This article takes a deep dive into fabulous Vietnam. Hannah and I recently spent over 3 months traveling around the Southeast Asian country and loved everything about the experience.
We ticked off all the major sights in what was our first-ever visit to Asia. Although we had plenty of trepidations going in, we very quickly adapted to new customs and cultures and embraced being as far away from home as we’d ever been.
Whether you’re planning a short trip, or like us, a long trek around as many Vietnamese cities as possible, I’ve tried to cover everything you need to know about Vietnam in this post.
Everything You Need to Know About Vietnam
Vietnam is a country of stunning landscapes, metropolitan cities, rich culture, and delicious food that captivates travelers. From the lush green mountains in the north to the bustling cities and serene beaches in the south, Vietnam offers a full spectrum of diverse experiences.
Traveling through Vietnam for three months allowed us to embrace its history, cuisine, and everyday life. We experienced everything from the tranquil beaches of Phu Quoc to the functional chaos of Hanoi and everything in between.
Vietnam is a budget-friendly destination where your money stretches a long way, making long-term travel accessible and enjoyable. Affordable accommodation, cheap yet tasty street food, and low-cost transportation make it easy to explore on a budget. The year-round warm-to-hot climate is ideal for anyone who hates the cold.
Top Places to Visit in Vietnam
Every location we visited offered something different. Even the huge cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City had distinctly different feelings to them. As such, this list is ranked in chronological order based on our time in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City
17 hours after leaving Toulouse, France, Ho Chi Minh City was our first stop and introduction to Vietnam. The country’s largest city didn’t disappoint and from the get-go provided stunning sights, and never-before-seen escapades that truly let me know I wasn’t in the West anymore.
We booked a private taxi from the airport ahead of time and the 40-minute trip to our apartment cost under $10. It was reassuring confirmation that the rumors of the low prices in Vietnam were true. During the drive I asked our driver if there was a motorbike rally going on as thousands of mopeds filled the streets and cut up the traffic, he smiled and said ‘Welcome to Saigon’.
Previously known as Saigon, the name was changed following the Vietnam War, a reminder to the southern Western allied city that the victors and subsequent rulers remained in the North. You can get away with calling it by either name.
Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis that blends traditional Vietnamese culture with modern urban energy. It buzzes with life, offering a mix of historic landmarks, lively markets, and an electric social scene.
The city’s food offerings are a true highlight and at times are a spectacle to behold. There’s everything from bustling street stalls selling cooked scorpions to some of the finest dining options I have ever enjoyed.
Ho Chi Minh City is also a gateway to exploring Vietnam’s complex past and vibrant present. The museums, colonial architecture, and ancient pagodas offer an insight into the city’s deep history. With its energetic nightlife, bustling streets, and friendly locals, HCMC is an essential stop on any Vietnam itinerary.
Top Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
It’s easy to fill your days with fun, fascinating, and cultural things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are my top HCMC attractions. Some were my favorite in all of Vietnam.
Top Ho Chi Minh City Attractions
- War Remnants Museum. With a fleet of retired US aircraft and munitions on display and 4 floors of exhibits, the War Remnants Museum is one of my favorite cultural stops in Vietnam. The sobering museum offers an eye-opening and shocking reflection on the Vietnam War.
- Ben Thanh Market. Everything you’ve heard about Vietnam’s markets is true! Ben Thanh Market is an Aladin’s cave of stalls selling everything from clothing, to fine fabrics and exotic spices. The food court here is epic too and just walking around the bustling lanes is an unforgettable experience.
- Landmark 81. One of the tallest buildings in Southeast Asia, Landmark 81 is an iconic tower in the heart of the city’s financial district that looms large over the city. Ride up to Blank Lounge on the 76th floor for the best city view in Vietnam and truly incredible sunsets.
Where to Eat and Drink in Ho Chi Minh City
First-time visitors to HCMC will be blown away by the number of food options in the city. From incredible street food costing next to nothing to some of the coolest bars I’ve ever visited. Here are my top 3 recommendations.
Top Places to Eat and Drink in HCMC
- Belgo. A four-strong chain of Belgian-themed craft beer pubs with an excellent drinks list, tasty food, and one of the best happy hours in the city. Stylish decor and a friendly ambiance make a trip to Belgo my top place in HCMC for drinks.
- Quan Ut Ut. Located in D2 along the bustling Xuan Thuy Street commonly referred to as ex-pat street, Quan Ut Ut offers outstanding BBQ that wouldn’t be out of place in the southern states of the USA. Hearty portions of sensational meets, and some epic salads and sides to boot. For me, Quan Ut Ut is one of the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Pasteur Street Brewing. With 8 taprooms in HCMC, you’ll never be too far from a Pasteur Street location. I visited a number of them and always enjoyed great beers, tasty and affordable food options, and a familiar Western vibe that made me feel right at home.
Take a Trip to Vung Tao
Our first 3.5 weeks in Vietnam were spent house sitting in Ho Chi Minh City. Click here to read my guide to house sitting in HCMC. We took care of two lovely pups for a British/Irish ex-part couple now living in D2. When the house sit finished, we decided to take a short hop to the port city of Vung Tao.
Accessible via boat, bus, or taxis and private cars from HCMC, the cool seaside resort is reachable in 2 hours. It feels like a different world with a tranquil vibe, significantly less traffic, and clean air. It’s a haven for many HCMC’s residents seeking an escape.
Huge swathes of coastline attract city dwellers seeking the sun and sand. Plenty of mega-hotels, enormous luxury apartment blocks, and many great bars and restaurants make it a fun place to visit. It was a nice change for us after our time in HCMC, as Vung Tao presented a different side of Vietnam.
Hoi An
It’s difficult to pick a favorite place in Vietnam, but Hannah and I both agree that Hoi An would be high on our list. After a week in Vung Tao, we headed back to HCMC and caught a flight to Da Nang. A private taxi, again under $10, dropped us at our hotel in Hoi An, an hour after the short flight.
A night back in Saigon had reacquainted us with its chaotic streets and Hoi An felt again like an escape. The streets are vibrant but not chaotic and the history and charm of the Old Town make it an endearing and mystical place.
We booked to stay halfway between the main causeway of the Old Town and An Bang Beach, a stunning beach just a short drive from the center. I was stunned by how busy the Old Town was at nighttime, as thousands of tourists descended on the ancient streets, night markets, and iconic bridges.
Why Visit Hoi An
Hoi An’s Old Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. The cobbled streets, cute alleyways and cut-throughs, hole-in-the-wall cafes, and eateries are a traveler’s dream.
By night, the Old Town comes to life, and thousands of visitors emerge to shop and eat in the night market that cuts through the heart of downtown. Bars and restaurants hawk for customers while peddlers of knick-knacks tout goods in a centuries-old tradition.
Hoi An’s beaches are among the best I have ever visited. Welcoming bars and restaurants line the promenade of An Bang Beach and the region is every bit a vacation spot. We rode bikes through the rice paddies, dodging water buffalo to get from our hotel to the ocean, a true Vietnamese experience.
Top Things to Do in Hoi An
Hoi An is an ideal tourist destination, with lots of popular attractions and things to see. Here are a few things to consider adding to your itinerary during a stay in Hoi An;
Top Hoi An Attractions
- Explore Old Town. You can easily lose a day just walking around Hoi An’s Old Town. Temples, pagodas, bridges, and statues crop up on every corner. My advice, book a guided tour with someone who knows the area and can show you all the important spots. Check out this guided tour I found.
- Cycle to Am Bang Beach. Cycling is a popular pastime in Hoi An and bikes are readily available and cheap to hire. It’s a mostly flat ride from the center to the stunning beaches on the coast. You’ll ride through rice paddies and hopefully get the chance for an iconic water buffalo photo along the way.
- Take a Food Tour. Explore Hoi An’s rich array of traditional food options with a guided food tour. You’ll get to sample lots of classic dishes that have local appeal and national notoriety. It’s a great way to sample new dishes and learn about Vietnamese culture, check out this guided food tour.
Where to Eat and Drink in Hoi An
With so many regular visitors, Hoi An has no shortage of places to eat and drink. From daily happy hours to high-end dining options, there’s something for every taste and budget. Here are my top Hoi An picks;
Top Places to Eat and Drink in Hoi An
- Mango Mango. One of the best people-watching spots in all of Hoi An. With a nightly 2-4-1 happy hour and stunning views of the main Old Town thoroughfare and the An Hoi Bridge. It’s the ideal spot as the sun sets and the town comes to life. Find it here.
- Bikini Bottom Express. A chilled beach bar and restaurant just steps from the entrance to Am Bang Beach. The fish tacos here are some of the best I’ve ever had and the beers are super cheap and served ice cold. Find it here.
- MIX Greek. On the outskirts of Old Town is a fantastic Greek restaurant that serves some epic gyros and loaded Mediterranean plates. Hidden a little off the beaten track it’s easy to miss the entrance, but a small alleyway turns into a large open-air courtyard, MIX is a fantastic dining option in Hoi An.
Take a Trip To Da Nang
Many seemingly chose to take short trips from Da Nang to Hoi An, but we opted to do it the other way around. Da Nang is every bit the metropolitan city with the added benefit of miles of inviting coastline. It’s a city with modern amenities, busy streets, and numerous iconic landmarks such as the mesmerizing Dragon Bridge.
If you’re looking for a great place to base yourself as a digital nomad, Da Nang is a top option. Hannah has written extensively about our time in Da Nang for GoatsOnTheRoad.com, read her Digital Nomad Guide to Da Nang.
From the natural beauty of the Son Tra Peninsula where monkeys rule the roost, to the party beaches of My An, Da Nang is well worth a few days of any Vietnam travel itinerary. A trip to the Marble Mountains, The Lady Buddha Statue, and the Golden Hand Bridge are easily ticked off in a couple of days. See them all on this great tour.
Hanoi
The nation’s capital, Hanoi, is unlike any city I have visited before. The sprawling metropolis seems neverending and navigating the city is an admirable task. Much like in HCMC, mopeds rule the roads, and there are millions of them!
Similar to Saigon, huge awe-inspiring temples can appear out of nowhere, and expansive urban lakes and city parks suddenly offer a juxtaposition to the vast cityscape. But as I mentioned previously, despite both being huge cities, Hanoi and HCMC each have a different feel about them.
We spent a month in Hanoi, wanting to get to know such an iconic city. The food and social scene is as good as it gets in Vietnam, and Hanoi has plenty of backpackers and digital nomads, giving it a vibrant and fun edge.
Why Visit Hanoi
Hanoi is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and one of the most visited. Millions of tourists annually flock to see the ancient history of the Old Quarter and marvel at the many French-Colonial structures.
With its manic road systems and high population density, a trip to the main center of Hanoi can be an overwhelming experience. At the same time, this makes it an enthralling and enticing place to be.
The affectionately labeled Pub Street is a great place to while away an afternoon with endless bars and cafes. True to Vietnamese form, on entering one bar and ordering a foreign beer, they informed us the local beer was free every day from 5 pm – 6 pm. Things like this are always liable to crop up in Hanoi!
Top Things to Do in Hanoi
Besides the drinking culture in which we indulged wholeheartedly, Hanoi is packed with great things to do. We filled every trip to the city center with memorable cultural activities. Here are a few of my favorites;
Top Hanoi Attractions
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a grand, solemn structure that houses the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revered leader, Ho Chi Minh, symbolizing his lasting legacy and dedication to the nation. Surrounded by well-manicured gardens it serves as a place of reflection and national pride for locals and visitors alike.
- Experience Train Street. A trip to Train Street is a traveler’s right of passage. It’s an incredible experience to sit with a coffee and wait for the huge passenger sleeper train to come hurtling by, just inches from where you sit. Small family-owned cafes line the tracks supplying train times, refreshments, and advice for when to tuck your legs in!
- Explore the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is a bustling maze of narrow streets filled with traditional shops, vibrant markets, and delicious street food stalls. Walking through this historic area gives you a glimpse into Hanoi’s rich culture, centuries-old architecture, and vibrant mix of sights, sounds, and tastes.
Where to Eat and Drink in Hanoi
We lived in Hanoi for a month but based ourselves around 6 miles out of town. Our trips into the center were all based around seeing the sights and visiting the bars and restaurants. Here are my top food and drink recommendations;
Top Places to Eat and Drink in Hanoi
- Standing Bar. A cool place for a few beers and light food. The Westernized taproom-style bar has a great selection of drinks at good prices for Hanoi. The upstairs balcony overlooks Ho Tay Lake and is a great scenic spot to escape and relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Find it here.
- Havana Bar and Restaurant. At one end of Pub Street, you’ll find a Cuban-themed cocktail bar that offers a terrific happy hour and some delicious light bites. It’s classy but trashy inside with nice friendly staff who knew our drink order by the second visit.
- Mad Monkey. The aforementioned free beer hour was at Mad Monkey. The bar/hostel/hangout is a bright, clean-lined place with regular fun events, all-you-can-eat buffets, happy hours, quizzes, and live music. Not a traditional Vietnamese spot, but good fun.
Take a Trip to Ha Long Bay
One of the most iconic experiences when visiting Hanoi is a trip to Ha Long Bay. If you’ve ever researched Vietnam, you’ve likely seen pictures of the stunning waterways and towering limestone islands of this breathtaking bay.
Many tour operators based in Hanoi’s Old Quarter offer day trips and overnight stays on luxury cruise ships that sail around the bay. We booked an overnighter for Hannah’s birthday and it was honestly one of the most memorable things we did in Vietnam. Click here to book the same tour we did, it’s even better than advertised.
Read all about our dramatic journey getting to Ha Long Bay in my previous Short Tails episode – The Hanoi Birthday Dash. Talk about nearly missing the boat!
Phu Quoc
We finished our time in Vietnam with 3 weeks in Phu Quoc. Vietnam’s largest island is a tropical paradise nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, it has stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungles. It was for us a haven after a month in Hanoi and we loved our time house sitting a giant dog. Read all about Abraham – The Big Famous Dog of Phu Quoc.
We enjoyed a few days around Duong Dong, the island’s capital and most popular spot, with its soft golden sands and calm, warm waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The area around Duong Dong is a lively hub with beachfront resorts, bustling night markets, and a variety of great restaurants and bars.
Our house sit was to the south of the island in Sonasea where despite a few mega resort hotels, the atmosphere is more relaxed. The Sonasea night market is another must-visit spot, where you can sample local specialties like fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and plenty of Phu Quoc’s famous fish sauce—a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.
Why Visit Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is the ideal destination for luxury and relaxation, with a growing number of upscale resorts, spa retreats, and world-class golf courses catering to visitors seeking a tranquil escape. Plenty of ex-pat-friendly amenities and emerging modern infrastructure mean Phu Quoc is a top choice for tourists.
Vinpearl Safari and the VinWonders theme park are top island attractions making it a year-round family escape. There’s everything from wildlife encounters to thrilling rides. The island is full of of other outdoor opportunities too. You can snorkel, dive, or simply enjoy the untouched beauty of hidden coves and secluded beaches.
Phu Quoc has some of the most stunning natural beauty we experienced in Vietnam. The vibrant local culture and range of activities make Phu Quoc an brilliant destination that offers something for every traveler.
Top Things to Do in Phu Quoc
Aside from the safari and theme parks which serve as major attractions for many visitors to Phu Quoc, there are some fantastic things to fill your time with on Vietnam’s largest island.
Top Phu Quoc Attractions
- Island Hopping and Snorkeling. One of the best things we did in Phu Quoc was to get out on the open ocean and explore the surrounding smaller islands. Several half-day and full-day tours leave from the main harbor and include world-class snorkeling opportunities and a delicious lunch. Check this tour out.
- Explore the Night Markets. It’s rarely hard to find a decent night market in Vietnam, but in Phu Quoc, the excellent markets in Duong Dong and Sonasea are worth a notable mention. Whether shopping, snacking, or dining out, there are plenty of options at both popular evening spots.
- Experience a Record-Breaking Cable Car. South Phu Quoc is home to the world’s longest cable car experience. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness breathtaking 360-degree views, learn facts about Phu Quoc’s history, and even enjoy a tasty lunch high above the earth. Click here for more information.
Where to Eat and Drink in Phu Quoc
We enjoyed lots of incredible seafood in Phu Quoc, and despite eating meals regularly in our local night market we also discovered lots of great bars and restaurants. Here are a few of my top recommendations;
Top Places to Eat and Drink in Phu Quoc
- Crab House. Identifiable by the huge crab that clings to the outside of the building, the Crab House has some of the best seafood dishes in Phu Quoc.
- The Cheeky Traveller. A friendly beachside English pub with welcoming staff, nightly live music, and daily drinks specials. We enjoyed a couple of excellent nights here. Click here for directions.
- The Tipsy Taco. A colorful and fun place for excellent Mexican food. The menu of staple dishes is sizeable and delicious, and features the best fish tacos in Phu Quoc! Find it here.
House Sitting Opportunities in Vietnam
Half of our time in Vietnam was spent house sitting. Not only did this help immensely with our travel budget but it gave us an enhanced experience that a hotel or apartment stay wouldn’t have. We gained insider tips, felt more at home, and got to fully embrace living somewhere as opposed to simply passing through.
Vietnam is an emerging country for house sitting opportunities, and although Vietnam’s number of listings is far below that of the USA or the UK, many ex-pats are tuning in to the idea of using house sitting platforms for their vacations and return visits home.
Hannah and I are proof that house sitting is already possible across Vietnam and as the house sitting industry grows globally, so will the opportunities in Vietnam.
Get Signed Up Now!
House sitting placements in places like Vietnam and Asia as a whole, are sought-after. So get signed up now for free and start building your profile and identifying your favorite house sits. The world’s top house sitting site, Trusted Housesitters, lets you sign up and search with just an email address, click here to get started.
To apply for a house sit you will need to be a full paying member of Trusted Housesitters. Memberships start at $129/year and you’ll receive a 25% discount when you use our referral code BEACHES25 at checkout. Click here to sign up today.
Once you’re all signed up you’ll be able to save dates, locations, and a multitude of preferences for Vietnam house sits. With the handy app, you’ll be notified as soon as a listing matching your specificities comes online. Head to our House Sitting Experiences and Advice page for a library of helpful information to get you started.
Conclusion
Vietnam was an unforgettable experience, and we loved our time exploring. The breadth of culture, natural beauty, and welcoming locals left a lasting impression. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, every corner offered something unique.
The food was a particular highlight, with each region boasting distinctive flavors and dishes. We savored everything from fragrant bowls of pho to fresh seafood by the beach.
Whether trekking through lush mountains, discovering ancient temples, or simply enjoying a coffee in a local café, Vietnam captivated us in every way. It’s a country we’ll always hold close to our hearts, and one we hope to revisit someday.
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