Many of the local bars offer happy hour specials and live music in the evenings after dark. Rooms feature colonial-style decor with dark wooden furnishings, lush fabrics, and big windows. A group tour will take you through the countrys top destinations and off the beaten path gems, and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Pull up a plastic stool and brace yourself for an onslaught of motorbikes heres how to spend two weeks in Vietnam. Tip: If you arent big on beach towns, you may want to spend less time here and add Hue a historically significant city renowned for its 19th-century citadel and ancient temples to your itinerary. And in the evenings its back to the Old Town to shop in the boutiques and stroll through the lively night market. Shuttle pickup and transfer to Da Lat main bus station should always be included. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Unfortunately, there is only one train that leaves daily so get ready for an early start! There are 2 roads to get to the port where cruise boats depart one is a toll road and is significantly faster than the other. If youre feeling particularly adventurous, you can take the road less traveled and trek to the top of Fansipan on a guided 2-day trek. Here youll have a chance to enjoy the Vietnamese countryside without battling crowds or pushy entrepreneurs trying to sell their wares. When tourists first started trekking in Sapa it was really the only way to reach some of these tribal villages.
Halong Bay and Sapa are the two most popular areas to visit in Vietnam, and for good reason. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The best way to get to know Hanoi is to simply wander through its maze of winding streets. Ready to connect with nature, experience new cultures, and embark on With their webbed feet, handy flippers, and distinguished black and white Dreaming of sandy beaches, vineyards, wildlife, and more? Spend a few nights in Ninh Binh and youll feel as though youve stepped back in time! The best way to book train and bus tickets in Vietnam is on Bookaway.com. After the hot weather of Saigon, we welcomed the cooler air of the gorgeous mountains heading north. Plus, this style of travel is the easiest way to make fast friends if youre flying solo! Watch the kite surfers from Sun Rise Bay. Also, Hostelworldshould be your go-to source if youre traveling on a budget. You can focus on relaxing on the boat and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific are two reliable low-cost carriers for domestic routes. But if you are looking for more adventure, theres plenty of that as well. Its that special, hard-to-explain quality that will make you want to linger here a little longer.. 
Check Bus and Train Schedules on Bookaway. How To Get There:Bus transfer. Have any questions on our travel guide for Vietnam? Keep this in mind when youre planning your transportation after reading our travel guide for Vietnam! Its easy to book bus or train tickets online in advance through Bookaway. The city is absolutely stunning, characterised by French-colonial architecture, lovely lantern-lit alleyways, and a dreamy riverside setting, but theres something else about Hoi An a certain je ne sais quoi, if you will thats difficult to put into words. Also known as Saigon, this bustling major city is sure to overwhelm even the most experienced traveler backpacking Vietnam. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Try specialties such as Banh Mi, Bun Bo and much much more! It instantly turned local with incredible food, and we learned theres a much different side to be seen in this coastal city. The town is small, the guesthouses are inexpensive, and the locals go out of their way to make you feel welcome.
There are also a few taxis around town in case you want to drive to smaller nearby villages but youll want to negotiate the price with them upfront (and they tend to be pricey). About | Privacy Policy | Contact Copyright 2022 Wandering Wheatleys. Most people choose to fly into Danang and then hire a private driver to get to Hoi An. The drivers will always be wearing Grab jackets and helmets, and they should always have a helmet for you to wear as well (its the law in Vietnam!). Plus youll love the spectacular city views from the lively rooftop bar! If you visit during the winter months of December and January it will likely be incredibly cold and foggy so you wont have any views of the rice terraces. dielis mekong After the sun sets, do as the locals do and head to Bia Hoi Corner, or Beer Corner, a popular nightlife hotspot at the intersection of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen. Tickets can be purchased from any tourist information center and most hotels in Southern Vietnam. You should spend an evening drinking beer on the lively beer corner (T Hin street) and shop in the popular weekend night market which takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night from 6:00pm until about 11:00pm. When hunger pangs hit, indulge in a steaming bowl of bun rieu cua (crab noodle soup with tomato and tofu) or banh cuon (rice-flour pancakes stuffed with minced pork and black mushrooms). Some haggling will almost certainly be required on your part. This majestic 5-star hotel has been a historic landmark since 1901 and is conveniently located right near the Old Quarter. *The airport is about 45 minutes from Da Nang so plan for a taxi or book a shuttle. But youll be sharing the island with the passengers from probably 20 different boats at the same time. The best way to get around Hanoi is to use Grab its the Uber of SE Asia. vietnam itinerary map week visit travel asia bus thewanderlustbug baier heather awesome Transportation:12Go is what we use to book ferries, trains, buses, and transfers while traveling through Vietnam! Can be booked from any tourist center and most hotels. The spring and summer months generally have the most pleasant temperatures across the country. Thanks to its long, serpentine shape, you can travel through Vietnam one of two ways: from north to south or vice versa. Its a contradictory country that has both manic metropolises and tranquil seaside towns; towering skyscrapers and centuries-old temples; haute cuisine and humble street food. If you want to trek with our favorite Hmong trekking guide, A Hang Thi, you can contact her via her Facebook page, on WhatsApp at +84 94 736 0557. Hopefully at this point you will leave with a deeper appreciation for the south and central part of the country. Sapa is a region in Northern Vietnam, near the China border, that is home to several ethnic tribes. Or that you should use the Grab ride-sharing app instead of a taxi? Over the years weve found ourselves in, or passing through Da Nang quite a few times. The closest airport to Hoi An is in Danang which is just a short, 45-minute drive south of town. We recommend avoiding the local travel agencies in Vietnam we have just had too many bad experiences when we try to book tours or transportation this way. And youll love the super friendly and helpful staff members who will assist with anything you need! Start in the Old Quarter the citys historic heart and commercial centre where you can get your bearings and explore attractions like Dong Xuan Market and Bach Ma Temple. Check out our favorite travel guides and resources! Get lost in the craziness of the night market. And Phu Quoc has the best beaches in the country a perfect tropical paradise! For more places to stay in Hoi An on your Central Vietnam itinerary you can explore the latest prices here! Hike Marble Mountain. Other popular activities in the Ninh Binh region include hiking to the top of Mua Caves and visiting the Bich Dong Pagoda. If your boat company takes the toll road, it should take about 2.5 hours. Rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated and youll definitely want to take advantage of the spa, the pool, and the fitness classes. Explore the early morning fish and fruit market. Due to the condition of the roads and the lack of taxis, a motorbike is the best way to get around Ninh Binh. This activity is weather-dependent as it isnt worth spending the money if the weather isnt clear. While its sights, sounds, and scents may overwhelm you at first, give this high-octane country a chance and youll quickly discover why Vietnam is one of Southeast Asias most enthralling destinations. Suites are enormous and absolutely stunningly decorated. Go island-hopping around Nha Trang Bay, indulge in fresh seafood, try snorkelling or scuba diving, or sunbathe to your hearts content this seaside town is a paradise for beach bums and ocean-lovers.. Da Lat has actually been one of the biggest surprises of our South Vietnam itinerary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. thebrokebackpacker You can either apply for a visa through your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or apply for an e-visa online (which is a cheaper and faster option). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Dotted with tropical islands, postcard-perfect beaches, and thriving reefs, Nha Trangs claim to fame is its six-kilometre stretch of sandy coastline and crystal-clear turquoise seas. Hoi An Odyssey Hotelis a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, but youll appreciate that its a bit removed from the crowds. Packing Lists:Find all the inspiration you need with ourAmazon packing lists. Check out our range of Vietnam tours and leave the planning to the professionals! An Bang is a quaint little town with several restaurants, resorts, and even several beach clubs where you can enjoy the pool for a small fee. It is also quite popular to take a day trip to the nearby An Bang beach to spend a warm afternoon lounging on the sand. These small rowboats will guide you through the scenic countryside and through several caves (depending on water levels). Luckily Vietnam has quite a few low-cost airlines including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Jetstar that offer flights around the country for less than $50 each way. asia worldtravelbug From old town to the rice paddies and the ancient temples, there is so much to see and do. For more places to stay in Da Lat on your Southern Vietnam itinerary you can explore the latest prices here! Youll love the breathtaking views over the valley from the amazing pool you may never want to leave the pool, or the resort! For more places to stay in Mui Ne on your Southern Vietnam itinerary you can explore the latest prices here! But there are alternatives to Halong Bay that offer a more enjoyable experience, away from the tourist crowds. In terms of attractions, some of Ho Chi Minh Citys cant-miss sights include the Saigon Opera House, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum all of which are scattered throughout District 1 (the citys most visited area) and District 3. By clicking Accept All Cookies you agree with the use of analytical and tracking cookies. Read all about the 15 things we think you should know before visiting Vietnam to help you prepare for your trip! If youre arriving from overseas, youll likely start in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) as its home to Vietnams largest airport and primary flight hub. *The bus ride will be very bumpy at parts due to road conditions. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Heres all the best things to do in the city to begin your journey. One Month Vietnam Itinerary: Ultimate Guide From South to North, 10 Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary: Boats to Motorbikes. Youll find that you have most sites and experiences to yourself if you choose a cruise in Lan Ha Bay. It is also possible to visit Ninh Binh as a day tour from Hanoi although we would argue that its worth spending at least a few days exploring the area. The rooms are simple but comfortable and clean. We use cookies to analyze traffic and provide you with personalized content and ads. And if you have additional time to spare during your vacation in Vietnam, you should consider spending a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, learning to kiteboard in Mui Ne, or visiting the island of Phu Quoc. To get there youll need to take a bus, take the sleeper train, or hire a private driver. Hoan Kiem Lake is another must-visit spot in this area; local Vietnamese students are keen to say hello and practise their English with tourists here, so dont be surprised if youre approached by several people for a friendly chat.. We would recommend the bus option as it is quite comfortable and affordable and always leaves on time. You should check the weather prior to making that decision to avoid the chilly winter months in the northern cities or the blisteringly hot summer temperatures in central and southern Vietnam. Visit the local and tourist markets of Da Nang. Its around $15 USD so we recommend finding other travelers who are heading that way to share. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. But there are plenty of other activities in the region to keep you occupied for a few days. Wind surfing is the most popular draw along with visiting the red and white colored sand dunes! Life is a little slower in Sapa, where the economy relies primarily on small agriculture and tourism. Youll love the amazing staff that will pamper you during your stay and guide you to all the well-organized daily activities. The best thing about Bia Hoi Corner? For more places to stay in Da Nang on your Central Vietnam itinerary you can explore the latest prices here! Grab has several options for getting around Hanoi cars and bikes. There is everything from a Hanoi Cooking Classand market tour to a Mekong Delta Pagoda & rowing boat trip, and even the Phu Quoc Cable Car Ride with three island snorkeling tour! For more information: Read more by Ashley Nitransky , The Truth About Travel Writing at 4500m Above Sea Level, Australias Northern Territory: Wide Open for Adventure, The Best Places in the World to See Penguins. For more places to stay in Saigon on your South Vietnam itinerary you can explore the latest prices here! We ended up booking a hotel on the beach, and at once felt like it fully lived up to its reputation as the Miami of Vietnam. There are tourists everywhere you look and we found almost nothing authentic. Tours:Get Your Guide is an amazing place to find fun activities all over Vietnam! Still, after spending a few days here youll see why its a popular spot to start a Southern Vietnam itinerary. The Ninh Binh region is just about 60 miles south of Hanoi and easily accessible by tourist bus, luxury minivan, or private car. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities to be had here as well (if you can manage to pull yourself away from the beach, that is). Rosy Cruisesoffers both 2 day/1 night and 3 day/2 night excursions around Lan Ha Bay. Once you arrive at the pier you wont have to worry about transportation at all during your time in Halong or Lan Ha Bay. Honestly, at first we werent the biggest fans of Nha Trang. Surprising, fascinating, and dizzying all at once, Vietnam delivers a full-scale assault on the senses. Two days in Hanoi should be enough to see the highlights of the city but if you do plan to spend more time here, there are plenty of things to do to fill your days. Weve done several tours in the area and find the neighboring Lan Ha Bay to be far less crowded than Halong Bay. Youll be ready for some downtime after exploring HCMC for a few days, and Nha Trang is the perfect place to unwind. Rooms are large and comfortable with a large patio for enjoying the striking views all around you. We would also highly recommend that you take the cable car to the top of Fansipan Mountain which is the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula. Once you have a local Vietnamese SIM card you can also call or text her at +84 38 886 5878. Next Stop: Hoi An This is also a good time to do any of the activities that you missed during your first trip to Vietnams capital city! Its the perfect escape during your 2-week Vietnam itinerary. Most junk boat cruises for either bay offer transportation to and from your hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Plus its nearly impossible not to take at least a few colorful lanterns home with you they are so cheap and pack down to fit in your luggage.
