You’ve come to the perfect spot if you’re searching for the most excellent backpacking route in Vietnam!

One of the best travel destinations is Vietnam, a cheap and charming Southeast Asian country. It is a vacation that won’t break the bank because of its rich history, varied scenery, and reasonably priced but delectable food.

In and of itself, Vietnam’s food scene is a pleasant adventure. In addition to being excellent, the food—which varies by region—is also surprisingly reasonably priced and nutritious. A foodie’s dream come true!

In the order I traveled from south to north, here is my tour to several of the most incredible places in Vietnam (you can reverse this if you’re traveling from the other way).

The city of Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a popular place to visit first in Vietnam. I had my first taste of delectable Vietnamese food in this busy city. The sandwich known as banh mi is thought to have originated here, so be sure to sample it.

You may learn a lot about Vietnam’s history at places like the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels, which provide information on the Vietnam War (referred to as “the American War” in this country), which is my favorite aspect of HCMC.

In addition, Ho Chi Minh City has several stunning French colonial structures. If you like reading, it’s helpful to know that a whole street (Book Street) is devoted to bookshops.

Delta of Mekong

The Mekong Delta is a day trip destination south of Ho Chi Minh City, but I chose to spend a few days in Can Tho since there is much to see there.

The Mekong is Southeast Asia’s longest river, and the area around it is stunning. You may tour little towns, go to floating markets, take a cruise, and sample delectable regional cuisine.

Riding a bicycle through rice fields and communities in the Mekong Delta was one of my favorite activities. The busy HCMC is quite different from this area!

Mui Ne

Resorts on the coastline make up this upscale beach destination. It has dunes to play on and is a well-liked spot for kite surfers.

There is less revelry in this tourist town than in Nha Trang (see below). If you want a relaxing place, Mui Ne is one of Vietnam’s finer beachy locales.

Da Lat

Da Lat is a charming and eccentric place with more Vietnamese visitors than Westerners. Part of what makes it so remarkable is that it’s a well-liked local attraction.

Walking around Xuan Huong Lake, going to the Truc Lam Buddhist temple, Elephant Falls, and the Linh An Pagoda, as well as seeing the Crazy House—which is, in fact, crazy—are some of the top activities.

Despite being caught in the rain, I enjoyed exploring the area on a scooter I leased here for a day. If you want to hire a scooter, wear a helmet for safety and make sure you understand the local traffic laws.

Trang Nha

Though it tends to have a more substantial party feel, this is another well-liked beach location. Although Nha Trang has some beautiful beaches, I generally felt it was a touristic, sleazy substitute for the much better Mui Ne and Hoi An. Known for its exciting nightlife, the city may become quite busy at certain times of the year.

Don Yok

Just looking for one location in Vietnam that was really off the beaten path led me to Yok Don National Park. Given how few visitors visit Yok Don year, I can claim that it meets the criteria.

Accessing it might be challenging, but if you do, you can enjoy some privacy and tranquillity away from the backpacker mob.

Stay: Ask at the headquarters when you arrive since the lodging is connected to the park. Bring a companion since it’s a little pricey for a backpacker travelling alone!

Hoi An

I adored Hoi An! Thousands of colorful lanterns adorn the streets of this serene city, making it breathtakingly gorgeous.

Hoi An is known for its custom-made clothing and accessories, which you may purchase in addition to seeing the Old Town and visiting Chinese temples. Hundreds of tailor businesses can create whatever you may imagine.

Renting a bike and seeing the area was something else I enjoyed doing here. For instance, the distance between the beach and the city center is about 0.6 miles (4 km).

Hue

Bun bo Hue, a soup I wanted to eat, was why Hue was on my agenda. I discovered a peaceful city rich in antiquity. In a sense, it was almost eerie.

The Imperial City, built in 1803 and functioned as Vietnam’s capital under the Nguyen dynasty, is the town’s most well-known feature. This is a must-see location for history buffs; there’s much to see here!

Phong Nha

My favourite non-urban place in Vietnam was Phong Nha, but my favorite city was Hoi An.

This little village is surrounded by picturesque rice fields and undulating, unusual rock formations that give it a dreamlike atmosphere. In addition, there were caverns for swimming and amusement. The residents waved peace signs and were warm and inviting. It’s a little bit of heaven.

The fact that so few travellers arrive here has made a significant impact. Stop by this park, hire a motorcycle for a few days, and go on adventures if you’re a nature lover.

Ninh Binh

The region of Ninh Binh, two hours south of Hanoi, is well-known for its breathtaking scenery. Cycling through the countryside, hiking Han Mua Peak, and cruising in Trang An are some of the top activities here.

The fact that most tourists choose Tam Coc over the unappealing city of Ninh Binh is encouraging. I can attest that Tam Coc is nicer after comparing the two places, something I was unaware of while I was there.

Hanoi

The welcoming cafés and eateries in Hanoi are among my favorite features of the city. For instance, Café Giang is well-known for its regional specialty, egg coffee. Although many people like it, I must say that I didn’t. If you’re ever in the area, give it a try.

Hanoi is also renowned for its shopping at upscale shops and top-notch markets around the city and its intriguing blend of East and West, with French architectural elements still evident in colonial-era structures and charming, tree-lined alleys.

Additionally, it serves as the starting point for northern destinations like Ha Long Bay and Sapa, which are essential stops on any hiking route throughout the nation.

Bay of Ha Long

Signs promoting two to three-day excursions to Ha Long Bay, well-known for its breathtaking scenery of limestone cliffs rising straight out of the ocean, are unavoidably visible around Hanoi. The tours may range in luxury and cost and often include at least one night on a boat and one on an island.

The Oasis Bay Party Cruise is an option for parties at night and exploring Ha Long Bay during the day. See which of the many Hanoi tour companies can provide you with the most terrific deal on the trip of your choice if you’re looking for something more upscale. Obtain many quotes and haggle.

Sapa

In Vietnam, walking in Sapa and spending the night in a Hmong community is essential. It’s an opportunity to view some of the most stunning rice fields and get a local perspective.

Along with the Hmong, the Red Dao, the Tay, the Giay, and the Xa Pho call Sapa home. Every one of them follows a fascinating culture and set of practices.

After taking the overnight bus from Hanoi, my companion and I leased a scooter in Sapa for a few days. Unfortunately, the January weather left us soaking wet after our treks and visits to Hmong communities! (That being said, the weather will be better, and you will witness stunning golden rice fields if you visit Sapa during the harvest season, which runs from September to early October.)

Along with the Hmong, the Red Dao, the Tay, the Giay, and the Xa Pho call Sapa home. Every one of them follows a fascinating culture and set of practices.

Giang Ha

Starting at Ha Giang, near the Chinese border far north of Vietnam, the three-day motorbike circle This area has friendly people, old mountain villages, and breathtaking scenery.

If you’re uneasy riding a bike, you may hire a so-called “easy rider,” a local tour guide riding his motorcycle.

Phu Quoc

South of Vietnam and nearer Cambodia lies the island of Phu Quoc. I can’t highly suggest it since I haven’t gone.

However, since it’s pretty relaxed and boasts some of Vietnam’s loveliest beaches, I want to include it here. Add it to your schedule based on how near it is to Cambodia and how beautiful the shoreline is (please come back and remark on your experience!).

Tips for Transport

Most visitors to Vietnam must obtain a visa. Obtaining an e-visa, which costs $25 for a single entrance or $50 for a multiple-entry visa, is the most effective method for Americans and most other countries.

There are several convenient methods to travel around Vietnam in terms of transportation:

Buses: 

Mostly, I travel by bus, which often includes a snack and is rather pleasant, with flat beds for longer or overnight trips. It is also easier for them to make last-minute reservations around the Lunar New Year than by taking the train.

Trains:

The most common way to travel around Vietnam is by train. Although they are likewise quite pleasant, reservations must be made well in advance for occasions like the Lunar New Year.

Motorcycle:

Another frequent activity is buying and riding a bike from top to bottom of Vietnam or vice versa. Naturally, the benefits include freedom and adventure. Additionally, it’s hard to think of leaving such an event without at least a few positive tales to share. On the other hand, you may also arrange to hang out with the mechanic, travel extensively throughout Vietnam, and crash. You could be fortunate and be able to purchase a bike in Hoi An, which is in the heart of the nation since sometimes people give up and sell their bikes halfway through.

Taxis:

If you choose the correct firms, taxis are an excellent alternative in urban areas. To stay safe from scams, I advise using Grab. It functions similarly to Uber, and you can order a bike instead of a car, which is less expensive.

Vietnam is a tasty and potentially enjoyable adventure. Additionally, it’s a no-brainer for backpackers traveling throughout Southeast Asia due to the country’s affordability and ease of access.

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