Vietnam is one of the most rewarding countries in Asia for travelers. A narrow 1,650 km-long country hugging the coast, it offers incredible diversity — from the misty mountains of the north to the tropical Mekong Delta in the south, with world-class food at every stop.
Hanoi (3-4 Days)
Old Quarter
The beating heart of Hanoi. 36 streets named after the trades historically practiced there — Silk Street, Silver Street, Paper Street. Walk, eat, and immerse yourself in the organized chaos.
Must-See
- Hoan Kiem Lake: The spiritual heart of Hanoi. Walk around at sunrise for tai chi practitioners
- Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first national university (1076 AD), a peaceful oasis
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The preserved body of “Uncle Ho” in a Soviet-style marble building
- Train Street: Houses line either side of active train tracks — cafés serve drinks as the train passes meters away
Hanoi Food
- Phở: Beef or chicken in aromatic broth — Phở Gia Truyền is legendary
- Bún Chả: Grilled pork with noodles — the dish Obama ate with Bourdain
- Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): Whipped egg cream on Vietnamese coffee — try at Giang Café
Ha Long Bay (2 Days)
1,600+ limestone karsts and islands rising from emerald waters. Overnight boat cruise is the best experience — kayaking, cave exploration, swimming, and sunset views. Budget cruises from $80-120/person.
Alternative: Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba Island) — equally stunning, far fewer tourists and boats.
Hoi An (3 Days)
Ancient Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site frozen in time — Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls, and French colonial buildings. At night, hundreds of lanterns illuminate the riverside streets. The town is most magical after dark.
Tailoring
Hoi An is famous for custom-made clothing — have suits, dresses, and shoes made to measure in 24-48 hours at a fraction of Western prices. Budget: $80-150 for a custom suit.
Beaches
An Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach — relaxed, beautiful, and far less developed than other Vietnamese beach towns.
Ho Chi Minh City (2-3 Days)
Sights
- War Remnants Museum: Powerful, emotional exhibits about the Vietnam War
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Claustrophobic underground tunnel network used by the Viet Cong
- Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office: French colonial architecture
- Ben Thanh Market: Bustling market for souvenirs and street food
Food Scene
- Bánh Mì: The world’s best sandwich — Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa is the most famous
- Cơm Tấm: Broken rice with grilled pork — the city’s comfort food
- Bún Thịt Nướng: Vermicelli noodles with grilled pork and fresh herbs
Route Overview
| City | Duration | Transport | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | 3-4 days | Fly in | — |
| Ha Long Bay | 2 days | Bus/tour from Hanoi | $80-150 |
| Hoi An | 3 days | Train or fly to Da Nang | $15-40 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 2-3 days | Fly from Da Nang | $30-50 |
Practical Tips
- Visa: E-visa available for most nationalities ($25, 30 days)
- Budget: $25-45/day is very achievable (street food $1-3, hostel $5-10)
- Motorbike: Rent one ($5-8/day) but traffic is intense. Consider Grab (ride-hailing app)
- Crossing the street: Walk slowly and steadily — traffic flows around you. Don’t stop or run.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam is the kind of country where a $1 bowl of phở can be life-changing, where random strangers invite you for tea, and where the scenery shifts from mountains to coastline to delta in ways that keep you constantly amazed. It’s raw, real, and absolutely wonderful.
