Vietnam is a country that captures the heart and soul of every traveler who ventures through its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. After spending an unforgettable 20 days exploring this Southeast Asian gem, I found myself in love with its bustling cities, serene countryside, beautiful beaches and rich history. The extensive planning and research I put into this journey paid off in, revealing countless hidden treasures and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Vietnam, leaving you with a longing to return and discover even more.
In December 2023, I embarked on a solo 20-day adventure through Vietnam. Starting my journey in Hanoi, I made my way south, eventually departing from Saigon. Along the way, I explored over eight major cities and stayed in more than ten hostels. In this guide, I’ll share my top hostel recommendations, detailed itinerary, transportation tips, costs, visa information, insights into the local culture, and more.
Visas:
As an American citizen with a valid passport, I needed to obtain a 30-day visa to visit Vietnam. I easily purchased it online by following the provided instructions. It’s important to print out the visa for presentation at customs in Vietnam, as it’s valid based on the dates you submit during the application. Be sure to have your itinerary planned before applying for the visa. The cost was around $25 USD, but remember to check the specific requirements for your home country.
Weather/Time of Year:
When traveling through Vietnam, it’s essential to consider the time of year and the specific locations you’ll be visiting. I traveled in early December, during Vietnam’s winter season, starting in the north where I experienced the coldest weather. Daytime temperatures were around 60°F, often cloudy and rainy. Originally, I planned to visit Sapa or the Ha Giang Loop, but I decided to save those for another trip due to the weather. As I journeyed south, the temperatures significantly increased, reaching about 95°F in Southern Vietnam. While the country is generally hot and humid, remember that northern regions can get quite chilly in winter, with some mountainous areas even experiencing snow. Be sure to consider the range of activities you’ll be doing and the climate you will be in when packing for your trip.
Transportation:
Traveling from the north to the south of Vietnam involves extensive transportation within the country. Apps like 12Go Asia are invaluable for planning your journeys between cities, especially when considering options like overnight trains or sleeper buses. These modes of transportation are very popular in Vietnam, with most backpackers opting for the more affordable sleeper trains and buses. During my trip, I used two sleeper trains, one sleeper bus, and a variety of vans and other transportation. Within cities, I often rented motorbikes, used Grab (the Asian version of Uber), or walked. Many of the hostels I stayed at had staff who could help arrange transportation to your next destination if you hadn’t already planned it.
Cash:
In Vietnam, cash is essential for most transactions, but it’s wise not to withdraw large amounts at once since things are inexpensive and you’ll end up carrying a lot of cash. Keep in mind that many places, especially small vendors and street markets, don’t accept cards, so having some cash on hand is crucial.
My General Itinerary:
Hanoi:
The first stop on my itinerary was the bustling city of Hanoi. After arriving at around 10:30 PM, I headed straight to my hostel and went to sleep. For my first two nights, I stayed at Central Backpackers Hostel Hanoi. During my full day in the city, I joined a free walking tour organized by the hostel, spending about 3 to 4 hours exploring the historical sites and learning about local life. The sheer number of motorbikes and people in the narrow streets was both fascinating and overwhelming. I visited charming cafes, experienced the famous Train Street with a coffee as the train passed by, and wandered through street markets and vendors. That night, I joined a pub crawl with my hostel, which turned out to be one of the most memorable night out in Vietnam. Despite only a few hours of sleep, I woke up the next morning ready to leave Hanoi for my next destination. If I could redo this trip, I would definitely allocate an extra full day in Hanoi to soak in more of its vibrant atmosphere.
Ha Long Bay:
Next, I embarked on a three-day, two-night cruise through the renowned Halong Bay, boarding the exquisite Hideaway Cruise directly connected to our hostel. From Hanoi, transportation was lengthy but conveniently arranged to the beautifully designed boat featuring three hot tubs, multiple bars, and luxurious lounges with hotel-style rooms, complete with balconies.
The cruise was packed with activities: beach days, family-style meal that catered to vegetarians, and vibrant parties each night. We spent an exhilarating first day at the beach with a bonfire, volleyball, swimming, and a banana boat ride. The following day we even visited a local village on Cat Ba Island where we biked and hiked to a stunning lookout, enjoyed lunch in a local home, and experienced a traditional fish pedicure. The trip concluded with a serene kayak ride at sunrise on the third day. Given the incredible value for the price, this is an experience I would eagerly repeat—the setting, activities, accommodations, and company were all outstanding.
Hanoi….Again….
After enjoying ourselves a bit too much on the cruise, we got back to Hanoi late in the afternoon. Sadly, I felt really ill that day and didn’t have the energy for anything. I checked into my new hostel, Hanoi Buffalo, which was also linked with the Hideaway Cruise, but I still preferred Central Backpackers. Once I managed to get up, I grabbed some Indian food, even though I couldn’t taste it, picked up some medicine, and went to bed early. If I had the chance to go back when the weather was nice up north, I would’ve stayed for another week and explored the Ha Giang Loop and trekked in Sapa.
Ninh Binh
Next on my itinerary was Ninh Binh, just a short van ride from Hanoi. I spent a couple of days at the Tam Coc Mountain Bungalow, the most peaceful and amazing hostel. They provided motorbikes and bicycles, which we used to explore the rivers, mountains, and caves.
We visited Mua Caves at sunset, witnessing the most spectacular sunset I’ve ever seen, and took a river cruise the next day to see more of the area. I also enjoyed lounging by the hostel’s pool and chatting with the incredibly kind owners, who even went to the store to get wine for us. Ninh Binh was one of my favorite places, and I would definitely return to spend more time there.
Hue
After spending some time in the north, I boarded the Lamman Express train from Ninh Binh to Hue. The overnight journey took about 12 to 13 hours in a sleeper train with double bunk beds. Once I arrived, I checked into Hue Vietnam Backpacker Hostel. I used my time in Hue as a rest day to recover from my sickness and injury, do laundry, and relax. I did manage to explore the old Imperial City and Palace, as well as a few pagodas and historical buildings. A friendly local showed me the abandoned waterpark and some of the best views of the city. Otherwise, I spent most of my time recovering and getting medicine. Honestly, if I were to redo this trip, I would have skipped Hue as it didn’t offer much for me and the vibe wasn’t great.
Hoi An
After feeling recovered and rested, I took a short three-hour van ride to the amazing city of Hoi An. I stayed at Fuse Beachside, a lovely hostel in a fantastic location right along the beach, slightly outside the city. They offered free transfers to their partner hostel in the main part of the city. Over the next few days, I enjoyed a variety of activities, including a traditional Vietnamese cooking class, a ride in the famous coconut boats, and purchasing custom-tailored clothing. I also spent plenty of time relaxing on the beautiful beach and visiting the nearby beach bars and clubs. Each night, we took the free transfer into Old Town to visit bars, clubs, and admire the lantern-lit streets. Hoi An quickly became one of my favorite cities, offering a perfect blend of vibrant nightlife and peaceful daytime. I highly recommend staying at Fuse Beachside and taking the transfer into Old Town, as there’s less to do in the Old Town during the day.
Nha Trang
After leaving the beautiful city of Hoi An, I took a taxi to the train station in Da Nang, about an hour away. From there, I boarded an overnight train on Vietnam Railways to Nha Trang, a 12 to 13-hour journey in a sleeper car with triple bunks—quite the experience. I arrived the next morning and checked into Fuse Hostel Nha Trang, which was even lovelier than their Hoi An location. I spent a lot of time on the beach with friends, exploring markets and street vendors along the water.
One of the highlights was a booze cruise and snorkeling trip, featuring crystal-clear waters and thousands of shells on the beaches. I met great people and had an unforgettable day. For the rest of my stay, I enjoyed the beach, explored the nightlife, and had the best banh mi of my trip.
Mui Ne
Nearing the end of my trip, I headed further south and took a sleeper bus to Mui Ne, which took about six hours due to some complications. I stayed at iHome Backpackers Resort, an amazing hostel with plenty to do. There were many spots to relax on the beach, go swimming, and enjoy various games and activities.
I joined a sunrise sandune tour, which was quite underwhelming and felt like a tourist trap. If I go back, I’d opt for a private sand dune tour instead. Despite this, Mui Ne is a great place to enjoy the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and local fishing villages of southern Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon
The final stop on my Vietnam trip was Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. I took an early morning van service to the city and spent the day sampling different foods, walking around and running some important errands.. With only 24 hours before my flight, my focus was on getting my tattoos and enjoying my last day.
I stayed at Mobylette Saigon Hostel, which had a lovely rooftop where I spent my last night playing cards with new friends and going out one last time. I flew out early the next morning. If I could go back, I’d definitely give myself a few more days to explore this vibrant and bustling city.
Reflecting on my trip and after talking to many people, there are definitely more places I’d love to go to, including the Ha Giang Loop, Sapa, Da Lat, and Phong Nha.
Vietnam is such a diverse country with so many places to explore and enjoy, depending on your interests. I’ll forever remember this as one of the best trips of my life, and I hope this article helps you plan your own adventure to Vietnam.
check out my other posts for more solo travel and hostel tips!
Livslifeoncam 
Leave a comment