Backpacking Guide
Vietnam
Vietnam Travel Guides
Click on an area of Vietnam that interests you for a more detailed overview
Things To Do In Vietnam
There is always something exciting to do when backpacking Vietnam.
To get you inspired, I have provided some suggestions below.
RIDE THE HA GIANG LOOP
The Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam offers backpackers an exhilarating and unique experience, passing through areas inhabited by various ethnic minority groups. If you want to do the Ha Giang Loop in a group, check out the popular 4 Day 3 Night Tour with Jasmine Tours. You can ride the motorbike yourself or you can hire a local “Easy Rider”, an experienced Vietnamese bike rider who will take you around the loop.
GO CANYONING IN DALAT
Canyoning in Dalat is a popular adventure in Vietnam attracting thrill-seekers from around the world. Book onto a tour to go abseiling down waterfalls, jumping of cliffs, and swimming through river gorges. It is a unique hiking, swimming and climbing experience providing a fun day out.
SUMMIT MOUNT FANSIPAN
Mount Fansipan, located in Sapa, is Vietnam’s highest peak. For those up for an adventure, you can book onto a tour that involves hiking to the summit. Alternatively, you can ride one of the longest cable cars in the world to the top. It’s a small price to pay for spectacular panoramic views!
TAKE A BOAT CRUISE DOWN THE MEKONG RIVER
The Mekong Delta is home to diverse ethnic groups, offering the chance to learn about new culture, customs and traditions. The intricate network of rivers makes cruising these waterways a serene and picturesque experience. Join a day tour down the Mekong; many stopr at local farms, fruit orchards and rice noodle factories.
GO ATV RIDING IN MUI NE
ATV riding in Mui Ne is a fun activity for those seeking adventure. It provides an adrenaline rush as you navigate through varied terrains, including sad dunes and off road trails. Whether you are a beginner or experienced rider, ATV tours cater to all skill levels. Sunrise and sunset tours offer incredible views over the sand dunes.
HIKE THE HANG MUA TRAIL
The Hang Mua hike is a popular trek located in the small town of Tam Coc. The 500 stone step climb can be challenging, but the panoramic views at the top are well worth the effort. The hike is open to tourists daily from 6am - 7pm and costs around £3.25.
This hike is a must-do for nature lovers, photographers and anyone looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of Vietnam’s countryside.
RIDE THE HAI VAN PASS
The Hai Van Pass is a scenic mountain pass in Vietnam, famous for its stunning views of the South China Sea. It is 21km long, connecting the cities of Da Nang and Hué. Whether you’re seeking adventure to explore the winding roads by motorbike, or a traveller interested in the natural beauty of Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass offers a memorable experience.
TRY VIETNAMESE CUISINE
Vietnamese street food is renowned for its vibrant flavours, fresh ingredients and diverse offerings. Be sure to try Bánh Mi - A Vietnamese sandwich that combines a crispy baguette with various fillings like chicken, ham, cheese and salad. It demonstrates the fusion between French and Vietnamese culinary styles.
Getting Around Vietnam
Bus
Sleeper buses provide a convenient way to cover large distances in Vietnam, saving money on accommodation. Basic sleeper buses have three rows of bunk beds from the front the the back of the bus. They tend to be quite squashed and the beds are not the comfiest, however they are the cheapest option to pick. Other sleeper buses, known as ‘VIP’ buses offer a two by two bunk bed layout with comfortable, air conditioned beds, blankets and pillows and onboard toilets. All sleeper buses have scheduled rest breaks and meal stops. Prices vary depending on the time of year and travel time, but tickets can range between £4 and £40.
You can purchase an open bus ticket for around £40 which allows a flexible and cost-effective way of travelling between tourist destinations. You can purchase a ticket online, at travel agencies in Vietnam and through many hostels and hotels.
Train
Vietnam has a fairly good train network connecting the North with the South. The train is a fun, scenic and affordable way to travel Vietnam, with sleeper trains being more comfortable especially in mountainous areas. SE Trains tend to be higher quality and faster, whilst TN Trains are generally considered to be slower and older in comparison. There are various classes to choose from with the most expensive being 4-berth and 6-berth sleeper compartments and cheapest being soft seats and hard seats.
You can buy tickets online, at the station or through travel agencies. Whichever option you choose I would advise booking in advance!
Plane
Domestic flights in Vietnam are a convenietn and time-saving option for travelling between major cities and tourist destinations. The main airports are located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue, Phu Quoc, Hai Phong and Can Tho. Reliable airlines include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways and Pacific Airlines.
Taxi
I would recommend downloading the app ‘Grab’ which is essentially Asia’s version of Uber. It is a widley used and conventient transportation service offering a reliable and cheap way of getting around cities.
Motorbike
Renting a motorbike provides freedom and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace. Make sure to do your research first! Check out reviews to ensure who you are renting from are reliable and ensure they provide you with a helmet. If it is your first time riding a motorbike or scooter, take it for a short test ride to ensure you are comfortable with the bike and its controls.
Vietnam is known for its crazy driving and mad motorbike population; road rules are barely existent and locals generally drive in any direction they want to. It is therefore really important to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for any motorbike accidents. Check your coverage as some will only cover you if you have purchased an international driving license.
Travel Tip: Do not give your passport as a deposit - always give cash!! I have first hand experience of returning a motorbike and finding out they have lost my passport. Disaster.
Popular motorbike routes include the Ha Giang Loop and the Hai Van Pass.
Best Time To Visit Vietnam
Vietnam spans over 1000km North to South, therefore the climate varies from cold winters in the North to tropical summers in the South.
Generally, the best time to visit Vietnam is during its dry season - from November to April. This period generally provides clearer days for going out and doing activities without it being stiffling hot. However, bear in mind that it is much cooler in northern regions so don’t forget to pack those extra layers.
Vietnam’s hottest season is between March and May with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees celsius. The south can get incredibly humid during this period, however if you’re looking for the perfect beach weather then this is the time to go.
Monsoon season occurs between May and November bringing rain to the entire country. Most of the time rain appears in short heavy downpours, however areas around the Mekong have been known to flood. Typhoons can hit areas on the central coast (e.g. Hue/Hoi An/Da Nang) between September and October and northern areas (e.g. Hanoi/Ha Long Bay) between May and September. It is recommended to AVOID travelling to areas like Ha Giang during monsoon season as flash floods and landslides make travelling in that area very dangerous.
Northern Vietnam
Best Time: October to April
Worst Time: May to September
Central Coast
Best Time: February to June
Worst Time: September to December
Southern Vietnam
Best Time: November to April
Worst Time: May to October
Visa Requirements (updated 2025)
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK VISA REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY. THE FOLLOWING ADVICE IS FOR UK CITIZENS
Visiting for up to 45 days
Since August 2022, 25 countries have been eligible for visa exemption. The maximum time permitted for the visa exemption varies from 15 - 90 days depending on your passport. For UK Citizens you can visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa.
Visiting for +45 days
If you plan to stay longer than 45 days you will need to apply for an eVisa which will grant you up to 90 days in Vietnam. The eVisa starts at around £40 and takes 3-10 working days to process. If you want a multiple entry visa or a shorter processing time the cost increases. You will need to upload a photograph of your passport and pay the fee online with your debit or credit card. Make sure to check which borders accept the eVisa before purchasing one as not all land borders accept them.
Travel Tip
Make sure to take copies of your passport photo and have your travel information to hand - occasionally backpackers are asked for proof of their onward flight or accommodation information when arriving in the country.
More Vietnam Visa Information:
Vietnam E-Visa Official Website
Travel Vaccinations
Before setting off on your backpacking adventure, I would highly recommend speaking to your GP or visiting a travel vaccine clinic to get the latest information on what vaccines to get. Make sure to leave plenty of time as some vaccines require multiple jabs over several months. If you plan on doing certain activities that may increase the risk of disease, such as jungle trekking, make sure to mention this to your health advisor. Remember to check your vaccination record as you may have had some as an infant or during secondary school.
Recommended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Polio
Typhoid
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Rabies
Japanese Encephalitis
A Yellow Fever vaccine is not essential for travelling Vietnam. However, if you are planning on traveling to South or Central America, Africa or the Caribbean, be sure to get this vaccine.
Click here for the Yellow Fever Map
Dengue Fever and Zika Virus
A common illness amongst backpackers is dengue fever which is contracted through mosquito bites. Whilst most people who contract the illness don’t know they have it, symptoms can include a high fever (hence the name dengue fever), severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, a rash and swollen glands. Sounds nasty right?!
Vietnam is also classed as a high risk country for Zika Virus. This is also transmitted through mosquito bites as well as unprotected sex. Symptoms tend to appear 3-14 days after contraction and can include a rash, itching, headaches, a fever, red eyes, muscle and joint pain.
Pack a bottle of insect repellent before you arrive in Vietnam along with some longer layers to cover your legs and arms in the evening. The best products are chemical based repellents like DEET, Picaridin and Permethrin. I have also used natural repellents such as lemongrass, which, to my surprise, did work, however its effectiveness was not as good as the chemical products.
Malaria Tablets
It is generally not advised to take malaria tablets before backpacking Vietnam as the disease is very rare in this country. However, some travel clinics argue that if you are travelling close to bordering countries where the risk is higher (e.g. Cambodia and Laos), it is worth getting that extra protection.
Click here: Malaria Risk Map in Vietnam
The decision becomes more of a personal choice, and as someone who has backpacked all over Southeast Asia I am yet to take a malaria tablet (or get malaria). The tablets are often quite expensive and the side effects are uncomfortable. Therefore given the low risk, many avid travellers don’t bother. However, like I said, it is still worth doing some research and speaking to a medical professional so that you are happy with whatever decision you make.
For more information about travel vaccinations, check your local government travel advice.
More UK Vaccination Advice:
Costs and Budgets (updated 2024)
As a backpacker, I know how important it is to keep costs low whilst still having an amazing travel experience. I have provided a rough idea of what costs look like per day so that you can plan your trip according to your budget. Whilst I have included the basics, try to also factor in a separate budget for emergencies (e.g. unexpected medical costs) and any bucket list activities that may cost a little more.
The currency in Vietnam is Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Low Range Budget
Accommodation: £5 - £10 for a dorm bed in a hostel.
Food: £6 - £8 for street food and a few drinks.
Activities: £3 - £5 for cheap activities.
Transport: £3 - £5 for public transport.
Average Daily Spend:
£17 - £28)
Mid Range Budget
Accommodation: £10 - £20 for a private room in a hostel or budget hotel/homestay.
Food: £8 - £16 for low cost restaurant meals and alcohol.
Activities: £6 - £12 for museum visits or snorkelling trips.
Transport: £6 - £10 for scooter rental or Grab ride.
Average Daily Spend:
£30 - £58
High Range Budget
Accommodation: £25 - £40 for a private room in a luxury accommodation.
Food: £20 - £30 for upmarket restaurant food and drinks.
Activities: £25+ for packaged tours like Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Canyoning, Motorbike Loop.
Transport: £10 - £20 for private transfers/taxis.
Average Daily Spend:
£80+
Sim Cards / Wifi
The 4 network operators in Vietnam: Viettel, Vinaphone, Vietnamobile and Mobifone. Each carrier offers similar coverage and packages. However, If you want a reliable one, I would recommend Viettel and Mobifone - I have used both of these and they never failed me.
Option 1: Buy an eSIM
Purchasing an eSIM is a great way to access the internet whilst overseas. Personally, this is the easiest option and the option I choose whenever I am travelling outside of my home country. It is simple, affordable and hassle-free. Instead of finding a store and physically swapping out your home SIM for a travel SIM, you can download a data plan to your phone and instantly connect to a mobile network when you land in the country!
The app I use for buying an eSIM is called Airalo. After downloading the app and choosing the SIM you want, it will walk you through how to install and activate the eSIM.
Option 2: Buy a physical SIM in store
All SIM cards in Vietnam have to be registered and you can only do this at an official shop. However, top up packages can be bought at street vendors and have easy to follow instructions. For more information about each network carrier click here.
Plug Type
Vietnam has 4 plug types: A, C, F and G. Therefore, an invaluable item to pack is a universal travel adaptor that can offer conversion to multiple plug types. If you plan on taking any styling tools (hairdryer/curling tong) a converter is worth taking to avoid power surges.
Pack an extension lead! That way you can plug in one adapter for this and still have multiple plugs available!
DOWNLOAD A VPN!
A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and offers a safer, freer and more secure online experience.
What does a VPN do?
1. It keeps your personal data like passwords, search history, account details and credit card details private.
2. It allows access to home content abroad as well as content from other countries. This is great when you want to watch Netflix shows only available in certain countries.
3. It can be cheaper to book flights and accommodation when connected to a different country.
Click here to give the Surfshark VPN 30 day free trial a go!
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Here are some useful phrases to use:
Hello - Sin Chao
Goodbye - Tambiet
Thank you - Cam on
How are you? - Bạn có khỏe không?
Yes - Ya
No - Kong
How much? - Bao nhieu
Not spicy - Không cay
It’s too expensive! - Mac kwa
I don’t understand - Tôi không hiểu
I don’t know -Tôi không biết
Cheers! - Chúc mừng!
Religion
There are 16 official religions in Vietnam with the 6 major religions being: Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Cao Dai and Hoa Hoa. However the majority of Vietnamese people (74%) do not follow any singular religion and instead particpate in multiple practices of Folk Religion.
Whilst the culture of Vietnam is relatively laid-back and travellers are generally free to wear what they want, there are particular rules to be followed when visiting a Temple.
Both men and women must cover their knees and women must cover their shoulders. Whilst it’s not as important for men to cover their shoulders, they’re still encouraged to wear a top with sleeves. Shoes, hats and sunglasses should be removed before entering the temple and phones should be silenced.
SCAMS
Staying Safe
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Police: 113
Fire: 114
Ambulance: 115
Tourist Helpline: 1800 1109
Whilst Vietnam for the most part is a safe and welcoming place to visit, scams can vary widely. Taxi drivers may take longer routes to increase the fare or use tampered meters. To avoid this, use reputable companies like Grab. Some tour operators may sell counterfit tickets or tours that don’t deliver what they promise, so make sure to always book through agencies with good reviews. Motorbike rental companies may claim damage to bikes that was already present - take a full 360 video of the bike before renting it!. Pickpocketing can happen in corwded areas so make sure to stay vigilant and keep your belonging secure.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Vietnam is prone to several natural disasters, including floods, landslides, typhoons and occasional earthquakes. Backpackers should be aware of these risks and take appropriate safety precautions. This includes monitoring weather forecasts, avoiding travel to high-risk areas during peak rainy seasons and sharing travel plans with friends/family.
INSURANCE
Accidents can and do happen when backpacking and as someone who has crashed their motorbike, I can say that it’s not pretty, especially when you’re in shorts and a Tshirt. Make sure you have all the correct protective gear when taking part in any hazardous activities AND most importantly, get yourself covered with travel insurance. I recommend SafteyWing as the best backpacker travel insurance. You will also need to get yourself an International Driving Permit in order to legally drive here. Insurance will not cover you if you don’t have this.
FOOD AND WATER
Street food in Vietnam is generally safe to eat. However, to minimise the risk of food and waterborne illnesses make sure to:
1. Eat at well reviewed establishments and street vendors with a high turnover of customers.
2. Choose food that is hot and fresh and avoid raw or undercooked meats, seafood and eggs.
3. Stick to sealed, store-bought dairy products that have been pasteurized.
4. Always drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact before drinking.
5. Wash your hands frequently and consider carrying hand sanitizer.
LGBTQ+ BACKPACKERS
Vietnam is a popular LGBTQ+- friendly country to travel. Same-sex activity is legal here and the ban on same sex marriage was lifted in 2015. However, as Vietnam is a more conservative country, all travellers should be cautious with public displays of affection. For more advice check your local government travel advice.
UK Government LGBTQ+ Travel Advice
For Up to Date UK Government Safety Advice: Click Here
Insider Tips
A great way to save money when backpacking is to eat local food. Street food in Vietnam is a great alternative to a restaurant meal. You can find delicious food including banh mi, rice, noodles and fresh fruit at half the price. I was hesitant to try food from street stalls at stalls, however, don’t always judge a book by its cover! Some of these places sell some of the best food in Vietnam!
If you are going to Vietnam for a ‘backpacking’ experience, then make sure to do it properly! Book into hostels instead of hotels - this is a much better way to meet likeminded travellers and keeps to a lower budget. Not all hostels are party party party - if you want some down time to chill out, there are tons of more relaxed hostels to stay in. If you want more privacy but also want to socialise, booking a private room in a hostel is a good option!
When packing for Vietnam, you will need less than you think. Don’t bother buying multiple long skirts, baggy trousers and expensive swimwear; you can get these and more for as little as £2. Save your money for cool adventures like learning to sandboarding and canyoning!
Whilst it is a great idea to have a plan of the kinds of activities you want to do, don’t tie yourself down to anything. With this I mean try not to book anything in advance - as a backpacker plans change ALL THE TIME. Travel agencies and tour companies are dotted all over Vietnam so wait until you arrive to book anything. Activities are often also cheaper when booking in person.
Many bars in Vietnam offer a ‘Happy Hour’ where certain deals are offered on alcohol. This is a great way to save money when drinking so make sure to check their happy hour times before going out.
Whilst having a phone full of photos is a great way to remember your time backpacking, I would highly reccommend packing a notepad and pen. Writing as little as a sentence a day is really good way of noting down what you got up too, how you felt, any friends you made etc. Putting the photos together with the diary makes an invaluable book to look back on years down the line.
Vietnam Travel Videos
Follow my travels on Instagram for fun and exciting reels!