VIETNAM: A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR TRAVELERS



If you are planning a trip to this wonderful country 🌍, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your experience 🌟. These are the cities that we liked the most and you cannot miss. 🏙️🏝️

Sapa: Encounter with Nature and Traditional Cultures

In northern Vietnam, Sapa is a paradise for lovers of trekking and culture. Here you can:

● Explore Rice Terraces: Visit during harvest season to see the stunning landscape of emerald green rice terraces.

● Meet the Local Tribes: Interact with the Hmong, Dao and many other tribes, learning about their unique cultures and lifestyles

Hoi An: A travel in the time

Hoi An, with its charming mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French architecture, is like a trip back in time. In this port city you can:

Walk through the Old Neighborhood: With its cobblestone streets and colorful lanterns, it is a magical place, especially at night.

● Try Local Gastronomy: Enjoy unique dishes such as Cao Lau and Banh Mi.

● Boat ride on the Thu bon river: The ideal is to do the walk at night because you will have the opportunity to make a wish with the floating lanterns.

(Our visit to Hoi An)

Ha Long Bay: Natural Wonder of Vietnam

The iconic HaLong Bay is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Ha Long Bay has been recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional natural beauty, it is a world heritage site.

It is worth doing the cruise and kayak tours they offer. It is impressive to see up close its thousands of limestone islands and karst formations that emerge from the water in various shapes. It is a mystical landscape.

(On our Kayak tour through Ha Long Bay)

Ninh Binh: “The natural and local beauty of Vietnam"

Ninh Binh It was the area of Vietnam that we liked the most, for its green landscapes and nature. One of the activities that you cannot miss is the exploration of the Trang An Cave, with a boat ride you will enjoy the wonderful caves along this river. The landscapes are amazing. Additionally, this site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

● Climb to Mua Cave Peak: For lovers of panoramic views, the hike to the top of Mua Cave Peak offers one of the best views of Ninh Binh. From here, you can admire the magnificent view of the rivers and rice fields that spread out below you. There are about 500 steps and many of these can be quite high, so it can be a bit tiring and the humidity does not help with this activity.

● Bike Ride through the Rice Fields: There is no better way to experience the tranquility of the Vietnamese countryside than a relaxing bike ride through idyllic rice fields, where life flows to the traditional Vietnamese rhythm.

● Visit to Bai Dinh Temple: The Bai Dinh temple complex is the largest in Vietnam, known for its impressive Buddha statues and sacred architecture. It is a perfect place to understand Vietnamese spirituality and history. We recommend that you pay attention to the signs at the beginning of the visit, because it can be a little confusing because the place is quite large.

(Bike ride through Ninh Binh)

Hanoi: Cultural Heart of Vietnam

There is a unique tourist experience, it is the famous “Street Train” that passes through a narrow alley in the residential neighbourhood of Old Quarter. To enjoy the experience it is important that you enter one of the established establishments and enjoy a snack while waiting for the train to pass. The police have restricted it to avoid accidents, so you can only enjoy this experience if you enter one of these establishments and consume. The prices are very affordable and worth it.

● Explore the Old Town:
Labyrinthine streets full of history, vibrant markets and excellent street food.

● Visit Hoan Kiem Lake:
A quiet and spiritual place, perfect for a morning or afternoon walk.


Hue: Cradle of Vietnamese History

Hue, the former imperial capital, is a testament to Vietnam's history.

● The Imperial Citadel: Explore the remains of the ancient citadel and feel the history that its walls still breathe.

● Perfume River Cruises: A relaxing way to see some of the main historical sites.

Da Nang: Modernity and nature

● The Golden Bridge
is a spectacular tourist attraction near the city of Da Nang. It is inside an amusement park that you access by cable car, after more than 20 minutes of climbing the hills of Ba Na. It's not cheap (around $29 USD per person), but it's worth it. The ticket includes the entire park, a meal and a drink. They operate two schedules, in the morning and in the afternoon.

● Visit the Marble Mountains: A set of marble and limestone hills with caves and temples.

● Sunworld Asia Park: It is a very modern and affordable amusement park that is worth it if you have some extra time.

● Enjoy the Beaches: Relax on white sand beaches like My Khe.

Ho Chi Minh: The Pulse of Modern Vietnam

Finally, Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) is a vibrant metropolis with a unique mix of old and new. Here, you must:

● Explore District 1:
Full of history, from the central post office to Notre Dame Cathedral.

● Visit Ben Thanh Market:
A lively place to buy souvenirs and try local food.

It is a rather chaotic city where even crossing the street becomes a challenge.

TIPS TO YOUR TRIP IN VIETNAM:

1. Time Planning and Transfers: ⏳

  • Recommended Time of Stay: For a complete immersion, consider 10 days if you plan to explore just the north or south of Vietnam. For a more complete experience that includes both the north and the south, at least two weeks would be ideal.
  • Transfers between cities: Take into account the transfer time between cities. Vietnam is a long and narrow country, so moving from one place to another can take time.

2. Money, Payments and Internet:💰💳📱
  • Cash: Although credit cards are accepted in some places, it is essential to carry cash, especially for minor expenses or in less urbanized areas. Multiple Credit Cards: Carrying more than one credit card can be a safeguard against losses or theft and is useful in case some cards are not accepted.
  • A local SIM card: In Vietnam it is essential to guarantee constant connectivity, avoid high roaming rates, and facilitate navigation and communication during your trip. It is worth paying for the SIM card to avoid problems during the trip.
3. Transport and Humidity 🚕🌦️
  • Using the Grab App: It is a safe and reliable way to get transportation at a fair price. To avoid them wanting to charge you an exorbitant price.
  • Humidity and Climate: Humidity in Vietnam varies by season and region, but tends to be high. Be prepared for humid weather, especially during the monsoon season.
  • Sleeper Buses: Getting around on sleeper buses (buses where you can sleep in beds while they take you from one city to another) can be chaotic and less comfortable. Although it is an economical option, it is not always the most comfortable for long trips.
  • Trains and Planes: Trains and planes are the best options for longer transfers. They offer greater convenience and are more time efficient and the prices are low.

Ready for adventure? Do you dream of a unique trip? At Go-travelers we help you make it happen!