What the pho should I do in Vietnam?
I spent the last three weeks in Vietnam, and needless to say I had the time of my life. Vietnam just moved into the top 5 ranking of favorite countries I have ever visited (and I’ve been to over 35 countries, so that says a lot).
From North to South:
Hanoi – Hanoi is an extremely busy city, with tons of organized chaos. I personally didn’t love it, but Hanoi serves as a great hub to travel to places like Sapa or Halong Bay. I wouldn’t spend more than 2 days here. I did a motorbike food tour with Hanoi Street Food Tours and it was great. Also, I stayed at a mix of hostels and hotels and if you're looking for an inexpensive, yet amazing hotel, check out the Essence Hotel. If you want a quick massage, I got mine at Midori Spa, where they employ blind masseuses- it was one of the best massages on my life and I love the mission.
Sapa – Sapa is a 6 hour journey from Hanoi (you can take a bus, train, or a private car)… there are no flights so don’t even try. I will say the long journey on rough roads was 100% worth it. Sapa is one of the most beautiful places I think I have ever been in my life. Most people do homestays that are outside of Sapa town (which is very touristy). I found a homestay, Mama Duck Homestay, through a blog, and I stayed with Hong who was incredible She was more expensive than many of the other homestays, but I felt like I had a more meaningful experience and as though I was truly a part of her family. I also wasn’t sleeping on a 1 inch mattress on the floor... I had a proper cushy bed. She took me on her motorbike where other tourists don’t go and introduced me to foods that I would’ve never otherwise known. I did an herbal bath, a mountain trek (which was no joke), learned to make spring rolls, and even met her parents. If you have the time, go to Sapa. I did 2 full days and one half day and I could’ve easily spent another day there exploring or just hanging with Hong and her family (I was sad to say bye).
Halong Bay – Halong Bay is a UNESCO Word Heritage Site and shouldn’t be missed if you’re in Vietnam. I know many people who do day trips, but I did 3 days and 2 nights and feel like I had a very different experience. Halong Bay looks like something out of a movie scene. I did a trip through a hostel here, but I am not going to lie, I felt old AF. Needless to say, I loved the itinerary, which included lots of swimming, kayaking and trekking to a lookout point. I’ve heard about several scams in Halong Bay, so make sure you choose your tour provider wisely if you’re going that route.
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park - From Hanoi, I took a flight to Dong Hoi to go on a caving expedition (Dong Hoi Airport is a 45 min taxi from Phong Nha Ke Bang National park). I used Oxalis and did a 2-day -1-night expedition in the Hang Va cave. I am a very daring person, and I will say for the first time in a while I was scared at certain points. We set out in the park first off by trekking through the jungle, then wading through dark cave water, and climbing over several sharp rocks. We had the chance to go swimming in the cleanest cave water and then spend the night playing card games at the campsite. We repelled in and out of caves and rock climbed and I will say I HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE. If you can’t handle not showering or bugs then this is not for you. It’s on the pricier side, but I didn’t mind because I only left with 1 cut on my knee and it could've been much worse.
Hue - After caving I took the local train to Hue (someone will be sitting in your seat if you do this, but it was $8 for a 3-hour train ride). I spent one day in Hue and I was not a fan of the city at all. It was the first time everyone was pestering me and I just got over it. The attractions in this city are super spread out so be prepared for that. I was excited to leave Hue and head to Hoi An through the Hai Van pass, which I 100% recommend doing (I used Hue Adventures). You ride on a back of a motorbike though a mountain pass that overlooks the seaside and it’s really something else. The cost of the motorbike tour from Hue to Hoi An was $45 and included lunch. It was very memorable and if you can do this you should.
Hoi An – Hoi An stole my heart. The beaches were perfect, the town was perfect, the shopping was great, and it's slower and quieter compared to some of the other towns in Vietnam. This is the perfect city to relax in. I decided to stay at the Little Hoi An Beach Boutique (such a great stay) which was outside of the ancient town and next to the beach. I wanted to be walking distance to the beach, so that’s why I chose this hotel, but I did have to take a shuttle in to town every day (though this didn’t bother me it may brother some). Hoi An is romantic and the city where if you want clothes made, custom tailors line the streets. I went to Peace Tailor and I recommend asking for Bi. There’s street food everywhere that’s amazing, but you can’t leave Hoi An without trying Cao Lao or White Rose (both particular foods to the region). If you want to” splurge” on dinner (aka $10 - $15 per person), check out Morning Glory . I had 4 days in Hoi An and absolutely could have spent a week here.
Ho Chi Minh City – Ho Chi Minh is a great place to really soak up the historical aspects of Vietnam, especially the Vietnam War. Must dos include the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels (actual tunnels you can go through from the war). I also went to the Mekong Delta but felt like it was very similar to Thailand’s market (if you’ve done that) and I would’ve rather had 1 more day in Hoi An. If you’re looking for food in HCMC, then head to Banh Mi 37. IT WAS INSANELY AMAZING or if you want something a little nicer then you can eat at the Secret Garden (it’s a rooftop restaurant and beautiful). I got my nails done in HCMC too at Ori Nails and massages multiple times at Miu Miu Spa. Depending on the amount of excursions that you want to do in HCMC, you can spend anywhere from 2-4 days here. If you have the chance, try and make it out of District 1 to see some of the other areas!
There are several other amazing cities in Vietnam that I heard about but didn’t get the opportunity to go to which include Nihn Binh, Da Lat, Phu Quoc Islands, Nha Trang and more. Needless to say, there’s endless amounts of fun, food and shopping in Vietnam. It will not disappoint.
