Vietnam is about 1,000 miles long, with its three zones having different climates, cuisines and personalities. The vast majority of the initial journeys run right to left along it. These are listed north to south and make the best route of the ten stops.
The North
1. Hanoi
A thousand year old capital city of narrow buildings, temple buildings on the lake, and bun cha and egg coffee on the pavement. A one-day tour is enough for one of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, or a full day for the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex.
2. Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay.
Almost 2000 karst towers of limestone, rising out of the emerald waters. The crowds are drawn to Ha Long, and along with it, Lan Ha Bay (via Cat Ba Island), has the same scenery but very few boats. Overnight cruises are better than days trips.
3. Ninh Binh
On land, it is known as Ha Long Bay. Visitors take to boats for rowing tours and visit the rice fields and flooded caves of Trang An, while the ascent to Hang Mua’s viewpoint offers the region’s signature views. It is a two hour drive from Hanoi and very easy to get to.
4. The Ha Giang Loop
Three to four day motorbike trip in the far northern mountains, Hmong villages and the Ma Pi Leng Pass. If you’re not an experienced motorcyclist, hire an “easy rider” driver — the roads are not!
The Centre
5. Phong Nha-Ke Bang
A karst massif with some of the world’s largest caves such as Son Doong, which is available with a costly permit, which must be reserved well in advance. Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave are open to all and extraordinary in their own way.
6. Hue
It was the imperial capital until 1945, had a walled, citadel, the Forbidden Purple City, and royal tombs were strewn along the Perfume River. Too, Vietnam’s most sophisticated regional cuisine.
7. Hoi An
Listed by UNESCO, lantern-streets and tailor shops make up this preserved trading port and it’s best visited early morning or late evening. The Hue – Ha Long road through the Hai Van Pass is one of the most important coast routes in Asia.
The South
8. Ho Chi Minh City
Quick, noisy and contemporary. The War Remnants Museum is a must and hard to reach, while the Cu Chi Tunnels are a half day away. The evening in Ben Thanh Market and District 3 street food is full of activities.
9. The Mekong Delta
Floating markets at Cai Rang, coconut candy workshops and homestays by the waterways. Not to rush a one-day tour from Saigon to Can Tho, but to spend an overnight stay in Can Tho.
10. Phu Quoc
A southwest coast island with true beaches, national park and direct flights. Best November-April when seas are calm.
Planning Notes
There is no one best time.
From December to February, the Northern regions are cold and misty. September to November is the flood season in Central Vietnam. Year-round in the south, warm temperatures are maintained by a rain season from May to October. March, April and October are the best of a compromise across the nation.
Getting Around
The Reunification Express is a sleeper train that connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Sleeper buses = cheap, domestic flights = saving days. The majority of visitors combine all three.
Visas
The e-visa Vietnam program is applicable to a majority of the countries and allows you to stay up to 90 days, single or multiple entry. Please pre-register online and verify the rules in place at the time of booking.
Getting Across the Street
Traffic doesn’t stop. Go slowly and in a smooth manner and allow the scooters to pass around you. This is taught on day one to all.
It is very full for 3 weeks. Two refers to selecting two regions, and bypassing one.