On the map, Vietnam looks like a long, thin ribbon. Along it, from the mountains on the Chinese border in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, the climate, scenery, food and even the way people speak all change. In our video we showed many sides of Vietnam, from hidden villages to bustling cities and from street food to traditions. In this guide we describe the country along the most sensible route: north to south.
The north: Hanoi, Ha Long and the mountains
Hanoi
The capital, Hanoi, with motorbikes streaming through its streets, the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter and lakeside temples, is an ideal introduction to Vietnam. The area around Hoan Kiem Lake, with locals doing morning exercises and crowded promenades in the evening, is the heart of the city. Hanoi is also one of the capitals of Vietnamese street food.
Crossing the street can feel terrifying at first; walking at a slow, steady pace lets the motorbikes anticipate your movements and flow around you.
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, with thousands of limestone islets rising from the sea, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is Vietnam’s most famous sight. The most popular way to see it is on an overnight boat tour. For a quieter alternative, try neighboring Lan Ha Bay or Ninh Binh (Tam Coc and Trang An), which offers similar scenery on land. To compare tours: tours and things to do in Vietnam.
Sapa and the northern mountains
Sapa, in the northwest, is known for the rice terraces wrapping its mountainsides and the villages of the ethnic minority communities who live there. Guided treks between villages are the best way to get to know the area.
Central Vietnam: Hue and Hoi An
Hue was the capital of the Nguyen dynasty; its walled imperial city and the royal tombs along the river are on the UNESCO list.
Hoi An, with its yellow merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and lanterns lighting up the streets at night, is Vietnam’s most romantic town. Its old town is UNESCO-listed. Hoi An is also famous for its tailors; you can have custom clothes made in just a few days.
Nearby Da Nang, with its beaches and the scenic road over the Hai Van Pass, is central Vietnam’s transportation hub.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is home to some of the largest caves in the world and deserves its own stop if you love nature.
The south: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. French colonial buildings, museums about the war and night markets are its highlights. The Cu Chi Tunnels near the city show the underground network used during the Vietnam War.
The Mekong Delta, with its floating markets, river channels and orchards, is southern Vietnam’s fertile face. Visiting delta villages by boat is ideal for seeing everyday life there.
The Vietnamese table
Vietnamese food is a reason to travel all by itself:
- Pho: The iconic noodle soup made with broth and rice noodles.
- Banh mi: A sandwich on a baguette, born of French influence.
- Bun cha: Hanoi’s grilled pork with noodles.
- Fresh summer rolls and salads loaded with herbs.
Eating at street stalls is an essential part of the Vietnam experience. Busy stalls popular with locals are usually a reliable sign.
Climate: When to go
Because Vietnam is so long, each region has a different climate:
| Region | Best time (general) |
|---|---|
| North (Hanoi, Ha Long, Sapa) | Spring and fall; winters can be cool |
| Center (Hue, Hoi An) | Spring and early summer; rain and typhoon risk in the fall |
| South (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong) | Dry season, usually winter and early spring |
On a north-to-south route, whatever season you choose, you’ll get different weather in each region, so pack light clothes plus a warm layer.
Practical info
- Visas: Vietnam offers electronic visas (e-visas) to citizens of many countries, and some nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays. Check the current rules for your passport with official sources.
- Money: The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Cards work in big cities, but you’ll need cash for street food and small businesses.
- Getting around: Domestic flights, overnight trains and buses run between north and south. Ride-hailing apps are common in cities. For flights: flights to Vietnam.
- Internet: Getting a local SIM or eSIM is easy and cheap: eSIM options for Vietnam.
Where to stay
The Old Quarter in Hanoi, guesthouses within walking distance of the old town in Hoi An and central District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City are the most convenient choices. Vietnam is known for affordable, good-quality accommodation: hotels in Vietnam.
Sample itinerary: 14 days
- Hanoi (2 days)
- Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay (1–2 days, overnight on a boat)
- Ninh Binh (1 day)
- Hue (2 days)
- Hoi An and Da Nang (3 days)
- Ho Chi Minh City (2 days)
- The Mekong Delta (1–2 days)
Final word
Vietnam is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Watch our video to take your first step into this very different world, then build your own route with this guide.
Unusual facts
- Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, and egg coffee (cà phê trứng) is Hanoi’s signature drink.
- The country is long and narrow from north to south, so on the same day it can be cool in the north and hot in the south.
- Ha Long Bay contains thousands of limestone islands and islets.
- Son Doong is considered the largest known cave in the world.
- The Vietnamese alphabet is based on Latin letters and uses a large number of diacritical marks.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- Motorbike traffic is heavy: when crossing the street, walk at a steady, confident pace and don’t stop suddenly.
- Booking taxis and motorbike taxis through an app cuts down on haggling and overcharging.
- Ha Long boat tours vary hugely in quality; very cheap offers usually mean crowded boats and short itineraries.
- Don’t drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I stay in Vietnam?
At least two weeks to see the main stops from north to south; three weeks is ideal if you don’t want to rush.
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
The north, center and south have different climates; February to April is considered a balanced time across the country.
Is Vietnam budget-friendly?
Yes. Street food, local transportation and accommodation can be cheap even by Asian standards.
