Travel Vietnam in a month
Planning a month-length trip can seem daunting at first, especially when it comes to Vietnam, one of the most desire land for traveler. If don't know where to start, start with our guide instead.
There is a reason Vietnam has become iconic among travelers in South East Asia. History Buffs can immerse themselves in the rich past of the countries capital or lose themselves in the many untouched villages which are dotted around the landscape. Foodies can spent the entirety of their trip at the dining table and still leave having tasted only a fraction of the delicious cuisine the nation has to offer. While thrill seekers can go hiking or take part in a vast array of water sports along the countries coast. Couple this with a thriving nightlife scene and some of the best shopping available in Southeast Asia, Vietnam caters for everyone. However, when a country has this much to offer planning your trip can seem daunting at first. There is no need to worry, our guide to traveling in Vietnam in one month will allow you to see all this country has to offer.
North to South
Hanoi 2 days
This is Vietnam's capital and there is no better spot to start your trip. The city has a rich history waiting to be explored by any would be travelers. The Ho Chi Minh complex is a must see in this area where you can see the leaders body, his house and a museum dedicated to him. No trip to the city would be complete without a visit to the Old Quarter, and it is from here that you can fit in a lot of what Hanoi has to offer. The Old Quarter is divided into 36 streets, if you have some disposable income you can fit in some retail therapy here. The area also has some stunning architecture for you to see (this is free of charge if you are on a budget). From here you can finish your day off by sampling some of Hanoi's delicious food in many of the nearby restaurants. If want to delve a little deeper into what Hanoi has to offer, you can check out our detailed guide to exploring Hanoi here.
Halong Bay 2 days
Once you finished up taking in the history of Hanoi, its time to travel to Halong Bay. A designated world heritage site, this area is an absolute no-brainer for those who come to Vietnam. The area has a much slower pace of life than Vietnam's cities and the views from Halong Bay are known all over the world. Its scattered islands, caves and beaches have, understandably made it northern Vietnam's number one tourist area. Once you are here you should take a boat trip to get up close and personal with the scenery. You can also spend some time on any of the various beaches here and try out numerous water sports. Also (as with any of the places you visit in Vietnam) the food here is amazing! There is a large selection of fresh seafood here for you to try so don't be afraid to dig in. You can check out our more in depth guide here.
Sapa 3 days
Sapa town was established as a French outpost in 1922 Sapa is the biggest tourist spots in the northwest. Sapa is known all over the world for its spectacular views. The town is perched overlooking a deep valley, surrounded by mountains on either side. While here you should rent a tour guide, check out the stunning country side and come face to face with the numerous hill tribes. In your down time you can head to the main square and do some shopping in the market. Some of the hill tribes sell handcrafted goods here, they make the perfect souvenir to remember this picturesque town by.
Danang 2 Days - Hoi An 3 days
Hoi An is a city steeped in history and has been largely untouched by rapid modernisation like other large cities in Vietnam. The city is well known for its amazing architecture which is mostly unchanged and allows visitors to gain a true sense of what Vietnamese life was like years ago. You can check out our guide to Hoi An here. The city is also renowned world-wide for its traditional Vietnamese cuisine. When you are here you must try the Cao Lau noodles. There are vendors selling it all over the town so picking up a tasty bowl of this dish shouldn't be difficult. If you are interested in tasting some of Vietnam's best food you should check out our guide '7 of Vietnams most delicious dishes'.
Nha Trang 3 days
If you like to chill out by the beach then Nha Trang should definitely be on your travel itinerary. This beautiful beach resort is enclosed by a series of hills that make it feel like you have been closed off from the real world. You can enjoy water sports at the beach here or visit Vinpearl Land (a large theme park). This is also one of the few areas in Vietnam with a resort feel. So, during the day things can feel peaceful and serene but once dusk begins to fall the nightlife starts pumping. Have a look at some of the other things to do in Nha Trang here.
Mui Ne 3 days
Now it's time to relax for a few days at the beach again! Mui Ne is one of the few areas in Vietnam which is similar to a resort. The building are set amongst lush gardens and the nightlife here is excellent. Tourists here outnumber the locals as the area is gaining a lot of momentum as a premier holiday destination. That being said the town has excellent restaurants and a really laid back surfer vibe!
Ho Chi Minh City 3 days
Diverse, hot, exciting- the list of adjectives available to describe Ho Chi Minh City is endless. This bustling melting pot often seems ready to explode at any second and is a must see for any traveller in Vietnam. The city has a diverse array of things to see and do. The city is definitely more westernized than other places you may have visited by this time in your trip and so offers potential visitors the chance to experience a more hybrid form of Vietnamese culture. If you get here you should head out on the town to experience the countries best night life. As well as this the city has excellent shopping and museums. You can check out our full guide to this truly amazing city here.
Mekong Delta 1 day
Moving on from Saigon you should try to spend at least a day in the Mekong Delta. The delta offers one of Vietnam's most unique experiences. You can check out the floating markets or take a trip through the various tributaries in a row boat. There are also some small rural villages and a coconut farm in the area which are fascinating to see. The tours are relatively inexpensive and are one of the highlights for any tourist.