Vietnam - Highlight of our trip
- Tanja & Björn
- Nov 24, 2024
- 7 min read
Vietnam – Where nature, culture and enjoyment merge
Vietnam combines stunning nature, vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. From Halong Bay to the streets of Hanoi, the country offers unique experiences for every traveler, but before you book your flight, the visa is an important point. For many nationalities, you can easily apply for a visa online. The Vietnam e-Visa costs around 25 USD and is valid for 30 days. It is quick and easy to obtain on the official website: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn .
Table of contents:
**Please note that the information shared here is based on our personal experiences. Prices, opening times and offers are subject to change, and experiences are often weather or seasonal dependent. Be sure to check up-to-date information directly with operators to plan your best possible travel experience.
Our route through Vietnam
Hanoi – A start full of taste & culture
The capital of Vietnam is loud, lively and full of charm. Here we have collected our first impressions of Vietnamese culture:
Let's start with the food :D
Bún Chả: You shouldn't miss this traditional dish - juicy pork balls with rice noodles. TnB tip : The best Bún Chả can be found here.
The Note Café : A small café full of colorful notes from travelers from all over the world.
Railway Street: A narrow alley where trains pass right by cafes - a unique experience. Please behave appropriately, sections of the line have been closed because tourists have been up to no good - local cafes along the line have often had to close their doors as a result.
Location: The most famous section of Train Street is in Hanoi's Old Quarter , particularly along Phung Hung Street . Another section is located on Le Duan Street in Dong Da District . Both sections offer a similar experience, with the section on Phung Hung Street being particularly popular with tourists.
Train timetable: Trains pass through Train Street several times a day. Exact times may vary, so it is advisable to check locally.
Thang Long Puppet Theater: The traditional water puppet theater is a cultural specialty. Entrance fee: 100,000-200,000 VND (approx. 4-8 €). You definitely need an audio guide. If you are planning to travel to the north, the puppet theater is a great way to learn more about the culture.
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: The lake is free to enter, entrance to the temple costs 30,000 VND (approx. 1.20 €).
Dong Xuan Market: Perfect for an authentic insight into Vietnamese market life.
Ha Giang Loop – An Adventure in the North
From Hanoi we took the bus north to ride the legendary Ha Giang Loop on a scooter - an absolute highlight for adventurers. We booked accommodation in advance through Agoda and Booking - there are often super cute, local homestays.
Luggage storage: We left our large luggage at the scooter rental in Ha Giang.
TnB tip: Driving license for scooter driving in Vietnam
To ride a scooter in Vietnam, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with your national driving licence. With the German class B, you can only drive scooters up to 50 cm³; for larger scooters, you need a motorcycle licence. Insurance cover is only available with a valid driving licence. Although many rental companies do not require a driving licence, there can be problems at police checks without official documents. We were checked three times on the loop, but were always able to continue driving without any problems. A couple without an International Driving Permit, however, were not allowed to continue driving. Police checks are therefore not uncommon.
TnB tip:
3 days / 2 nights (Minimal time to see the main highlights)
Day 1: Ha Giang → Dong Van (via Bac Sum Pass & Yen Minh )
Day 2: Dong Van → Meo Vac (via the Ma Pi Leng Pass , one of the most spectacular roads in the country) → Yen Minh
Day 3: Yen Minh → Ha Giang
Advantage: Perfect if you are short on time.
Disadvantage: It can be tiring because you have to cover long distances during the day.
4 days / 3 nights (The most popular option - our route)
Day 1: Ha Giang → Yen Minh or Quan Ba
Day 2: Yen Minh → Dong Van (Visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower )
Day 3: Dong Van → Meo Vac (via Ma Pi Leng Pass)
Day 4: Meo Vac → Ha Giang
Advantage: You have more time to enjoy the scenery and make stops.
Disadvantage: Still relatively fast pace.
5-6 days / 4-5 nights (Relaxed trip with more discovery tours)
Similar to the 4-day route, but with additional stops for hikes, villages or more time at viewpoints such as Bac Sum Pass or Nho Que River.
Advantage: More time for cultural encounters and photography.
Disadvantage: You need more budget and flexibility
Ninh Binh – The "dry Halong Bay"
After the Ha Giang Loop we traveled to Ninh Binh and stayed overnight in Tam Coc because it is quieter and more idyllic than the city of Ninh Binh.
Unfortunately we were a bit unlucky with the weather and therefore couldn't do much - but we still really liked Ninh Binh (Tam Coc).
Hang Mua Viewpoint: A short hike leads to a breathtaking view over rice fields and mountains. Entrance fee: 100,000 VND (approx. 4 €).
Tam Coc boat tour: The tours are all very touristy, but we really enjoyed the nature. Entrance fee: 250,000 VND (approx. 10 €).
Huế – History and Culture
The former imperial city is a must for anyone who wants to discover Vietnam's history. If you are not really interested in history, you can skip Hué.
Citadel of Huế: An impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entrance fee: 200,000 VND (approx. 8 €).
Thien Mu Pagoda: A quiet temple with beautiful views of the Perfume River.
Ho Thuy Tien: An abandoned water park that is mystical and fascinating.
TnB tip: Locals often try to intercept tourists just before the park and demand money to take you "there". However, you can drive there without "guidance". There is a small fee for parking.
Coastal cruise from Huế to Hoi An – An unforgettable experience
The route from Huế to Hoi An is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Vietnam and offers spectacular views, historical stops and impressive nature. The journey stretches for about 130 kilometers and can be completed in 3 to 6 hours depending on the route and stops chosen . Here are all the highlights and tips to get the most out of this route.
Main attraction: The Hai Van Pass
The Hai Van Pass (Cloud Pass) is the absolute highlight of the trip. The 21-kilometer-long pass road winds along steep mountain slopes and offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
stops along the route
An idyllic beach, perfect for a short break or a snack. The clear water and the quiet atmosphere invite you to relax.
TnB tip: Try fresh seafood in one of the small restaurants.
Passing the busy coastal town of Da Nang, you can take a short stop at My Khe Beach or the Dragon Bridge .
The Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) are also a worthwhile stop. Here you can explore caves, temples and fantastic views.
Entrance fee to the Marble Mountains: 40,000-60,000 VND (approx. 2-3 €).
Hoi An – The charming old town
Hoi An enchanted us with its lanterns and relaxed atmosphere - definitely one of our highlights in Vietnam. Our great accommodation and its hosts made a big contribution. If you are in Hoi An, be sure to stay at the Cat Tien Villa.
Unfortunately, we didn't have enough room in our backpacks, but in Hoi An you can have high-quality, tailor-made clothing made - quickly, cheaply and exactly according to your wishes.
Lantern market: At night, the old town turns into a sea of colorful lanterns. Wonderful.
Tra Que Vegetable Garden : A vegetable garden with small cafes - beautiful quiet place for a stroll and a coffee.
Cooking Class: There are many cooking classes offered in Hoi An that are highly recommended. We booked these through our accommodation.
Ba Na Hills: In the Truong Son Mountains, about an hour's drive from Hoi An.
Highlight: The Golden Bridge (Cầu Vàng) , which opened in 2018, is the main attraction of the park.
The Ba Na Hills are not only known for the bridge, but also for the theme park with a mix of French architecture, pagodas, cable cars and entertainment.
Entrance fee: The entrance fee including the cable car ride costs about 850,000-1,000,000 VND (approx. 34-40 €) per person. (Personally, it was too expensive for us, but if you are on vacation, it is definitely worth it.
The Cemetery of An Bang – The “City of Ghosts”: Just outside of Hoi An lies the cemetery of An Bang , known as the "City of Ghosts". This unique cemetery is one of the most impressive in Vietnam, as it consists of hundreds of magnificently designed tombs that look like small temples or palaces.
Ho Chi Minh City – Pulsating Metropolis
The southern city offers a mixture of modern urbanity and tradition:
War Remnants Museum: An emotional but important museum about the Vietnam War.
Tan Dinh Church: The pink church is a real eye-catcher.
Bui Vien Street: Perfect for night owls or just drinking a beer and people watching :D
Can Tho – The Mekong Delta
In the Mekong Delta we experienced authentic Vietnam:
Floating Market Tour: A must to experience life on the Mekong. You can usually find vendors through the hotels or directly on the river.
Vuon Ca Cao Muoi Cuong: A small cocoa farm with delicious chocolate.
Admission: 50,000 VND (approx. 2 €).
Tour Con Son Islet: Con Son is a picturesque island in the Mekong Delta, about 6 kilometers from the city of Can Tho. With an area of around 70 hectares, it offers visitors an authentic insight into rural life in Vietnam.
Places we would have liked to visit
Unfortunately, time was too short to see everything. These highlights are at the top of our list for the next visit:
Halong Bay: For an unforgettable boat trip between the famous rocky islands.
Sapa: Breathtaking rice terraces and insights into the life of the hill tribes.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Home to the largest cave in the world, Son Doong Cave .
Dalat: A charming city with romantic waterfalls and a pleasant mountain climate.
Mui Ne: Famous for its red sand dunes.
Phu Quoc: Beautiful beaches and tropical island paradise.
To sum it up
Vietnam overwhelmed us with its diversity, hospitality and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are driving through the karst mountains in the north, experiencing the vibrant culture of Hanoi or strolling through the lantern streets of Hoi An - this country has something to offer every traveller