Vietnam
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a country with a lot of history due to the Vietnam War and Ho Chi Minh, after whom the southern city of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) is named. The republic has existed only since 1976 after the coming together of North Vietnam (former Communist) and South Vietnam (former Capitalist).
The north includes the capital Hanoi, the impressive rice fields of Sapa and a piece of UNESCO World Heritage Site with Ha Long Bay. In contrast, the southern region includes the imperial city of Hué, the famous Hai of Pass from Hué to the coastal city of Hoi An and Vietnam's largest city Ho Chi Minh City (population 9 million).
4-Week Vietnam itinerary
In this blog, I'll outline the route I that I took, share more about preparations that were needed, and offer some helpful advice about my experiences in Vietnam.
Costs for one month in Vietnam
Vietnam is a very accessible country for travellers. Besides the beautiful landscapes, delicious local cuisine and friendly people, it is also very friendly for your wallet.
Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam located in the Communist northern part of the country. Among other things, the city is known for Train Street, a narrow street where a few times a day a train passes within inches of the houses/cafes. You can read more info and tips about Train Street, local cuisine and the traffic chaos that you can expect here!
Sapa
Sapa, a town in the northern province of Lao Cai. The region is known for its beautiful rice fields. A unique piece of Vietnam, as the surrounding villages of Sa Pa are still home to quite a few ethnic minorities. Reason enough for me to go for the local experience by choosing not a hotel, but a Homestay. You can read more about that as well as the rice fields here!
Ninh Binh
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. Before you travel to the area, be sure to read this!
Hội An
After my visit to the beautiful town of Hội An: I understand only too well why; as well as the oft-repeated phrase, "I could so stay here a few more days!"
Hue
An imperial city that played an important role during the terrible American war in the 1970s: Hue. What to do there and more info on some local delicacies!
Mūi Né
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.
History class: DMZ Tour
A day that will leave many impressions. Learn more about the history of the war with America on a DMZ Day Tour, including a visit to the Vinh Moc Tunnels.
Cat Ba (Ha Long Bay)
Cat Ba Island: the place to bypass the crowds surrounding all the cruise ships at Ha Long Bay without sacrificing the stunning views of the rock formations!
Da Lat
Located in the south-central highlands of Vietnam: Da Lat and is an ideal stopover on your journey through southern Vietnam! Separate designs by creatives abound here
Travelling by bus in Vietnam
The most cost-effective way to get from A to B in this large country is by bus. I myself have used it more than regularly. To answer your questions about traveling by bus, I created this guide!
A mini Vietnam Hostel Guide
A good hostel makes for a big part of the experience during your visit to a place. To help you on your search for the perfect hostel, I created this mini guide with my hostel experiences in Vietnam.
Exploring the Vietnamese cuisine
The Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect fusion of French and Chinese influences with regional flavors and ingredients. Every food enthusiast should try these local specialties when in Vietnam!
