Vietnam 2
VIETNAM
Vietnam is one of the most diverse and fun countries in Southeast Asia. Each stop on this list will offer a unique new set of attractions and scenery. The large cities of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Hanoi shows w contrasting styles of modernism and western culture; one strives to maintain cozy and mellow Asian charm, while the other thrives on exuberance and provides excitement through chaos in its crowded roads lines surrounded by modern skyscrapers. For those wishing for a more authentic Asian experience, Vietnam maintains its roots and offers many small villages to visit and leave you in awe of the beauty of its rice fields that blanket the mountainsides and in pure admiration of the work ethic and humility of its farmers. Finally, for those seeking to get in touch with nature, the country provides a copious variety of scenery from its impressive mountain peaks, riddled with grandiose caves which seem to be never ending, and down to its serene beaches where one can relax and reflect on the journey thus far. One can choose to follow the conventional stops which will throw you into a trail from south to north (or vise versa) that is brimming with friendly backpackers from varying parts of the world. Nightlife in Vietnam is one of the best in Asia, so if you’re looking to be social this is a great country to start. Since everyone hits the same main cities on the trail it is very common to run into familiar faces over and over again along your journey. This is great for those wishing to make new friends in Asia. For those wishing to be alone, the small villages off the beaten path provide more of a refuge specially if you decide to stay in family homestays rather than hostels.
Saigon/Ho Chi Minh
Saigon, while not the capital, is in fact the largest city in the country as well as the most developed. The city offers a great deal of attractions, restaurants, and historical places guaranteed to please any sort of backpacker. The city served as the capital of southern Vietnam (the Republic of Vietnam) from 1956-1975. After which the north reclaimed the south and united all of Vietnam. The city was then renamed from “Saigon” to “Ho Chi Minh” in order to honor the new President. Locals, however, still often refer to the city as Saigon to honor its past as well as due to some lingering ideological tensions between the north and south.
Accomodation
In the heart of the city lie to sister hostels about 2 blocks away from each other and both are one block over from the notorious Bui Vien “walking” (party) street. This is where you will want to stay for meeting people and going out. The hostels are “Hideout” and “Hangout”. I have stayed at both and in my opinion “Hangout” has slightly better rooms. However, “Hideout” has a rooftop bar with a pool table. In any case, regardless of which you stay at, the hostel organizes a nightly pub crawl which begins at “Hideout” rooftop bar. So even if you stay at “Hangout”, the staff will gather up a group and head over to th “Hideout” to begin the crawl at around 9pm. During my stay the staff was incredibly friendly, former backpackers which were sucked in to stay in the city and keep the party going. The bar crawl provides an easy and great way of meeting people as well as seeing Bui Vien and getting free shots at most bars. The hostels also provide a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels (see attractions) as well as bus transportation to the next cities on the trip. Additionally, the hostels provide a great location; not only are they next to Bui Vien, but they are next to a large park which on weekend nights offers a food market, as well as within 15 minutes walking distance to just about any attraction.
Attractions
War Museum
The war museum is an obvious must go for backpackers. It highlights the history of the war with pictures and first hand accounts. In addition, it has tanks, jets, planes, and trucks from the war on display outside which are all very impressive. Next to the museum there is a large park which is pleasant to walk through and has an area with a couple dozen modern art statues which are quite interesting.
Ho Chi Minh Palace
The palace of Ho Chi Minh is about a 5 minute walk from the war museum. You can go inside and see where Ho Chi Minh lives (including his personal room). The top floor of the palace has an impressive view of the city as well.
Cu Chi Tunnels
You can book a tour here through your hostel. It is about an hour outside of the city. The Cu Chi Tunnels are some of the tunnels used by the VietCong during the war. The tunnels are about 10 feet underground and very small (not recommended for claustrophobic people). However, while walking through the tunnels is included in the tour, it is optional. You can choose to stay above ground and look at them. In addition to the tunnels the tour shows you many of the traps (very gruesome) set by the VietCong as well as provides further history and insight into the war. I highly recommend it.
Nightlife
Bui Vien is the name of the game here. It is a 3 block street filled with bars and clubs that is packed every night of the week. As stated, the hostels I recommended provide a bar crawl of the bars here. The drinks can get pricey on Bui Vien as compared to the rest of Vietnam so I recommend you do the heavier part of your drinking at the hostel bar (the crawl starts there anyways) in order to save yourself some money. This will also help you meet people as the hostel staff comes and encourages/facilitates socializing amongst strangers.
Food
Food in Saigon is very good (IF you know where to go). You can find Pho and local food just about everywhere. For this i don’t have any specific recommendations since i would just walk around and stroll into wherever looked good. My only tip would be to be careful on where and what you eat. On more than on occasion I ordered meat or pho that I couldn’t eat. The Vietnamese enjoy different parts of the cow than we do (i.e tongue, liver, or other unknown areas to be honest).
Sometimes I even questioned what animal I had been given (to be fair dog meat is very rare in the South, it is more of a concern in the North). If you have a weak stomach and want to be as safe as possible stick to places that speak good English and can fully know/explain what you are ordering. Cafes are typically safe places to eat. General rule of thumb I have stuck to in Asia; When in doubt, stick to chicken. Chicken is chicken, you won’t need to wonder if its something else.The safest dish to order is almost always chicken fried rice if you are highly skeptical of a place. For western comfort food, however, see below.
Pizza 4Ps – Pizza for Peace (came here a few times before reading on the menu that that was what the name meant). Very famous italian restaurant found in both Saigon and Hanoi. Its offers incredible pizza and pasta options however it is quite pricey compared to most Vietnam (still cheaper than the US though, expect to pay 10-15 USD for a large meal).
Journey Sandwich Cafe – About a 5 minute walk from Bui Vien this Cafe specializes in sandwiches. Grilled cheese, cubano, Argentinian sandwiches, chicken club, Mexican tortas, BLT, you name it they have it. Each sandwich comes with fries and you can pick which type of bread you want it on, they have about ten types including croissant. The sandwiches are cheap and huge (bigger than a Chipotle Burrito) you can also order a double sandwich buy truly I can’t fathom who would.
Royale Saigon – Located on Bui Vien this restaurant offers western classics like burgers while also having a good selection of Vietnamese food. They have good Pho though I would argue you could find better around Bui Vien but if you don’t want to risk getting a bad Pho place this is a good option for a reliable one.
BBQ Garden – An outdoor restaurant thats lit up by christmas style lights wrapped around trees and hanging overhead. This place offers a “do-it-yourself” BBQ (Korean BBQ style) where each table has a large grill in the middle, you order whichever raw meats and seasoning you want, and cook it yourself. A great place to go at night with friends and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere.
Good to Know
You can get a sim card for 3 dollars at thgioididong stores. The one by Bui Vien offers the best data plans (60,000 dong for 3 gigs, 80,000 for 7 gigs, 100,000 for 10 gigs for the month). This doesnt include texts or calls, however you can use whatsapp or fbook to text people and you can use skype to call people using just data (you will need to add money to your skype account but its cheaper this way and allows you yo call anywhere in the world)
Crossing streets is a nightmare. The streets are flooded with what looks like schools of fish but made up of endless motorcycles. They will seldom stop for lights much less for you so if you wait on the corner for them you will be waiting all day. Pick your time, and walk with confidence, they will work their way around you just like fish. The cars will slow down for you too. Takes some getting used to but eventually you will be a pro. Only tip here NEVER go infront of a bus, those guys will NOT stop for you, you will end up on their windshield.
Transportation
A taxi from the airport to the heart of the city will cost you 10 dollars
Saigon has Grab (including Grab motorcycles!) so you can get a ride relatively easy. Alternatively, rent a bike and get lost in the chaos.
Next Stop
You have some options now on your next stop. You can head south and check out the fishing villages along the Mekong Delta. Head to Nha Trang or Mui Ne to see some beaches (both of these cities are overrun by Russian tourists and are pricey). Or head straight to the next stop going northward, Da Lat.
Da Lat
Da Lat is a small city in Vietnam with unique charm. Located near small hills and lakes it is a popular destination for canyoning. My recommendation is you spend 2-3 days here.
Where to stay
A good backpacker hostel in this city is “Mr.Peace”. It is technically a “homestay/guesthouse” but it is set up like a hostel. The only catch is they dont let any guests drink or socialize there after 10 they close their terrace balcony because they want to go to sleep. However it is in a good location, 10 minutes walk from city attractions and the bars, offers family dinner at a good price, and provides canyoning tours for a good price.
Attractions
Canyoning
The best attraction in this city in canyoning. Book it through Mr.Peace hostel. You wake up early and get on a bus for about 45 minutes with a large group. There you strap on a harness and do a quick 30-45 minute safety class before where they teach you how to properly canyon and be safe. Then you begin trekking. The trek includes 4 canyoning stops, each progressively more difficult than the last, you get to swim in the rivers, a waterfall, an optional cliff jumping, and lunch. Several guides are with you the entire time making sure everything is strapped on right, instructing you, and making sure you are safe. In addition the guides take photos of everyone throughout using a professional camera and upload them onto facebook for you to access for free (photos are great, each person gets a couple dozen individual photos of them canyoning as well as many group ones). I had never canyoned before this and the same goes for most of our group so don’t be scared if its your first time. Everyone is scared and having a great time and its an awesome way to bond with new people.
Maze Bar
You might wonder why this is here and not in the nightlife section but the fact is this place is much more of an attraction than a bar. In fact the drinks here are very expensive so i don’t recommend you drink here. This bar has more than 10 stories. 3 above ground and upwards of 8 below. It is a giant spiraling maze decorated like something out of the hobbit or harry potter. Incredibly easy to get lost here. The architecture is stunning filled with hidden rooms and coves to relax in. The bottom floor is painted like the ocean with a giant octopus statue on the wall. Pro tip: use the bathroom as soon as you see one. There are a few throughout the maze but trust me if you have been drinking and need a restroom this place is your worst nightmare.
Crazy House
Similar to the maze bar this is a “house” that looks like something out of the hobbit. With large tree like sculptures to walk on and many rooms with “crazy” themes. Feels like the shire meets Alice in Wonderland. Personally I found maze bar to be much more impressive but if you are looking for something to do during the day this is worth a visit.
Food
The only food recommendation I have here is the family dinner at Mr.Peace. There is a sign up sheet at the reception it cost about 5 dollars but it is all you can eat cooked by what I’m guessing is Mr.Peace’s mother, a very kind elderly lady. I had it twice while there and both nights were good. She will make a spread with an assortment of different foods. If you get lucky you will be there on a Pho day, this is the best Pho I had in Vietnam. She’ll put out spring rolls, boiled eggs, and a few other sides to go along with it. This is also a great way to meet other people staying at the hostel.
Nightlife
As stated in the “attractions” Maze Bar is an option but it is expensive and not a place to meet or interact with people as its massive and everyone is busy exploring. On the way to the Maze Bar, however, there is a street with 3 small bars and live music (about 10 minutes walking from Mr.Peace). These bars are fun, cheap, and often have live music.
Transportation
No need to rent a motorcycle here in my opinion. It is all within walking distance (or a bus is provided for you for when going canyoning). However, if you feel lazy you can rent one at your hostel or at the city center. The streets aren’t too busy here so its easy to drive.
Next Stop
From here you can head North to Hue or directly to Hoi An. Or go southward to Nha Trang, Mui Ne, or Saigon.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a backpacker favorite for anyone who has visited. The city has great beaches to go to, temples nearby you can visit, and a charming Old City which is said to be one of the top 10 most romantic places in the world as well as a vibrant nightlife. Recommend 3 days here minimum, then stretch to your liking.
Where to stay
Sunflower Hostel – Hands down. No contest. This hostel is great. Wonderful centralized location 10 minute drive to the beach as well as 10 minute drive to the Old City. It has a large pool next to a massive bar area that includes a pool table and a foosball table, great for relaxing on lazy days. And at night this hostel is a massive party. Great drink deals, music, beerpong games, etc.
Attractions
Hidden Beach – Rent a scooter and head to the beach. The main beach here is crowded, expensive, and full of waves. BUT, if you go just half a mile (walk or scooter) down the road you will find Hidden Beach (yes that’s its name). You can find the location of Hidden Beach on Maps.me (irony). This beach provides umbrellas and seats for free (you have to pay at the main beach for the same thing), as well as cheap beers, and a very nice restaurant. Great place to spend a day relaxing and tanning. The water here is also much cleaner as opposed to the polluted water on the main beach, with smaller calmer waves, and nicer softer sand. So basically its hard to understand why tourists go to the main beach but I guess many just don’t know.
MAPS.ME
maps.me
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Old City – The Old City is beautiful at night. Make sure you go before 10pm, however, as they turn the lights off to the bridge at that time. The bridge is lit up red and yellow with gondolas paddling along the river. You can ride the gondolas for relatively cheap. You can then light candles on lotus shapes floating paper. Dozens of candles lit by tourist float serenely in the river lit up yellow in contrast to the black water creating a truly stunning view. (Though sadly one can’t help but notice how much these pretty decorations end up polluting the river but I digress). After you get off your gondola the main bar area is found right along the river so this is where your night will continue. During the day you can also visit the Old City an walk through its streets for shopping or to see some of the small temples there but it is much more impressive at night so make sure to stick around.
Temples – If you rent a scooter you can drive an hour outside the city to some old temple ruins. It is nice to see, ask your reception for more info.
Nightlife
Start your nights out at Sunflower Hostel. They have cheap drink there, beerpong tables, and music. If thats not enough they have a happy hour where for 3 hours for 5 dollars you get unlimited drinks….not bad right? At around 11 or 12 they’ll close the bar and you along with everyone else will head to the bar area. You can walk but its a long walk so I recommend you take a mototaxi. You can had to Why Not Bar which is closer to the hostel. It is a small bar but it is cheap and you will find a lot of people drinking and dancing here. Its a good place to start but the calmer of the two bar areas. The other bar area is the Old City. There are a few bars here, the most popular of which is Funky Monkey. A little pricier than Why Not but it has good deals, if you show up with a large group they usually give you free stuff such as shots, a bottle, or even hookah to smoke depending on group size. Why Not stays open late. Funky Monkey closes bfore midnight….BUT WAIT! Once Funky Monkey closes you can walk about 100 yards down the road at which point you will run into Funky Monkey 2!! Crazy coincidence right….? Right… Funky Monkey 2 has more expensive drinks (weird how that works…) but it has a large dance floor and stays open late.
Food
Sunflower Hostel offers free breakfast with your stay and anything free is good so….. Sunflowers menu also has good western food and they do a BBQ in the afternoon where you can get 1 free skewer and extremely cheap sandwiches (more reasons to love this place). Hoi An has many good restaurants in the Old City, some expensive some cheap, just look around. The restaurant at Hidden Beach has great fish (its th only restaurant there can’t miss it). And finally late night, across the street from Sunflowr Hostel there is a Ban Mhi (Vietnamese sandwich) stand that stays open very late and has great cheap sandwiches, a lifesaver for late nights coming home from the bars. There are a plethora of good restaurants on TripAdvisor offering many styles of food I heard good reviews on many of them. The only one I will recommend personally is below.
Hola Taco – A great Mexican food restaurant with authentic taste. The only place in Vietnam where I found truly good Mexican food, so if you’re craving some I highly recommend you go here.
Transportation
You have two modes of transportation here: bicycle or scooter. Both available at the hostel. I personally recommend scooter. Its only sliiiightly more expensive than the bike and it gives you a much greater area of mobility. The streets in Hoi An aren’t too crowded, its an easy drive. Also, on my first day I decided to go with a bicycle and take a ride to the beach. Don’t underestimate the Vietnamese humidity and heat. The ride to the beach was bearable but I was cursing myself on the ride so I suggest you rent a scooter, but it’s up to you and your affinity for bicycling in melting hot weather.
Next Stops
Heading south your next stop will be Da Lat. Heading north you will want to visit Hue. *If you are going north I suggest you take a quick look at the Phong Nha section. The accommodation in Phong Nha requires you to book several days in advanced and it sells out very quickly so the sooner you book the better*
Hue
Hue is a quaint little town with a rich history. Upon arriving in Hue one might wonder why this town is so significant to the Vietnam and its people. The town itself is clean, filled with shops and markets, as well as large streets lively with traffic; However, it doesn’t seem to be anything special when compared to the large cities of Hanoi or Saigon. That is, until one sees the shadow of what this great city once was. A quick ride over to the Imperial City within Hue will begin to paint a picture of the might it once had. Hue was the former capital of Vietnam in its imperial era. It was home to the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. By now in your travels you should be wondering why “Nguyen” is so ubiquitous throughout Vietnam. The name can be seen on hundreds of store names and streets throughout the country. In fact, Nguyen is the most common surname in Vietnam accounting for an estimated 30-40% of the population. Well now you have your answer! The Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1802 all the way up to 1945 and they certainly left their mark. In 1945 power was transferred over from their family to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. *Fun fact/side note: The 14 most popular last names in Vietnam account for more than 90% of the population. So its clear to see that Vietnamese Dynasties were no joke.* The city was walled off from the outside and the emperors palace was located inside. Unfortunately, a majority of the ancient building and temples were destroyed during the Vietnam War, one can even still see bullet holes in some of the remaining structures. However, the emperors palace and a few other structure remain and have withstood the test of time as a reminder and glimpse of the glory of this former capital. The Imperial City is an impressive site. Within it, one can now go into the “Purple Forbidden City”, an area once restricted to only the royal family and their servants but is now open to tourists. While Hue has a classic charm to it, there isn’t much to see here other than the Imperial City so I recommend this be a one or two day stop at most.
Where to stay
There are many options of hostels and guest homes to stay at in Hue. The city is catered to a more relaxed style of tourist so many of these accommodations pride themselves on comfort and quiet atmosphere rather than the typical “cheap and fun” styles you may have grown accustomed to by now. That said, you may/probably will end up paying a few extra dollars a night here than what you have seen thus far if following my tips. I chose to stay at “Why Not” hostel and would highly recommend it again. The hostel has a small restaurant downstairs with good food, is in a great centralized location near many restaurants and bars, and offers free breakfast. The greatest part about this hostel, however, is the bed set up. The beds are large full (almost queen even) size beds rather than the typical twin size provided in hostels. The mattresses are thick and comfy, almost like a tempur pedic but not quit (it is still a hostel after all). In addition each bed is in its own little cubicle type thing. Where you will have a bamboo/wood panel on either side of you creating a barrier between you and other beds as well as a curtain at the edge of the bed that you can close for complete privacy. In addition, each bed “cubby” has its own fan (there is AC in the room as well but just in case you want to be even cooler) and its own nightlight. The hostel is a great place to finally get a comfortable and proper good nights sleep to rest up and gain energy for your next destinations.
Attractions
Imperial City – The former capital of Vietnam, a walled off city of ruin which paints a picture of the imperial era of Vietnam. Within it lies the Forbidden Purple City, the former palace for emperors and royalty for Vietnam, formerly “forbidden” to outsiders but now a popular tourist destination….go figure. How things change. Read the summary of this city for a little more info on this attraction.
Abandoned Water Park – Once a water park for the people of the city it has since then shut down due to poor revenue which could not sustain its operating costs. However, the city was able to capitalize and wisely pivot its strategy of this site from water park to tourist attraction. What remains now are large structures of empty water slides in the shapes of dragons. The water park has an eerie feel of and abandoned city to it. The top of the structures also provide a great place for picture taking and views of the entire city.
Nightlife
Hue is not known for its party atmosphere like many of the other cities in Vietnam. However, if you are itching to keep the party going or just want to go out for a drink with a friend there are several bars on the same street as “Why Not” hostel.
Food
As I only stayed in Hue for one night I only have one food recommendation for you but it is definitely worth going to.
Ta.Ke Japanese Restaurant – This sushi bar is located a couple blocks from “Why Not” hostel and serves some of the best sushi I have had in Vietnam for an unbelievably affordable price. For 10-15 dollars you will have all the sushi you could possibly eat (with many types to choose from) as well as a couple beverages and a soup if you wish.
Transportation
I would suggest you travel by moto-taxi or rent a scooter here. Traffic here is light so you will have no problem driving around. You can also rent a bicycle but the ride around the city can be upwards of 10 miles you be the judge of your stamina.
Next Stop
Heading north you will want to go to Phong Nha. PLEASE note if you are going to Phong Nha the best hostel there isn’t on Hostelworld you have to email them and do it ahead of time because it is often all booked up. See Phonh Nha page for instructions. This is NOT a hostel you want to miss out on.
Phong Nha
Phong Nha is one of Vietnams most beautiful gems. This small villages tucked away in the mountains offers an escape from the city life and immerses you into the landscape of the Vietnamese north. Here you will find yourself exploring enormous cave systems and mesmerized by the pillars of stalagmites and stalactites which have formed here over thousands of years. For the adventurer types this city is a haven which will satisfy your desire to live out your childhood dreams of living like the fabled Indiana Jones. I recommend a minimum of 3 days stay here, then extend your nights till your hearts content. Be aware though, the main (and must see) hostel in this city gets booked up very quickly and can only be booked through email so plan your stay here accordingly.
Where to stay
Easy Tiger is where you will want to set up base camp in Phong Nha. The hostel is not currently available on Hostelworld so to book your stay with them. This is the only true backpacker hostel in the area. The rest are home stays which will have nicer rooms but they will cost more, be less social (or not social at all), and not have the sort of help on booking tours and busses that Easy Tiger provides. In addition, Easy Tiger is the most scenic hostel you will have in Vietnam. The hostel is tucked away into the jungle mountainside. It has a pool in the back that is tucked between two spectacular mountain peaks that will make you feel that you are truly in the jungles of Vietnam. The hostel offers beer deals (including two free beers a day for guests) as well as free breakfast. The hostels lunch and dinner menu is filled with both western favorites and traditional Vietnamese plates for reasonable prices. During lazy days you can sit in the pool and meet other backpackers while enjoying the view. At night, the hostel offers live music every night until 11pm as well as an area for drinking games, pool, and foosball. At 11 the music shuts down and everyone heads to the only bar open late in Phonh Nha. The bar is about 300-500 meters right of the hostel (less than 5 minute walk), however, if you are feeling particularly lazy the hostel offers a free shuttle to and from the bar. The hostel even encourages you take the shuttle as they claim some tourists have seen snakes on the road. I, along with many, chose to enjoy the nice cool walk rather than the hotbox of a shuttle every night and not once had any problem with snakes. Pro tip** We did see snakes in the mountains in the north of Vietnam, if you see them, just slowly back away and go around them, they’re not looking for trouble either.
Attractions
For the attractions in Phong Nha I suggest you go directly to the caves and buy the tickets there. You can buy them at the hostel but they are more expensive there.
Paradise Cave – You will hear stories that this is the largest cave in the world, however that is not true. The confusion comes from another cave in Phong Nha which is in fact the largest in the world. This cave, however, is still incredibly impressive. In total the cave is 31km of magnificence. Stalactites and stalagmites create mesmerizing massive pillars throughout the entirety of the cave that leave on truly in awe of the architectural genius that is nature. Now, what follows is bad news and good news. Bad news: to explore the entire 31km will cost you 200-300USD and will be a full day long guided trek. I believe it is well worth it because I am an avid lover of nature and caves. For those more mild nature enthusiasts, or those that are working with a stricter budget by this point, there is an alternate choice. This is the good news. For 20USD you can explore the first 3km of the cave. While this 10% might seem like “just the tip”, it is in fact a very exceptionally grand tip (pardon my innuendo have to throw in a little humor every now and again at least 😉 ). The 3km are still quite a sight to behold, filled with massive pillars corridors and paths. My suggestion, go see the 3km first. It will give you an idea of what you’re in for and then you can decide for yourself if you wish to venture further on another day.
Dark Cave – Another one of Phong Nha’s famous caves this one is just as amazing as the Paradise Cave but for a completely different set of reasons. The cave is called dark not because the amount of light inside, but rather because of the dark black stone of which the cave walls are comprised of. Although, in all fairness it is still very dark inside and you will be given a helmet with a headlight on it. Ensure that you pick a sunny day to go to this cave as it is more of a water park than a cave. You begin your journey into the cave by zip-lining from a tower into a small bank near the entrance of the cave. From there, you will have to jump into incredibly cold water and swim over to the entrance. Once inside you will meet your guides. They will show you the path through mud tunnels into the heart of the cave. Once there you will find yourself in a mud bath. The water here is so thick with mud that if you try and sit you will immediately float up to the surface (similar to the experience some have in the Dead Sea). The guides will let you play around in the mud, cover yourselves in it (good for the skin), and throw it at each other for a while until eventually people begin to get bored or too cold. At which point you will head out. From there you will hop back into the cold water outside the cave and swim over to the kayaks nearby. You and 2-3 other will then kayak to the main “water park”. Here there are zip lines, swings, obstacle course, and even a water basketball court set up on the lake for you to stay and play on until your hearts content (or you no longer feel your toes from the cold water).
Phonh Nha Cave – The last of the “top 3” caves suggested here. This cave is similar to Paradise Cave in that is is large and long. However, it has more historical significance. The cave was used during the war as a shelter and a medical center for the community to hide and get cared for after bombings. A tour of the cave is offered here by boat in which they detail the history and paddle you through the cave.
Hang Son Doong – Chances are you will not go here but I wouldn’t feel right not mentioning it. This is in fact the largest cave in the world. Inside one can find its own natural ecosystem; a jungle within a cave complete with rivers, lakes, trees, various animals, and even a waterfall. So why, you might ask, would you possibly come to Phong Nha and not go to this wonder of the world?! Simple. For one, it cost 3,000USD to go into the cave. It is a day long trek throughout which ends with you spending the night in the cave. In my opinion very worth it if you have that sort of money to spare. But even then, only 300 tourists are allowed to go into the cave each year and you must book years in advanced so good luck to you. Start booking now and maybe you’ll see it in the next few years!!
Night Life
As stated there is only on club open in Phong Nha. Located down the street from Easy Tiger it is where everyone heads to once the live music shuts down in Easy Tiger.
Food
Easy Tiger has a diverse food menu which is delicious and affordable. In addition there is a restaurant directly across the street which serves great fish. Finally, directly next door to Easy Tiger there is a Vietnamese BBQ style restaurant in which thy provide a small table grill and you cook your own food. This is a fun option for when you are looking to try something new.
Transportation
Scooter is a must in Phong Nha. Moto-taxis are sparsely available here. You can take hostel busses to the caves but this will cost you just as much at the motorcycle rental would. Plus, the roads around Phong Nha are completely wide, typically empty, and provide incredible scenery. After your day at the caves I suggest you pick a road and travel down it for as long as you can. Wind blowing, wide open nicely paved roads, and mountains all around, its hard to top that.
Next Stop
Heading north your next stop will be Nin Binh. Going south you will be headed to Hue.
Ninh Binh/Tam Coc
Ninh Binh is continues your voyage through the Vietnamese mountains but changes the scenery from one dented with caves and lakes to one in which rivers and canals intertwine through the valleys of the large mountains. It is a beautiful city where in almost every direction you look you will find postcard worthy sites. In terms of where I suggest you go I suggest you head straight to Tam Coc, a small town about 15 minutes outside of the city of Ninh Binh. Tam Coc is where most of the attractions are located for this part of Vietnam so staying here will save you some time. In addition, Ninh Binh has more of a city vibe to it. So if you miss the city go ahead and head there. However, personally I believe the town of Tam Coc has much more culture and charm to it. Again, its personal preference and at the end of the day they’re located about 15 minutes apart from each other by motorcycle so you can always see both and switch if you feel like.
Accommodation
If you choose to stay in Tam Coc I stayed at the Tam Coc Hotel. It was very clean, nice, affordable, and with large beds with AC on all day. They also allow you to check in very early in the morning which is particularly convenient as the night busses to here usually arrive at 4am. If you stay in Ninh Binh I have no recommendation for you here. However, I have heard that the hostels/hotels in Ninh Binh for the most part are all very clean and affordable so I don’t think you will have much trouble.
Attractions
Mua Caves
The Mua Caves are a sight to behold. Spiralling up between two large mountains that rest besides large rice valley are what seems to be an endless staircase into the clouds. The climb up is quite a trek so bring some water and comfortable clothes. It can also get cold near the top so I suggest you bring a light sweater. But the view at the top is spectacular. There are to sides to the view; one overlooks a valley and the other overlooks the mountain range. Both are equally as stunning so take the time to climb up both sides at the top where the stairs split into two paths.
Boat Tour
Tam Coc has several large rivers flowing through its mountains. You can book a boat tour through these amazing rivers. The tours take about 3-4 hours and are well worth it. The tours take you between giant mountains, gliding through a peaceful and serene river laden with algae. In addition, the tours will take you through several cave systems which have been grinded away by the river through the mountains. The caves are typically just barely tall enough for the boat to go through and are filled with columns of stalagmites, creating for a tranquil yet eerie passage through the systems. Some caves take just a couple of minutes to go through, the longest takes about 10-15 minutes.
Food
Unfortunately, I have no food advice in particular for Tam Coc or Ninh Binh. We ate locally at several different small restaurants in Tam Coc and were never disappointed so I suggest you just try you luck at any place that grabs your attention.
Nightlife
Once again, I am sorry to disappoint here but I have no suggestions for nightlife here. I did not venture into Ninh Binh at night so I can’t speak for it. As far as Tam Coc goes, there are a few small and relatively quiet bars around. The Tam Coc hotel had a relatively decent group of people that would drink in it at night but don’t expect anything too wild, most people are in bed by midnight.
Tranportation
Renting a motorcycle is crucial here. Driving around Tam Coc is half of the charm to the city. The streets are generally not crowded and they are well paved making for a smooth and easy ride. Most of the attractions require at least a 5-10 minute motorcycle ride so they are a bit too far to walk and not worth getting a taxi for.
Next Stop
Heading north you will want to head to Hanoi next. If you’re south bound then Phong Nha is you next destination. If you are heading to Phonh Nha go check out the section on Phong Nha accommodation as it can’t be booked through hostelworld.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital and second largest city in Vietnam. While this city has grown to become a vast urban jungle reminiscent of western cities, it has still managed to keep its distinct eastern culture and style, a fact that is apparent while walking through its mazed streets.
Where to Stay
Hanoi is a large city and thus filled with copious hostels, home stays, and hotels to pick from depending on what it is you are looking for at this point in your trip. My main advice, regardless of which type of lodging you are looking for, is to ensure it is in the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is the most vibrant part of Hanoi and it is where backpackers, expats, and locals alike go to intermingle. Here you will find a colorful variety of shops, monuments, restaurants, bars, and the famous “Sword Lake”. I have visited the city twice and had two completely different experiences in accommodation, both of which were ideal for the time I was there.
My first time around, I stayed at “Vietnam Backpackers”. This is a chain of hostels which are common throughout the major stops in the north/south journey through Vietnam. It is your typical party hostel for backpackers. The rooms are dorm style, typical of party hostels, with twin beds and AC. A bed in the rooms will cost you just a few dollars a night. There are in fact 3 of these in Hanoi located a few blocks from each other: “Vietnam Backpacker – Downtown”, “Vietnam “Vietnam Central Backpackers” (Not 100% sure this one is the same chain). I stayed at “Vietnam Central” it has a small bar area on the rooftop with games, a happy hour, nightly bar crawl, and was located in a good centralized location. That said, however, if your goal is to meet the most people and have a lively time I recommend “Vietnam Backpackers – Downtown”. The “Downtown” one is located less than a mile away from the “Central” one so it is still in a great location but it has a much larger and more energized bar/club area in the first floor where people drink and dance. I can’t comment on the room situation as I did not sleep here. Finally, I haven’t been to the “Original” one but I imagine its more of the same as the first two. Only tip for any of these is to not book your trips through them it is a ripoff. For tips on booking your Ha Long Bay tours see the Ha Long Bay section.
My second time around Hanoi was at the very end of my Vietnam adventure. I had been hopping around Vietnam for upwards of a month and had just returned from a 5 day motorcycling loop around the northern border so needless to stay I was exhausted and just wanted some peace and quiet. If this is what you need then I recommend “Hanoi Golden Charm Hostel”. They call it a “hostel” but it is much more of a hotel. With large comfortable beds, clean rooms, luxury style bathrooms in each room, and a kind and attentive staff. The tradeoff here is price. They offer dorms for just a couple more dollars a night then the backpacker hostels but if you want the full experience I suggest you book a private room. I booked one for a little over 20USD a night. That’s quite pricey for Vietnam, but definitely worth it if you just need a place to recharge for a couple nights.
Attractions
Old Quarter
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is where you will find the most culture and life. Take your time and walk around the streets and enjoy the harmony of eastern and western cultures that exists in this city. One of the greatest parts of the old quarter are the famous 36 streets called “Hang”. These 36 streets belong to 36 different professions prominent in ancient times of Hanoi. In each street you will now only find shops pertaining to their respective professions. For example the “Gold Street” is filled with shops that solely sell artifacts and trinkets made of (or at least colored) in gold. There are streets for gold, silver, copper, chicken, shoes, silk, leather, blacksmiths, paper, jewelry, oils, threads, sails, rice, music instruments, wood, and more. Walking up and down the streets and figuring out which one you are in is a fun way to spend the day and explore the city and its unique culture.
Hoan Kiem Lake “Sword Lake”
Another famous tourist spot within the old city is the fabled “Sword Lake”. The lake gets its nam from the legend of the ancient Emperor Le Loi. Legend has it the Emperor was once given a mystical sword by the Dragon King (the god of water and weather). Emperor Le Loi used the magical sword to fight against and liberate Vietnam from the Ming Dynasty of China. The sword was said to not only empower the emperor himself but also the armies that fought alongside him. A time after the war, it is said Le Loi was on a boat enjoying the day on the lake when a large turtle, the Golden Turtle God, surfaced and came up to him. Le Loi recognized this as the gods asking for him to give the sword back now that it had fulfilled its duty. He complied and gave the sword to the turtle and it dove back into the depths. The emperor then renamed the lake to Hoan Kiem Lake meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword” in vietnamese. Nowadays it is commonly referred to by tourists and locals alike as just “Sword Lake”/”Ho Guom”. There is now a tower in the center of the lake named “Turtle Tower” that commemorates the legend. The lake is a popular site to walk around and enjoy the day. There are many shops and street vendors which surround the lake and create a buoyant atmosphere around it. On weekends, they close of the streets surrounding the lake and open up a market for people to walk around. The market is filled with food, trinkets, street performers, and the laughter of Vietnamese children with their families.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
This is an ancient Buddhist Temple with a large pagoda/tower that is filled with small Buddha figures. Around the pagoda there are also several other Buddha statues that you can view and pay respects to.
Hanoi Botanical Garden
A large garden area/park which you can walkthrough and see some of the beautiful and unique trees native to Hanoi. If I’m being honest it is not the most impressive park but the entrance fee is less than a dollar so if you’re looking for something to do, why not?
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A shrine dedicated to Ho Chi Minh in which you can view his fully preserved body. Yes you read that right! The emperors body has been carefully preserved and it is now on display for anyone who is interested to go see. A little morbid if you ask me but, hey, to each their own. I personally was not able to see this not due to disgust but rather inconvenience. The mausoleum is only open from 7:30 to 10:30 Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30-11:00 Saturday and Sunday, and closed Monday and Friday. So the window is rather small and early. If that isn’t enough, there are often large lines to see him and if you are in line and don’t make it into the mausoleum in time then sorry but you’re out of luck, please collect your things and try again another day. All this seemed like a little over the top effort just to see a dead body. No disrespect intended, may he rest in peace!! ….but still, just saying. If you, however, are the ambitious traveler keen to see as much historical culture as possible then by all means get up extra early, get in line, and let me know what its like!
Food
Hanoi offers a great selection of street food. So I highly recommend you eat at the small local hole in the wall restaurants and try out something new. Full disclosure, while venturing the streets of Hanoi I did see a dog roasted like a pig. No not kidding. Yes I’m absolutely positive it was a dog, trust me, there was no mistaking what it was…. That said this was in a very secluded street with no tourists around and I assure you that stores won’t feed you dog unless you specifically ask for it. It is known as a delicacy in northern Vietnam so it’s expensive and not common. If you’re still hesitant, the word for dog in Vietnamese is “Cho” so if thats on the menu then maybe go somewhere else. That aside, I promise you 99% of the places around the tourist areas in Hanoi offer great and safe street food. But if you’re looking for a more restaurant style/western food I have a few suggestions.
Pizza 4Ps – Pizza For Peace (came here a few times before reading on the menu that that was what the name meant). Very famous italian restaurant found in both Saigon and Hanoi. Its offers incredible pizza and pasta options however it is quite pricey compared to most Vietnam (still cheaper than the US though, expect to pay 10-15 USD for a large meal).
Banh Mi 25 – Banh Mi is the name of sandwiches in Vietnam. A very popular street food which is ubiquitous throughout the country it is a local and tourist favorite. This banh mi shop has taken this beloved street food dish and epitomized it. It is a quaint small street side restaurant which is renowned for purportedly having the best banh mi’s in Hanoi. It’s hard to truly declare any banh mi the “best” as it would be like declaring a pizza place the best back in the states, it’s all a matter of personal preference. However, what is beyond argument is that this is by far the most famous banh mi store around. I personally, would agree that it stands as one of the best banh mi’s I had throughout my time in Vietnam and recommend it to everyone. A testament to its deliciousness is the fact that the small shop is almost always full and even has a line sometimes. But fear not, banh mis are made very quickly so you won’t wait too long. In addition to the great banh mis the shop offers delicious juices and shakes all at an incredibly cheap price, specially considering its strong and growing popularity.
Hanoi Social Club – Do you ever miss those granola loving vegans back home? Miss that US, organic only, hipster feel? Are backpackers just not quite satisfying your need to be around hippies in your life? Well then do I have a place for you!! All jokes aside this place is delicious. It offers a variety of great plates, a perfect place for to enjoy a nice brunch. It is a quaint multi level cafe with organic and healthy food options. And….of course….they have a variety of vegan friendly options so its welcoming to meat eaters and meat haters alike! Just poking fun at you vegans, keep on saving the world or whatever. 😛
Nightlife
There are many bars and clubs in Hanoi. There are two main backpacker club/bar areas located in the old quarter. Sorry to disappoint I do not have specific recommendations here nor do I remember the names of the ones I visited. I suggest you follow the bar crawls hosted by the hostels or a quick google search should come up with plenty of names for you nearby.
Transportation
Hanoi is filled with hectic traffic and motorcycles (albeit to a lesser extent than Saigon). If you feel adventurous and think you can handle the traffic then rent a motorcycle and be careful. If not, you still have a few options. All of the sites and attractions I mentioned are within walking distance (the furthest being maybe a 30-40 minute walk) so if you don’t mind the heat then that would be your cheapest and healthiest option. However, the city has taxis and moto-taxis everywhere if you chang your mind at any point. Uber and GrabCar are also available here and oftentimes cheaper than taxis.
Next Stop
If you’re heading south your next stop will be Ninh Binh. Continuing north you can choose between Sapa or Ha Long/Cat Ba depending on the weather or which you wish to see first.
Halong Bay / Cat Ba
Arguably the most photographed/post carded scene in Vietnam. The islands are paradise. With beautiful beaches, caves, fishing villages, and natural rock formations that seem to grow out of the ocean like something out of the movie “Avatar” this is a place you will remember for the rest of your lives. There are 2 ways to go about exploring these two islands depending on your budget as well as what you wish to get out of your time there. I will list them both below.
The first way to go about doing these islands in to book the “Castaways Tour” directly from the Vietnam Backpackers Hostel in Hanoi. I highly recommend this option. First of all, book the 2 night, 3 day tour. The 1 night simply isn’t worth it. Included in the package is the trip there and back from Hanoi, a party cruise around the bay, kayaking, rock climbing, 3 meals a day, your accommodation, and unlimited water. The accommodation is on a private beach owned by the Castaways tour. It is a beautiful scenic beach. The rooms are basic but comfortable. The main draw here is the atmosphere. You are spending 3 days with a large group of people, eating, drinking, swimming, and goofing around all day. The meals that are included are a large buffet style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with many different options prepared by a chef, they are actually very delicious. At night there is a dance party every night where everyone goes and drinks and plays games hosted by the staff. The entire experience is an amazing time and you end up making great friends that you can then continue your travels with or head back to Hanoi and keep the party going with them. The downside? It’s pricey. Very pricey. The trip costs upwards of 200USD and the alcohol isn’t included; you will end up spending around an extra 100-150USD on drinks, it’s inevitable specially during the cruise. Personally, I think it was incredibly worth it. There are about 40-70 people staying at the castaways beach at a time and you end up having a blast with all of them. However, if you are working with a tighter budget there are still ways to enjoy Halong Bay on a budget. Additionally, if you do decide to go about it this way and wish to go to Cat Ba as well then you simply have to not go all the way back to Hanoi. The boat stops in Cat Ba on the way back. Just stay there rather than following the group to back to Hanoi and enjoy Cat Ba (then book your own ticket back to Hanoi later on in the week).
Option two is the budget option. For this one you simply book your own ticket from Hanoi to Cat Ba (they are very inexpensive). Then once in Cat Ba you can book a day cruise to take you around Halong Bay. This will also include kayaking and stop at a beach, but it will not be oriented for partying it will be more catered towards solely sightseeing. It won’t be as wild of an experience but you will accomplish seeing almost the same amount of Halong bay for about 1/10th of the price if not less.
Accommodation
If you do the first option listed then your accommodation is taken care of. If you choose to go straight to Cat Ba then I suggest you stay at the Cat Ba Backpackers Hostel. Its right next to their bar area and it has very large and comfortable beds to sleep on.
Attractions
Attractions in Halong Bay are taken care of for you so no need to plan.
In Cat Ba you will want to go to the National Park that is located there. You can hike around, see wild deer roaming, wild pigs, monkeys, and other animals. In addition there are several caves throughout Cat Ba. The “Bat Cave” is a thrill. It is made up of small tunnels leading to large open caverns filled with hundreds of bats. As you crouch down and crawl through the tunnels bats will fly right over your head. Not for those afraid of bats or those afraid of small spaces. There is also a cave that was used as a bomb shelter during the war, complete with rooms and even a pool area for bathing (no longer usable of course).
Food
No food recommendations here. For Halong bay the food is prepared for you, and in Cat Ba we ate locally, no stand out restaurants.
Transportation
When in Cat Ba be sure to rent a motorcycle and drive around. The national park is on opposite side of the island to the hostels, not within walking distance. Same goes for the good beaches and any of the caves.
Next/Other Stops
For the next stops I will not go into too much detail because they are really what you make of them. There is no certain path I recommend over another. These stops include Sapa in the north; I suggest you ask around and find a local family homestay to take you in and take you trekking through the rice fields. The last loop I did was the Ha Giang loop in the north. The loop is mapped out for you by the people who rent out motorcycles. Take a bus to Ha Giang and visit the motorcycle shop and they will give you details including where to stay and where to eat; to be honest I don’t remember any of the names but the people at the shops were western and incredibly helpful, they even provide maps and tips. I suggest you do this loop. The drive can be terrifying at times its looping and snaking around mountains on one way roads with trucks constantly forcing you to the shoulder. My only motorcycle fall in Vietnam happened due to this; however it was just a scrape nothing major. And the drive is stressful but the views are more than worth it they are absolutely stunning and will leave you speechless. It caps off at the border of China where there is even a fence where you can crawl under (it’s meant for this) and “illegally” enter China for a few minutes. If you head about 10 minutes north of that spot there is a large tower which lets you climb to the top and overlook some of the Chinese countryside.
That’s all I have for now. Let me know if there is anything you end up doing that you think is worth mentioning. Enjoy Vietnam!!! It’s incredible!!
Vietnam 2
VIETNAM
Vietnam is one of the most diverse and fun countries in Southeast Asia. Each stop on this list will offer a unique new set of attractions and scenery. The large cities of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Hanoi shows w contrasting styles of modernism and western culture; one strives to maintain cozy and mellow Asian charm, while the other thrives on exuberance and provides excitement through chaos in its crowded roads lines surrounded by modern skyscrapers. For those wishing for a more authentic Asian experience, Vietnam maintains its roots and offers many small villages to visit and leave you in awe of the beauty of its rice fields that blanket the mountainsides and in pure admiration of the work ethic and humility of its farmers. Finally, for those seeking to get in touch with nature, the country provides a copious variety of scenery from its impressive mountain peaks, riddled with grandiose caves which seem to be never ending, and down to its serene beaches where one can relax and reflect on the journey thus far. One can choose to follow the conventional stops which will throw you into a trail from south to north (or vise versa) that is brimming with friendly backpackers from varying parts of the world. Nightlife in Vietnam is one of the best in Asia, so if you’re looking to be social this is a great country to start. Since everyone hits the same main cities on the trail it is very common to run into familiar faces over and over again along your journey. This is great for those wishing to make new friends in Asia. For those wishing to be alone, the small villages off the beaten path provide more of a refuge specially if you decide to stay in family homestays rather than hostels.
Saigon/Ho Chi Minh
Saigon, while not the capital, is in fact the largest city in the country as well as the most developed. The city offers a great deal of attractions, restaurants, and historical places guaranteed to please any sort of backpacker. The city served as the capital of southern Vietnam (the Republic of Vietnam) from 1956-1975. After which the north reclaimed the south and united all of Vietnam. The city was then renamed from “Saigon” to “Ho Chi Minh” in order to honor the new President. Locals, however, still often refer to the city as Saigon to honor its past as well as due to some lingering ideological tensions between the north and south.
Accomodation
In the heart of the city lie to sister hostels about 2 blocks away from each other and both are one block over from the notorious Bui Vien “walking” (party) street. This is where you will want to stay for meeting people and going out. The hostels are “Hideout” and “Hangout”. I have stayed at both and in my opinion “Hangout” has slightly better rooms. However, “Hideout” has a rooftop bar with a pool table. In any case, regardless of which you stay at, the hostel organizes a nightly pub crawl which begins at “Hideout” rooftop bar. So even if you stay at “Hangout”, the staff will gather up a group and head over to th “Hideout” to begin the crawl at around 9pm. During my stay the staff was incredibly friendly, former backpackers which were sucked in to stay in the city and keep the party going. The bar crawl provides an easy and great way of meeting people as well as seeing Bui Vien and getting free shots at most bars. The hostels also provide a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels (see attractions) as well as bus transportation to the next cities on the trip. Additionally, the hostels provide a great location; not only are they next to Bui Vien, but they are next to a large park which on weekend nights offers a food market, as well as within 15 minutes walking distance to just about any attraction.
Attractions
War Museum
The war museum is an obvious must go for backpackers. It highlights the history of the war with pictures and first hand accounts. In addition, it has tanks, jets, planes, and trucks from the war on display outside which are all very impressive. Next to the museum there is a large park which is pleasant to walk through and has an area with a couple dozen modern art statues which are quite interesting.
Ho Chi Minh Palace
The palace of Ho Chi Minh is about a 5 minute walk from the war museum. You can go inside and see where Ho Chi Minh lives (including his personal room). The top floor of the palace has an impressive view of the city as well.
Cu Chi Tunnels
You can book a tour here through your hostel. It is about an hour outside of the city. The Cu Chi Tunnels are some of the tunnels used by the VietCong during the war. The tunnels are about 10 feet underground and very small (not recommended for claustrophobic people). However, while walking through the tunnels is included in the tour, it is optional. You can choose to stay above ground and look at them. In addition to the tunnels the tour shows you many of the traps (very gruesome) set by the VietCong as well as provides further history and insight into the war. I highly recommend it.
Nightlife
Bui Vien is the name of the game here. It is a 3 block street filled with bars and clubs that is packed every night of the week. As stated, the hostels I recommended provide a bar crawl of the bars here. The drinks can get pricey on Bui Vien as compared to the rest of Vietnam so I recommend you do the heavier part of your drinking at the hostel bar (the crawl starts there anyways) in order to save yourself some money. This will also help you meet people as the hostel staff comes and encourages/facilitates socializing amongst strangers.
Food
Food in Saigon is very good (IF you know where to go). You can find Pho and local food just about everywhere. For this i don’t have any specific recommendations since i would just walk around and stroll into wherever looked good. My only tip would be to be careful on where and what you eat. On more than on occasion I ordered meat or pho that I couldn’t eat. The Vietnamese enjoy different parts of the cow than we do (i.e tongue, liver, or other unknown areas to be honest). Sometimes I even questioned what animal I had been given (to be fair dog meat is very rare in the South, it is more of a concern in the North). If you have a weak stomach and want to be as safe as possible stick to places that speak good English and can fully know/explain what you are ordering. Cafes are typically safe places to eat. General rule of thumb I have stuck to in Asia; When in doubt, stick to chicken. Chicken is chicken, you won’t need to wonder if its something else.The safest dish to order is almost always chicken fried rice if you are highly skeptical of a place. For western comfort food, however, see below.
Pizza 4Ps – Pizza for Peace (came here a few times before reading on the menu that that was what the name meant). Very famous italian restaurant found in both Saigon and Hanoi. Its offers incredible pizza and pasta options however it is quite pricey compared to most Vietnam (still cheaper than the US though, expect to pay 10-15 USD for a large meal).
Journey Sandwich Cafe – About a 5 minute walk from Bui Vien this Cafe specializes in sandwiches. Grilled cheese, cubano, Argentinian sandwiches, chicken club, Mexican tortas, BLT, you name it they have it. Each sandwich comes with fries and you can pick which type of bread you want it on, they have about ten types including croissant. The sandwiches are cheap and huge (bigger than a Chipotle Burrito) you can also order a double sandwich buy truly I can’t fathom who would.
Royale Saigon – Located on Bui Vien this restaurant offers western classics like burgers while also having a good selection of Vietnamese food. They have good Pho though I would argue you could find better around Bui Vien but if you don’t want to risk getting a bad Pho place this is a good option for a reliable one.
BBQ Garden – An outdoor restaurant thats lit up by christmas style lights wrapped around trees and hanging overhead. This place offers a “do-it-yourself” BBQ (Korean BBQ style) where each table has a large grill in the middle, you order whichever raw meats and seasoning you want, and cook it yourself. A great place to go at night with friends and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere.
Good to Know
You can get a sim card for 3 dollars at thgioididong stores. The one by Bui Vien offers the best data plans (60,000 dong for 3 gigs, 80,000 for 7 gigs, 100,000 for 10 gigs for the month). This doesnt include texts or calls, however you can use whatsapp or fbook to text people and you can use skype to call peopl using just data (you will need to add money to your skype account but its cheaper this way and allows you yo call anywhere in the world)
Crossing streets is a nightmare. The streets are flooded with what looks like schools of fish but made up of endless motorcycles. They will seldom stop for lights much less for you so if you wait on the corner for them you will be waiting all day. Pick your time, and walk with confidence, they will work their way around you just like fish. The cars will slow down for you too. Takes some getting used to but eventually you will be a pro. Only tip here NEVER go infront of a bus, those guys will NOT stop for you, you will end up on their windshield.
Transportation
A taxi from the airport to the heart of the city will cost you 10 dollars
Saigon has Uber (including Uber motorcycles!) so you can get a ride relatively easy. This is not a city I recommend you rent a bike to drive in. You will understand why once you’re there.
Next Stop
You have some options now on your next stop. You can head south and check out the fishing villages along the Mekong Delta. Head to Nha Trang or Mui Ne to see some beaches (both of these cities are overrun by Russian tourists and are pricey). Or head straight to the next stop going northward, Da Lat.
Da Lat
Da Lat is a small city in Vietnam with unique charm. Located near small hills and lakes it is a popular destination for canyoning. My recommendation is you spend 2-3 days here.
Where to stay
A good backpacker hostel in this city is “Mr.Peace”. It is technically a “homestay/guesthouse” but it is set up like a hostel. The only catch is they dont let any guests drink or socialize there after 10 they close their terrace balcony because they want to go to sleep. However it is in a good location, 10 minutes walk from city attractions and the bars, offers family dinner at a good price, and provides canyoning tours for a good price.
Attractions
Canyoning
The best attraction in this city in canyoning. Book it through Mr.Peace hostel. You wake up early and get on a bus for about 45 minutes with a large group. There you strap on a harness and do a quick 30-45 minute safety class before where they teach you how to properly canyon and be safe. Then you begin trekking. The trek includes 4 canyoning stops, each progressively more difficult than the last, you get to swim in the rivers, a waterfall, an optional cliff jumping, and lunch. Several guides are with you the entire time making sure everything is strapped on right, instructing you, and making sure you are safe. In addition the guides take photos of everyone throughout using a professional camera and upload them onto facebook for you to access for free (photos are great, each person gets a couple dozen individual photos of them canyoning as well as many group ones). I had never canyoned before this and the same goes for most of our group so don’t be scared if its your first time. Everyone is scared and having a great time and its an awesome way to bond with new people.
Maze Bar
You might wonder why this is here and not in the nightlife section but the fact is this place is much more of an attraction than a bar. In fact the drinks here are very expensive so i don’t recommend you drink here. This bar has more than 10 stories. 3 above ground and upwards of 8 below. It is a giant spiraling maze decorated like something out of the hobbit or harry potter. Incredibly easy to get lost here. The architecture is stunning filled with hidden rooms and coves to relax in. The bottom floor is painted like the ocean with a giant octopus statue on the wall. Pro tip: use the bathroom as soon as you see one. There are a few throughout the maze but trust me if you have been drinking and need a restroom this place is your worst nightmare.
Crazy House
Similar to the maze bar this is a “house” that looks like something out of the hobbit. With large tree like sculptures to walk on and many rooms with “crazy” themes. Feels like the shire meets Alice in Wonderland. Personally I found maze bar to be much more impressive but if you are looking for something to do during the day this is worth a visit.
Food
The only food recommendation I have here is the family dinner at Mr.Peace. There is a sign up sheet at the reception it cost about 5 dollars but it is all you can eat cooked by what I’m guessing is Mr.Peace’s mother, a very kind elderly lady. I had it twice while there and both nights were good. She will make a spread with an assortment of different foods. If you get lucky you will be there on a Pho day, this is the best Pho I had in Vietnam. She’ll put out spring rolls, boiled eggs, and a few other sides to go along with it. This is also a great way to meet other people staying at the hostel.
Nightlife
As stated in the “attractions” Maze Bar is an option but it is expensive and not a place to meet or interact with people as its massive and everyone is busy exploring. On the way to the Maze Bar, however, there is a street with 3 small bars and live music (about 10 minutes walking from Mr.Peace). These bars are fun, cheap, and often have live music.
Transportation
No need to rent a motorcycle here in my opinion. It is all within walking distance (or a bus is provided for you for when going canyoning). However, if you feel lazy you can rent one at your hostel or at the city center. The streets aren’t too busy here so its easy to drive.
Next Stop
From here you can head North to Hue or directly to Hoi An. Or go southward to Nha Trang, Mui Ne, or Saigon.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a backpacker favorite for anyone who has visited. The city has great beaches to go to, temples nearby you can visit, and a charming Old City which is said to be one of the top 10 most romantic places in the world as well as a vibrant nightlife. Recommend 3 days here minimum, then stretch to your liking.
Where to stay
Sunflower Hostel – Hands down. No contest. This hostel is great. Wonderful centralized location 10 minute drive to the beach as well as 10 minute drive to the Old City. It has a large pool next to a massive bar area that includes a pool table and a foosball table, great for relaxing on lazy days. And at night this hostel is a massive party. Great drink deals, music, beerpong games, etc.
Attractions
Hidden Beach – Rent a scooter and head to the beach. The main beach here is crowded, expensive, and full of waves. BUT, if you go just half a mile (walk or scooter) down the road you will find Hidden Beach (yes that’s its name). You can find the location of Hidden Beach on Maps.me (irony). This beach provides umbrellas and seats for free (you have to pay at the main beach for the same thing), as well as cheap beers, and a very nice restaurant. Great place to spend a day relaxing and tanning. The water here is also much cleaner as opposed to the polluted water on the main beach, with smaller calmer waves, and nicer softer sand. So basically its hard to understand why tourists go to the main beach but I guess many just don’t know.
MAPS.ME
maps.me
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Old City – The Old City is beautiful at night. Make sure you go before 10pm, however, as they turn the lights off to the bridge at that time. The bridge is lit up red and yellow with gondolas paddling along the river. You can ride the gondolas for relatively cheap. You can then light candles on lotus shapes floating paper. Dozens of candles lit by tourist float serenely in the river lit up yellow in contrast to the black water creating a truly stunning view. (Though sadly one can’t help but notice how much these pretty decorations end up polluting the river but I digress). After you get off your gondola the main bar area is found right along the river so this is where your night will continue. During the day you can also visit the Old City an walk through its streets for shopping or to see some of the small temples there but it is much more impressive at night so make sure to stick around.
Temples – If you rent a scooter you can drive an hour outside the city to some old temple ruins. It is nice to see, ask your reception for more info.
Nightlife
Start your nights out at Sunflower Hostel. They have cheap drink there, beerpong tables, and music. If thats not enough they have a happy hour where for 3 hours for 5 dollars you get unlimited drinks….not bad right? At around 11 or 12 they’ll close the bar and you along with everyone else will head to the bar area. You can walk but its a long walk so I recommend you take a mototaxi. You can had to Why Not Bar which is closer to the hostel. It is a small bar but it is cheap and you will find a lot of people drinking and dancing here. Its a good place to start but the calmer of the two bar areas. The other bar area is the Old City. There are a few bars here, the most popular of which is Funky Monkey. A little pricier than Why Not but it has good deals, if you show up with a large group they usually give you free stuff such as shots, a bottle, or even hookah to smoke depending on group size. Why Not stays open late. Funky Monkey closes bfore midnight….BUT WAIT! Once Funky Monkey closes you can walk about 100 yards down the road at which point you will run into Funky Monkey 2!! Crazy coincidence right….? Right… Funky Monkey 2 has more expensive drinks (weird how that works…) but it has a large dance floor and stays open late.
Food
Sunflower Hostel offers free breakfast with your stay and anything free is good so….. Sunflowers menu also has good western food and they do a BBQ in the afternoon where you can get 1 free skewer and extremely cheap sandwiches (more reasons to love this place). Hoi An has many good restaurants in the Old City, some expensive some cheap, just look around. The restaurant at Hidden Beach has great fish (its th only restaurant there can’t miss it). And finally late night, across the street from Sunflowr Hostel there is a Ban Mhi (Vietnamese sandwich) stand that stays open very late and has great cheap sandwiches, a lifesaver for late nights coming home from the bars. There are a plethora of good restaurants on TripAdvisor offering many styles of food I heard good reviews on many of them. The only one I will recommend personally is below.
Hola Taco – A great Mexican food restaurant with authentic taste. The only place in Vietnam where I found truly good Mexican food, so if you’re craving some I highly recommend you go here.
Transportation
You have two modes of transportation here: bicycle or scooter. Both available at the hostel. I personally recommend scooter. Its only sliiiightly more expensive than the bike and it gives you a much greater area of mobility. The streets in Hoi An aren’t too crowded, its an easy drive. Also, on my first day I decided to go with a bicycle and take a ride to the beach. Don’t underestimate the Vietnamese humidity and heat. The ride to the beach was bearable but I was cursing myself on the ride so I suggest you rent a scooter, but it’s up to you and your affinity for bicycling in melting hot weather.
Next Stops
Heading south your next stop will be Da Lat. Heading north you will want to visit Hue. *If you are going north I suggest you take a quick look at the Phong Nha section. The accommodation in Phong Nha requires you to book several days in advanced and it sells out very quickly so the sooner you book the better*
Hue
Hue is a quaint little town with a rich history. Upon arriving in Hue one might wonder why this town is so significant to the Vietnam and its people. The town itself is clean, filled with shops and markets, as well as large streets lively with traffic; However, it doesn’t seem to be anything special when compared to the large cities of Hanoi or Saigon. That is, until one sees the shadow of what this great city once was. A quick ride over to the Imperial City within Hue will begin to paint a picture of the might it once had. Hue was the former capital of Vietnam in its imperial era. It was home to the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. By now in your travels you should be wondering why “Nguyen” is so ubiquitous throughout Vietnam. The name can be seen on hundreds of store names and streets throughout the country. In fact, Nguyen is the most common surname in Vietnam accounting for an estimated 30-40% of the population. Well now you have your answer! The Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1802 all the way up to 1945 and they certainly left their mark. In 1945 power was transferred over from their family to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. *Fun fact/side note: The 14 most popular last names in Vietnam account for more than 90% of the population. So its clear to see that Vietnamese Dynasties were no joke.* The city was walled off from the outside and the emperors palace was located inside. Unfortunately, a majority of the ancient building and temples were destroyed during the Vietnam War, one can even still see bullet holes in some of the remaining structures. However, the emperors palace and a few other structure remain and have withstood the test of time as a reminder and glimpse of the glory of this former capital. The Imperial City is an impressive site. Within it, one can now go into the “Purple Forbidden City”, an area once restricted to only the royal family and their servants but is now open to tourists. While Hue has a classic charm to it, there isn’t much to see here other than the Imperial City so I recommend this be a one or two day stop at most.
Where to stay
There are many options of hostels and guest homes to stay at in Hue. The city is catered to a more relaxed style of tourist so many of these accommodations pride themselves on comfort and quiet atmosphere rather than the typical “cheap and fun” styles you may have grown accustomed to by now. That said, you may/probably will end up paying a few extra dollars a night here than what you have seen thus far if following my tips. I chose to stay at “Why Not” hostel and would highly recommend it again. The hostel has a small restaurant downstairs with good food, is in a great centralized location near many restaurants and bars, and offers free breakfast. The greatest part about this hostel, however, is the bed set up. The beds are large full (almost queen even) size beds rather than the typical twin size provided in hostels. The mattresses are thick and comfy, almost like a tempur pedic but not quit (it is still a hostel after all). In addition each bed is in its own little cubicle type thing. Where you will have a bamboo/wood panel on either side of you creating a barrier between you and other beds as well as a curtain at the edge of the bed that you can close for complete privacy. In addition, each bed “cubby” has its own fan (there is AC in the room as well but just in case you want to be even cooler) and its own nightlight. The hostel is a great place to finally get a comfortable and proper good nights sleep to rest up and gain energy for your next destinations.
Attractions
Imperial City – The former capital of Vietnam, a walled off city of ruin which paints a picture of the imperial era of Vietnam. Within it lies the Forbidden Purple City, the former palace for emperors and royalty for Vietnam, formerly “forbidden” to outsiders but now a popular tourist destination….go figure. How things change. Read the summary of this city for a little more info on this attraction.
Abandoned Water Park – Once a water park for the people of the city it has since then shut down due to poor revenue which could not sustain its operating costs. However, the city was able to capitalize and wisely pivot its strategy of this site from water park to tourist attraction. What remains now are large structures of empty water slides in the shapes of dragons. The water park has an eerie feel of and abandoned city to it. The top of the structures also provide a great place for picture taking and views of the entire city.
Nightlife
Hue is not known for its party atmosphere like many of the other cities in Vietnam. However, if you are itching to keep the party going or just want to go out for a drink with a friend there are several bars on the same street as “Why Not” hostel.
Food
As I only stayed in Hue for one night I only have one food recommendation for you but it is definitely worth going to.
Ta.Ke Japanese Restaurant – This sushi bar is located a couple blocks from “Why Not” hostel and serves some of the best sushi I have had in Vietnam for an unbelievably affordable price. For 10-15 dollars you will have all the sushi you could possibly eat (with many types to choose from) as well as a couple beverages and a soup if you wish.
Transportation
I would suggest you travel by moto-taxi or rent a scooter here. Traffic here is light so you will have no problem driving around. You can also rent a bicycle but the ride around the city can be upwards of 10 miles you be the judge of your stamina.
Next Stop
Heading north you will want to go to Phong Nha. PLEASE note if you are going to Phong Nha the best hostel there isn’t on Hostelworld you have to email them and do it ahead of time because it is often all booked up. See Phonh Nha page for instructions. This is NOT a hostel you want to miss out on.
Phong Nha
Phong Nha is one of Vietnams most beautiful gems. This small villages tucked away in the mountains offers an escape from the city life and immerses you into the landscape of the Vietnamese north. Here you will find yourself exploring enormous cave systems and mesmerized by the pillars of stalagmites and stalactites which have formed here over thousands of years. For the adventurer types this city is a haven which will satisfy your desire to live out your childhood dreams of living like the fabled Indiana Jones. I recommend a minimum of 3 days stay here, then extend your nights till your hearts content. Be aware though, the main (and must see) hostel in this city gets booked up very quickly and can only be booked through email so plan your stay here accordingly.
Where to stay
Easy Tiger is where you will want to set up base camp in Phong Nha. The hostel is not currently available on Hostelworld so to book your stay with them. This is the only true backpacker hostel in the area. The rest are home stays which will have nicer rooms but they will cost more, be less social (or not social at all), and not have the sort of help on booking tours and busses that Easy Tiger provides. In addition, Easy Tiger is the most scenic hostel you will have in Vietnam. The hostel is tucked away into the jungle mountainside. It has a pool in the back that is tucked between two spectacular mountain peaks that will make you feel that you are truly in the jungles of Vietnam. The hostel offers beer deals (including two free beers a day for guests) as well as free breakfast. The hostels lunch and dinner menu is filled with both western favorites and traditional Vietnamese plates for reasonable prices. During lazy days you can sit in the pool and meet other backpackers while enjoying the view. At night, the hostel offers live music every night until 11pm as well as an area for drinking games, pool, and foosball. At 11 the music shuts down and everyone heads to the only bar open late in Phonh Nha. The bar is about 300-500 meters right of the hostel (less than 5 minute walk), however, if you are feeling particularly lazy the hostel offers a free shuttle to and from the bar. The hostel even encourages you take the shuttle as they claim some tourists have seen snakes on the road. I, along with many, chose to enjoy the nice cool walk rather than the hotbox of a shuttle every night and not once had any problem with snakes. Pro tip** We did see snakes in the mountains in the north of Vietnam, if you see them, just slowly back away and go around them, they’re not looking for trouble either.
Attractions
For the attractions in Phong Nha I suggest you go directly to the caves and buy the tickets there. You can buy them at the hostel but they are more expensive there.
Paradise Cave – You will hear stories that this is the largest cave in the world, however that is not true. The confusion comes from another cave in Phong Nha which is in fact the largest in the world. This cave, however, is still incredibly impressive. In total the cave is 31km of magnificence. Stalactites and stalagmites create mesmerizing massive pillars throughout the entirety of the cave that leave on truly in awe of the architectural genius that is nature. Now, what follows is bad news and good news. Bad news: to explore the entire 31km will cost you 200-300USD and will be a full day long guided trek. I believe it is well worth it because I am an avid lover of nature and caves. For those more mild nature enthusiasts, or those that are working with a stricter budget by this point, there is an alternate choice. This is the good news. For 20USD you can explore the first 3km of the cave. While this 10% might seem like “just the tip”, it is in fact a very exceptionally grand tip (pardon my innuendo have to throw in a little humor every now and again at least 😉 ). The 3km are still quite a sight to behold, filled with massive pillars corridors and paths. My suggestion, go see the 3km first. It will give you an idea of what you’re in for and then you can decide for yourself if you wish to venture further on another day.
Dark Cave – Another one of Phong Nha’s famous caves this one is just as amazing as the Paradise Cave but for a completely different set of reasons. The cave is called dark not because the amount of light inside, but rather because of the dark black stone of which the cave walls are comprised of. Although, in all fairness it is still very dark inside and you will be given a helmet with a headlight on it. Ensure that you pick a sunny day to go to this cave as it is more of a water park than a cave. You begin your journey into the cave by zip-lining from a tower into a small bank near the entrance of the cave. From there, you will have to jump into incredibly cold water and swim over to the entrance. Once inside you will meet your guides. They will show you the path through mud tunnels into the heart of the cave. Once there you will find yourself in a mud bath. The water here is so thick with mud that if you try and sit you will immediately float up to the surface (similar to the experience some have in the Dead Sea). The guides will let you play around in the mud, cover yourselves in it (good for the skin), and throw it at each other for a while until eventually people begin to get bored or too cold. At which point you will head out. From there you will hop back into the cold water outside the cave and swim over to the kayaks nearby. You and 2-3 other will then kayak to the main “water park”. Here there are zip lines, swings, obstacle course, and even a water basketball court set up on the lake for you to stay and play on until your hearts content (or you no longer feel your toes from the cold water).
Phonh Nha Cave – The last of the “top 3” caves suggested here. This cave is similar to Paradise Cave in that is is large and long. However, it has more historical significance. The cave was used during the war as a shelter and a medical center for the community to hide and get cared for after bombings. A tour of the cave is offered here by boat in which they detail the history and paddle you through the cave.
Hang Son Doong – Chances are you will not go here but I wouldn’t feel right not mentioning it. This is in fact the largest cave in the world. Inside one can find its own natural ecosystem; a jungle within a cave complete with rivers, lakes, trees, various animals, and even a waterfall. So why, you might ask, would you possibly come to Phong Nha and not go to this wonder of the world?! Simple. For one, it cost 3,000USD to go into the cave. It is a day long trek throughout which ends with you spending the night in the cave. In my opinion very worth it if you have that sort of money to spare. But even then, only 300 tourists are allowed to go into the cave each year and you must book years in advanced so good luck to you. Start booking now and maybe you’ll see it in the next few years!!
Night Life
As stated there is only on club open in Phong Nha. Located down the street from Easy Tiger it is where everyone heads to once the live music shuts down in Easy Tiger.
Food
Easy Tiger has a diverse food menu which is delicious and affordable. In addition there is a restaurant directly across the street which serves great fish. Finally, directly next door to Easy Tiger there is a Vietnamese BBQ style restaurant in which thy provide a small table grill and you cook your own food. This is a fun option for when you are looking to try something new.
Transportation
Scooter is a must in Phong Nha. Moto-taxis are sparsely available here. You can take hostel busses to the caves but this will cost you just as much at the motorcycle rental would. Plus, the roads around Phong Nha are completely wide, typically empty, and provide incredible scenery. After your day at the caves I suggest you pick a road and travel down it for as long as you can. Wind blowing, wide open nicely paved roads, and mountains all around, its hard to top that.
Next Stop
Heading north your next stop will be Nin Binh. Going south you will be headed to Hue.
Ninh Binh/Tam Coc
Ninh Binh is continues your voyage through the Vietnamese mountains but changes the scenery from one dented with caves and lakes to one in which rivers and canals intertwine through the valleys of the large mountains. It is a beautiful city where in almost every direction you look you will find postcard worthy sites. In terms of where I suggest you go I suggest you head straight to Tam Coc, a small town about 15 minutes outside of the city of Ninh Binh. Tam Coc is where most of the attractions are located for this part of Vietnam so staying here will save you some time. In addition, Ninh Binh has more of a city vibe to it. So if you miss the city go ahead and head there. However, personally I believe the town of Tam Coc has much more culture and charm to it. Again, its personal preference and at the end of the day they’re located about 15 minutes apart from each other by motorcycle so you can always see both and switch if you feel like.
Accommodation
If you choose to stay in Tam Coc I stayed at the Tam Coc Hotel. It was very clean, nice, affordable, and with large beds with AC on all day. They also allow you to check in very early in the morning which is particularly convenient as the night busses to here usually arrive at 4am. If you stay in Ninh Binh I have no recommendation for you here. However, I have heard that the hostels/hotels in Ninh Binh for the most part are all very clean and affordable so I don’t think you will have much trouble.
Attractions
Mua Caves
The Mua Caves are a sight to behold. Spiralling up between two large mountains that rest besides large rice valley are what seems to be an endless staircase into the clouds. The climb up is quite a trek so bring some water and comfortable clothes. It can also get cold near the top so I suggest you bring a light sweater. But the view at the top is spectacular. There are to sides to the view; one overlooks a valley and the other overlooks the mountain range. Both are equally as stunning so take the time to climb up both sides at the top where the stairs split into two paths.
Boat Tour
Tam Coc has several large rivers flowing through its mountains. You can book a boat tour through these amazing rivers. The tours take about 3-4 hours and are well worth it. The tours take you between giant mountains, gliding through a peaceful and serene river laden with algae. In addition, the tours will take you through several cave systems which have been grinded away by the river through the mountains. The caves are typically just barely tall enough for the boat to go through and are filled with columns of stalagmites, creating for a tranquil yet eerie passage through the systems. Some caves take just a couple of minutes to go through, the longest takes about 10-15 minutes.
Food
Unfortunately, I have no food advice in particular for Tam Coc or Ninh Binh. We ate locally at several different small restaurants in Tam Coc and were never disappointed so I suggest you just try you luck at any place that grabs your attention.
Nightlife
Once again, I am sorry to disappoint here but I have no suggestions for nightlife here. I did not venture into Ninh Binh at night so I can’t speak for it. As far as Tam Coc goes, there are a few small and relatively quiet bars around. The Tam Coc hotel had a relatively decent group of people that would drink in it at night but don’t expect anything too wild, most people are in bed by midnight.
Tranportation
Renting a motorcycle is crucial here. Driving around Tam Coc is half of the charm to the city. The streets are generally not crowded and they are well paved making for a smooth and easy ride. Most of the attractions require at least a 5-10 minute motorcycle ride so they are a bit too far to walk and not worth getting a taxi for.
Next Stop
Heading north you will want to head to Hanoi next. If you’re south bound then Phong Nha is you next destination. If you are heading to Phonh Nha go check out the section on Phong Nha accommodation as it can’t be booked through hostelworld.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital and second largest city in Vietnam. While this city has grown to become a vast urban jungle reminiscent of western cities, it has still managed to keep its distinct eastern culture and style, a fact that is apparent while walking through its mazed streets.
Where to Stay
Hanoi is a large city and thus filled with copious hostels, home stays, and hotels to pick from depending on what it is you are looking for at this point in your trip. My main advice, regardless of which type of lodging you are looking for, is to ensure it is in the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is the most vibrant part of Hanoi and it is where backpackers, expats, and locals alike go to intermingle. Here you will find a colorful variety of shops, monuments, restaurants, bars, and the famous “Sword Lake”. I have visited the city twice and had two completely different experiences in accommodation, both of which were ideal for the time I was there.
My first time around, I stayed at “Vietnam Backpackers”. This is a chain of hostels which are common throughout the major stops in the north/south journey through Vietnam. It is your typical party hostel for backpackers. The rooms are dorm style, typical of party hostels, with twin beds and AC. A bed in the rooms will cost you just a few dollars a night. There are in fact 3 of these in Hanoi located a few blocks from each other: “Vietnam Backpacker – Downtown”, “Vietnam “Vietnam Central Backpackers” (Not 100% sure this one is the same chain). I stayed at “Vietnam Central” it has a small bar area on the rooftop with games, a happy hour, nightly bar crawl, and was located in a good centralized location. That said, however, if your goal is to meet the most people and have a lively time I recommend “Vietnam Backpackers – Downtown”. The “Downtown” one is located less than a mile away from the “Central” one so it is still in a great location but it has a much larger and more energized bar/club area in the first floor where people drink and dance. I can’t comment on the room situation as I did not sleep here. Finally, I haven’t been to the “Original” one but I imagine its more of the same as the first two. Only tip for any of these is to not book your trips through them it is a ripoff. For tips on booking your Ha Long Bay tours see the Ha Long Bay section.
My second time around Hanoi was at the very end of my Vietnam adventure. I had been hopping around Vietnam for upwards of a month and had just returned from a 5 day motorcycling loop around the northern border so needless to stay I was exhausted and just wanted some peace and quiet. If this is what you need then I recommend “Hanoi Golden Charm Hostel”. They call it a “hostel” but it is much more of a hotel. With large comfortable beds, clean rooms, luxury style bathrooms in each room, and a kind and attentive staff. The tradeoff here is price. They offer dorms for just a couple more dollars a night then the backpacker hostels but if you want the full experience I suggest you book a private room. I booked one for a little over 20USD a night. That’s quite pricey for Vietnam, but definitely worth it if you just need a place to recharge for a couple nights.
Attractions
Old Quarter
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is where you will find the most culture and life. Take your time and walk around the streets and enjoy the harmony of eastern and western cultures that exists in this city. One of the greatest parts of the old quarter are the famous 36 streets called “Hang”. These 36 streets belong to 36 different professions prominent in ancient times of Hanoi. In each street you will now only find shops pertaining to their respective professions. For example the “Gold Street” is filled with shops that solely sell artifacts and trinkets made of (or at least colored) in gold. There are streets for gold, silver, copper, chicken, shoes, silk, leather, blacksmiths, paper, jewelry, oils, threads, sails, rice, music instruments, wood, and more. Walking up and down the streets and figuring out which one you are in is a fun way to spend the day and explore the city and its unique culture.
Hoan Kiem Lake “Sword Lake”
Another famous tourist spot within the old city is the fabled “Sword Lake”. The lake gets its nam from the legend of the ancient Emperor Le Loi. Legend has it the Emperor was once given a mystical sword by the Dragon King (the god of water and weather). Emperor Le Loi used the magical sword to fight against and liberate Vietnam from the Ming Dynasty of China. The sword was said to not only empower the emperor himself but also the armies that fought alongside him. A time after the war, it is said Le Loi was on a boat enjoying the day on the lake when a large turtle, the Golden Turtle God, surfaced and came up to him. Le Loi recognized this as the gods asking for him to give the sword back now that it had fulfilled its duty. He complied and gave the sword to the turtle and it dove back into the depths. The emperor then renamed the lake to Hoan Kiem Lake meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword” in vietnamese. Nowadays it is commonly referred to by tourists and locals alike as just “Sword Lake”/”Ho Guom”. There is now a tower in the center of the lake named “Turtle Tower” that commemorates the legend. The lake is a popular site to walk around and enjoy the day. There are many shops and street vendors which surround the lake and create a buoyant atmosphere around it. On weekends, they close of the streets surrounding the lake and open up a market for people to walk around. The market is filled with food, trinkets, street performers, and the laughter of Vietnamese children with their families.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
This is an ancient Buddhist Temple with a large pagoda/tower that is filled with small Buddha figures. Around the pagoda there are also several other Buddha statues that you can view and pay respects to.
Hanoi Botanical Garden
A large garden area/park which you can walkthrough and see some of the beautiful and unique trees native to Hanoi. If I’m being honest it is not the most impressive park but the entrance fee is less than a dollar so if you’re looking for something to do, why not?
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
A shrine dedicated to Ho Chi Minh in which you can view his fully preserved body. Yes you read that right! The emperors body has been carefully preserved and it is now on display for anyone who is interested to go see. A little morbid if you ask me but, hey, to each their own. I personally was not able to see this not due to disgust but rather inconvenience. The mausoleum is only open from 7:30 to 10:30 Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30-11:00 Saturday and Sunday, and closed Monday and Friday. So the window is rather small and early. If that isn’t enough, there are often large lines to see him and if you are in line and don’t make it into the mausoleum in time then sorry but you’re out of luck, please collect your things and try again another day. All this seemed like a little over the top effort just to see a dead body. No disrespect intended, may he rest in peace!! ….but still, just saying. If you, however, are the ambitious traveler keen to see as much historical culture as possible then by all means get up extra early, get in line, and let me know what its like!
Food
Hanoi offers a great selection of street food. So I highly recommend you eat at the small local hole in the wall restaurants and try out something new. Full disclosure, while venturing the streets of Hanoi I did see a dog roasted like a pig. No not kidding. Yes I’m absolutely positive it was a dog, trust me, there was no mistaking what it was…. That said this was in a very secluded street with no tourists around and I assure you that stores won’t feed you dog unless you specifically ask for it. It is known as a delicacy in northern Vietnam so it’s expensive and not common. If you’re still hesitant, the word for dog in Vietnamese is “Cho” so if thats on the menu then maybe go somewhere else. That aside, I promise you 99% of the places around the tourist areas in Hanoi offer great and safe street food. But if you’re looking for a more restaurant style/western food I have a few suggestions.
Pizza 4Ps – Pizza For Peace (came here a few times before reading on the menu that that was what the name meant). Very famous italian restaurant found in both Saigon and Hanoi. Its offers incredible pizza and pasta options however it is quite pricey compared to most Vietnam (still cheaper than the US though, expect to pay 10-15 USD for a large meal).
Banh Mi 25 – Banh Mi is the name of sandwiches in Vietnam. A very popular street food which is ubiquitous throughout the country it is a local and tourist favorite. This banh mi shop has taken this beloved street food dish and epitomized it. It is a quaint small street side restaurant which is renowned for purportedly having the best banh mi’s in Hanoi. It’s hard to truly declare any banh mi the “best” as it would be like declaring a pizza place the best back in the states, it’s all a matter of personal preference. However, what is beyond argument is that this is by far the most famous banh mi store around. I personally, would agree that it stands as one of the best banh mi’s I had throughout my time in Vietnam and recommend it to everyone. A testament to its deliciousness is the fact that the small shop is almost always full and even has a line sometimes. But fear not, banh mis are made very quickly so you won’t wait too long. In addition to the great banh mis the shop offers delicious juices and shakes all at an incredibly cheap price, specially considering its strong and growing popularity.
Hanoi Social Club – Do you ever miss those granola loving vegans back home? Miss that US, organic only, hipster feel? Are backpackers just not quite satisfying your need to be around hippies in your life? Well then do I have a place for you!! All jokes aside this place is delicious. It offers a variety of great plates, a perfect place for to enjoy a nice brunch. It is a quaint multi level cafe with organic and healthy food options. And….of course….they have a variety of vegan friendly options so its welcoming to meat eaters and meat haters alike! Just poking fun at you vegans, keep on saving the world or whatever. :P
Nightlife
There are many bars and clubs in Hanoi. There are two main backpacker club/bar areas located in the old quarter. Sorry to disappoint I do not have specific recommendations here nor do I remember the names of the ones I visited. I suggest you follow the bar crawls hosted by the hostels or a quick google search should come up with plenty of names for you nearby.
Transportation
Hanoi is filled with hectic traffic and motorcycles (albeit to a lesser extent than Saigon). If you feel adventurous and think you can handle the traffic then rent a motorcycle and be careful. If not, you still have a few options. All of the sites and attractions I mentioned are within walking distance (the furthest being maybe a 30-40 minute walk) so if you don’t mind the heat then that would be your cheapest and healthiest option. However, the city has taxis and moto-taxis everywhere if you chang your mind at any point. Uber and GrabCar are also available here and oftentimes cheaper than taxis.
Next Stop
If you’re heading south your next stop will be Ninh Binh. Continuing north you can choose between Sapa or Ha Long/Cat Ba depending on the weather or which you wish to see first.
Halong Bay / Cat Ba
Arguably the most photographed/post carded scene in Vietnam. The islands are paradise. With beautiful beaches, caves, fishing villages, and natural rock formations that seem to grow out of the ocean like something out of the movie “Avatar” this is a place you will remember for the rest of your lives. There are 2 ways to go about exploring these two islands depending on your budget as well as what you wish to get out of your time there. I will list them both below.
The first way to go about doing these islands in to book the “Castaways Tour” directly from the Vietnam Backpackers Hostel in Hanoi. I highly recommend this option. First of all, book the 2 night, 3 day tour. The 1 night simply isn’t worth it. Included in the package is the trip there and back from Hanoi, a party cruise around the bay, kayaking, rock climbing, 3 meals a day, your accommodation, and unlimited water. The accommodation is on a private beach owned by the Castaways tour. It is a beautiful scenic beach. The rooms are basic but comfortable. The main draw here is the atmosphere. You are spending 3 days with a large group of people, eating, drinking, swimming, and goofing around all day. The meals that are included are a large buffet style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with many different options prepared by a chef, they are actually very delicious. At night there is a dance party every night where everyone goes and drinks and plays games hosted by the staff. The entire experience is an amazing time and you end up making great friends that you can then continue your travels with or head back to Hanoi and keep the party going with them. The downside? It’s pricey. Very pricey. The trip costs upwards of 200USD and the alcohol isn’t included; you will end up spending around an extra 100-150USD on drinks, it’s inevitable specially during the cruise. Personally, I think it was incredibly worth it. There are about 40-70 people staying at the castaways beach at a time and you end up having a blast with all of them. However, if you are working with a tighter budget there are still ways to enjoy Halong Bay on a budget. Additionally, if you do decide to go about it this way and wish to go to Cat Ba as well then you simply have to not go all the way back to Hanoi. The boat stops in Cat Ba on the way back. Just stay there rather than following the group to back to Hanoi and enjoy Cat Ba (then book your own ticket back to Hanoi later on in the week).
Option two is the budget option. For this one you simply book your own ticket from Hanoi to Cat Ba (they are very inexpensive). Then once in Cat Ba you can book a day cruise to take you around Halong Bay. This will also include kayaking and stop at a beach, but it will not be oriented for partying it will be more catered towards solely sightseeing. It won’t be as wild of an experience but you will accomplish seeing almost the same amount of Halong bay for about 1/10th of the price if not less.
Accommodation
If you do the first option listed then your accommodation is taken care of. If you choose to go straight to Cat Ba then I suggest you stay at the Cat Ba Backpackers Hostel. Its right next to their bar area and it has very large and comfortable beds to sleep on.
Attractions
Attractions in Halong Bay are taken care of for you so no need to plan.
In Cat Ba you will want to go to the National Park that is located there. You can hike around, see wild deer roaming, wild pigs, monkeys, and other animals. In addition there are several caves throughout Cat Ba. The “Bat Cave” is a thrill. It is made up of small tunnels leading to large open caverns filled with hundreds of bats. As you crouch down and crawl through the tunnels bats will fly right over your head. Not for those afraid of bats or those afraid of small spaces. There is also a cave that was used as a bomb shelter during the war, complete with rooms and even a pool area for bathing (no longer usable of course).
Food
No food recommendations here. For Halong bay the food is prepared for you, and in Cat Ba we ate locally, no stand out restaurants.
Transportation
When in Cat Ba be sure to rent a motorcycle and drive around. The national park is on opposite side of the island to the hostels, not within walking distance. Same goes for the good beaches and any of the caves.
Next/Other Stops
For the next stops I will not go into too much detail because they are really what you make of them. There is no certain path I recommend over another. These stops include Sapa in the north; I suggest you ask around and find a local family homestay to take you in and take you trekking through the rice fields. The last loop I did was the Ha Giang loop in the north. The loop is mapped out for you by the people who rent out motorcycles. Take a bus to Ha Giang and visit the motorcycle shop and they will give you details including where to stay and where to eat; to be honest I don’t remember any of the names but the people at the shops were western and incredibly helpful, they even provide maps and tips. I suggest you do this loop. The drive can be terrifying at times its looping and snaking around mountains on one way roads with trucks constantly forcing you to the shoulder. My only motorcycle fall in Vietnam happened due to this; however it was just a scrape nothing major. And the drive is stressful but the views are more than worth it they are absolutely stunning and will leave you speechless. It caps off at the border of China where there is even a fence where you can crawl under (it’s meant for this) and “illegally” enter China for a few minutes. If you head about 10 minutes north of that spot there is a large tower which lets you climb to the top and overlook some of the Chinese countryside.
That’s all I have for now. Let me know if there is anything you end up doing that you think is worth mentioning. Enjoy Vietnam!!! It’s incredible!!
