28-day Vietnam itinerary - my experiences and advice

In this blog, I'll outline the route I that I took, share more about preparations that were needed, and offer some helpful advice. For more information, you can refer to the more thorough blogs that I have written for each place.

Contents

1. Best time to visit
2. Preparing for your trip to Vietnam
3. Itinerary

Best time to visit Vietnam

There are advantages and disadvantages to each season. For instance, if you visit central Vietnam in the winter like I did, it will be cooler and rainy, but there will be fewer tourists. The rice fields are already harvested, so they are not as picturesque as they once were. It is both busier and warmer if you visit during the summer.

The best time to visit is likely between March and April when the weather starts to warm up, the rice fields start to bloom, and there are fewer tourists than in the summer. In the south, though, this might result in uncomfortably high temperatures.

Preparing for your trip to Vietnam

To enter Vietnam, you need a visa. On the Vietnamese government's official website, I requested a 30-day tourist visa. In this section, you can enter the required information and upload a recent passport photo (no older than six months old) as well as a photo of your passport. You will learn whether the visa has been approved within a few days of paying the approximate €25.00 fee.

Make sure to submit your application on time; I've heard numerous tales of people who waited at border crossings or airports after they submitted their applications after the deadline.

Tips

• Before leaving, withdraw money (ideally in bills of at least €50), so that you can exchange it for Vietnamese Dong when you arrive in Vietnam. You'll avoid transaction costs and get a better exchange rate by doing this. A euro is roughly equivalent to 250,000 dong (as of December 2022).
• Instead of purchasing a SIM card at the airport, visit a SIM card store in the city center. One of the most well-known providers, Viettel, has a number of locations. Purchase 30 days of 2 GB of data for 25,000 Vietnamese Dong (about €10.00).
• To find your hotel and the Viettel store without internet access, download the region's map before traveling there.
• Download Grab: y ou can reserve a taxi through airport wifi if you want to travel to your hotel. You will be approached by many people offering you taxis, and while you can accept them, at least you will be aware of the cost.
• Looking to make a withdrawal? Try to find an MB Bank ATM. The maximum withdrawal amount in Vietnam is 5 million Vietnamese Dong ($200.00) at this location.

After being transported from the plane to the arrivals hall by bus, you will have to stand in a (long) line to go through passport control. Picking up your luggage is the next adventure after getting your stamp. There are six baggage belts, so it is necessary to combine the luggage from different flights. When you have to wait a little while, knowing that your checked luggage has not been lost makes having an AirTag a luxury.

I never saw so many boxes moving by on a baggage belt until I had the good fortune to share the baggage belt with a flight from Japan. The flow of boxes finally stopped after waiting for 1.5 hours, and amy backpack showed up. I hope your journey brings you more good fortune!

Culture & traditions

Following are some pointers I've learned from my experiences in Vietnam:

• Take everything you receive from elders with both hands. In doing so, you express gratitude and respect.
• Avoid pointing because it shows disrespect.
• Hold your rice bowl while eating with a family and waste as little food as possible. In Vietnam, there are still many families who do not have enough to eat, so it is considered wasteful to not consume the entire portion.
• You may occasionally run into kids who want to sell you something or beg for money because poverty also affects children. Giving them money and buying things from them will only make the situation worse. Regardless of how well-intentioned you are, these kids need to be in school. Giving them cash encourages them to carry on selling or begging.
• Be ready to encounter multitudes of (honking) scooters. You will get used to it, even though at first it might feel like a culture shock (as it did for me).

Itinerary (north-south)

With the exception of Saigon, separate articles have been written for each location with additional details and advice.

Destination 1. Hanoi (2 nights)

You can decide to stay here for 2 or 3 nights, depending on what time you land in Hanoi. Spending 1.5 days in the old town center to see the various highlights worked for me. You will be glad to seek peace after spending 2-3 nights in the north because it is so busy and chaotic there.

Things to see and do in Hanoi:

• Train Street (be aware, it's not fully accessible for tourists anymore)
• Long Bien Railway Bridge
• Joseph Cathedral
• Ngoc Son Temple
• Trấn Quốc Pagoda
• Prison museum
• Woman museum
• Statue of the liberator Ho Chi Minh

Accomodation: Rising Dragon Estate Hotel (chose this one to relax a little bit after a long journey, 7,5/10).

Local kitchen:

• Phó Bo (noodle soup with beef)
• Bun Cha
• Egg Coffee

Destination 2. Sapa (2-3 nights)

You can travel from Hanoi to the northern mountain town of Sapa by bus in about 6.5 hours using the Sapa Express. Here, you have the option of taking a (multi-day) trek through the rice fields or using a scooter to explore the fields on your own.

Depending on the time of year you travel, the rice fields will vary in their level of beauty. Winter brings more calm but also a lot more cold and mist. The views aren't always as breathtaking as you might anticipate from Google, and the rice fields are then covered in mud. Better months include March/April or September, for instance.

Homestay

But what makes Sapa unique is the presence of numerous ethnic minorities who live in the mountains. I made the decision to arrange a homestay with a Hmong family in order to gain a better understanding of their way of life. A fascinating cultural encounter!

You could skip Sapa and only complete the Ha Giang Loop if you only have three weeks instead of four. Here you will also pass by some rice fields.

Accomodation: Hmong House Sapa

Journey: 6 hours from Hanoi (Sapa Express)

Destination 3. Hà Giang Loop (4 nights)

The Ha Giang Loop is a multi-day trek through Vietnam's mountains in the northern part of the country. The 4-day Ha Giang loop was the highlight of my trip to Vietnam  Enjoying the most breathtaking views as you ride through the mountains. The best part is that the views improve in beauty every day, so keep in mind that "there's always a better view ahead" It's almost impossible to describe the sensation of traveling through these stunning landscapes on two wheels.

The route with its numerous stunning corner combinations is even more of a treat for scooter and motorcycle enthusiasts. Practical transportation advice and knowledge of the Hà Giang Loop are crucial for getting ready for this adventure! Read more about the Hà Giang Loop here.

Accomodation: Hong Hao Hostel (1 night, the other nights you'll stay in small villages in the mountains)

Journey: 7-8 hours from Sapa (mini limousine bus)

Destination 4. Cat Ba (Ha Long Bay) - (3 nights)

Ha Long Bay's limestone formations, which are found in the Gulf of Tonkin, are a true wonder of the world. There are over 1,600 limestone islands that offer the most stunning views from all directions. an area of land that is rightly acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A boat excursion is the only practical way to observe the limestone rocks. From the nation's capital, Hanoi, many visitors opt to go on day trips or longer journeys. An extended journey typically includes overnight accommodations on a more opulent vessel or a bigger cruise ship. You take a bus from Hanoi to Ha Long City, where you arrive and board at the city's harbor. However, there is a way to get away from the masses and find calmer seas!

Accomodation: Secret Garden Hostel (not my best hostel experience)

Journey: 12 hours by sleeperbus from Hà Giang

Destination 5. Ninh Binh (Tam Coc) - (2-3 nights)

Surrounded by the scenery of a typical Asian food product advertisement? You can experience it in the Vietnamese countryside close to Ninh Binh as long as it is not raining or misty! During the rice season, lush green rice fields surround the rock formations, which tower above the surrounding terrain.

In Ninh Binh, you can easily keep yourself busy for two days. Since most attractions are not close to one another, you should rent a scooter or bike and explore the area. Immersing yourself in the towns, villages, and countryside is the best way to discover the area.

Things to do:

• Renting a scooter and exploring Vietnam's countryside
• Hang Mua Viewpoint
• Bich Dong Pagoda
• Temple complex Bai Dinh
• Boat trip

Accomodation: Banana Tree Hostel

Journey: 4.5 hours by bus from Cat Ba

Destination 6. Hue (2 nights)

Hue was an imperial town that was crucial in the terrible American War of the 1970s. The imperial city is Hue's main attraction, but there is still more to discover about the American War. Something that I wholeheartedly urge everyone to do in order to get a better view of how the country redeveloped itself the past decades. 

DMZ Tour

During the DMZ tour, you will visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is the border between North and South Vietnam. The tour lasts from roughly 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, so you should allot a whole day for it. I thought it was well worth it. Learning more about the conflict between the former capitalist South and the former Communist North is an absolute necessity. My admiration for the Vietnamese people has risen a lot as a result.

Other highlights in Hue:

• Abandoned waterpark
• Imperial City (Citadel)
• Stroll through the Thuy Xuan neighborhood and enjoy the unity that the colors in the shops radiate
• Visit tombs and temples
• Discover the madness at Dong Ba Market

Accomodation: Amy 2 Hostel

Journey: 11.5 hours by sleeperbus from Ninh Binh

Destination 7. Hoi An (3 nights)

De stad die door UNESCO erkend is voor op de werelderfgoed lijst: Hội An. Na mijn bezoek aan dit prachtige stadje begrijp ik maar wat goed waarom; evenals de veelgehoorde zin: “Ik kan hier zo nog een paar dagen langer blijven!”

Wat je onder andere kunt doen:

• Cooking class (I did it at Bay Mau Eco Cooking)
• Boat trip (including a wish lantern)
• Old town (city center)
• Get custom-made clothing
• Eat the best banh mi sandwich at Banh Mi Phuong
• Walk through the night market
• Rent a bike and ride to Thanh Ha Pottery Village.

Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass should not be missed whether you are traveling from Hoi An to Hue or the other way around. An approximately 160KM scooter route with a number of highlights and, to top it off, an additional +/- 30 minute route through the mountains with views of the coastline. A Top Gear-recommended route! Driving yourself and having your belongings transported by bus is the simplest option, but you can also ride with an Easyrider. Style Motorbikes allows you to drive yourself while they take care of the transportation of your luggage.

Accomodation: Backhome Hotel & Bar

Journey: +/- 5 hours by de scooter via the Hai Van Pass

Local kitchen:

• Mi Quang: Noodles from their own region, delicious!

Destination 8. Da Lat (2-3 nights)

Da Lat, the capital of Lam Dong Province, which is situated in the south-central highlands of Vietnam. Da Lat is located at a height of roughly 1500 meters above sea level. It is the perfect place to stop off on your trip through Vietnam because you may stay here for up to two days before continuing on to Hoi An in the north or Mui Ne or Saigon in the south.

7 things to do in Da Lat

• Renting a scooter
• Night Market
• Clay Tunnel
• Visit waterfalls!
• Crazy House
• Magic Lake
• Maze Bar

Accomodation: Tigon Hostel

Journey: 15 hours by sleeperbus from Hoi An.

Destination 9. Mūi Né (2-3 nights)

The southern Vietnamese beach town of Mūi Né is well-known for its sand dunes. It's a perfect place to unwind on the beach while visiting Vietnam. Mūi Né is an excellent location to stay for a couple of days whether you're just beginning your trip through Vietnam or are nearly finished.

The white and red sand dunes are the main attractions in Mūi Né. You may briefly experience the sensation of being in the Sahara with nothing but sand all around you. Online descriptions, however, might exaggerate how impressive it is.

And . . .

• Relaxing at the beach
• Kitesurfing
• Visit the fishing village
• Sunrise and sunset

Accomodation: iHome Backpackers Resort

Journey: 5.5 hours by bus from Da Lat

Destination 10. Saigon (2 nights)

The journey through Vietnam will conclude in the large, chaotic southern city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Because it is much more modern and has many more high-rise buildings than the rest of Vietnam, you will notice the contrast right away. Two nights here were fine in my opinion. I skipped the Cu Chi Tunnels because I had already learned a lot about the conflict. You will save half a day as a result, which you can use at the center.

Mogelijkheden:

• War Remnants Museum (possibly including Cu Chi Tunnels)
• Experience the hustle and bustle on Bui Vien Walking Street
• Go to the large local market to score your last souvenirs
• Walk through the city and enjoy the chaos with all the scooters
• Have a full meal by ordering a bành mi from Huynh Hoa
• Street food, broken rice is a local specialty served in many places.
• Independence Palace
• Enjoy the views at a Skybar

Accomodation: City Backpackers Hostel

Journey: 5.5 hours by bus from Mūi Né

South-North

Starting in the south and moving north is another option. My preference is still for north-south because the north's natural beauty is unmatched by that of the south.

Possibilities

This route is merely one of the innumerable options available to you. You must make decisions within a window of up to 30 days, unless you want to buy more time by entering Laos and then leaving again with a new visa.

I still want to visit Vietnam's biggest waterfalls in the north, for instance, but a 30-day route would put me too far from them. Phong Na, Da Nang, and Nha Trang are still options in central Vietnam, while many island lovers can travel to Phu Quoc in the south to enjoy the sun.

Good luck planning your route!

Kevin

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