Best Places For Backpackers In Vietnam | Travel Blog

Why travel to Da Nang, Vietnam?

Da Nang is truly an amazing city, located on Vietnam’s eastern coastline. This city has something for everyone. Da Nang is a thriving and ever-expanding city, surrounded by beaches and mountains on all sides. There are countless opportunities for adventure and sightseeing in every direction. With most of the best places being within a half-hour drive from Da Nang’s city center, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t experience most of what this great city has to offer. Whether you seek adventure, sight-seeing, wilderness, relaxation, or city exploration; Da Nang’s got you covered. Here are some of the best places I’ve […]

5 amazing cafés in Hanoi

When one comes to Hanoi, Vietnam, city tours usually cover the most famous landmarks with traditional values. What the tours do not usually offer, however, is a selection of coffee shops for resting after long distances and enjoying the atmosphere. There are many cafés or beverage chains available, such as The Coffee House or Highlands Coffee. Such types of coffee shops can be found almost anywhere, but if one favors cafés that are unique yet not too expensive, only a few are qualified. As a local with a heart for cozy cafés, I have been searching and found five amazing […]

10 foods to try while visiting Vietnam

“Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.”– Anthony Bourdain Having called Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ‘home’ for 3.5 years myself, I found Bourdain’s deductions about this intensifying city to be not only relatable, but borderline kindred to my own. More than just the multiplying number of buildings, motorbikes, and people; Vietnam’s generosity and unmatched humility is hard to ignore. Atrocities in the 1970s made this place a war, rather than a country. Years later, being one of the youngest populations in the world (median age being 30.5) has seen […]

Best 5 experiences to have in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi is the first city that I have visited on my two week trip with my friends in Vietnam. The city is tourist friendly, great to walk around and will train you well for the adventures to come. This is my list of must-try experiences in Hanoi: 1) Go on a street food tour When you first arrive in Vietnam you might be put off by the smell of the food and spices or by how the food is prepared in the street. Nevertheless, everyone is eating on the streets and it would be a pity to miss out […]

Hanoi: a thriving cultural hub.

My parents and I took off on a vacation to Vietnam in March this year, at the end of the high season. Our penchant for a somewhat backpacking trip, coupled with a little more than basic luxuries, led us to this heavenly land in the easternmost corner of mainland Asia. The route we chartered for ourselves took us from the chaotic Hanoi city to the spectacular Ha Long Bay, charming Sa Pa mountains, peaceful Ninh Binh, and finally to the cultural haven that is Hoi An. One of the many streets in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. An incredible […]

Hanoi, Vietnam : A city worth getting lost in

December of last year, I was invited by my Aunt to join her on her trip to Vietnam, then Cambodia, then Thailand all in the span of ten days. Being the wanderlust that I was (and it is my first time to go out of the country), I said yes. We were set to meet in Hanoi since she would be coming from Hong Kong, and I would be coming from the Philippines. And of all the places in those three countries we traveled to, Hanoi was by far the best one for me. Why? Climate Upon arriving in Hanoi, I […]

Hearty Hanoi; what to eat and where to go?

You booked your trip to Vietnam, you touch down on your first day with a list of things to explore… and your stomach rumbles. Whatever your considerations when choosing a travel destination, everyone has to eat. And, in a place like the capital, Hanoi, what do you eat? There is a whole world of amazing local street food to be discovered, but sometimes you need a few pointers of assistance. This article will give you a run down of local restaurants close to three main tourist spots in Hanoi. Where to go? Hoan Kiem Lake A landmark if […]

PHOnomenal Eats in Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re anything like me, food is the first thing you think about when considering what makes any culture unique. As an American, one of the only ways in which our “melting pot” culture obtains individuality is through food. That being said, I am always eager to try new foods, no matter where I travel. Even with my love of food, pushing myself to try new cuisine can be a step outside of my comfort zone. This past spring, I had the privilege of traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I got to explore the incredible atmosphere and culture of […]

Two Days in Sapa: Sleeper buses, trekking, rice wine and more!

Sapa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Vietnam. When my friends and I planned to go there for the weekend, I was told by numerous people that two days wouldn’t be enough, but we were determined to give it our best shot! Getting there Our friends had recently got a sleeper bus to South Vietnam and couldn’t recommend it enough, so we looked into it for our trip to Sapa. For only £12 each, the bus took us from Hanoi to Sapa town and back again. Leaving Hanoi at 9.30pm, we arrived in Sapa town at […]

What to do in Hanoi, Vietnam

This year I spent five months in Vietnam and in that time I saw a lot of Vietnam. I stayed in a city that is two hours away from the capital so I had many opportunities to catch a bus to Hanoi for the weekend. If you are planning on travelling to Vietnam, then I would definitely recommend visiting Hanoi. There are many things that you do in the city. Immerse yourself in culture Vietnam Museum of Ethnology I would recommend going here if you want to learn more about Vietnamese culture. There are so many different types of ethnicities […]

How to See Saigon like a Local

Saigon! It’s formally known as Ho Chi Minh City, but many of the 8.5 million locals residing here still refer to it by its pre-American war name (and yes, they call it the American war over here). The city is notorious for its bustling motorbike traffic, roadside food vendors that stretch as far as the eye can see, and the magnificent French colonial architecture that intertwines with narrow, winding alleyways amongst other unique features. Whatever it is that you’re after, there is undeniably an abundance of rich culture to be discovered here for the traveler who is willing to delve […]

The Valley Verdure of Mù Cang Chải

Travelers tales come thick and fast out of northern Vietnam and they describe a mountainous landscape so beautiful, they seem almost fanciful works of fiction spun up by the over-imaginative. It is, however, hard to ignore the repeated narratives as they are recounted to you over cold beers, iced coffees and steaming bowls of Pho. Stories of towering mountains and humbling valleys carved almost beyond recognition by the tribespeople who farm the land. Located a relatively short distance southwards from the famous backpacking hotspot of Sa Pa, the rural district of Mu Cang Chai is one such example of the […]

A Beginners Guide to Ho Chi Minh City.

In the South of Vietnam lies Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Also known as Saigon, this busy and vibrant city has quickly become a popular stop on many travelers lists. It is hard not to fall for this city’s quick paced energy, buzzing nightlife, and the abundance of culture waiting to be discovered. Want to know where to go, what to eat and how to get about? Read more below. Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh. Take the time to walk around and discover the city of Ho Chi Minh for yourself. There is a wonderful mix of […]

Hoi An Travel Guide

Hoi An is probably one of the nicest places you will visit traveling through Vietnam. The combination of the old city with all its lanterns and the beach at the other site, makes it a perfect spot to stay a little longer during your trip through Vietnam. With plenty hotels, home stays and hostels and even more delicious restaurants, this Hoi An Travel guide will help you to find the perfect places for you to visit. How to get in Hoi An You can get in Hoi An by bus, train, taxi, airplane and motorbike. The fastest way to get […]

5 Reasons to Visit Cao Bang, Vietnam

A motorbike trip through Vietnam is almost a backpacker’s right of passage. My husband and I have been traveling Southeast Asia for nearly four months and we knew, without a doubt, riding Vietnam was a must. Like many travelers, we had only planned on the stereotypical Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi route, but after some extensive research, we decided to spend a chunk of our time in northern Vietnam, and expand our ride beyond the Ha Giang loop and Sa Pa. One of our favorite stops on this northern Vietnam motorbike tour was the lesser known, Cao Bang Providence. […]

A Cultural-Spiritual Adventure to Nha Trang's Pagoda's

Spread out across the coastal resort city of Nha Trang is more than 10 beaches, each unique in its own way, attracting different cultures and accommodating various activities for visitors around the globe. Besides offering one of the best sunsets, Nha Trang also offers a journey into its more cultural corners. Here are some captivating architectures to explore in Nha Trang. Pho Nagar Cham Towers This temple is located at the North of Nha Trang city. Taken by its architecture, I was intrigued to see for myself the intrinsic carvings depicting the Gods. The temple is an active worship ground […]

Your Guide To Moving To Vietnam

The first time I visited Vietnam I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the food. The price of everything wasn’t terrible either. I only planned to be in the country for a month and that wasn’t nearly enough time to enjoy all Vietnam has to offer. A little over a year later and I found myself back in Canada and questioning what to do next, when I decided to pack my things up again and do as so many from my generation have accomplished and become a digital nomad in a foreign country. Here is how I managed to move to Vietnam. Getting a Visa Almost all nationalities require a visa* and the process is relatively painless for everyone. As of 2018, the […]

Vietnam: Shopping in Nha Trang

Shopping the food Let’s start with the most pleasant thing. When we are thinking about Vietnam, the first that we imagine is a white beach, warm sea, and seafood! There are many marine inhabitants: shrimps, mussels, octopuses, scallops. You can buy them on the street or try in your hotel, but relying on my experience and taste – Vietnamese are the bad cookers. My octopus, cooked in 5 stars hotel, tasted like a shale. Despite these troubles with seafood, Vietnam can boast of many other delicacies, and a lot of them you can bring home. Vietnam – a paradise for coffee […]

Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City, My First International Stop

On December 17th, 2017 I drove to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to catch an international flight to Vietnam. My trip to Vietnam actually took shape three months earlier when I met Nghia online. Nghia was the aunt of a shopkeeper I worked with at the Asian Garden Mall in Little Saigon (Westminster, CA). Nghia was studying English and her niece knew that, as a writer, mastery of the English language was very personal and important to me. I agreed to help Nghia with her studies and pronunciation. One thing led to another. Soon, Nghia and I were having video […]

Ancient House: A Gem In Ancient Hoi An

Finding Ancient House: An absolute must One of my absolute favourite things to do in Hoi An is to visit Ancient House. There are a couple of places that call themselves 'Ancient House' in the Old Town, but the best by far is this one on Thai Phien. Just outside the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Ancient Town, but easy to find, especially on foot or by bicycle. There is a small sign outside indicating the destination and the front of the building is covered in beautiful flowers and hanging baskets. [single_map_place] Thái Phiên, Tp. Hội An, Quảng Nam, […]

Hanoi: Nightlife in Vietnam's capital

Welcome to Hanoi at night Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital city, isn't known for it's Nightlife. The north's traditional roots and a 12am curfew on the city don't exactly scream 'Big Night Out'. However, if you know the right spots and take the view that curfew was made to be broken (as many of the bars and clubs of Hanoi do) then you are in for a thrilling and cheap nightlife scene that only Hanoi can provide. Just don't be surprised when, after midnight, the music and lights go off for 2 minutes while the police car drives past the outside […]

Vietnam: Motorbike trip to the provincial mountains

Whilst planning our trip to Vietnam, we have had been fantasising with the idea of motorbiking around the country. My brother had completed a similar trip last year and had glowing reviews. The difference being, of course, that my brother is far more mechanically minded and engine savvy than either me or my partner. Regardless, we put these thoughts to one side and set off to Vietnam with a loose plan to purchase or rent bikes along the way. The Idea We had 3 and a half weeks to tour the country and near the end of our trip, had […]

Da Nang: City of lights and beautiful beaches

Whenever people think of spending their vacation in a beautiful place, they end up traveling to Bahamas or Bali. Unfortunately, there is a beautiful and affordable option that most of the travelers miss. Da Nang is the wonderful city in the central part of the historic Vietnam that has many beautiful beaches and quite a few historical, tourist places. As a traveler, I was very surprised to see how people miss this heaven. In Vietnam, it is the third-largest city as it has the highest urban population and also an important port city in the country. Travelers choose this beautiful […]

The Flower Safari of Hanoi’s Tết

Intro As a result of globalization, many East and South East Asian countries are starting to abandon the Lunar New Year, and instead celebrate the Western New Year. However, in Vietnam, even in the capital city of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, the people just cannot abandon the Lunar New Year, which has already been a huge part of their traditional culture. Lunar New Year, but us Vietnamese call it “Tết Nguyên Đán”, or just “Tết” for short, officially start on the 29th day of the last month of the previous year and ends on about the 5th day […]

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