Tips for Vietnam
- Get travel insurance, I recommend Safety Wing (link)
- Buy a cheap e-SIM before arrival (link)
- To book ferries, buses, flights, etc. use 12go.asia (link)
- Visit Vietnam November to April
- For taxis use Gojek, Grab (check discounts)
- If you stay long, you can easily buy a motorbike as a tourist for 250-400 USD. But traffic in Vietnam is the worst I’ve ever seen so don’t drive if you’re inexperienced
- For my maps you need internet so save places on Maps.me to navigate offline
Hanoi
The Best Tours
Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip
Join a unique rowing boat trip to visit three caves, have a Vietnamese lunch and bike to traditional villages. Visit Hoa Lu, an ancient capital, Mua Cave, and enjoy panoramic views of the countryside and Ngo Dong River.
1-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise w/ Titop Island & Luon Cave
Escape Hanoi and discover Ha Long Bay, the Ha Long Warf, Sung Sot Cave, and the tranquil Ti Top Island. Kayak at Luon Cave, and swim in the blue waters of the crescent-shaped Titov beach.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa
Located close to Train Street and Lenin Park, this hotel provides designer stores on site, a pool, a coffee shop/cafe, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Indulge in a Thai massage, a body scrub, and a manicure/pedicure at the onsite spa. There is a a bar on site as well as a gym.
Mid-Range: La Cascada House & Travel
Located close to Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi La Cascada House & Travel provides a terrace, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services. The rooms have air conditioning, sound-insulated walls and a refrigerator.
Hostel: Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel
This hostel offers a fantastic vibe, boasts a rooftop bar, provides complimentary breakfast, features air-conditioned rooms, and ensures privacy with beds equipped with curtains.
Or find your own accommodation
Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon
The Best Tours
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour
Explore the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels and get a glimpse into the beauty of the Mekong Delta. Experience some of the best Vietnam has to offer, with a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Mekong Delta & Vinh Trang Pagoda Tour
Immerse yourself in the local culture of the Mekong Delta on this guided tour from Ho Chi Minh City. Experience sampan riding along scenic waterways, tour a coconut farm, and visit Vinh Trang pagoda.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Mai House Saigon Hotel
Located close to War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace, Mai House Saigon Hotel provides a poolside bar, a terrace, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Treat yourself to a massage at the onsite spa. Enjoy a meal at the two onsite restaurants. Guests can also find other amenities such as a bar and a gym.
Mid-Range: SOHO Residence & Hotel
This aparthotel features a garden, a Smart TV with cable channels, and a kitchen with a refrigerator and a stovetop. Guests can appreciate conveniences like a washing machine and a dining table, and other amenities include a balcony and a rainfall shower.
Hostel: Mobylette Saigon Hostel
Mobylette Saigon Hostel offers a fantastic vibe, boasts a rooftop bar, provides complimentary breakfast, features air-conditioned rooms, and ensures privacy with beds equipped with curtains.
Or find your own accommodation
Hoi An
The Best Tours
Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class
Experience everyday rural life in Vietnam on an eco-friendly tour from Hoi An. Visit a local market, explore a coconut palm forest by bamboo basket boat, and take part in a hands-on cooking class.
Imperial City, Hue: Tour from Hoi An and Da Nang
Discover the ancient Imperial City of Hue on a guided day trip from Da Nang and Hoi An. Explore all of the historic attractions that were once home to the Nguyen Dynasty.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Bay Resort Hoi An
Located close to Chua Cau and Hoi An Night Market, Bay Resort Hoi An provides a swim-up bar, a poolside bar, and a coffee shop/cafe. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a hot stone massage, Ayurvedic treatments, or reflexology.
Mid-Range: Hoian Delicacy Hotel
Make use of the on site coffee shop/cafe, bar, outdoor pool and garden. Indulge in a body wrap, a Thai massage, and a manicure/pedicure at the onsite spa. Enjoy a meal at the two onsite restaurants. Rooms offer laptop-compatible safes and laptop-friendly workspaces.
Hostel: Hoi An Love.Ly Hostel
Nestled in a prime location, this hostel offers a vibrant social atmosphere, curated activities, complimentary breakfast, air-conditioned accommodations, and beds with privacy curtains, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for guests.
Or find your own accommodation
Phú Quốc
The Best Tours
3 Islands Full-Day Snorkeling Tour
Discover an island paradise off the south coast of Phu Quoc and snorkel at 3 different spots in the Gulf of Thailand. Marvel at the marine life and coral formations, and enjoy an onboard lunch.
Kayaking with Starfish Beach and Bee Farm Tour
Discover the wonders of north Phu Quoc on this explorative tour. Walk amongst 100-year-old trees, kayak on the majestic Cua Can River, visit a fishing village, and spend time relaxing on the beach.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Salinda Resort
This resort provides a free breakfast buffet, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and a poolside bar. With a private beach, beachfront dining, and kayaking, this resort is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Indulge in a Thai massage, a body wrap, and reflexology at the onsite spa. Yoga classes are offered at the gym; other things to do include ecotours. Guests can find other amenities such as a terrace and an art gallery on site.
Mid-Range: Kingo Retreat Resort Ong Lang
A terrace, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services are just a few of the amenities provided at Kingo Retreat Resort. Treat yourself to a deep-tissue massage or other spa services. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool and a children’s pool as well as a bar and a gym.
Hostel: 9 Station Hostel
This hostel exudes an inviting ambiance, featuring organized activities like yoga. They have a pool table, and a lively bar. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, relax in air-conditioned rooms, and rest assured with beds equipped with privacy curtains.
Or find your own accommodation
Sa Pa
The Best Tours
Muong Hoa Valley Trek and Local Ethnic Villages Tour
Trek through the Muong Hoa Valley and enjoy panoramic views over the rice terraces. Hike along the Muong Hoa River and learn about traditional customs and cultures of different mountain ethnic groups.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Aliana Boutique Sapa Hotel & Spa
Take advantage of a rooftop terrace, shopping on site, and a garden. Take some time to relax at the onsite spa. Be sure to enjoy a meal at the onsite local and international cuisine restaurant. In addition to a library and dry cleaning/laundry services, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool and children’s pool.
Mid-Range: Botanic Sapa Hotel
Take advantage of a terrace, a library, and dry cleaning/laundry services at Botanic Sapa. The onsite restaurant, Botanic, features international cuisine. The rooms have sound-insulated walls, bathrooms with rainfall showers and air conditioning.
Hostel: Lustig Hostel
With its social atmosphere, array of organized activities, optional breakfast service, air-conditioned rooms, and beds featuring privacy curtains, this hostel caters to both the adventurous and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Or find your own accommodation
Da Nang
The Best Tours
Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains, and Am Phu Cave Tour
Enjoy a half-day tour to Lady Buddha, Monkey Mountain, Marble Mountain, and Am Phu Cave with a small group from Da Nang.
Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills Full-Day Tour
Ride Asia’s longest cable car on a trip to Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge from Da Nang or Hoi An. Admire the panoramic views of the forest, then enjoy access to over 90 activities at Fantasy Park.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Pullman Danang Beach Resort
With a white sand beach, beachfront dining, and free beach cabanas, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. Treat yourself to a hot stone massage, a facial, or a body scrub at The Nang Spa, the onsite spa. Enjoy international cuisine, garden views, and a poolside location at the two onsite restaurants. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities like kayaking, windsurfing, and beach volleyball.
Mid-Range: Seahorse Signature By Haviland
Enjoy a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool, a coffee shop/cafe, and dry cleaning/laundry services. All rooms offer perks such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and printers.
Hostel: The Backpacker Hostel & Spa
Ideal for solo travelers seeking a relaxed atmosphere, this hostel offers a chill vibe complemented by a rooftop bar, pool table, and refreshing pool. Although breakfast is not provided, guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms and beds with privacy curtains for a comfortable stay.
Or find your own accommodation
Ninh Binh
The Best Tours
Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave Day Tour
Explore Ninh Binh and explore 4 of the most beautiful destinations in Ninh Binh: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An boat trip, and Mua Cave viewpoint. Admire the beautiful architecture and statues on the tour.
Cuc Phuong National Park Tour with Lunch
Explore the tropical green forests and biodiversity of Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s largest nature reserve, on a guided half-day tour with hotel transfers from Ninh Bình and lunch included.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh
A poolside bar, a coffee shop/cafe, a terrace, and mini golf are just a few of the amenities provided. Active travelers can enjoy cycling at this resort. Treat yourself to a body scrub, a facial, or a massage at La Cochinchine, the onsite spa. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 3 onsite restaurants, which feature a poolside location and garden views.
Sydney Mid-Range: Salina Hotel Ninh Binh
At Salina Hotel, you can look forward to a terrace, dry cleaning/laundry services, laptop-friendly workspaces, air conditioning and a restaurant.
Hostel: Green Mountain Homestay
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with assistance in local activities, featuring amenities such as a pool table, pool, and bar, along with complimentary breakfast, set in a picturesque location, offering air-conditioned rooms and beds equipped with privacy curtains.
Or find your own accommodation
Da Lat
The Best Tours
Countryside Tour with Silk Village & Elephant Falls
Explore the natural beauty, culture, and traditions of Dalat. Visit a vast waterfall with mysterious deep caves, admire the weird and wonderful Crazy House, and taste a variety of coffee types.
The Finest Accommodation
Hotel: Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa
A poolside bar, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden are just a few of the amenities provided at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa. Treat yourself to a massage, a body treatment, or a facial at La Cochinchine Spa, the onsite spa. Guests can find other amenities such as a playground and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Mid-Range: Greeneco Da Lat Hotel
You can look forward to a coffee shop/cafe, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar at Green Eco Hotel Dalat. The onsite restaurant, Vườn Đá, features garden views and al fresco dining.
Hostel: Pretty Backpackers House
Experience a pleasant ambiance with structured activities, complimentary breakfast, and an excellent location.
Or find your own accommodation
Phong Nha
The Best Tours
Phong Nha National Park Guided Tour with Lunch
Embark on a guided day trip from Phong Nha to explore Phong Nha National Park. See Paradise Cave as Paradise Cave, enjoy ziplining in Dark Cave, kayaking along Chay River, and enjoy a tasty lunch.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Victory Road Villas
This villa features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar/lounge. Free cooked-to-order breakfast is provided. Additionally, a snack bar/deli, a sauna, and a coffee shop/cafe are onsite. All villas have free WiFi and feature kitchenettes with refrigerators, stovetops, and microwaves. Guests will also find balconies or patios, dining areas, and flat-screen TVs.
Mid-Range: Karst Villas Phong Nha
You can look forward to a free grocery shopping service, a terrace, and a garden at Karst Villas Phong Nha. Enjoy onsite activities like ecotours and hiking/biking. All 11 individually furnished rooms include comforts such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, as well as amenities like late night room service.
Hostel: Phong Nha Tuan Garden House
Ideal for solo travelers seeking a social atmosphere, this location boasts a vibrant vibe with an excellent onsite restaurant, along with a bar, pool table, and pool for entertainment. Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast, air-conditioned rooms, and a prime location.
Or find your own accommodation
Hue
The Best Tours
DMZ Tour with Vinh Moc Tunnels and Khe Sanh Base
Visit some of the most important historical relics from the Vietnam War on a DMZ tour from Hue. Hear the war’s untold story at the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Sanh, Ben Hai River, Dakrong Bridge, and more.
City Highlights Tour with Entry Tickets and Lunch
Set off for a highlights tour of Hue. Discover the Imperial Citadel and Tomb of Khai Dinh King and Minh Mang King, pray at the oldest pagoda in Hue, and enjoy Hue Cuisine.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Azerai La Residence
At Azerai La Residence Hue, you can look forward to a poolside bar, a children’s pool, a playground, a terrace, and shopping on site. Treat yourself to a body treatment, a Thai massage, or aromatherapy at Le Spa, the onsite spa.
Mid-Range: Meliá Vinpearl Hue
You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. Treat yourself to a Thai massage or a body treatment at Vincharm, the onsite spa. Other amenities include a hair salon, an indoor pool, a meeting room and laptop-friendly workspace.
Hostel: Hue Happy Homestay
With a lively social atmosphere, this place provides engaging activities and amenities including a mini-bar, complimentary breakfast, and a prime location. Additionally, guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms with beds featuring privacy curtains.
Or find your own accommodation
Cat Ba
The Best Tours
Advanced Rock Climbing & Cliff Jumping Boat Tour
Get a thrilling adrenaline rush with this adventure boat tour from Cat Ba for experienced climbers. Clamber up limestone cliffs, and when you’re ready, jump off the cliff into the deep water below.
Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay Kayak & Snorkel Boat Tour
Explore the islands, limestone formations, and caves of the amazing Lan Ha & Ha Long Bay on a boat and kayak tour from Cat Ba. Relax on Ba Trai Dao Beach and discover the rich underwater world around it.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Hôtel Perle d'Orient Cat Ba - MGallery
Indulge in a body treatment, a facial, and a Swedish massage at the onsite spa. Enjoy a meal at the two onsite restaurants. Guests can find other amenities such as a beach bar, a poolside bar, a children’s pool, a terrace, a garden and laptop-friendly workspaces in the room.
Mid-Range: Catba Papillon Garden Bungalow & Resort
This resort provides free breakfast (local cuisine), a poolside bar, a coffee shop/cafe and free bicycle rental. Adventurous travelers may like the mountain biking and rock climbing at this hotel. Treat yourself to a massage or other spa services.
Hostel: Catba Buffalo Hostel
Experience a relaxed ambiance with curated activities, a bar, complimentary breakfast, and a superb location. Plus, unwind in air-conditioned rooms for added comfort.
