Vietnam Isn’t Just a Stop on the Map
Vietnam surprised me. I thought I’d just find cheap hostels and backpackers everywhere. But it was more than that. The best places to visit in Vietnam are not always the ones in guidebooks. Food keeps pulling you back, and this Vietnam travel guide can only scratch the surface. Random corners look like postcards, especially in Hanoi where the list of things to do never seems to end. The pace of life changes every few hours of travel, and that’s what makes exploring Vietnam unforgettable.
If you’re heading there for the first time, you might feel lost. So here are a few travel hacks I wish I knew earlier, along with the best places to visit in Vietnam.
Hack 1: Say a Few Local Words
Even if you butcher the accent, people appreciate it. A simple “xin chào” (hello) or “cảm ơn” (thanks) opens doors. I tried it with a banh mi seller in Hanoi, and she smiled like I was family. Worth it.
Hack 2: Book Flights Before You Regret It
Vietnam is huge. A bus ride between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City? Too long. Like, 30+ hours long. Flights are cheap if you grab them early. VietJet, Bamboo Airways… take your pick. Don’t wait until last minute.
Hack 3: Things to Do in Hanoi
Most people start in Hanoi. It’s loud, busy, and oddly calming at the same time. If you’re wondering what to do first, here’s my personal list of the top 10 things to do in Hanoi:
Early morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
Egg coffee (sounds strange, tastes good)
The chaos of the Old Quarter
Temple of Literature stroll
Traditional Water Puppet Show
Pho at a small corner shop
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Rooftop bar view over the city
Street banh mi
Day trip to Ninh Binh
Honestly? The best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam aren’t always in guides. Sometimes it’s just walking aimlessly.
Hack 4: Keep Small Notes
Everything’s cash-heavy. You’ll need change for street food, buses, even coffee. Big bills can be annoying for small stalls.
Hack 5: Stay Overnight at Ha Long Bay
Day trips are rushed. Everyone goes at the same time. I stayed overnight on a boat once, and waking up to the sunrise there was unreal. Kayaking, quiet mornings, less crowd. Ha Long Bay deserves slow time.
Hack 6: Don’t Fear Street Food
Yes, hygiene worries are real. But street food is where Vietnam shines. My tip? Follow the locals. If there’s a queue, it’s safe.
Some must-tries: pho in Hanoi, banh mi in Hoi An, bun bo Hue in Hue, fresh spring rolls anywhere. Cheap, quick, and honestly better than restaurants.
Hack 7: Pack a Scarf or Light Jacket
Vietnam’s weather changes quickly. North feels different from the south. Add temple visits and overly cold bus rides, and you’ll be glad you carried something light.
Hack 8: Go to Hoi An at Night
Hoi An during the day is cute. At night, when lanterns glow, it feels special. The whole town changes mood. If you like photos, you’ll love it.
Hack 9: Give the South a Chance
Don’t just stop in Hanoi and call it a trip. Ho Chi Minh City has its own rhythm. Coffee shops tucked in old apartments, nightlife that never sleeps. And then the Mekong Delta—slower, calmer, full of boats and riverside life.
Hack 10: Learn to Cross the Road
Traffic looks impossible. Bikes everywhere, no one stops. But if you walk steady and don’t panic, they’ll move around you. It feels risky at first, but it works.
Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
Here’s a quick round-up of highlights:
Hanoi – culture, food, chaos
Ha Long Bay – limestone cliffs, cruises
Sapa – rice terraces, trekking
Ninh Binh – caves, boat rides
Hue – historical city
Da Nang – beaches and the Golden Bridge
Hoi An – lantern nights, tailor shops
Ho Chi Minh City – fast life, hidden cafes
Mekong Delta – floating markets
Phu Quoc – island escape
These are not just spots on a list. Each one feels different.
Vietnam Travel Guide: Quick Basics
Visa: Get an e-visa online, it’s straightforward
SIM card: Cheap and easy at the airport
Transport: Grab app works well for taxis
Budget: $25–40 a day if you travel simple
Weather: North and south vary a lot
A Note on Experience
I’m not writing this as a professional guide. I just learned through trial and error. I paid too much for a taxi once. I got lost in the Old Quarter. I also had the best bowl of pho from a nameless stall. That’s what makes Vietnam stick.
FAQ
1. What’s the best time to visit Vietnam?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) are comfortable.
2. Which city is better, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?
Depends on your style. Hanoi feels more traditional. Ho Chi Minh is busier and more modern.
3. How many days should I plan?
At least 10–14 days if you want both north and south.
