cheap by bus but extend your budget if you want to take domestic flights as these can be more expensive.
Enjoy sailing across the peaceful emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, among limestone karsts, and floating villages. Explore the spectacular area of Phong Nha, known as the adventure capital of Asia and for good reason!
I had a brilliant experience with Elisa at Yaly Coutures Nguyen Thai Hoc branch (they have three shops) where I bought five items for $130USD, and I also tried a cheaper option in the Cloth Market, Mrs An at Shop 90, who created two beautiful (but lower quality) pieces for $20USD each. Discover lantern-lit streets and French-style architecture, while taking romantic river strolls, or relaxing bike rides. From here, take the 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha. Tip: Take the return transfer back to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay. Ninh Binh province is the natural paradise of Vietnam, home to charming villages, stunning rice fields, rivers, and the limestone mountains of Tam Coc. 13 Plastic Products to replace when Traveling, Best Travel Insurances in 2022 (COVID-19 coverage), Trek at the rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam, Everything to know about Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Website designed & built with by only us (Nick & Hannah). Phu Quoc is definitely a perfect spot to relax, swing in a hammock, and enjoy the peace of nature after your adventurous Vietnam travels. Relaaaaaxxxx. Expect to travel on a budget for 10-20 USD per person and 20-50 USD per person for a bit more comfort. Tip: Da Lat has an amazing coffee scene! And perhaps best of all, eat your way through delicious street food in one of the most flavorsome countries in the world! 
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Train: There are also trains from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi (8 hours). Win-win! See the incredible Hoi An Lantern Festival in the flesh, which happens every full moon, Take a quick cruise down the river at night to see the city lit up by lanterns. The main way to travel in Vietnam is by bus, and although this is slower, there are excellent sleeper buses which means you dont have to take days off the itinerary.
Theme by 17th Avenue. Heres how to:find the right travel insurance. From Hanoi, book onto an incredible cruise to either Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay.
Try the famous Banh Mi sandwich here!Hoi An is also the final stop of a 3-week route and you can fly out from the nearby Danang airport.
This is a little more expensive but its the most efficient way of travel.
Train: Both day trains and sleeper trains run from Hanoi to Lao Cai (8 hours). I'm a Kiwi solo female traveller with a knack for finding the most epic experiences around the globe. Spend a few hours wandering around the ancient Imperial City, surrounded by a moat, and gain a glimpse into the royal history of emperors in Vietnam. The fresh, salty, sweet, and sour Vietnamese flavors mixed with herbs and spices bring beautiful harmony to your taste buds. Train: There is a direct train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The luscious, green north of Vietnam, is an absolute must-see on any Vietnam route.
Find a tour online. However, you still pay the same. This ancient city, centered around the misty Hoan Kiem lake, is home to the best street food on the planet. Alternatively, visit the white sand dunes for adventurous activities like quad biking, or sand dune sledding. Bus: If heading straight to Dalat from Hoi An, take an overnight bus of 13/14 hours. Delicious food can be bought from street vendors at a very cheap price, and there are very well-priced hotels and guesthouses throughout the country. This is a region home to dense tropical forests, roaring waterfalls, and countless species of wildlife. Yes! Vietnams infrastructure is varied. From Hue, make your way to Hoi An either by motorbike, public transport or minivan. Start your Vietnam route in the buzzing capital of Hanoi! Experience trekking in the wonderful, rolling rice hills of Sapa! Youve had almost three crazy weeks of exploring this beautiful country, now this is the perfect time to slow down! If you have time, visit the beautiful island of Phu Quoc, in the far southwest of Vietnam. The green, mountain town is situated in Vietnams Central Highlands. This is a must-do on any Vietnam travel route!
Visit the red sand dunes at sunset, to see the fiery colors of the sun blend into the red of the sand. You may need to spend one more night in Hanoi before continuing on the rest of the journey. Dalat is the perfect place to see Vietnams nature at its finest. Because of its height, this is easily one of the most beautiful ways to see this part of the country.
For example, a day cruise or a 2 night/3 day cruise. Enjoy a relaxing few days seeing the beauty and tranquility of nature. Although the roads are generally good, the traffic can be bad, so its good to always allow for delays when using public transport. If traveling by motorbike, be very wary of the chaotic traffic on the roads, always wear a helmet, and make sure you have insurance. Spend time here spotting animals, taking the famous Da Lat cable car, or riding one of the many legendary motorbike journeys in the area. Vietnam has a handful of domestic airports but if you want to travel to more remote places, prepare to take the bus! No worries!
To reach this cave is a 4-day trek, with a long waitlist, so make sure to plan ahead if you want to incorporate this into your Vietnam travels. Book your transport here.
Its also good to note that most shops will be closed and transport services greatly reduced. Make a stop in Danang to see the golden bridge or the weird and wonderful Ba Na hills.
Here you will find perfectly preserved nature, mountains, and dense forest thats home to an abundance of incredible wildlife. There are hundreds of mammoth caves here, nestled between limestone mountains and wide winding rivers.
Vietnamese food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world! Note: If motorbiking isnt really your thing, Danang is reachable by train from Hue. I went in wanting one pair of black shorts and left Hoi An with seven items. An overview of the ideal 3 week Vietnam itinerary, Days 3-5: Halong Bay two night cruise (or similar), Other places to add or swap in to your 3 week Vietnam itinerary, The final verdict on my three weeks in Vietnam, How to get from Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter, Some of my favourite things to do in Hanoi, 15 carry on essentials for long haul flights, How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, The ultimate travel guide for 3 days in Dubai, A full review of TRIPLE Riverside Villa in Hoi An, A full review of TRIPLE Apartments Da Nang, Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm cabin luggage hardcase. Hue is a lovely little city to spend a night and soak up the remarkable culture of Vietnam.
To properly enjoy the beauty of this magical part of Vietnam, spend 2 nights here relaxing, and exploring your Vietnam route. Avoid visiting Vietnam during public holidays like TET, as prices will be much higher. Bus: From Phong Nha take a direct bus to Hue. The views are STUNNING, one of my Vietnam highlights. Mui Ne is famous for its relaxed beach vibe, but most importantly for its extraordinary white and red sand dunes!
Your email address will not be published. Receive travel discounts, tips and behind the scenes stories. As such, its filled with ancient tombs, beautiful pagodas, and most famously, the walled imperial city. Get ready to get lost among the beautiful web of narrow streets, with French-style buildings, and bravely attempt to cross the manic roads! Travel in Vietnam is exceptionally affordable!
If you have more than one more month, spend more time in the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc. This stunning area of natural beauty is home to a network of rivers, fantastic floating markets, rice paddies, and forests. Spend at least two days here soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautifully chaotic city. Heres: Everything to know about Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Because of its war-torn past, Hue is also home to many war/history museums, which are fascinating to visit. Follow our travels daily on Instagram together with 270K others. Note: During the rainy season of July- December (especially in the later months) many of the caves become inaccessible. Try a cup of the delicious brew here. The most extraordinary of all the caves is Son Doong, big enough to fit in city skyscrapers. Read: Trek at the rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam. Tam Coc has its own boat trips but Trang An is better organised, and the Tam Coc boats are known for being quite scammy. Hike up Mua Caves to the dragon on the rocks, Get a guided tour around Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Wander around the Bai Dinh temple complex, Jump on a bike and explore the ricefields, Find some unique souvenirs at the Hope Centre, a project selling handicrafts made by disadvantaged locals. or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community Formerly known as Saigon, this fantastic city is very modern, with broad tree-lined avenues, bright city lights, and skyscrapers. Remote places like Sapa and Dalat, that take more time to get to, can be removed from the Vietnam route if time is tight. Discover Vietnam in this 3 or 4 week Vietnam route. If going as far as Ho Chi Minh, allow another week (4 weeks in total) to see the beauty of far south islands like Phu Quoc or the extraordinary maze-like rivers of the Mekong Delta. Save on Pinterest to read it later. Tip: If heading to Phu Quoc its worth taking some time to visit other places in the Mekong Delta region. If your time in Vietnam is limited, spend 3 weeks up until Hoi An and save the south for another trip! Three weeks is a good amount of time to travel in Vietnam. If so, please consider supporting our work.
Head to the north of the island to explore the Phu Quoc National Park. It takes 3 days to be approved but allow for more time just in case of delays, or problems with the application.
Required fields are marked *. Many others, which are just as impressive, such as Hang En, can be visited in a day trek. Read: Tam Coc, the natural paradise of Vietnam. on Facebook. Note: You will have to go back to Hanoi after Sapa, before departing for Ha Long Bay. This is the cheapest and quickest option.
From Dong Hoi it is a 1-hour taxi to Phong Nha. From here, take the ferry to Phu Quoc in 2.5- 3 hours. Your email address will not be published. Train: 4-5 hours train from Phan Thiet (a 30 min drive from Mui Ne) that takes you directly to Ho Chi Minh. Arrive in beautiful, colorful, Hoi An! (Find cheap flight tickets), Via this website you can easily book your busses and trains online.
It used to be the capital of Vietnam, a royal city on the banks of the wide Perfume River. Bus: Visit in a 4-hour bus ride from Dalat. Because of this, its a good place to start on your Vietnam travels. A cultural gem on your Vietnam route! Best Things To Do in Ninh Binh & Tam Coc (Vietnam), 10 Awesome Things to Do on Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, https://www.saltinourhair.com/vietnam/vietnam-travel-guide/. Its a beautiful journey along the coast, known as one of the best train rides in Vietnam! Plane: To fly, go back to Hanoi and take a 1-hour domestic flight to Dong Hoi. Looking for more travel information?
From Ninh Binh, you can reach Tam Coc in a 10-minute taxi ride. Hike through the beautiful nature, among mountains, paddies, and tribal villages, and stay with a local family to experience their way of living. Travel through Vietnam!
Train: Overnight train from Danang to Nha Trang (10 hours). From here take a minivan in 1 hour to Sapa. Most dishes are not spicy but chili flakes are always served on the table separately.
Between May and September to see the rice fields at their greenest! Whether it be spotting wildlife, or exploring the mountain top temples, caves, and shrines, there is something every traveler will love. By car: Tam Coc is a 2 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi. An enormous country, home to tropical forests, limestone cliffs, and exhilarating mountain roads. In the north, the weather is very seasonal, with hot, humid, and rainy summers and cold, dry winters. This UNESCO world heritage site offers countless things to do, such as a ride in the traditional basket boats, as well as some of the best food youll experience while traveling in Vietnam. Get your bus or train tickets here. FAQs about my 52 countries in 52 weeks trip, A huge list of all the best places Ive stayed around the world, Is Halong Bay worth it? From here take the bus to Dalat in 4 hours. Bus + Boat: It is possible to take the bus to Rach Gia or Ha Tien (ferry piers) in 7-8 hours. The climate of Vietnam is different from north to south. A boat trip around Trang An. Get to know the various districts, eat incredible food, and make sure to visit the highly informative war museums. The island is a true paradise of secluded white sand bays, fringed by clear, emerald waters, and hanging palm trees. Even so, always keep your belongings with you, and be wary of pickpockets, and scams.
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