So you want to see Vietnam, only have two weeks and worry whether it will be enough. Worry no more! Based on my own travels, I have made the perfect itinerary. It allows you to see the best of the country without feeling rushed or spending way too much money on organized trips or airplane-tickets. Doing all of Vietnam in 2 weeks means making choices on what to visit and what to skip. If you follow this itinerary, you are sure to make the right ones.
The only true urban metropolis in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formally known as Saigon. Think skyscrapers, never-ending streams of traffic and a surprisingly ‘western’ attitude of its inhabitants. HCMC has the best bars, the finest restaurants and the fanciest hotels in the whole country, so if you crave that urban feel, this is your spot. Whether you will be in town for a day or more, here are the top things to do in Saigon. Continue reading “Exploring Saigon (HCMC)”
The Mekong Delta, often called the ‘rice-bowl of Vietnam’ is the place where the mighty Mekong enters the South Chinese Sea. Picture hundreds of small meandering canals, lot’s of rice paddies, houses on poles and busy floating markets. All subjected to the shifting tides of the mighty river. Being this close to HCMC you really have no excuse to skip this one. Even if you can only spare a single day. Continue reading “Visiting the Mekong Delta”
Every trip to South-East Asia should include at least a few days of relaxing on a tropical island with wavy palm-trees lining pearly white sun-bleached beaches and azure-blue waters inviting you to take a dip. For Vietnam the best choice by far is Phu Quoc island. Wondering what to do in Phu Quoc (or actually on Phu Quoc, since its an island)? Kick back and relax of course.
Continue reading “What to do in Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s Paradise Island”
Hoi An is a small atmospheric town in central Vietnam, and one of the most iconic (and visited) places in the country. Its historic center is small, beautiful and pedestrians only. It offers both cultural and culinary thrills, lots of shopping opportunities and more tailors than one would expect in a town twenty times its size. There are just so many things to do in Hoi An it is mindboggling. Add to this a great countryside and palm-tree lined beaches nearby and you begin to understand why so many travelers intent to only stay here for a few days, but end up staying a lot longer..
Continue reading “Things to do in Hoi An: a complete city guide”
Imagine yourself on a scooter, effortlessly cruising down a long winding road. On your left you see the rugged jungle, on your right stunning vista’s are constantly exchanged for idyllic beaches and rocky cliffs. Where can you combine a day-filling high-adrenaline activity, beautiful temples and brisk nature without a guide and with no fear of getting lost, all the while while actually covering distance and getting to your next destination? If it sounds to good to be true it probably is.. except its not. Its the Hai Van Pass, one of the things you really really really can’t skip when traveling Vietnam. Continue reading “The magnificent Hai Van Pass – Vietnam”
Hue Vietnam, a medium-sized provincial city in central-Vietnam, is included in most itinerary’s because of its history and location. It served as the capital of Vietnam from 1802-1945 and is perfectly on route as a stop-over if you travel the country from North to South. The town itself is a dirty, busy and rather uninspiring place. The Royal Tombs in close vicinity however are a delight and definitely make your visit worth the extra stop. Continue reading “Vietnam’s Imperial Capital: Hue”
People talking about the big cities of Vietnam always say that if you loved Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), you will definitely hate Hanoi, and vice-versa. For me, this was not true. Having to make a choice, I would go for Hanoi as the more pleasant one, but if I would not have seen the city during a weekend, I do not think my answer would have been the same. So lets tell you which things to do in Hanoi can make your Vietnam trip a grand success.
