Travel 1 month in Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country bordering the South China Sea. It is therefore a country that will offer you beaches and mountains. Vietnam welcomes more and more tourists every year. Whether for the wealth of its people or to contemplate its mountainous landscapes, your trip to Vietnam will surprise you.

Here are the cities to visit in my opinion from south to north as well as my recommendations for each of them. Note that this route is also done in the opposite direction.

Saigon / Ho Chi Minh

Your flight will most likely arrive in Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi. So plan your itinerary accordingly.

To do:

• Visit the War Museum

• Send postcards from the post office

• Ben Thanh Market

Take a tour through the Cu Chi tunnels and the Mekong Delta. If you have enough time, you might consider staying 2 days in the Mekong to see the more authentic side.

Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta, book here.

Accommodation: 9 hostel and bar 9/10

Restaurant: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa 7/10 and Quàn Ngan.

Mui Ne

My biggest surprise from Vietnam. Mui Ne is a fishing town with rather distinct landscapes from the rest of Vietnam. Take part in the sand dunes tour and 4x4 on them, book directly with the iHome hostel. Guaranteed dose of adrenaline in Mui Ne.

Accommodation: iHome Backpacker Resort 6/10, great location and great for socializing with lots of activity, but very rustic and noisy. I enjoyed my stay, but it's not for everyone.

Restaurant: Lovegan 7/10, vegan restaurant, the restaurant is located in front of the entrance of a house and it is the father who cooks for you.

Dong Vui food court lets you choose from several different cuisines.

Da Lat

Further away, Da Lat lies in the center of the mountains. It is also the perfect place for canyoning. I highly recommend taking a tour that allows you to visit multiple sites. We booked directly with Tigon Hostel.

Other places to visit:

• Datanla Waterfall and its roller coaster.

• Crazy house

• Maze bar

Accommodation: Tigon Hostel 5/10, very nice and helpful employees, but they lost a lot of my things in the laundry service and I got sick with their food.

Hoi An

This city is a must on your trip. Authentic and bustling, you might want to stay longer. You absolutely must take part in the cooking class and the making of lanterns. If the weather is on your side, rent a bike to explore the surroundings and go to the beach.

To do:

• The Dragon Bridge in Da Nang

• Pho Hoi lantern workshop

• Cooking class with Mad Monkey Hostel

* If you are passing through Da Nang and want to get a tattoo. I highly recommend Tuan Tattoo, where I had excellent service and a great price for 3 beautiful tattoos.

Accommodation: Mad Monkey 7/10, a bit far from the center. SnapStay told me strongly advised.

Restaurant: Bikini Bottom, 10/10 for breakfast.

Hanoi

Visit the city of Hanoi and experience the rhythm of the big city. The horns are on point. Hanoi is a city that moves quickly, it is sometimes difficult to cross the street, just like Ho Chi Minh. Visit the surroundings and shop for your souvenirs.

To do:

• The note coffee

• Kim Ngan Temple

• Night Market, the weekend

• Padoge Tran Quoc

Accommodation:

Cheers Hostel 10/10, very beautiful and very nice staff.

Little charm 8/10

Hanoi Backpackers Hostel & Rooftop Bar, 6/10. Buffet breakfast included.

Restaurant:

The roti 9/10, for a dessert.

Sushi lab 10/10

Bun Cha Hang Manh Dac Kim 10/10 for the food, 2/10 for the service, but it's delicious.

Lifted Coffee and Brunch 9/10

Ha Giang Loop

Go with EPIC tour (Cheers hostel) for this unforgettable experience of 3 or 4 days to cross the mountains by scooter. If there is one thing that I advise you not to miss in Vietnam, it is this. The top 1 of my month in Vietnam. Click here for more information:

Ha Giang Loop

Contact them on WhatsApp: +84 98 965 59 95.

Sapa

Sapa is the perfect place for hiking lovers. Whether for 1-2-3 days, you will find what you want. Sapa town center alone is worth the trip to this town.

Accommodation: Lustig hostel 10 /10

Tour: trek in Muong Hoa Valley and local villages, book here.

Restaurant: Good Morning, 7/10, taste the delicious curry served in a coconut shell.

Ninh Binh

City not to be missed, in my opinion it is the most beautiful city with the Hang Mua viewpoint.

To do:

• Hang Mua

• Party bus

• Boat to Tam Coq

• Take a scooter ride to discover the surroundings

Accommodation: Banana Tree hostel 7/10, perfect for socializing and partying.

Tuan Nam Homestay is a great option close to Banana Hostel, but with tranquility. Plus, the free breakfast is excellent. 9/10

Cat ba

Discover Cat Ba Island by scooter.

• Visit the national park and the caves.

• Go to the beach

• Bich Dong Pagoda

Accommodation: Catba Pod Hostel, 8/10. Very well located and clean with a nice little rooftop.

Buffalo Hostel, 7/10, very far from the city center, but good for socializing.

Restaurant: Yummi 1, 9/10, and yummi 2, 7/10.

Halong Bay

Taking a cruise in Halong Bay is a must. I liked the overnight experience since I had never slept on a boat, but otherwise I recommend the day tours instead. I did the cruise with Buffalo Hostel, but it was more of a party boat, which I didn't know before and I found that we didn't visit the bay enough. 3/5 So I don't necessarily recommend this tour, unless you want to party rather than discover.

I hope this article will guide you on your journey. Feel free to ask your questions in the comments.

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