Vietnam holds a very special place in my heart. Not only was it one of the first countries I ever visited as a solo traveller , it’s the country that triggered my desire to quit law and travel the world. In fact, I adore Vietnam so much that when I hit an all-time travel low last year, I bolted there to re-charge my travel batteries and fall back in love with life on the road.
With all of that in mind, it’s about bloody time I wrote a thing or two about this long stretch of land in Southeast Asia.
This article isn’t intended to be an all-out detailed guide to the country, more of a taster of what to see in Vietnam during a first visit . This is a fairly long list and although there is much more to see, these are the places that are likely to be on your first-trip hit-list. You won’t be able to cram them all in during such a short visit (not in any sensible way, at least) so I have suggested some itineraries at the end for what to see in Vietnam in 2 weeks depending on your interests.
Ho Chi Minh City
Want to know what to see in Vietnam in 2 weeks? Read on…
As cities go, HCMC is quite unlike any other city in the world and that is one of the reasons I love it so much. A place where chaos prevails, the roads defy grid systems in every way they can and a (pleasant) surprise waits around every corner, you could literally spend months exploring this vast city and still not get fully under its skin. Although it can quickly get under yours.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
There are plenty of top sights in HCMC. You’ll find a good list of them here. For a blend of cultural immersion as well as some sightseeing, here are my favourite things to do in HCMC.
Learn to cross the road
My first emotion on arrival HCMC was fear. Not because the country is full of thieves and rapists – on the contrary, I felt very safe amongst the people, but on account of the roads. Having spent a fair amount of time in HCMC, I can confidently say that if you can cross the roads there, you can cross them anywhere in the world.
For an entire day in HCMC when I arrived, I had to limit exploration to one side of the road because I was simply too scared to cross. Unlike most other countries around the world, the traffic simply doesn’t stop in Vietnam which means that there is only one things to do when it comes to roads and that’s step straight out into the streaming traffic.
It’s advice that flies in the face of every road safety rule you’ve ever been taught, but it is the only way (there is a slow introduction of traffic lights but they are not common). And when that streaming traffic is comprises of hundreds (literally on occasions) of motorbikes, that’s a pretty scary prospect.
Here is the road crossing advice I was given by a local:
– step calmly (?!) into the traffic.
– walk at a steady pace – no running!
– have confidence that the drivers will go around you.
I confess I had a few cocktails before crossing my first road (not the most sensible approach but an effective one for raising my fear levels). I took the advice and (touch wood for superstition) I’ve not been mowed down yet. In fact, I knew I had graduated from Vietnamese Road-Crossing School when, on my second visit, a group of westerners followed me (practically holding onto me) as I crossed the road.
As the rule should go in Vietnam: if in doubt, step out!
Visit the War Remnants Museum
Of all the sights I saw in HCMC, the War Remnants Museum was the one that stuck in my mind the most. I’ve visited a few war memorials around the world including Pearl Harbour and Hiroshima and HCMC’s museum is another that will stay with me for a long time. There is a fair bit of propaganda material within the museum but there is no escaping the harsh realities and imagery of what went on during the Vietnam War. Don’t expect to come out of this museum skipping with joy, but it is a valuable experience nonetheless.
Have sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar
If you want to shake off the remnants of the War Remnants Museum, then pick one of the city’s rooftop cocktail bars at sunset. I went to the Sheraton and sipped on some delicious pink berry yumminess. But that wasn’t the best part – watching the expanse of city lights come on as the sun goes down is a pretty spectacular sight – I took the skyline picture above from the top of the Sheraton. On my next visit I’d like to check out the rooftop at The Rex where all the journalists and correspondents holed up during the war – the picture above of The Rex was taken from the top of the Sheraton.
Drink Vietnamese coffee
I have a coffee addiction, no two ways about it, so I was in coffee Heaven when I was in HCMC. At first, I assumed that the Trun Nguyen chain of coffee houses seemed was the local version of Starbucks – they were, after all, on every street corner, and so I avoided them. However, when I asked a local where she went for coffee, she pointed to Trun Nguyen and told me they served the best coffee in Vietnam. I visited the next day and couldn’t agree more. Never have I tasted such velvety smooth, rich and bold yet creamy coffee. The prices are western but the taste is out of this world. Visiting Trun Nguyen fast became my guilty pleasure in Vietnam. For the record, I didn’t try the local equivalent of Kopi Luwak that had come out of a Weasles bottom.
Visit the Ben Than market
If you’re looking for a knock-off copy of just about any brand, you’ll find it in the Ben Than market. But that isn’t why I like it there. The market is also home to an amazing array of fruit, vegetables and, best of all, stalls serving up food. Bag some rambutan (above – similar to lychee) and mangosteen but be careful if you’re going to try the infamous durian fruit as most hotels won’t let you bring it onto their premises because of the stench. From the food stalls, try an avocado smoothie (seriously good) and some fresh spring rolls (pictured above).
Seek out some street-side Bia Hoi
Speaking of consuming things, one of my favourite discoveries on my second trip to Vietnam was bia hoi. Locally brewed draft beer that has a high turn-over meaning you get fresh beer each day, this drink is served from small bars where the patrons huddle on sidewalks sat on child-sized plastic chair and around similarly minuscule tables while motorbikes whizz on by. Find the right places (they are dotted all over) and there’s no better way to do as the locals.
Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
As if the War Remnants museum wasn’t enough, it’s possible to day trip from HCMC out to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a large warren of tunnels built by the Vietnames during the war. Not only did thousands of Vietnamese live in the tunnels during the war, a lot of the combat went on down there (hence the phrase “Tunnel Rats” to refer to western soldiers who entered the tunnels on search and destroy missions). The place is pretty spooky but also fascinating, and can be reached in less than an hour from HCMC.
Day trip to the Mekong Delta
I was in two minds whether to include this. I took a day trip from the city to visit the floating markets of the Mekong Delta but was honestly very disappointed by the experience. I booked a tour through my hotel and it wasn’t great. Not only was the market over by the time we got to the river (I suspect you need to stay near the river to see it in full swing because it’s a morning market and it takes hours to get to the river from the city), the rest of the day involved going from one tourist selling stop to another. The Mekong Delta held promise, just do more research than I did, ideally visiting for longer than a day, and try not to take one of the popular package tours offered from HCMC.
A note on Saigon: many of the locals still refer to HCMC as Sigon and won’t be offended if you do too.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
On a budget: I stayed at Phan Am Backpackers Hostel which was clean and well located (the street sushi stall was a short walk away).
For hotels: Here’s a list of the 10 best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (according to Trip Advisor). On my bucket list are Rex Hotel and the Sheraton, both mentioned above
Nha Trang
I had high expectations for Nha Trang, ever since I read about it as a place that was used for R&R during the war. It sounded like the perfect retreat from the city and I had a somewhat romanticised view about this stretch of coastline. What I got felt like a slap in the face.
What to do in Nha Trang
Party with other foreigners
Nha Trang in two words: party central. Not only that, I couldn’t help feel that Nha Trang represented an unhealthy blend of tourist/local integration. Backpackers (and a large number of Russian package tourists!?) flock to Nha Trang to get wasted on cheap booze and the locals seem to dedicate their every waking hour to helping the travellers achieve that hedonistic goal. To me, it felt like the Koh Phangan of Vietnam. Don’t get me wrong, I like to party as much as the next person but I’m not a huge fan of party places where the ratio of those partying is 95% backpackers and package holiday makers. I can party with that many English people in England.
Soak up the sun
Beyond the party scene, the beach was nice enough though there are definitely nicer spots in Southeast Asia (the beach in Nha Trang is met by a main road). It also pays to go in high or shoulder season.
I visited in low season and not only was the beach closer to grey looking and headed by cloud, the monsoon rains were punishing.
Related article: The Highs and Lows of Low Season Travel
Visit Vin Pearland
The unexpected highlight in Nha Trang was a day out at Vin Pearland, a theme park on an island just off the coast. As amusement parks go, Vin Pearland is kinda retro – think wooden roller coasters, dodgem cars and a big ship rather than the high-octane rides found in the USA. For me, that was part of the place’s charm – good old-fashioned fun!
The water park was also a hoot though borderline dangerous (take care – the rides are fast and I don’t think any health and safety rules have been adhered to as I found out as I nearly slid over the edge of the slide). But perhaps the best part that makes Vin Pearland worth every Dong (I’m not being rude – it’s the local currency) is the beaches which are traffic, pollution and hawker free zones – bliss!
There is a light show at night, which is good enough to stay for, though I’d highly recommend leaving 10 minutes before the end to avoid the massive queues that form when everyone tries to get off the island at the same time.
You can reach Vin Pearland by taking a local bus to the ferry/cable-car dock and from there you can choose which way (boat or cable car) to get to the island. I’d recommend the cable car for fantastic views.
Take an Easy Rider tour up the coast
Easy Rider is a company that offer the opportunity to hop on the back of a motorbike (which is driven by a guide) and take off up the coast. This stretch of Vietnam is so beautiful that it’s worth exploring on the back of a bike by day (otherwise you’ll likely be travelling in the dark on a night bus or train).
I didn’t take the bike from Nha Trang, I took one from Hue, but based on the touring information I’ve looked at and feedback from other travellers, this looks like it might be a better place to take an Easy Rider from. Note: We were a large group but you can arrange tours with just one or two people.
Where to stay in Nha Trang
On a budget: I stayed at Mojzo Inn, which is in the heart of the action, just a few blocks from the beach and is great for meeting other people if you want to party. If you’re looking to be a bit further away from the hustle of the main drag, check out the sister property,Mojzo Dorm which is still well-located but in a slightly quieter spot.
For hotels: Here’s a list of the 10 best hotels in Nha Trang (according to Trip Advisor) with Mia Resort Nha Trang and Intercontinental Nha Trang both winning the Travelers’ Choice Award.
Hoi An
Hoi An is by far my favourite place in all of Vietnam…and probably Southeast Asia.
What to do in Hoi An
Wander around the Old Town
A curious combination of colonial French and Vietnamese, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has certainly earned those stripes. Wander through the streets, which are lit by an array of Chinese lanterns at night, and its easy to pretend you’re in an exotic eastern fairytale. Don’t miss the Japanese bridge and make sure you spend some time exploring the temples – there are plenty of them.
Shop for silk
As an old trading port for silk, Hoi An has literally hundreds of shops selling made to measure…everything. It’s an attraction that pulls in people from around the world. Each time I’ve visited, I’ve had beautiful clothes made. If you want more information about shopping for silk in Hoi An, check out my article complete with shopping tips.
Visit the beach
Around 10 minutes by motorbike or taxi from the Old Town, you can reach a beautiful beach dotted with circular fishing boats. There are a growing number of hawkers trying to relieve you of your Dong (again, I’m not being rude – it’s the name of the currency), but nothing compared to what you’ll experience in Nha Trang, which is what makes this a good beach choice in Vietnam. Arguably more so than Nha Trang.
Take a boat trip on the river
Carving up the centre of Hoi An is a winding river and if you’re able to gather some people together to share the cost (and fun), head down to the dock and hire a boat for an hour. Try to go at sunset. Kick back, pop open a beer and watch the fishermen at work as your skipper steers the way.
Take a day trip to My Son
My Son is an ancient Cham religious site from the 4th century. Although the temples at My Son are largely in ruins, some of them remain pretty intact and if you’re unable to make it to Cambodia, this is going to be your best alternative to Angkor Wat (though don’t expect My Son to be anywhere near as staggering).
The two things that raised my eyebrows – i) the temples have stood for centuries without using any form of mortar and even to this day scientists can’t figure out how the temples have stayed standing without it; and ii) the site was very heavily bombed during the Vietnam War and there is extensive crater evidence still at the site.
Hoi An Warning: in just a couple of years between my first and second visits to Hoi An the hassle-factor has increased exponentially. That upset me a lot as much of the Old Town’s charm lay in it’s peacefulness. Be prepared to be hassled and shouted at a lot (I used to put my headphones in – that cut the hassle down a lot).
Also, the Nha Trang crowd inevitably passes through Hoi An so the nightlife is growing and westernisation comes with it. If nothing else, visit now before this place becomes over popular (if that tipping point hasn’t been passed already).
Where to stay in Hoi An
On a budget: Sunflower Hotel Hoi An is a popular choice located between the old town and the beach and most of the city’s backpackers tend to congregate there. Otherwise, there is a wealth of choice on Hostelworld including both hostels, guest houses and hotels if you want to locate yourself in the city centre.
For hotels: Here’s a list of the 10 best hotels in Hoi An (according to Trip Advisor) with Nam Hai Hoi An and Essence Hoi An Hotel and Spa both winning the Travelers’ Choice Award.
Hue
Hue (pronounced ‘Way’) is an ancient walled city that has a lot of historical significance from Nguyen Emperors through to fighting during the Vietnam war. If you’re after temples, a citadel, pagodas and palaces, Hue is for you. I certainly had a pleasant time in Hue but not enough that I felt the need to revisit when I went back to Vietnam a second time. If you’re on a tight schedule and you’re not a huge history buff, I’d honestly say there are better places to see in Vietnam in 2 weeks.
Where to stay in Hue
On a budget: Hue Backpackers Hostelis the most popular choice amongst Backpackers in Hue but you can also find a range of budget guest houses and hotels with private rooms – here’s a good selection.
For hotels: Here’s a list of the 10 best hotels in Hue (according to Trip Advisor) with Hue Serene Palace Hotel and Pilgrimage Village both winning the Travelers’ Choice Award.
Hanoi
A friend recently asked me whether I thought Hanoi or HCMC was the better city to spend time in. Personally, I prefer the city of the south, HCMC, but to help her make up her mind I described Hanoi as similar to HCMC but smaller and with fewer sights. For that reason, I’d recommend picking one or the other for your city-fix in Vietnam (my recommendation being HCMC) and giving the other (Hanoi in my view) a cursory night or two only. In fact, during my first stop in Vietnam I’ve only really used Hanoi as a jumping off point for Halong Bay. During my second visit I had a close focus on food (an excellent use of time in my book).
If you are looking to spend some time in Hanoi, I recommend checking out this travel guide by Nomadic Notes, which has a mix of accommodation recommendation, blogs to read, food to explore and, my favourite – some photo galleries to dive into.
Where to stay in Hanoi
On a budget: I stayed at Little Hanoi Hostel, which has a great location and amazing staff. However, if you’re looking for a big party scene, check out Hanoi Party Backpackers Hostel. Otherwise, you’ll find a full selection go budget hotels, guesthouses and hostels here.
For hotels: Here’s a list of the 10 best hotels in Hanoi (according to Trip Advisor) with the Oriental Central Hotel and the Essence Hanoi Hotel and Spa both winning the Travelers’ Choice Award.
Halong Bay
Saving the best for last, Halong Bay is without a doubt one of the biggest highlights of any trip to Vietnam and my visit didn’t disappoint. Even though the sky was grey and the water unseasonably cold, those two days and one night I spent amongst the limestone karsts of Halong Bay will stay with me until I die. For hours as the light dimmed, I sat with my camera staring out at the eerie shapes that nature had taken and felt a huge wave of calm. After one day of kayaking and swimming and another visiting caves, watching the water rippling around the rocks just completed the scene. I’ve only been to Halong Bay once and was lucky enough to have an excellent group of people on my boat. We swam, dined on fish and drank beer into the night. However, not all tours of Halong Bay are created equally and you’d be wise to do some research before you book. Decide whether you’re looking for a party boat, something completely tame or something in the middle. Also consider cost – there is a reason there are huge price gaps between the different tours, most notably explained by the size, style and comfort of the boat facilities, the activities included in your trip and the food served. You can pay as little as $50 for a day cruise to over $1,000 for a luxury stay on the water. Although a day tour may be tempting for cost reasons, I’d really recommend stretching to stay at least one night to see the sun set and rise over the scenery.
I took my trip with Intrepid Travel, which currently costs £160/$240 for a two-night trip. The accommodation was top-notch (I had my own bunk) and the food was some of the best I’d eaten in Vietnam – cooked by the crew onboard. Best of all, it was a brand I trusted and knew I wouldn’t be gambling with my trip. You can find details of Intrepid’s Halong Bay Junk Cruise here.
Where to stay in Ha Long
On a budget: If you’re looking stay in Ha Long, you’ll find a good range of budget accommodationhere.
For hotels: Here’s a list of the 10 best hotels in Ha Long (according to Trip Advisor) with the Ha Long Paradise Suites Hotel winning the Travelers’ Choice Award.
Sapa
Despite two visits to Vietnam, I’ve still not made it to Sapa, which is a shame because I really enjoyed my rice terraces time in Banaue in the Philippines. For that reason, I can’t provide any first-hand information about visiting Sapa, though I appreciate it will be on many visitor’s wish lists. For that reason, I have included Sapa in my suggested itineraries below but please keep in mind that I can’t speak directly about the practicalities of including this in an itinerary.
Related Travel Guides:
Have you been to Vietnam? Anything to add/any other tips? Let me know in the comments below.
Really great post.I really love this post.pictures are really nice.
Thanks 🙂
It was really a comprehensive articles on your trip through Vietnam. Thanks for spreading the love, and yes, Ho Chi Minh City is awesome! If you ever come back, I would highly recommend Phú Yên.
Thanks for the tip – I popped on my must visit list 🙂
Very nice article for those travelling to Vietnam to read, what i like best about your post is that I did exactly your program! Well, my trip last year was 2 days shorter, but surprise with the match!
Thanks for sharing Jo,
Amazing – we should compare other itineraries. Maybe we are travel twins, which would be cool because then we could split the itinerary work 🙂
Very helpful article! My boyfriend and I will fly into HCMC tomorrow and we will spend 2weeks in Vietnam! We will definitely follow your tips and suggestion!
Awww, have an AMAZING trip – happy to help!
Any thoughts about Phu Quoc? I’m planning a Vietnam trip, and would like to snorkel if there is an opportunity. Did you come across any snorkeling options in Nha Trang (or Hoi An, for that matter)? Also, I’m planning all the internal travel (Saigon – Da Nang – Hanoi) by air (cheaper than train tickets). Do you think that’s a good idea?
Hi Ankit, I didn’t get to Phu Quoc so can’t comment but if you’ve read that there’s good snorkelling there, I’d say go for it because I didn’t come across any snorkelling trips in Nha Trang or Hoi An. That’s not to say you can’t snorkel there just that neither seemed to be much of a snorkelling destination. As for flights, I’ve flown a couple of times in Vietnam and it was fine. Of course, you miss the beautiful scenery but if you’re alternative is night trains, you won’t see much anyway and it can make sense on a short trip. Hope that helps! Have an amazing time!
Awesome blog. I am travelling to Vietnam next month and was literally scratching my head gathering information in bits and pieces from the Internet until I landed on this page where I think most of the information, I needed, is available. Great job! Bookmarked your blog. Thank you so much.
Thanks Ankit! Glad to help. I was just talking about Vietnam the other day – I’m very jealous and wish I was going back soon. Have an amazing trip.
I was on the fence about whether Vietnam would be a good fit for us for next year, but your post has sealed the deal. I will definitely give the night buses a swerve though! Thanks for posting 🙂
Ah, glad to help. Vietnam is one of my favourite countries. Just get used to being hassled – this has sadly increased in recent years but it can be handled with calm and patience. Have a great and bus-free visit!
I found your blog post when I searched about visiting Mt Fuji (because I’m in Japan now) in the rain but just had to make a comment on this article. I pretty much did all of those places but over three weeks, and am surprised you thought Hanoi had less to see than Saigon, I know each will have their opinion but Hanoi hands down has the more historical and cultural attractions than Saigon (which has only even been a Vietnamese city for like 400 years). I preferred the quaint Old and French Quarter and while Saigon has interesting things to see, found myself getting bored after a few days. My recommendation would be to give Hanoi 3 days and Saigon itself perhaps 2.
John, that’s interesting. I suspect my opinion is because I always start in the south and head north so I’m kind of done with cities by the time I reach Hanoi. I’ll try starting in Hanoi next time…but I’ll still always have a few nights for Saigon just because I love it so much 🙂
Astonishing article! I really really loved it! Im leaving this saturday for a 2 month trip: vietnam, Cambodia and maybe laos (i am not sure yet!) I have to say im even more excited because of your article Jo!
Im so inspired by your blog! Your article about ‘How to write a travel blog’, even got me figuring out my own travel blog which will possibly be up and running this thursday!
So if i can say one more thing, please DO keep blogging as I would love to read your upcoming adventures!
Aww, Yuri, you don’t know how well timed this comment was. Every now and then I go through a period of doubt wondering about my blog and all the time it takes to keep it updated when I could be doing other things (see the world). So, it’s comments like yours that really spur me on, knowing that I’m able to help someone have a better, easier, more informed trip. I also do hope I’ve inspired you to write a blog. Give it a go and if, in a few years, you’re having doubts about keeping it going, I can come over and share some encouraging words 🙂
And when that time for encouraging words comes, I’ll know where to find you!
I can imagine the ‘peeks and puddles ‘ that come along with a blog. I think the reward must be so satisfactory. Not because of all those followers and shares, but simply because of the awareness and respect for a people or destination, experienced travellers like you, can create among people who are (most of the time) miles away.
So in my opinion, bloggers of your level should get a huge amount of good karma, not only because of the story sharing, but for the teaching of a civilization aswell!
Keep it up, and see you on the next post!
Yuri, “peeks and puddles” – I’ve never heard that expression before but I like it a lot and find it very apt! Your words are so kind and it is so nice to know that the hours, days, weeks, months and years of effort goes to good use. I always try to remind myself that if I can enourage or help one person to travel…or blog, then my work here is done. Encourage someone to travel better and more responsibly and my work is double done..if that makes sense?! 🙂
Sapa is the highlight of my 2 weeks in Vietnam (just left the country 2 days ago). The overnight trains Hanoi/Sapa and Sapa/Hanoi (8 hours) were quite smooth – good nights sleep on the train – it was a great way to travel. SaPa is a wonderful location, lovely town and breathtaking landscape. Great treks, especially the one to Ta Phin village.
Hi Lina, thanks for taking the time to share these details with us. I definitely need to get to Sapa on my next trip to Vietnam so I’ll make a note of the Ta Phin village trek!
I agree this is the first taste of Vietnam tour…exactly what I did minus Halong Bay and Sapa. I know. I know. Both very worthy. I do plan to go back. I, too, loved Hoi An, but am afraid if I return it will sour me with it’s popularity. Great post!
Thanks, Corinne. I feel the same way about missing Sapa though a decent way to look at it is that you have the perfect excuse to return to Vietnam 🙂 As for Hoi An, it is sad that it has gotten more touristy and therefore more hassle is involved. I used it as an opportunity to explore a bit further beyond the main streets and found some amazing and excellent coffee in the process!
A very detailed itinerary! I don’t think there is much to add.
Thanks, Tara!