Just got back from over 2 weeks in Vietnam, traveling by train and bus from Ho Chi Minh all the way up to Hanoi with many stops in between. Heres some of my recommendations from the trip
Sections
5
Hanoi (and surrounds)
Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
More!
Extra Info
Hanoi (and surrounds)
Located in North Vietnam. I wont lie its not my favorite city but its a great jumping point to beautiful surroundings if thats your thing
On West Lake and adjacent to the Golden Lotus Pagoda in Hanoi, youll be staying in one of the nicest parts of Hanoi
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake by IHG
If you can swing it, the Ha Giang Loop is a MUST. Dont worry- the motorbikes arent as scary as you think!
From Hanoi: 3-day Ha Giang Loop - Small group
This hotel was given a treasured Michelin Key- a new category similar to Michelin stars but for hotel stays
Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi - MGallery
Ha Long Bay is also a must- an easy side trip from Hanoi- I recommend staying over night!
2-Day: Halong Lan Ha Bay 5 Stars Cruises w/Balcony & Bathtub
Some cant miss spots while youre in Hanoi
11 must-see attractions in Ha Noi
Ninh Binh is said to be the Ha Long Bay of the land
Hanoi: Ninh Binh- Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave - Best seller
If you can only do a day trip, heres an idea
Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise with Buffet, Kayak, Swim
Call me lame but I love a good isnta pic and the incense village is in fact,a good insta pic
From Hanoi: Incense Village, Conical Hat and HaThai Art Tour
Sapa is a gorgeous spot famous for its rice terraces
From Hanoi: 2-Day Sapa Trekking Trip with Homestay & Meals
Ive said this in previous lists- but I think a food tour is THE way to see a city
Hanoi: 7 Tastings Street Food Tour with Train Street
Hanoi is famous for this water puppet show- if you can, check it out!
Hanoi: Water Puppet Show Tickets
You can book your vietnamese train tickets online- or in person bbut be prepared they may not speak much english at the station
Tổng Công Ty Đường Sắt Việt Nam - VNR
Hoi An
My favorite city in Vietnam. A must visit!!
the four seasons properties are always expensive but I feel like I just have to put them on
Four Seasons The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
A guide to some of Hoi An's best photo spots
The 15 Best Spots to Take Photos in Hoi An
a cheaper but just as beautiful hotel and with a salt water pool!!
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
Hoi An is small enough you can see many of its best Old Town sites in a day!
Hoi An Self Guided Walking Tour – Hoi An On Your Own
If youve spent anytime researching Vietnam you may have seen the famed coconut boats- well here they are!
Hoi An: Basket Boat Ride in the Coconut Forest
Hoi An is famous for its tailored clothing shops (usually with a turn around of 24-72 hours!)
Tailoring in Hoi An: Must-try experience in the ancient town
If youre charmed by the city of lanterns- you may want to make one of your own!
Hoi An: Vietnamese Foldable Lantern Making Class
Hoi An is known as the city of lanterns, and youll soon see why!
Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern
Learn how to make the famous egg coffee yourself (dont be scared its SO GOOD)
Hoi An: Vietnamese Coffee Culture and Coffee Making Class
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
South Vietnam. You can use Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon interchangably as its name. Most people who live there still call it Saigon
located on the Saigon River this hotel was recently gifted a Michilen Key (like a Michelin star but for hotels)
Villa Song Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (updated prices 2025)
Another day trip option- but with the addition of the Mekong Delta!
Ho Chi Minh: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour
If you want a European feel within South East Asia then look no further
Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (updated prices 2025)
A guide to the cafes within the famous Cafe Apartments of Saigon
Café Apartment Building in Saigon - An Insider Guide 2025
If you take no other day trip while youre in HCMC let it be this one
From Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day Tour
See the sites of Saigon in one go! (its probably hot though so pack sunscreen!)
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh (map included!)
If Contemporary is more your vibe then youll love this stay in HCMC
The Myst Dong Khoi, Ho Chi Minh City (updated prices 2025)
More!
Other places I visited and recommend
Okay its ab it off the beaten path but just look at this resort, if you can, why not?
An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay
I neevr actually got to go to Da Nang- so I feel like I missed out big time!
Da Nang: Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains, and Am Phu Cave Tour
Hue is the imperial city and this is an imperial stay
Azerai La Residence, Hue - Hue - Book a MICHELIN Guide Hotel
Go ahead and see the famous golden bridge (and the weird theme park its part of!)
From Da Nang/Hoi An: Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
Nha Trang is another seaside town (I mostly spent the time getting beauty treatments and treating myself!) but if youd like to sightsee
Nha Trang City Half-Day Tour
Did you know Vietnam actually has excellent beaches and seasides?
South Phu Quoc: Pro Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat
I cant really explain what Vin Pearl is like, youll just have to see for yourself
Nha Trang: VinWonders Entry Ticket with Optional Cable Car
If youre in Nha Trang, the mud baths are a ‘cant miss!’
Nha Trang: Coral Reef Snorkeling, Mud Bath & Floating Bar
Phong Nha has an amazing cave systems and was honestly one of my favorites, if not my favorite day of my trip
Hue is the imperial city- why not explore its royal corners
Hue Walking Tour to Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City
Extra Info
Visas and other important info
I basically just learnt Hello, Thank you and Very Pretty and it was super helpful!
Vietnamese Phrases
Most countries will need a visa to visit vietnam. This is the official website. Yes I know it looks like its straight out of 2005 but its the real one I promise NOTE: if you search for a vietnam visa other websites will be above this one in google- those are Private services and will charge you more. THIS Is the official website.
Vietnam evisa - National portal on Immigration
I personally cant live without an esim. If youre like me, heres an option! They also sell at the airport but its..intense (youll be swarmed by simcard sellers)
Vietnam: Tourist SIM Card with Mobile Data 5G/4G by Viettel
If you fall in love with egg coffee like I did, heres a recipe so you can make it at home!
Vietnamese Egg Coffee (Ca phe trung)
A guide so youre prepped for all the best Viet food!
21 must-try Vietnamese dishes
You can book your train tickets online here(or in person-- just be prepared they may not speak much english at the station)
Tổng Công Ty Đường Sắt Việt Nam - VNR
Grab is basically like uber- use it to call rides or for food delivery when youre in town!
