Highlights of Vietnam
In late 2018 through mid-2019 I spent seven months in Southeast Asia, primarily following the traditional “backpacker” route through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
I shared a bit about this in a recent post, but I really want to spend some time talking about these countries in depth and all of the incredible sights to see, the amazing food, cultural immersions and experiences, and more. One of the best things about this region is that you can get a lot for your money - travel costs for Europe continue to increase especially after the height of the pandemic. But Southeast Asia remains a great value for travelers who can stay in 4-5 star properties at a much lower rate than in Europe or the Caribbean. While the flights can be longer (and may include a stop or two along the way), the cost of flights is also comparable to what you’re paying to travel to Europe these days. So if you are considering traveling somewhere new and have time to travel halfway around the world, I would highly recommend thinking about Southeast Asia.
It’s hard for me to say which part of Southeast Asia that I’ve visited is my favorite, but Vietnam is probably at the top of my list (or at least tied for first place). American tourists can apply for a visa for up to one month so I stayed exactly one month, traveling from North to South Vietnam with many stops along the way. This is a traditional way to see the country and many travelers follow a similar path with slightly different itineraries depending on how much time they have and what they want to see.
Northern Vietnam: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Sapa - Ninh Binh
Hanoi is the largest city in Northern Vietnam and likely where you will fly in or out of. The central part of the city retains much of its colonial past in the architectural details. The city is rich with culture and history, beautiful tree-lined boulevards, and narrow streets that go every which way. There’s so much energy in this city and it is exhilarating, and a bit overwhelming.
There’s a lot of history to see while you are in Hanoi, much of which can be seen on a walking tour of the city’s Old Quarter. Take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake in the center of the city, visit the Temple of Literature (I saw Morgan Freeman filming a documentary when I was there), and stop by a café (or two) to try Vietnamese coffee.
To really experience the city like a local, hop on a scooter. You can join a scooter tour to see the sights around Hanoi or you can also use the local version of Uber to hop a scooter ride wherever you want to go. It is quite a rush getting around the city this way!
Where to Stay: La Siesta Premium Hang Be or Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the most iconic hotel in Hanoi
From Hanoi, there are some truly beautiful places to explore.
If you like hiking, definitely take the trip up to Sapa for guided hiking in the mountains, this is the furthest north in the country you can travel, close to the Chinese border. Travelers will typically travel overnight one-way between this region and Hanoi via night train. Excursions to Sapa can include meeting the area’s ethnic hill tribes such as the Hmong.
No matter your level of adventure-seeking, Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay are not to be missed. Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, it’s totally worth going. Stay on a junk boat overnight and see the most spectacular landscapes around the bay. Stargaze from the boat deck at night. Kayak around the bay. And just be in awe of this beautiful place. For a similar experience, but on land, you can visit Ninh Binh which features similar rock formations as Halong Bay. There’s opportunities to kayak, hike, or just relax in this stunning place.
Central Vietnam: Hue - Hoi An - Danang
Depending on how much time you have in Vietnam, there are a few areas in the central region worth adding to your itinerary. Consider adding one or two (or more!) depending on your length of stay:
If you’re a history and culture junkie, include a stop in Hue to see the Imperial palaces that are scattered around the cities. Hue was the original capital of Vietnam (until 1945) - visit the Imperial Citadel (a UNESCO heritage site) to see what was once the home of many dynasties before traveling around the rest of the city to other palaces and tombs.
If you’re looking for a charming, Instagram-worthy city, then Hoi An should be on your list. The old town is also a UNESCO heritage site filled with various shops and local crafts. And all of Hoi An is incredibly bike-friendly. Take a bike tour to see parts of Hoi An beyond the city center, cycling through the rice paddies or towards the beach.
Danang has recently become known for luxurious beach resorts so if you’re looking for a little R&R and resort vibes during your time in Vietnam, make a stop here for a few days before traveling on to the South.
With more time, travel further south to Nha Trang or Mui Ne. Both are coastal towns with luxurious resorts. While Nha Trang feels like a bigger resort area, Mui Ne is a charming seaside town known for windsurfing, its fishing village (best seen early in the morning), and its stunning sand dunes (also best seen at sunrise).
Where to Stay: Stay at the Anantara Hoi An, a French colonial boutique hotel close to the city center. In Hue, stay close to the Imperial Citadel at the Indochine Palace.
For luxurious resort vibes: Six Senses Ninh Van Bay in Nha Trang, Anantara Mui Ne or the Intercontinental in Danang
Southern Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Mekong Delta
After falling in love with Hanoi, I was convinced I wouldn’t like Ho Chi Minh City. I was totally wrong. Although the cities are vastly different, HCMC is vibrant, modern, and full of rich history (much of it very recent). While Hanoi feels like an old city, HCMC feels relatively youthful. There are aspects of colonial architecture to see here such as the Old Saigon Post Office, the Continental Hotel, and the Opera House and City Hall. In comparison, Reunification Hall (formerly the Presidential Palace) is a mid-century modern building that now serves as a Vietnam War-era museum - it was the building that North Vietnamese tanks seized in April 1975 when Saigon fell. And I would highly recommend a visit to the War Remnants Museum which houses exhibitions from both French and ‘American’ wars. Also worth a day trip from HCMC is the Cu Chi Tunnels which gives visitors a very close look at how guerilla warfare was fought during the ‘American’ war. (Spoiler: the tunnels are NOT for those who get claustrophobic!)
From HCMH, it’s easy to visit the Mekong Delta. Perfect for an overnight stay (or longer if you have time) - we can add in a homestay with local families or suggest cycling tours around the region’s rice paddies. And a trip here must include a visit to the floating market in Can Tho which happens around sunrise - you’ll see vendors selling their fruits, vegetables, coffee, and noodle soups from their boats. It’s an experience like no other!
Where to Stay: The Reverie Saigon - located in the vibrant District 1, this is the city’s tallest hotel where rooms have striking views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Many American travelers have experience going to Europe and feel quite comfortable organizing trips there. In my experience, Southeast Asia may feel a bit more difficult to plan for a first-time visitor. This is why you want to work with a travel advisor, particularly one who has spent time in the region and is familiar with the destinations, how to get around, and can serve as a guide to help you plan an incredible trip. I also have some great partners I work with that help me build these amazing itineraries and supply knowledgeable guides and 24-hour travel support once my clients are in Asia. Rest assured we’ve got you covered from planning the trip to your return! Even if Vietnam or SE Asia, isn't on your wish list for 2023 or 2024, I would love to craft a proposal for whichever destination you are dreaming of!
Depending on the amount of time you have and your interests, we can craft the right itinerary for you. Whether you are into food, history, cultural immersion, adventure, or just relaxing, Vietnam offers something for everyone!