Exploring Vietnam
Vietnam is the kind of place that constantly keeps you on your toes. Whether you’re weaving through the energetic chaos of Hanoi’s streets or unwinding on the white sand beaches of Da Nang, there’s always something new to discover. It’s a country full of contrasts, from the fast-paced urban life with motorbikes zipping by to the serene countryside dotted with rice fields and dramatic limestone peaks.
The food alone is worth the trip. From slurping down steaming bowls of pho at a street stall to savoring a crispy banh mi filled with all sorts of delicious surprises, every meal is an adventure. And the coffee! You’ll never look at iced coffee the same way again after trying egg coffee, the perfect mix of strong coffee, sweet condensed milk, and (yes) an egg.
From the breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay to the vibrant floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is a country that offers a little bit of everything. The occasional hiccups—like crossing streets where traffic seems to flow in every direction—just add to the adventure. By the time you leave, you’ll already be thinking about your next visit.
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• Vietnam travel tips •
Having the right essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, stress-free trip. Here’s a list of must-haves to keep you prepared and ready for whatever Vietnam throws your way!
- Grab an eSIM from Airalo
- Book a hotel: Booking.com or Hostelworld
- Avoid foreign transaction fees with a Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card
- Find tours and experiences on Viator
- Want to rent a car? DiscoverCars has you covered
- Protect your personal info with ExpressVPN
- Get travel and health insurance with Visitors Coverage
Guidebook: Lonely Planet is my go-to for detailed guidebooks, and their Vietnam guidebook was just updated in October 2023. Win!
My Vietnam Travels
As I write this (September 2024), I’m currently in my second visit to Vietnam. The first time was November 2023, where I traveled around for a month. Then I decided to come back the next year as part of my digital nomad adventures, and parked myself in Da Nang for 3 months.
During my trips to Vietnam I visited the following places: Hanoi, Ha Giang, Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc/Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong delta. I stayed in hostels, homestays and AirBNBs while traveling around mostly by VIP bus. I saw ancient temples, amazing mountains, modern skyscrapers, and tons more!
What’s also great is how budget-friendly everything is. You can stuff your face with amazing food and stay in comfortable places without breaking the bank. For instance, I traveled for 4 months in Vietnam for under $100/day in 2023 (and you can go much lower depending on where you stay and what activities you do!). In 2024 I stayed in one city for 3 months straight and snagged a really nice apartment near the river for under $500/month.
I’ve really enjoyed my visits to Vietnam, but it’s not without its quirks! This page has all the articles I’ve written about traveling Vietnam on a budget as a solo female “cozy backpacker,” plus some recommendations for your own trip.
Vietnam Tours
Nervous about traveling alone? Just want to hang out with some people while exploring a country? Book a group tour! Bonus: having a travel guide who can give you ALL the info about what you’re looking at, while you’re looking at it, AND knows the best places to have dinner.
Contiki Adventures
If you’re between 18 and 35 and love making new friends while exploring the world, Contiki’s your go-to tour company. They’re known for being highly social and packing in tons of adventure—whether it’s Europe, Asia, or somewhere else. Think of it as traveling with a friend group that’s just as pumped as you are!
Featured tour: Vietnam Experience
G adventures
G Adventures is perfect if you’re all about authentic experiences and small groups, but without giving up the adventure part. Their trips take you all over the globe—from trekking in Peru to exploring the African savanna. They welcome everyone from fresh graduates to seasoned explorers, so no worries if you’re not 22 and backpacking anymore!
Featured tour: Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Encounters Travel
Encounters Travel is all about diving deep into culture and adventure. Whether it’s camel riding in Egypt or exploring remote corners of Asia, their tours are for people who want more than the usual touristy stuff. Plus, their groups are a mix of ages, so you’ll fit right in whether you’re 25 or 55 and ready for your next adventure.
Featured tour: Vietnam Encounters
All Vietnam Posts
