Vietnam is a beautiful country making it hard to know where is the best places to go as there are so many. In this blog, I'm going to recommend the top 5 most popular places to visit to ensure you see the best bits no matter how long you are visiting, myself (Liv) like most people travelled to Vietnam in 2 weeks whilst many others spend one month in Vietnam.

Hoi An - ​

I absolutely loved Hoi An for its charming historic town located in central Vietnam that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and a relaxed atmosphere. The Thu Bon River runs right through the town where you can observe local life along the water's edge and see the town from a different perspective which is what I did, I lit a laten when dusk and put it in the water while making a wish. Even just walking the streets had an amazing atmosphere seeing the colourful lanterns hanging over the streets and in the water. There was a market when I was there where you could buy plenty of cheap souvenirs. Hoi An is also very well known for its skilled tailors who can create custom-made clothing in a short amount of time, I was only there for a few days and was able to have a dress tailor-made for me. ​

Ha Giang -​

Wow! Where to even start with Ha Giang, it was just the most incredible place for me. Ha Giang is a northern province of Vietnam and in fact very well known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, vibrant ethnic cultures, and adventurous roads. It's a destination that offers a truly immersive and off-the-beaten-path experience. I stayed in the Ha Giang Cosy Hostel which was amazing, the staff here were very helpful and organised my 3-day 2 night Ha Giang Loop tour that they run with the local easy riders. For those that don't know the Ha Giang Loop is a popular motorbike route that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Vietnam. It offers an adventurous journey with breathtaking views at every turn. Included in this I got to do a homestay where I stayed with a local family in a traditional stilt house which allowed me to gain more knowledge into their daily life duties and culture. ​

Hanoi - ​

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a vibrant and historical destination that seamlessly blends traditional charm with modernity. , Hanoi is a captivating destination that invites travelers to uncover its timeless charms and create lasting memories. So, whether you're savoring a bowl of pho on a street corner or gazing at the reflection of Turtle Tower in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi's beauty and allure is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. I highly recommend visiting the Hanoi Train Street, this is a narrow alleyway that is full of Vietnamese homes and restaurants. The Train usually passes through Train Street twice a day, around 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM. It's a scene that feels almost surreal as the local's laundry is quickly reeled in, children are ushered indoors, and vendors adjust their goods, all in preparation for the train's imminent arrival. Also Visiting The Note Café in Hanoi is a MUST it sells amazing Coffee & pastries. It's well known for its colourful, customer-written notes lining the walls.​

Da Nang - ​

Da Nang is a coastal city located in central Vietnam, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant city life, and a mix of modern and traditional attractions. I spent a day out visiting the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills which is a pedestrian bridge held up by giant stone hands emerging from the hillside, offering breathtaking views. You get a cable cart up to the top where the Golden Bridge is situated and then there is a resort/ amusement park there which has a variety of rides, restaurants, and entertainment options. Just be aware Ba Na Hills is known to have a typical climate of 4 seasons in a day. Some other backpackers I met in Da Nang recommended doing Hai Van Pass which is a bit like the Ha Giang Loop but just not as long, that being said it still offers stunning panoramic views of the coast and surrounding landscapes. Another thing I would recommend doing is a cooking class as there were so many around this area that people I know did that said were amazing, where you learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, where you also get to shop for the ingredients at local markets and then prepare your own meal.​
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Ho Chi Min City - ​

I unfortunately only had 1 night here which definitely wasn’t enough time as there was so much to explore. I got a feel of the city's energetic atmosphere as soon as I arrived. It definitely has a mix of old and new, and the warm hospitality makes it a fascinating destination for us backpackers seeking a blend of history, culture, and modern experiences. The Street food is amazing here and you can get top-quality Local delicacies such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and various seafood dishes are readily available. The one thing I regret not doing and will have to go back and do as it is highly recommended by so many travelers is an attraction that is close by to Ho Chi Minh City which is the Cu Chi Tunnels, where you learn about the underground network that was used during the Vietnam War.​

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