Vietnam is one of those countries that completely surprised me. What first comes to my mind? The food!
I'll never forget how my local guide took me to a tiny family-run restaurant where we were served a huge bowl of steaming Pho. The table was covered with fresh herbs, chillies, lime, bean sprouts, and vegetables that you could add yourself. It was honestly one of the best meals I've ever hadβand that's exactly what Vietnam is all about. Incredible food, lovely people, and unforgettable experiences.
Maybe you've already read my Australia blog, but before I travelled to Australia for the first time, I actually stopped in Vietnam on the way there and again on the way home to break up the long journey. It was such a great ideaβbut only if you have enough time.
Vietnam isn't a destination you should rush.
I would always recommend at least two weeks, and even then you'll probably leave with a list of places you'd love to return to.
Over the years I've organised several Vietnam itineraries for couples, honeymooners and adventurous travellers, with trips starting either in Hanoi in the north or Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Both work perfectlyβit simply depends on your travel style and, most importantly, the season.
What one of my clients had to say
"We've now booked two trips with Jasmina. She truly offers a worry-free, all-inclusive service. Both our trip to Bali two years ago and to Vietnam were unique experiences. We know that a great deal of love and passion goes into the planning. We wish Jasmina all the best for the future and are certain that this wasn't our last trip with her. Anyone still hesitating is welcome to contact me to clear up any doubts. First-class!"
β Benedikt
My favourite Vietnam itinerary
Vietnam is a long country, so unlike Thailand, you can't simply stay on one island and do a few day trips.
The beauty of Vietnam lies in travelling through it.
Hanoi
I usually recommend starting in Hanoi.
It's busy, chaotic, noisy... and absolutely fascinating! Tiny coffee shops sit next to temples, scooters seem to come from every direction (don't worryβyou'll somehow survive crossing the roads π), and the food scene is incredible.
Sapa
If you have enough time, continue north to Sapa.
Located around four to five hours from Hanoi, Sapa is famous for its spectacular rice terraces, mountain villages and hiking. It's a completely different side of Vietnam and perfect if you enjoy nature and authentic local experiences.
Mai Chau
One of my favourite hidden gems is Mai Chau.
Instead of busy cities, you'll find peaceful rice fields, traditional villages and beautiful cycling routes through the countryside. It's one of those places where you slow down, breathe and really experience local life.
Ninh Binh
Often called "Halong Bay on land", Ninh Binh is one of Vietnam's most beautiful regions.
Imagine dramatic limestone mountains rising from endless green rice fields while little boats glide through caves and rivers. Renting a bicycle here is one of the best ways to explore.
Halong Bay
Of course, no Vietnam trip is complete without Halong Bay.
Yes, I'll be honestβit can be quite touristy these days, especially during peak season. But if you're already travelling all the way to Vietnam, I still think it's absolutely worth including. Waking up surrounded by hundreds of limestone islands rising from the emerald-green sea is simply magical, and it's one of those experiences you'll remember for years.
Don't worry thoughβI know which cruises to recommend! Instead of the huge party boats, I'll help you find a lovely 2-day/1-night cruise with a smaller group, comfortable cabins, delicious food and like-minded travellers. That way you still get to experience one of Vietnam's greatest highlights without feeling like you're part of a tourist conveyor belt.
Fly south
Vietnam is much longer than most people expect.
Luckily, domestic flights are frequent, affordable and save you many hours of travelling.
One of my favourite routes is flying to Hue before continuing towards Hoi An.
Hue β Hoi An... but not by bus!
Most people take a shuttle, train or private transfer between Hue and Hoi An.
But there is a much more exciting option...
ποΈ The Hai Van Pass with an Easy Rider
This has become one of my favourite recommendations.
Instead of sitting in a bus, you jump on the back of a motorbike with an experienced local driver (called an Easy Rider).
They pick you up directly at your hotel in Hue and drop you off at your hotel in Hoi An later that afternoon.
Along the way you'll stop at:
- Marble Mountains
- The beautiful Da Nang coastline
- Fishing villages
- Hidden viewpoints
- The famous Hai Van Pass
The best part?
They even transport your luggage on the motorbike, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
One of my customers recently did this journey and absolutely loved it. They mentioned that although the Hai Van Pass itself wasn't quite as untouched as they had imagined because of some resort developments along parts of the coast, the whole experience of riding through Vietnam on the back of a motorbike was unforgettableβand so much more fun than simply taking a bus.
Hoi An β€οΈ
Hoi An is probably my favourite town in Vietnam.
At night, thousands of colourful lanterns light up the streets, creating one of the most magical atmospheres I've ever experienced.
It's the perfect place to slow down for a few days, visit the tailor shops (yes, you can have clothes made within a day!), enjoy amazing cafΓ©s, take a cooking class or simply wander through the beautiful old town.
Time to relax... ποΈ
After all these adventures, it's time for a beach holiday.
This is where Vietnam offers so many possibilities that it can almost become confusing.
Depending on the season and your budget you could choose:
- A luxury island resort
- A boutique hotel on the mainland
- A beautiful spa and wellness resort
- A quiet beach town with small family-run hotels
This is usually the part where I help my clients most, because the "best" beach depends entirely on the time of year.
Things to know before you go
The weather
This is probably the biggest mistake people make when planning Vietnam.
Because the country stretches over more than 1,600 kilometres, the weather is completely different depending on where you are.
It might be sunny in Hanoi while it's raining in the southβor the other way around.
That's why it's so important to plan your route according to the season. Don't worry, I'll happily help you figure out the best itinerary.
π Getting around
Vietnam isn't a twin-centre destination like Thailand.
The magic lies in travelling through the country.
Luckily, it's incredibly easy to get around with:
- Comfortable VIP sleeper buses
- Cheap domestic flights
- Trains
- Private transfers
- Grab (similar to Uber)
- Affordable taxis
Money
I usually recommend bringing around US$200 to exchange into local currency.
You can withdraw more cash from ATMs whenever needed.
Cards are becoming more common, especially in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is still useful for markets, cafΓ©s and smaller businesses.
Tipping
Tipping isn't expected like it is in the US.
However, Vietnam is still a developing country and locals genuinely appreciate any small tip for good service.
My biggest tip β€οΈ
Don't try to squeeze Vietnam into one week.
This isn't a destination where you simply stay in one place.
The magic lies in travelling through the country, experiencing the different landscapes, tasting regional food, meeting local people and watching how every part of Vietnam feels completely different from the last.
I've kept this blog fairly short because every traveller is different.
Whether you're dreaming of mountain hikes, rice terraces, lantern-lit streets, incredible food, luxury beach resorts or all of the above, I'd love to help create the perfect Vietnam itinerary for you.
I promise... you'll leave already thinking about your next visit.
Lovely wishes,
Jasmina βοΈπ