30 days go around Vietnam 2019

Vietnam is sitting at a kind of crossroads between the Orient and southeast Asia, with an incredibly rich and varied culture and history, Vietnam has some stories to tell. Not all of them good; many people can still remember the brutal war that took place there in the 1970s – and given this, it’s amazing how quickly the country has come back onto its feet and has opened itself up to international tourists.
Now, everyone is welcome in Vietnam. There’s so much to see and do packed into this incredibly diverse country – which at some points is just a thin strip of land between Laos and the South China Sea.
Vietnam is a country of diversity: Chaotic cities and sleepy rural villages. Mountains and beaches, palm trees and pines.

[caption id="attachment_13990" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Vietnam beautiful through the frame[/caption]

 Prepare before go to Vietnam

1. Get visas: 

This one’s a little complicated. SOME (not all) nationalities get 15 days visa-free travel in Vietnam. This includes UK, some western European countries, Japan and South Korea. Some Asian countries can travel visa-free in Vietnam for longer. Tourists from the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand need a visa, no matter how long the trip is.
If you’re from a participating country but you want to stay for longer than 15 days, you’ll need a visa. If you’re not from a participating country, you’ll also need a visa.
You can get visas on arrival for up to 90 days if you’d like to stay in Vietnam for a longer time. These require a letter of invitation and can only be obtained when arriving by air.
Make sure that you look at your embassy’s website to get a full idea of the visa situation in Vietnam for your particular country.

[caption id="attachment_13989" align="aligncenter" width="600"] get a visa[/caption]

 

• Get travel insurance

This isn’t just a smart thing to do – it’s absolutely necessary. From motorbike crashes to stories of theft, we saw quite a few accidents in Vietnam.
Travel insurance is cheap, and although you hope you never need to use it, you’ll be more at ease knowing you’re covered in case of an emergency.

Climate in Vietnam

Vietnam is a long, thin country with variable seasons.
The winter can be cold in the north and it can dip below freezing in mountainous Sa Pa. In the south, it is always warm with varying levels of humidity throughout the year.
The rainy seasons also vary; it takes place during summer for the north, autumn/ winter for the central coast and summer again for the south. Typhoons can affect the central coast from August to November – although they are very hard to predict and many a Vietnam itinerary goes ahead in these months without any issues.
So basically, I’d recommend visiting in February or March. This is out of the rainy season for most of the country, it’s a bit warmer up in the north and not too hot in the south. 

Safety in Vietnam

Vietnam is generally, a very safe country – violent crime is incredibly rare. However, there are incidents of phone or bag snatching and pickpocketing, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. Do be wary when you’re there in particular – don’t wave your phone around and wear a cross-body bag rather than a shoulder bag.

Where to stay in Vietnam

Vietnam accommodation ranges from very basic homestays to hostels to five-star luxury hotels.
Hostels are located in big cities and touristy areas and are great places to meet other travelers. Dorm rooms in homestay are also around $5 or less per night.

How to get around Vietnam

The best ways to travel in Vietnam are bus, train and motorbike. Many  traveller choose to ride a motorbike so that they independ on the travel company and have the flexibility to experience time.

30 day in Vetnam

 

• Hanoi, Vietnam (Day 1-5) 

 

Hanoi is a captital of Vietnam which the most ancient capitals in the world, harboring a plethora of cultural sites like ancient pagodas, colonial buildings, unique museums, and more.
When you start your journey in the capital city of Hanoi, you may be in for a bit of culture shock. You'll witness motorbikes flowing chaotically yet synchronously through the crammed streets. The city moves to it's own beat and everyone seems happy to be there. It's a wonderful place to start.

[caption id="attachment_13992" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Hanoi, Vietnam[/caption]

Things to do in Hanoi:

Three days in Hanoi can be passed pretty pleasantly. Highlights include:

• Walking around West Lake (Tay Ho) and exploring different sides of the city 
• Visiting the women’s museum
• Exploring the Temple of Literature
• Going to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum
• Visiting the Ho Chi Minh House and the Ho Chi Minh Museum
• Seeing Hanoi’s Old Quarter by night 

The experience made me most impressed was sitting on railway drinking coffee. Coffee shop in the railway line was once mentioned as an extremely dangerous place. However, over time, this place has become more and more crowded, especially foreign visitors coming to experience the unique culture of Vietnam unique to Hanoi capital. 

What to eat in Hanoi:  

[caption id="attachment_13994" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Bun cha Hanoi[/caption]

"Bun cha" is a local dish that originated in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. This dish consists of grilled pork patties and noodles served with lettuce, herbs and a dipping sauce
In 2016, former US President Barack Obama made a trip to Vietnam in the warm welcome of the Vietnamese people. During the visit, Mr. Obama had a chance to enjoy Vietnamese folk food with the famous chef Anthony Bourdain at bun cha Huong Lien, located on Le Van Huu Street (Hanoi). After 3 years since the dinner of the powerful American politician, this restaurant is now famous and known by many foreign tourists.  

Where to stay in Hanoi: 

You can choose to stay in a hotel, motel or homestay. If you want to relax, you can choose a 5-star hotel. If you want to travel economically, you can choose a homestay.
You can find some of the best hotel in vinaday Go Reise

 

• Sa Pa (Day 6-9) 

 

Sapa, Vietnam is one of my most treasured places I’ve ever been to and it will always have a small piece of my heart. With the lush mountains, shimmering rice paddies, friendly tribes, and breathtaking views, Sapa will surely hold a place at the top of your favorite destinations list.

[caption id="attachment_13997" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Sapa, Vietnam[/caption]

What to do:

• Hike around to nearby waterfalls.
• Chill out and just enjoy the view.
• Rent a motorbike and cruise around the mountains.
• Hire a local guide to take you around Sapa.

[caption id="attachment_13998" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Rice terraces[/caption]

Sapa town, while touristy, is quite pleasant for a stroll around – but the real attraction is the rice terraces. You might want one day here to recover after your hike and maybe see a couple of waterfalls, but you certainly won’t need more than that.
Other attractions in the area include waterfalls (you can hire a motorbike or take a taxi to see them) and Mount Fansipan.
Fansipan is the highest mountain in Indochina and trekking up it takes at least two days. It’s illegal to do without a tour guide – if you fancy the challenge, check out tours here.

[caption id="attachment_13999" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Fanxipan[/caption]

If you don’t want to climb up Fansipan, you can also take a cable car to the top. It costs $30 so is best to only do it on a clear day, but the views from the top are outstanding.

Where to stay in SaPa 

The traveller go to Sapa they often like staying in homestay to experience their daily life. If you want to have private, you can refer to some hotels in SaPatrip at Vinaday Go Reise.

 

• Ha Long Bay (Day 10-12)

 

One of the most iconic destinations within Vietnam is the lush island cliffs rising from the still waters of Ha Long Bay. There’s nowhere else like it in the world. And it’s the 7th new world wonder of nature! Or so says the internet… but anyhow, it’s absolutely stunning and a must-visit while in Vietnam. 

[caption id="attachment_14005" align="aligncenter" width="600"] HaLong Bay[/caption]

 If you have good conditions, you can choose a yacht to visit the beautiful scenery here. It's a bit of a splurge, but the landscape is incredible and you can't miss this. 

[caption id="attachment_14001" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Yacht to visit the beautiful scenery[/caption]

There's a boat tour style for every traveler – from calm sight-seeing tours to foodie cruises to drink-til-you-drop booze cruises.
 Visitor’s can book a 1 night/2 day or 2 night/3 day tour with HaLongBaytour and hotel at vinadayGoReise

 

• Ninh Binh (Day 12-14) 

 

[caption id="attachment_14002" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Ninh Binh, Vietnam[/caption]

Get an early start, Ninh Binh province is one of the most beautiful in all of Vietnam, making the two-and-a-half hour ride well worth your time
Spend the day exploring 10th century temples, biking across open rice fields, and floating down the Ngo Dong River into mysterious caves. The towering limestone mountains shooting up thousands of feet enclose Tam Coc in its own little world.
In the area you should also visit the Trang An Grottoes.Then, there are the rice terraces of Tam Coc and the many temples – like Hang Ma and Bai Dinh Pagoda.

[caption id="attachment_14003" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Mua Caves[/caption]

Hang Mua Caves is located at the foot of Mua Mountain, in the ecotourism complex in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu and Ninh Binh communes.
Hang Mua Caves are worthy of some exploration, and the summit of the mountain by the same name is probably the best sunset spot in Ninh Binh. Head here to admire the view, and make sure you get there in good time to get a good spot to watch the sun go down! All of these activities are great ways to enjoy Ninh Binh on a budget.

• Phong Nha (Day 15 - 17)

Phong Nha cave is the most typical scenic spot of the cave system of Phong Nha - Ke Bang scenic complex.

[caption id="attachment_14004" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Phong Nha, Ninh Binh[/caption]

Phong Nha was voted as one of the most beautiful caves in the world with the criteria: the longest underground river, the most beautiful underground lake. The highest and widest cave door, the most beautiful sandy and reef beaches. The largest and most beautiful dry cave, the most magnificent and magnificent stalactite system, the longest water cave.
Phong Nha Cave is a destination chosen by many tourists in Quang Binh.
Tourists will visit Tien cave and Cung Dinh cave with stalactite pillars above 20m created by nature. These are also two typical grottoes of Phong Nha cave with magical and spectacular stalactite system and thousands of masterpieces created by creation, with countless strange and fascinating images. nature created on cliffs shaped fairies with long, shiny blonde hair.

[caption id="attachment_14006" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Tien Caves[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_14007" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Cung Dinh Caves[/caption]

Cung Dinh cave has stalactites resembling the throne, which is "exquisitely carved" by nature ... If you tap the string of stalactites in the shape of a fret, people seem to be enjoying the tone of the bass-bass sound echo.

• Hoi An(Day 17- 20)

[caption id="attachment_14008" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Hoi An, Vietnam[/caption]

Hoi An is from 39km away from Da Nang, you can easily reach this famous ancient town in Vietnam on a 1-hour-drive bus from the beautiful coastal city. Hoi An has such an old world charm about it and it is so easy to say "lets just stay one more day".
Hoi An has a slow pace of life but it doesn’t mean there is nothing to fo. The town is filled with local tailors and no trip would be complete without leaving with a custom made outfit. Hoi An is one of the cheapest places in the world to get custom-made suits and dresses.

[caption id="attachment_14009" align="aligncenter" width="600"] "cao lau"[/caption]

Another reason the traveler loved Hoi An so much was the food! Must-try dishes: Cao Lau - Hoi An noodles served with meat, herbs and little broth (less broth than the regular noodle dishes of Vietnam).
The name is interesting because it essentially means ‘high floor’ which refers to the fact that the dish was originally born to serve the elite who lived on high floors. Today it is served in high-floor-based restaurants too, to preserve the original spirits.
Beside Cao Lau we also have My Quang, banh bao, banh vac (white rose cakes), and banh dap - hen xao (smashed rice crackers and baby basket clams).

• Quy Nhon (Day 21-23)

[caption id="attachment_14010" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Quy Nhon, Vietnam[/caption]

While Vietnam is becoming better known among international travelers, Quy Nhon is still not on most people’s radar. That’s why, if you are looking for a hidden spot to get to know the real Vietnam and explore some beautiful countryside and pristine beaches, Quy Nhon needs a place on your itinerary.
The best time to visit
Between January and March. During this time temperatures reach the high twenties and there is little chance of rain. 

What to See and Do in Quy Nhon

Enjoy the beaches
Quy Nhon is most famous for its beautiful beach which runs along the eastern edge of town in a gently curved bay. This endless strip of soft sand is tranquil and inviting, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to chill out and get a tan. You’ll find a few beach bars and restaurants so if you need a cold beer to cool off or a quick snack, you’re all set.

[caption id="attachment_14011" align="aligncenter" width="600"] QuyNhon beach[/caption]

 

Banh It and Thap Doi Champa towers
Quy Nhon is in Binh Dinh, the Vietnamese province with the highest number of Champa-era ruins. The Champa are the indigenous people who settled in large parts of Vietnam and Cambodia and used Quy Nhon as a port from the 11th to the 15th century.

[caption id="attachment_14012" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Thap Doi[/caption]

Kowing this, it won’t surprise you that there is an impressive double tower (named Thap Doi) in the heart of the city. For more historical relics, rent a motorbike and head out into the countryside to find Banh It, another Champa tower perched on a hill. It’s just about a 15-minute drive from the city and totally worth it.
The trip will take you through verdant rice paddies, over small rivers, and finally towards the small hill with the tower. Climb up to visit it and get a sweeping view of the coast, fields, and hills in the background.

Quy Nhon sand dunes
Enjoy the nature in its most pristine stage. Pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and historical landmarks… all this and more is at home in the little town of Quy Nhon.
Largely ignored by most international visitors, this small coastal city is a must if you want to get away from the crowds and experience a bit of the real Vietnam.
If you need more information about Quy Nhon, check out these articles: vinadaygoreise

[caption id="attachment_14014" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Quynhon sand dunes[/caption]

Eo Gio – the Windy Pass
If you’re already on Phuong May peninsula, head over to Eo Gio, also known as the Windy Pass. Here, rocky structures meet the sea and stretch out into the water. They create a beautiful landscape of rough cliffs dropping straight into the water that’s fun to explore. While you can’t swim here, it’s a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature and catch a cool breeze. Careful, the winds can get strong, so hold on to your hat! 

[caption id="attachment_14015" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Ky Co - the Windy Pass[/caption]

• Da Lat (Day 24-27)

[caption id="attachment_14017" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Dalat, Vietnam[/caption]

Da Lat situated in the picturesque Central Highlands, this former French hill station boasts cool mountain air and some of the best-preserved French colonial architecture in the region.
The mild climate attracts nature and adventure enthusiasts where outdoor sports such as trekking, mountain biking and canyoning are popular.
Dalat is also well-known for its organic vegetable and flower farms, and tea and coffee plantations. 

Temperature in Da Lat
The temperatures here are cooler than the rest of the country which enables the area to make some pretty decent wine – always a bonus when backpacking in Southeast Asia 

Famous tourist attractions in Da Lat
Due to the natural advantages of the climate as well as the great creativity of the people, Dalat has famous places that cannot be compared in any place in Vietnam. If you want to see these beautiful places, you should book a room before coming to avoid all rooms run out on holidays. Get more information at Dalattour
Dalat is also famous for its lake, waterfalls and pine forests. The beautiful waterfalls in Dalat are Pongour waterfall, Elephant waterfall. And the gorgeous lakes in Dalat are Xuan Huong Lake, Tuyen Lam lake. These lakes are located right in the city, the name is poetic as the romantic lake scene, and each lake goes along with an ancient legend.

[caption id="attachment_14019" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Tuyen Lam Lake[/caption]

Three things not available in Da Lat
This is the only and unique point of Dalat that no city in Vietnam has.
No traffic light
No cyclo
No air conditioning

[caption id="attachment_14020" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Unique of Dalat[/caption]

The best things of Da Lat
The unique maple leaf forest
In one square meter have many the posing styles for selfie
Having many most beautiful homestays
The best baked girdle cake
The giant pumpkin garden
The biggest city for flowers

Dalat people
Dalat has a famous cultural identity in the Central Highlands like the legend. The gentle people live by farming, gardening, growing coffee, tea, raising livestock….
On village festivals and the family’s happy day, visitors will see the local people dance, sing, play music with unique instruments that sound like howling wind, flowing waterfall on rocky rapids. Beautiful nature has created Dalat people with the lovely, gentle, elegant and hospitable style. 

[caption id="attachment_14023" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Dalat people[/caption]

• . Ho Chi Minh city(Saigon)

[caption id="attachment_14024" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Saigon, Vietnam[/caption]

Travelling through Vietnam is kind of like time travel, with every city being a bit different. When you finally arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll feel like you’ve been suddenly zoomed forwards into futuristic Vietnam. And, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when you consider what this country has been through in the last few decades, this is overwhelmingly impressive. 

[caption id="attachment_14025" align="aligncenter" width="600"] War Remnants Museum[/caption]

But Saigon has plenty of stories to tell, which you’ll learn in the War Remnants Museum on day one in Saigon. Understanding the war is essential for any travellers to Vietnam, and there’s nowhere that tells it better than here. The stories you learn in the museum will give you an outstanding admiration for Vietnamese people and how they managed to not only win the war, but rebuild their country.

Saigon’s other attractions can be enjoyed on a walk around the city after getting your full dose of history in the War Remnants Museum. 

They  include:
The Opera House
The Post Offical
Notre Dame Cathedral
Reunification Palace – which costs 30,000 dong to go inside
Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
Then head to Ben Thanh Market for dinner and shopping – and to just absorb the atmosphere.

[caption id="attachment_14026" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Ben Thanh Market[/caption]

 

On day two in Ho Chi Minh City, take a trip out to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These were used for fighting and hiding during the Vietnamese war, and have now been preserved and restored.
It’s advisable to visit the tunnels on a guided tour, as it is difficult to reach them by bus and there isn’t much information around the area. Click here to book a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.

[caption id="attachment_14028" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Cu Chi Tunnels[/caption]

Day three in the city can be spent checking out Ho Chi Minh’s other attractions.
Be sure to see the Museum of Vietnamese History – I know there are a lot of museums on this Saigon itinerary but this one is well worth it! It costs 15,000 dong to enter, 40,000 dong to take photos and 35,000 dong to see a water puppet show within the museum.
The Bitexo Financial Tower is great for a view (take the lift up to the Eon Cafe where you can enjoy the view for free, provided you buy a pretty pricey drink)
Shopping at Dong Khoi street is great for spenders – it is where all the designer stores of like, the entire country of Vietnam are focused.And head to San Art Laboratory for a slice of contemporary art.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh city: Nhu Ngoc Hotel (230 De Tham Str, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1). 

Read more information about Ho Chi Minh city at: vinday GO Reise
With this 1 month Vietnam itinerary, you can figure out how to manage the time you have in this beautiful country and plan out which cities you want to visit!

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