Vietnam
Destination Guide
How to use my destination guides
My destination guides are organised in two main sections:
Overview
This will help you to decide if this is a location for you, and if so, where you may want to spend your time. For larger countries, I also provide additional overviews of different regions, states and territories.
Specific Recommendations
Here I list specific things to see and do. For each, I provide star ratings so that you can easily see how good, unique and adventurous each place is. This means that you can easily pick out where sounds right for you!
Photos note: All of the photos you see on my website are taken by me or of me!
Overview
Vietnam is yet another south-east Asian country which has become popular with tourists and backpackers in recent years. It’s cheap, safe and beautiful. It has mountains, culture and a huge coastline.
The Language
People speak Vietnamese, with some people speaking English, although many don’t unless they work in tourism. Younger generations are more likely to speak English and you will sometimes have local school children approach you to practise their English, which is very sweet. There is a large tourist industry here, so you will find it easy to make friends with other travellers in most places.
Vietnam is yet another south-east Asian country which has become popular with tourists and backpackers in recent years. It’s cheap, safe and beautiful. It has mountains, culture and a huge coastline.
The Language
People speak Vietnamese, with some people speaking English, although many don’t unless they work in tourism. Younger generations are more likely to speak English and you will sometimes have local school children approach you to practise their English, which is very sweet. There is a large tourist industry here, so you will find it easy to make friends with other travellers in most places.
Economy and Safety
Vietnam is a developing country, making it very affordable; however, it is also developed enough to be comfortable for travellers. Some cities are very wealthy with cheap luxury apartments to rent and lots of beautiful hostels and hotels to stay at. Roads are largely good, although in some areas off main roads, they are still unpaved and can be washed out in the rainy season. It has a great balance of affordability and infrastructure, in my opinion.
Travel Ease
Lots of tourists visit Vietnam, so getting around is easy enough. There are plenty of local buses, including some rather nice night buses with beds (see the photo of one I took from Hanoi to Sa Pa). Vietnam is also a popular country for tourists to rent scooters (mopeds) and motorbikes. I have friends who have also bought motorbikes in Vietnam and resold them at the end of their trip. It’s a great country to roadtrip around as it’s long (north-south) but narrow (west-east), so you can easily travel from north-south or vice versa.
The Beaches
Vietnam has loads of famous beaches along its massive coastline; there are simply too many beautiful beaches to name. You can visit beaches on islands off the coast, remote beaches or beaches stretching alongside major towns and cities.
The Wildlife
Vietnam has sea life along its massive coastline and plenty of wildlife on land, which varies from the mountains of the north to the jungles of the south.
The Cities
Vietnam has some great cities, many with a good mix of history and modernity. Popular locations include Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) in the south and Hanoi in the north.
The People
I found Vietnamese people to be extremely friendly, open and respectful.
The Food
Vietnam has its own distinctive cuisine, with some dishes having French influence, given its colonial history in the area.
The People
I found Vietnamese people to be extremely friendly, open and respectful.
The Food
Vietnam has its own distinctive cuisine, with some dishes having French influence, given its colonial history in the area.
History
Vietnam has a long history. It is famously one of the few places on earth to resist the might of Mongol invasions. The French colonised Vietnam, with it being a colony called ‘French Indo-China’. The Japanese also occupied Vietnam during World War II.
In more recent history, the Vietnam War took place from 1955 to 1975, whereby the communist north (backed by the USSR and China) fought the democratic south (backed by the US). The US withdrew from the war and the communist government took control of the whole country, with the regime still in power to this day. You will see some evidence of the communist government when you visit, mostly in the form of some statues and flags. Other than these reminders and that BBC news is blocked there, I didn’t notice any real differences in Vietnam compared to other countries in the region: you can buy things in an open market just like you would in most other countries and many people seem to have their own businesses.
In my specific recommendations for Vietnam, I recommend some places which are great to learn about Vietnam’s history.
Overview Summary
Vietnam is a beautiful, relaxed and fun country to visit with stunning landscapes and lovely people. Its affordability means you can also be spontaneous when you are there without worrying about overspending.
Note: The ‘Ha Giang’ loop is also a famous 3-4 day motorcycle route through the mountains of northern Vietnam. Tours are commonplace with riders driving themselves or being an ‘easyrider’ on the back of someone else’s bike as part of a tour. The loop is a tourist classic and for many people a highlight of their backpacking trip, so be sure to read more about it in my specific recommendations.
Specific Recommendations
How to interpret my specific recommendations
My specific recommendations are listed below. Firstly, you will find: its name, a quick link to locate and save it to your Google Maps, and for some, a photo. The photos, if present, like all those on this page, have either been taken by me or feature me in them. If you save the location to your Google Maps, I suggest that you add a note on there too, to remind you that you heard about it here. A good way to do this is by copying my website link into the location description. This way, you can check back here nearer the time of your visit to jog your memory as to what is there. I use Google Maps to plan all of my trips and, when used to its full potential, it is incredible! If you haven’t already, check out my blog post on how I use Google Maps to revolutionise my travels!
I provide a description of each location, as well as a duration estimate for how long you may want to spend at that location, to help with your planning.
I also provide star ratings for three categories.
Andy Argo
My overall rating
Worth seeing if you’re passing
Worth a detour if you have time
A must see!
Adventure
The level of exertion and danger involved
Easy to access, low risk and no strenuous exercise required
Some exercise is required, such as hiking. Some risks, such as bad weather, uneven ground, steep edges, etc.
Involves more exercise, greater danger or both. Examples include diving or scrambling up mountains, where experience is required.
Uniqueness
How well known and unique a destination is
A well-known destination or one that is not overly unique. I have listed restaurants in this category as food is everywhere.
Somewhat unknown or unique
Very unique
Some other points to note are:
- I like a bit of danger and history, so you may find that my ‘Andy Argo’ star ratings are sometimes (but not always) a little biased in favour of these types of locations.
- On my ‘Andy Argo’ stars, if I have given something one star, it’s good and worth doing. Having one star doesn’t mean it’s bad; it’s still high praise, as I only include the crème de la crème on this list!
- My duration recommendations are based on what I think is the minimum amount of time you would want to spend there. I always recommend being spontaneous when travelling and changing plans depending on your circumstances, how you feel, and following advice from locals. Remember you’re there to enjoy it, so don’t feel rushed and stressed, you’re on holiday!
- In a small handful of instances, I have included somewhere I have been with zero Andy Argo stars. I have done this a handful of times for very touristy places. These are locations which I have been to and which are sufficiently famous that I think people would wonder why they aren’t on the list, but which, in my opinion, don’t make the cut and are overrated (sorry).
- I have been to the vast majority of these recommendations; however, sometimes I include several locations which I haven’t been to for the following reasons:
- A friend of mine has been there and has highly recommended it to me.
- Internet searches suggest it sounds noteworthy enough to include.
Disclaimer – I am not responsible for your safety or enjoyment at any of these locations. Everything I have recommended here is based on my experience and opinion. I may have recommended places I visited years ago or, as mentioned previously, a handful which I have had recommended to me. Do your own research before visiting any attractions to ensure that you think you will enjoy them and that they are sufficiently safe. My recommended duration times are also estimates based on my opinion; do your own further research and plan accordingly. I have recommended places which I think people will like, but it is all based on my opinion; I may love something that you hate. Be sure to have sufficient travel insurance and make your own judgments. Check weather forecasts and consult reputable local guidance before visiting anywhere you seek to visit. For more adventurous activities, ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared and that you have the right supervision, equipment, and training for the activity. Long story short, use some common sense and don’t sue me, I’m broke enough already. Happy travels, Andy
Specific Recommendations
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: City
Recommended Duration: 2 days+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
Hanoi is a fun, bustling city with just the right amount of chaos. One of the first things you will have to learn on arrival is how to cross the road.
In city streets (not on major highways) it is often best to walk slowly and at a constant speed; the traffic (mainly mopeds) will then account for your speed and go around you. It’s a bit nerve-racking at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. If in doubt, fall in step alongside a local and they can courier you across to the other side! I also found this a lot nicer than in India, where it’s the pedestrian’s job to get out of the way of traffic! Hanoi is also a good place to book tours and transport from if you are keen to explore elsewhere in Vietnam and many people book their Ha Giang Loop experience here too; see my notes below for more information on that.
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Viewpoint, cafes and attraction
Recommended Duration: 30 mins+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
This is one of the tourist classics for Hanoi. Trains pass through Hanoi’s narrow streets with cafes on either side.
Find a good spot at one of these cafes and enjoy watching the trains blasting past inches from you at speed. Be sure to get there early before the train comes to get a good spot!
I thought this was a tourist gimmick and maybe overpopularised by Instagram before I went, but when I was there, I was surprised at how good it was and I really enjoyed it. It’s definitely worth doing if you’re in Hanoi!
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Cultural performance
Recommended Duration: 1 hour+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
This is a great traditional puppet show. It is performed in water and depicts traditional Vietnamese life. I really enjoyed it and think it’s definitely worth doing. Try and head there early to book your tickets as it books up quickly!
Weekend Walking Street
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: District
Recommended Duration: 1 hour+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
This area of Hanoi is beautiful. There is a nice park and lake and also its right next to where you can see the traditional puppet show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre so you can tick both off in one go.
Ta Hien (Beer Street), Hanoi
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Drinking and social
Recommended Duration: 3 hours+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
Known as ‘Beer’ Street, this is a popular place to drink with tables in the steet.
Đồng Xuân Market, Hanoi
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Market
Recommended Duration: 30 mins+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
A market which sells pretty much anything.
Temple Of Literature, Hanoi
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Confucion Temple
Recommended Duration: 30 mins+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
Confusion Temple with gardens.
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Cathedral and district
Recommended Duration: 20 mins+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
Beautiful cathedral and square with a great atmosphere.
Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: History
Recommended Duration: 1 hour+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
This former prison is definitely worth a detour for. It has a really sad history behind it. It was originally used by the French to house captured political prisoners and later by communist North Vietnam to house US prisoners of war. During the latter period, the American soldiers ironically nicknamed it the ‘Hanoi Hilton’, given the horrendous conditions soldiers were kept in.
Binh Minh Jazz Club, Hanoi
Category: Live music and bar
Recommended Duration: 2 hours+
Andy visited?: No, but my internet research suggests it may be worth visiting
Description
This Hanoi jazz club looks cool and has good reviews, but unfortunately, I didn’t get around to going when I was there.
Cafe Giảng, Hanoi
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Cafe
Recommended Duration: 30 mins+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
This is a famous cafe. Be sure to try the egg coffee!
Vietnam Military History Museum, Hanoi
Category: Museum
Recommended Duration: 2 hours+
Andy visited?: No, but my internet research suggests it may be worth visiting
Description
If you like your history, this may be a good museum to consider. It is located around 30 minutes drive west of Hanoi centre.
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Island
Recommended Duration: Zero
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
Many people told me about Cát Bà Island. I went there with friends and had a great time because of this. I personally think that the place itself isn’t worth a detour though, hence my zero stars.
I wanted to mention it because it is well-known and you may well get people telling you that you should go there, but it’s a small island without loads to do. I did a boat tour, which was nice enough, but frankly, I’ve seen far better in the region. I was also keen to do some deep water soloing (where you climb up sea cliffs without ropes and fall into the water), but this was very expensive and the industry wasn’t established enough for it to be low-cost and convenient. I feel that there are nicer areas in south-east Asia where you can better spend your time and money, so for me, this is one to skip unless you have a burning desire to go there. Not that it’s a bad place, it’s just not overly amazing either, in my opinion. If you are inspired to go here because of some great photos you’ve seen on Instagram, take that with a pinch of salt.
Mù Cang Chải District
Category: Landscapes
Recommended Duration: 1 day+
Andy visited?: No, but people have recommended it to me
Description
I haven’t been here, but I was told by a friend that this area doesn’t have many tourists and has beautiful countryside.
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Landscapes and hiking
Recommended Duration: Zero
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
Sa Pa is famous in Vietnam for having hiked and beauty in the area. I went there by night bus and it took some time to get up there. I wanted to make note of this area because tourists do talk about it a lot; however, I wasn’t overly impressed and don’t think it’s worth detouring to go here.
I found the town is nice but crowded with domestic tourists and there wasn’t a huge backpacker community when I was there. I did rent a scooter and explored the local area, which was nice enough, but frankly, I’ve seen more beautiful places in south-east Asia. Also, the thing I found most inconvenient, which killed the vibe for me, was that local hikes require you to take a guide with you, even for relatively easy mountain hikes. I get that this keeps people safer and probably gives jobs to locals, but for me, it was unnecessary and it means you can’t be as spontaneous, which is my whole vibe! There are other beautiful parts of Vietnam which I prefer over here. If you do end up here though, take a scooter up towards the ruins at Tu Viện Cổ Tả Phìn if you fancy an adventure. The roads are nice enough to drive on and are the main experience and the views are ok up there too.
Ban Gioc Waterfalls
Category: Waterfall
Recommended Duration: 1 hour+
Andy visited?: No, but my internet research suggests it may be worth visiting
Description
Large waterfalls along the Chinese border.
The Duck Stop
Category: Animals and culture
Recommended Duration: 1 hour
Andy visited?: No, but people have recommended it to me
Description
Many tourists go here to be a ‘duck leader’ with large swarms of friendly ducks waddling along behind them. Some Vietnamese communities use ducks to improve rice harvests, with ducks removing pests.
Hang Sơn Đoòng
Category: Caves
Recommended Duration:4 days, 3 nights
Andy visited?: No, but people have recommended it to me
Description
Massive caves, with my research showing that a 4-day, 3-night expedition is typical.
Da Nang
Category: Coastal city with beach
Recommended Duration: 1 day+
Andy visited?: No, but people have recommended it to me
Description
A beautiful city with a stunning beach, which was recommended to me.
My Son
Category: History
Recommended Duration: 3 hours+
Andy visited?: No, but my internet research suggests it may be worth visiting
Description
Extensive Hindu temple ruins, which look incredible!
Nha Trang
Category: Coastal city
Recommended Duration: 2 days+
Andy visited?: No, but people have recommended it to me
Description
My friend recommended this to me as a non-touristy but nice coastal city.
Cu Chi Tunnel
Category: History
Recommended Duration: 5 hours
Andy visited?: No, but people have recommended it to me
Description
This sounds amazing, but unfortunately, I didn’t go this far south in Vietnam to see it. These are extensive tunnel networks from the Vietnam War, which you can look down and see how brutal the fighting would have been during this time. Everyone I met who has been here spoke highly of it and said it was fascinating.
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Multi-day adventure
Recommended Duration: 4 days, 3 nights or 3 days, 2 nights
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
The Ha Giang loop is famous, not just in Vietnam but in the whole of SE Asia. I had heard of this route in many hostels in Malaysia and Thailand from backpackers who had been here, many stating it was one of the best things they had ever done in their lives!
This adventure takes either 4 days, 3 nights or 3 days, 2 nights, depending on which option you choose. In brief, it involves being the passenger on a motorbike driven through beautiful mountain roads in the north of Vietnam, close to the Chinese border. If you are feeling braver, you can drive your own motobike as part of a group, or if you are a confident rider with a licence, you can go it alone. I stress having a licence though, because this is a popular tourist route and the police know it.
The route starts at the town of Ha Giang and circles around to the town, with participants staying at various locations along the route. You can book a tour while you are in Ha Giang or from a provider in Hanoi. There are lots of different companies that take tourists on the loop, so do your research and find one that is right for you.
Some things to consider are:
- How long do you want to go for? 3 or 4 days is the norm, with the 4-day option taking a detour to swim at a waterfall. Different tour groups may offer slightly different variations on the loop but they are normally pretty similar. Check the weather before you go too, if it’s going to rain on day 4 then you can just opt for the 3 day tour to dodge the bad weather if you would rather.
- Driver or easyrider? If you haven’t ridden a bike before you will likely want to do an ‘easyrider’. This is where a local driver rides the bike and you sit on the back to enjoy the views. The local drivers have a great reputation for being friendly and fun and many people love their drivers by the end of their trip. It is the norm to tip them too at the end so make sure you have some cash on you for that.
- Self drive with a group – You can drive yourself on a bike while in a larger group. This is good if you want the safety or being in a larger group and not having to organise anything and the social side, for many people the social side is the main thing and what they love the most. Bear in mind that every night is very boozy so if you can ride but love to drink until the early hours of the morning maybe still consider getting an easy rider so you aren’t drunk driving on twisty mountain roads.
- Private group – Some people prefer who already have a few friends may want to hire guides and drivers for a smaller private trip. This means you can often customise the trip a bit more to suit you. I had friends who did this and loved it.
- Go solo – You can easily rent a motorbike in Ha Giang and go alone. Bear in mind that police are often on this route looking to catch anyone without a licence so make sure you have a valid licence and supplementary international driving with you if you don’t want to have to pay the cops. Also note that if you don’t have a valid licence your travel insurance provider may not pay out if you take a fall and need medical attention so bear that in mind and do your home work to make sure that you are protected.
What the route entails:
As mentioned before, there are different tour providers for this trip so each will vary slightly depending on who you go with but for a group trip in a tour they usually follow a format similar to this:
- You will meet in Ha Giang and be united with your travelling companies for the next few days. This will include other tourists on the route, the drivers (some of whom don;t speak English fluently) and typically a tour lead/guide who speaks English and who will be coming with you.
- You will get your bike/rider. If you are driving yourself make sure you check your bike over, look at the tires, test the brakes etc. if you are an ‘easyrider’ you will meet your driver who you will spend the next 3-4 days with on a bike with.
- Protection – Take some protection with you. Even if you are a confident rider you don’t know the roads and depending on the weather and construction you may find parts of the road are unpaved. I would advise those on ‘easyriders’ to also take protection. Many people fall off on this loop, the roads are twisty and in a group people tend to feel safer and invincible. Take elbow and knee pads etc.
- Each day you will drive the route, stopping along the way at viewpoints, restaurants etc and taking in the views. In the evenings you will stay at different places with shared dorms. The tour guides hype everyone up in the evening singing a song and encouraging you shot ‘happy water’ (this part will make more sense when you’re there). You will then do this for a few days returning to the town of Ha Giang at the end of your trip.
I really enjoyed this and for many backpackers, this is the highlight of their backpacking trip, so definitely worth looking into if you’re in Vietnam.
My trip: I rented a motorbike in Ha Giang and drove myself. I’m not much of a drinker and I can ride, so it worked well for me. I had friends there at the same time who paid for a private tour and I saw them at points along the way and in the evenings. This saved me a load of money, but more than that, it meant I could detour where I liked off the route to the smaller villages. Also, as there was bad weather on day 4, I also combined days 2 and 3 into one longer day instead.
I hope that you have found this free Destination Guide useful. It took a lot of time and travel for me to make this, so if you would like to show your thanks by sending a small donation, I would be very grateful. This can be done on my Support Me page. Thank you!
Happy travels!
Andy Argo
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Title image: Ha Giang loop, northern Vietnam. See my Specific Recommendations for more information.