Unsplash Want to Visit Southeast Asia
Vietnam
Duration 14 days Season October-April Currency VND (Vietnamese Dong) USD 1 USD ≈ 25,200 VND Lang Vietnamese
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”— Marcel Proust
Planning notes — I haven't been here yet. This page is my personal research for a future trip.
Vietnam spans misty northern mountains to the lush Mekong Delta, with deep cultural richness in every region.
Why I Want to Visit
Legendary street food, diverse landscapes, welcoming people, and remarkably affordable travel.
Draft itinerary
- Hanoi (3 days) — The chaotic Old Quarter, street food tours, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Ha Long Bay (2 days) — Cruise through limestone karsts and emerald waters
- Hoi An (3 days) — Lantern-lit ancient town, tailored clothes, cooking classes
- Ho Chi Minh City (3 days) — War museums, Cu Chi tunnels, vibrant nightlife
- Mekong Delta (2 days) — Floating markets, river life, tropical fruits
What I’m Most Excited About
- Eating authentic pho at a street stall in Hanoi at 6 AM
- Kayaking through the limestone caves of Ha Long Bay
- Getting custom clothes made in Hoi An within 24 hours
- Riding a motorbike through the scenic Hai Van Pass
Food spots on my radar
- Pho Gia Truyen (Hanoi) — No-frills Old Quarter institution for Hanoi’s best pho bo since the 1950s. 📍 Maps
- Bun Cha Huong Lien (Hanoi) — The Obama-Bourdain bun cha spot with outstanding grilled pork and noodles. 📍 Maps
- Nha Hang Ngon (Ho Chi Minh City) — Open-air restaurant in a colonial villa with live cooking stations. 📍 Maps
- Morning Glory (Hoi An) — Central Vietnamese street food elevated to restaurant quality. 📍 Maps
- Banh Mi Phuong (Hoi An) — Legendary banh mi stall praised by Bourdain as Vietnam’s best. 📍 Maps
Hotels I’ve shortlisted
- Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa ★★★★ (Hanoi) — Elegant Old Quarter boutique hotel with rooftop bar. View →
- Hotel Majestic Saigon ★★★★ (Ho Chi Minh City) — Grand colonial-era hotel on the Saigon River with rooftop views. View →
- An Bang Seaside Village ★★★ (Hoi An) — Beachside bungalows a short bike ride from the ancient town. View →
- Nexy Hostel ★★ (Hanoi) — Stylish budget pods in the Old Quarter with a lively rooftop bar. View →
Experiences I’m considering
- Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour — Old Quarter tastings of pho, bun cha, egg coffee, and banh cuon. 3h. View →
- Ha Long Bay Day Cruise — Cruise through limestone karsts with kayaking. 10h. View →
- Cu Chi Tunnels Tour from Ho Chi Minh City — Explore the legendary wartime tunnel network with a guide. 6h. View →
- Hoi An Cooking Class & Market Tour — Market visit and riverside cooking class for cao lau and banh xeo. 4h. View →
- Mekong Delta Day Tour — Boat through floating markets. 9h. View →
Getting Around & Where to Stay
Airports, transport, taxis, hotels & useful apps for Vietnam
Places on my radar
Some links on this page are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unforgettable experiences await in Vietnam
Local guides, skip-the-line tickets, and unique adventures you won't find on your own.
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