Vietnam is one of the most enchanting destinations in Southeast Asia.

At the end of 2024, I spent a month dedicated to discovering Vietnam and all its glory. My goodness, it was wonderful!

I was absolutely captivated by this country, so while traveling, I created a list of my favorite spots to eat, things to do and see and food to eat. Here’s my quick Vietnam travel guide to exploring all Vietnam and making the most of your time in this incredible country.

Disclaimer for mytravelslog.com

Unlike many other countries heavily driven by tourism, Vietnam maintains its authenticity, making it a true gem. The people are incredibly warm and welcoming, the nature is nothing short of breathtaking, and every city has its unique charm.

Google pins map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ApTfMgyT3hBS8TBH6

Note: All of the recommendations below are linked to their Google Map Locations for you to easily find them.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – The Dynamic Metropolis

Saigon has it all. It is known on social media for the hectic streets and crazy driving, and although that is all true, it is a place that holds charm like no other. Being one of the busiest hubs of the country, the city is filled with odd and exciting things to do.

  • Recommended stay: 2 nights

What to do in Ho Chi Minh

  • War Museum & Saigon Central Post Office – Gain insight into Vietnam’s history and admire the city’s colonial architecture.
  • Cu Chi Tunnels Tour – A famous and fascinating look into Vietnam’s war history, showcasing an intricate tunnel system used by the Viet Cong and the terrifying reality of its brutality.

Where to Eat in Ho Chi Minh

  • Ben Thanh Market – A food lover’s paradise where you can taste authentic Vietnamese street food.
  • Little Hanoi – A must-visit café for the famous egg coffee.
  • Banh Mi Bay Ho – One of the best spots for a traditional banh mi sandwich.
  • Ben Nghe Street Food – Another fantastic spot for a local culinary adventure.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh

Mui Ne – Sand Dunes & Coastal Delights

This coastal gem is famous for its golden beaches, crazy-cool red and white sand dunes, and the iconic Fairy Stream. You can go kitesurfing, explore fishing villages, or just lounge with a coconut in hand. Mui Ne’s got that perfect mix of adventure and chill.

  • Recommended stay: 2 nights
Mue Nei Sand Dunes
Mue Nei Sand Dunes

What to Do in Mui Ne

  • Sand Dunes at Sunset – The dunes are perfect for quad biking and are a great place for photos.
  • Fairy Stream –A beautiful stream surrounded by cliff rocks.

Where to Eat in Mui Ne

  • Dong Vui Food Court – A great area for local and international dishes.
  • iCafe – A cute café known for its refreshing smoothie bowls!

Where to Stay in Mui Ne

Da Lat – The City of Eternal Spring

Da Lat feels like a dreamy mix of French charm and misty mountain vibes. It is in the Central Highlands, meaning the city is all about cool weather, colorful flower gardens, and waterfalls.

  • Recommended stay: 3 nights
Dalat City
Da Lat City

What to Do in Da Lat

  • Alpine Rollercoaster – Such a fun roller coaster through the forest! There are two to see.
  • Nearby Rollercoaster Waterfalls – Do the beautiful falls after the first rollercoaster, then get the second one back!
  • Canyoning Adventure – An exhilarating activity with abseiling down waterfalls. Do this right after the Alpine Roller Coaster as its close together.
  • Weasel Coffee Farm – You can do a tour to learn about how weasel coffee is made.
  • Crazy House – A surreal architectural masterpiece you have to see to believe.
  • Swan Pedalo Rides – A cool and fun activity on the lake in the heart of town.

Where to Eat in Da Lat

  • Night Market – Markets are the heart of Vietnamese culture, with so much food and cool trinkets to peruse.
  • Maze Bar – A quirky, labyrinthine bar where getting lost is part of the fun.
  • Happy Hills Coffee – A serene café with the most stunning views over the lake.

Where to Stay in Da Lat

Hoi An – The Ancient Town of Lanterns

Hoi An is a charming ancient town, known for its glowing lanterns and cultural heritage. With it’s blend of historic temples, French colonial buildings, and riverside markets, it feels like a step back in time. This is also where you can go to get some custom-tailored clothes made!

  • Recommended stay: Minimum 3 nights
Hoi An architecture
Hoi An architecture

What to Do in Hoi An

  • Cooking Class & Coconut Boats – A hands-on experience in traditional Vietnamese cooking.
  • Vietnamese coffee making class – Learn to make the best Vietnamese coffee! I did this on a whim and loved it so much I decided to share my whole experience making Vietnamese coffee!
  • Cycling Tour – Ride through ancient houses and scenic countryside.
  • Lantern Boat Tour – A magical experience at the riverside.
  • Night Market & Temples – Great for souvenirs and cultural exploration.
  • Tailor Shops – Get custom-made clothing at unbeatable prices.
  • An Bang Beach Day – Relax at the beautiful, uncrowded beaches nearby.
  • Hai Van Pass – One of the most scenic motorbike rides in Vietnam.
  • Lotus leaf fine arts & jewellery to make your own jewellery 

Where to Eat in Hoi An

Where to Stay in Hoi An

Da Nang– The Beach City

Da Nang is an amazing blend of Vietnamese culture and a big modern city with an ocean vibe. You can go surfing and sun tanning at lunch between cafe hopping and working. There is a huge expat community here, making it perfect for nomads.

  • Recommended stay: Minimum 2 nights
The famous Golden Bridge or "Hand Bridge" nicknamed after the carved hands holding it up.
The Golden Bridge in Da Nang, Vietnam

What to Do in Da Nang

  • Pomeranian Café – The cutest puppy cafe filled with the happiest and fluffiest Pomeranian dogs.
  • The Golden Bridge or “Hand Bridge” – The super cool hand bridge!
  • Con Day Market – A big day market with lots of fresh and local food.
  • Son Tra Night Market –A hub for local street vendors and clothing.
  • Da Nang Beach – A beautiful beach for surfing, swimming, and paragliding.
  • Dragon Bridge – A beautiful highway statue that stretches across the whole bridge. It is famous for its water and fire displays at night.

Where to Stay in Da Nang

Hue – The Imperial City

  • Recommended stay: 1 night (or skip if short on time)

What to Do in Hue

Phong Nha – Caves and Nature at Its Best

Phong Nha is an underrated destination. This town is small but perfect for a short visit, packed with so many cool activities only offered here.

  • Recommended stay: Minimum 2 nights
Phong Nha Lake in Vietnam
Phong Nha Lake in Vietnam

What to Do in Phong Nha

  • Dark Cave – A fun adventure with zip lines, kayaking, and a guided tour.
  • Paradise Cave – One of the most beautiful caves in the world.
  • Duck Stop – A hilarious and fun experience where you can feed ducks.
  • Botanical Gardens – A peaceful retreat with waterfalls and hiking trails.
  • The Monkey Bridge – A hilarious obstacle course.
  • Scenic Scooter Rides – Explore the countryside by driving through and around town.

Where to Stay in Phong Nha

Ninh Binh – Vietnam’s Hidden Gem

Ninh Binh was one of my favorite spots in Vietnam. The natural beauty of this place and how the architecture is made to complement and admire the landscape is just stunning. Not to mention all the amazing things to do in Ninh Binh that truly make it a fun place to visit!

  • Recommended stay: 2 nights
The view from Trang An Boat Ride in Tam coc, Ninh Binh Vietnam
The view from Trang An Boat Ride in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh Vietnam

What to Do in Ninh Binh

  • Trang An Boat Ride – Choose the shorter route for a less exhausting yet scenic experience.
  • Hang Mua Viewpoint – Stunning panoramic views, best visited on a clear day. It is a small hike with the famous dragon.
  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – A historical treasure trove.
  • Cycling through the Countryside – One of the best ways to take in Ninh Binh’s beauty.
  • Karaoke Bus – Enjoy a fun night out with great food and music.

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh

Cat Ba & Ha Long Bay – A Must-Do Island Escape

  • Recommended stay: At least 1 night, preferably 2
  • Hideaway Boat Tour – boat tour around Catba island / Ha Long Bay – it’s expensive but worth it.

Hanoi – The Bustling Capital

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and is where old meets new in the best way possible. With its buzzing streets, centuries-old temples, and French colonial influence, there’s so much to explore. The streets are chaotic yet fascinating. Hanoi is full of energy, history, and unforgettable experiences.

  • Recommended stay: 3-4 days
Hanoi Train Street in Vietnam. With the markets and cafes surrounding the train tracks.
Hanoi Train Street in Vietnam. With the markets and cafes surrounding the train tracks.

What to Do in Hanoi

Where to Eat in Hanoi

  • Banh Mi 25 – The best Banh Mi sandwiches
  • Pizza 4Ps 
  • Hidden Gem Cafe 
  • Note Cafe – Famous and wholesome note cafe. Every inch of this cafe is covered in notes to strangers.
  • Nem Nướng Nha Trang Quế Hoa for the best cheap fresh sausage spring rolls (called chao nam dai Mach) and pork pho (called dau hu pho Mai) 
  • Bánh rán Vietnamese donuts (5 Luong Ngoc Quyen street)
  • Nem rán: Spring rolls (64 Nguyen Huu Huan Street)

Where to Stay

Ha Giang Loop – The Ultimate Motorbike Adventure

Ha Giang is a beautiful spot surrounded by nature. The Ha Giang loop is the ultimate motorbike adventure that shows you a whole different side of the country and its untouched culture. This is an absolute must-do when in Vietnam.

Ha Giang Loop lookout over the mountains
Ha Giang Loop lookout over the mountains
  • Recommended stay: 4 days (tour)
  • Ha Giang Loop Tour – This is an experience that words cannot describe.
  • Recommended Tour Companies: Bong & Mama’s

Motorbike Tips – Roads can be rough, so ensure you have experience and the necessary licenses.

Sapa – Trekking in the Misty Mountains

  • Recommended stay: 2-3 nights
  • Guided Trekking Tour – The best way to experience the stunning rice terraces and interact with local ethnic communities.
Sapa Fields
Sapa Fields

Where to Stay in Sapa

Where to Stay in Vietnam

To help you save money on accommodations, here is a list of recommendations on where to stay in Vietnam.

Booking References

These are some of my favorite companies I use and reference when traveling. They are easy to use, helpful, and have great prices. As a budget backpacker, I consistently fall back to these companies for competitive pricing and budgeting.

Booking.com – They consistently have the cheapest accommodation in every country. Whether it be hostels, homestays or hostels, it is good to check out booking for competing prices.

HostelWorld – The largest selection of hostels in any given area, along with the easiest search and rating system. They also have a chat feature allowing travelers in your booked areas to connect, which is super helpful for finding friends!

Agoda – This is also a great app for finding great hotel options and prices in Asia.

Get Your Guide – This is a great app for finding interesting attractions in any area. It is a huge marketplace for ranging tours and activities from hiking to coffee-making classes.

Airalo – For easiest and biggest variety of esims around the world. If you want to go without the hassle of finding physical sims, this is the best option to go with.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam is an adventure of a lifetime. From bustling cities to peaceful countryside, from mouthwatering street food to heart-racing outdoor activities, this country offers an unparalleled travel experience. The kindness of its people, the richness of its culture, and the breathtaking landscapes make Vietnam a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic journey.

Pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and let Vietnam amaze you!

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I’m Shannon, a game developer turned full-time traveler, hiking enthusiast, and adventure seeker. In 2024, I left my job to explore the world on a budget, sharing my adventure stories and travel tips along the way.

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