Vietnam: Asia’s fastest growing travel destination.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or up to a few weeks in Vietnam; here’s my guide into where to go, where to stay, and what to do for an epic trip.
When to visit?
If you’re looking to visit all of North, central and South Vietnam – then the best time to visit is probably between Feb-Apr. If you’re not visiting all regions, then you can check the best time individually:
Northern Vietnam – temperatures are between 22-35 degrees all year, the coolest being the low 20’s from Dec-Feb and warmest being May-Sept.
Central Vietnam – there are two seasons, dry and hot (Feb-Aug) or rainy, typhoon season (Sep-Jan).
Southern Vietnam – also a tropical climate with two seasons: dry season (Dec-Apr) or rainy, typhoon season (May to Nov)
How to get there?
Most international flights go into 3 airports in Vietnam. For the north, Hanoi. Central Vietnam; Da Nang and Southern Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re looking to visit the southern Island of Phu Quoc you can fly from either of the 3 international airports or from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul. Catching internal flights is the best way to get around the country, as travel can be long between cities and regions.
Currency:
Vietnamese Dong
1 USD$ = 26,325 VND (May 26’)
USD is the widest accepted foreign currency, so if you’re not planning to take VND you can take USD. While cards are widely accepted in major cities, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls, small businesses and local food vendors still only accept cash. Therefore, I highly recommend taking VND or USD with you.
How long do I need to visit Vietnam?
The ideal situation is to have 3-4 weeks to visit Vietnam if you want to visit most of the country. Then you can split approximately 7 days in each region; North, central and South. If you have only 1 week or 2, it’s best to choose just 1 or 2 regions accordingly. Here are the main places to visit in each region:
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi (Vietnam’s capital city), Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa
Central Vietnam: Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang
Southern Vietnam: Phu Quoc & Ho Chi Minh City
If you love a big bustling city that never sleeps, you’ll definitely want to visit both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
If you’re looking for adventure, beautiful sights and the unique side of Vietnam, you’ll definitely not want to miss Ha Long bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An and Phu Quoc.
For the beach lovers, the best spots would be in Central Vietnam; Nha Trang and Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam.
If you’re planning to visit Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang and Phu Quoc below you can find all my recommendations for where to stay and what to do.
Hanoi –
I recommend staying for around 3-4 days in Hanoi and definitely including this magical city into your Vietnam itinerary. It has so much culture, vibrant nightlife and a Michelin-starred culinary scene. It’s also perfect for daytrips to Ha Long Bay, Sapa or Ninh Binh.
My hotel recommendations according to your budget:
Capella Hanoi ($$$$)
Melia Hanoi ($$$)
Amara Hanoi ($$)
Atrium Hanoi Hotel ($)
Places you’ll not want to miss:
1. Train street
A narrow, famous street with an active railway line. I highly recommend going around sunset for a few hours. There are plenty of small local bars located on train street where you can grab a drink and/or some street food while you wait for the next train to pass, which is usually around every 30 mins. Once a train is approaching, the locals will inform you to ‘tuck in’ while the train passes and the wind takes your breath away, just make sure to catch the shot on your phone! If you prefer visiting with a local guide and tasting Hanoi’s street food scene, I recommend this tour.
2. Water puppet show
Explore Hanoi’s 11th century ancient art tradition of water puppetry with a ticket to a live show. The 50 minute performance showcases ancient daily life such as farming, fishing and romance.
There is a program flyer available in most major languages. Just make sure to arrive 30 mins before the show-time. You can book your tickets here.
3. Paragliding
For those thrill-seekers, experience Hanoi’s stunning nature from above with a paragliding experience. Flights last around 10-20 minutes and you’ll float around clouds and mountains. If you book this tour you’ll also get given a go pro camera to capture the experience and optional transfers from your hotel.
4. Experience the Old Quarter
The heart of Hanoi, perfect for walking, shopping and experiencing the bustling city life. You can expect to find some Michelin-starred street food options, night markets and vibrant nightlife. If you love beer or nightlife, then I highly recommend you visit ‘Beer street’ Ta Hien Street.
Ha Long Bay –
Ha Long Bay is situated in north-eastern Vietnam, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1994. It’s known for its emerald waters, thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. It’s popular for scuba diving, hiking and rock climbing.
We decided to day trip here from Hanoi, with the trip being around 2 hours each way from central Hanoi. We took this exact trip here which included transfers from our hotel and took us around Ha Long bay with multiple stops on a huge yacht that included lunch and drinks available to buy from the bar.
If you prefer slow travel and to take in more of Ha Long via cruise, I recommend you check out this 3 day UNESCO luxury cruise here rather than staying in a hotel.
Phu Quoc –
Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, located in the gulf of Thailand which means you can expect incredible white sandy beaches with clear turquoise waters. There is plenty to do on the island from starfish beaches to UNESCO national parks. One of the things I loved about Phu Quoc was how quiet and peaceful it was even in its peak season.
My hotel stay recommendations based on budget:
Intercontinental Phu Quoc Long beach resort by IHG ($$$$)
Sailing Club Signature resort Phu Quoc ($$$)
Novotel Phu Quoc resort ($$)
Must- do experiences:
1. 3 islands boat tour with the world’s longest sea crossing cable car and lunch
This was my favorite excursion during the trip to Phu Quoc. First you have the option to snorkel or do sea-walking with incredible marine life. I highly recommend you add the sea walking to your tour, which you can pay for by cash or card when you arrive. Following this, you’ll arrive at May Rut Trong island where you’ll get time to relax on the incredible beach and enjoy some incredible local seafood on the beach. They’ll also include an incredible drone shot of you waving goodbye from the beach over the incredible green island. After a few hours, you’ll depart to Thom island, where you’ll enjoy a few hours of free time in the aqua park (included in the ticket price) before departing for the most scenic cable car ride around sunset. I’d recommend booking this tour at least a few days in advance here.
2. Starfish beach and Bee Farm Tour
Starfish beach is in the northern part of the island, and has incredible starfish amongst perfectly clear turquoise waters. You’ll also kayak the Cua Can river as part of the tour and visit the local bee farm nearby where you can try incredible honey. You can book this tour here.
3. VinWonders Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s version of Disneyland. An amusement park with exhilarating rides, stunning attractions and endless entertainment. This park is perfect for all ages – with roller coasters, water rides, a 4D cinema, family friendly playgrounds and an aquarium. You can book your ticket here.
4. Street food tour
Vietnam is considered one of the best countries for street food – so whether you’re a foodie or just looking to experience authentic Vietnam, I highly recommend booking a street food tour. You’ll get to dine with a local – who will explain the best local dishes like Bahn Mi and local Vietnamese seafood and stroll around the vibrant night market where you’ll get to shop some local souvenirs to take home. You can pre-book here.
Hoi An –
Hoi An is arguably one of the prettiest ancient towns in Asia or even the whole world. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site for good reason. It’s picturesque in every corner with it’s iconic yellow architecture and colorful lanterns. However, it is also one of the most touristic and busiest places in Vietnam for that reason. It’s ideal for couple travel or families – but also very safe for solo travelers. I absolutely loved this town, it was overall my favorite place in Vietnam.
My hotel stay recommendations based on budget:
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An ($$$$)
Moire Hoi An by IHG ($$$)
VinPearl Hoi An ($$ – best for families)
Must-do experiences:
- Faifo coffee house
located in the heart of the old town, you’ll get to choose between traditional Vietnamese Egg coffee or coconut coffee and experience beautiful views from their rooftop from the third story. You’ll get a beautiful view of the ancient streets below that feels surreal.
2. Coconut boat tour
Sail through the coconut forest in a traditional coconut boat, you may have seen this all over social media, but it can be as adventurous or relaxed as you want it to be. The guides will ask if you’d like to spin or not. It’s best enjoyed at sunset, where you’ll have cooler weather and more boats around. You’ll also get to experience crab fishing, and the guides will also provide Vietnamese hats for you and capture some photos. Many people get ripped off, so it’s better to pre-book to save the hassle and cost.
3. Cantonese Assembly hall
Take in the culture at the cantonese assembly hall, it’s visually stunning and a perfect photo spot in the heart of the old town.
4. MET Hoi An
Book a dinner reservation at the most busy, authentic Vietnamese food spot in Hoi an at MET Hoi An. The menu is hugely extensive, so you’ll have plenty of choice of local dishes. Be sure to book in advance and book a table on the terrace to take in the views.
5. Hoi An Night Market
Take an evening stroll at the Hoi An night market. It’s open everyday from 6-10pm and you’ll find stalls selling everything from clothes, souvenirs, local street food and the famous lantern shops, where you can take a photo for VND 10K.
6. Banh Mi Phuong
Experience the best traditional Banh Minh – the famous vietnamese baguette at the best place in town at Banh Mi Phuong. You can grab a baguette to take away or dine-in. It’s extremely cheap!
7. My Son Sancutary
If you haven’t yet visited Cambodia, but it’s on your bucket list then head to My Son Sanctuary. It’s around 30 mins outside of the town and It’s absolutely stunning with red brick ruins surrounded by jungle, it’s rich in history yet peaceful.
8. Hoi An Memories show
Experience Vietnamese culture by an evening show at Hoi An memories show. It starts every night at 8pm (except Tuesdays) and lasts around one hour. It combines story-telling on the history and heritage of Hoi an with light, sound and visuals. You can choose between regular or VIP seating, the only difference being that the VIP seats are higher up and chairs vs. wooden benches. It’s best to pre-book online.
9. Take a sunset/evening boat tour across the river
The canal between the bridges in the old town is absolutely beautiful at night time. There are hundreds of boats all lit up with laterns in different colors. It’s very romantic so if you’re a couple traveling, you’ll not want to miss this. Be sure to take one of the quiet boats without an engine to really take in the peaceful landscape.
