Backpacking Vietnam: MUST READ QUICK GUIDE!
Vietnam is the stuff backpacker legends are made of. It’s wild, vibrant, affordable, and absolutely packed with adventure. Rent a motorbike and ride the length of the country, slurp pho on a plastic stool, and find yourself hiking in misty mountains one day and sunbathing on a beach the next.
Vietnam is fast-paced in the cities, slow and scenic in the countryside—and backpackers can’t get enough.
Top Things to Do in Vietnam
- Motorbike the Ha Giang Loop: One of the most epic rides in Southeast Asia. Hairpin turns, limestone cliffs, and misty mountain passes await. Rent a bike in Ha Giang and spend 3–5 days looping through tiny villages and jaw-dropping views. Here’s everything you need to know.
- Cruise Ha Long Bay (or Lan Ha Bay): Those karst cliffs jutting from jade-green waters? Yeah, that’s Ha Long Bay. But savvy travelers head to neighboring Lan Ha Bay for fewer crowds and similar views. Overnight cruises, kayaking, and jumping off the boat included.
- Get Your Tailor-Made Wardrobe in Hoi An: Hoi An is not only dreamy with its lantern-lit streets and riverside cafes, it’s also where you can get custom clothes made in 24 hours. Dresses, suits, shoes—you name it.
- Wander the Canyons of Da Lat: This cool mountain town is full of pine forests, lakes, and quirky cafes. Go canyoning, visit waterfalls, or just enjoy a break from the heat. More on Da Lat here.
- Explore the Caves of Phong Nha: Underground rivers and caverns bigger than city blocks—Phong Nha is home to the world’s largest caves. It’s a backpacker favorite for trekking, caving, and nature overload.
What to Eat in Vietnam
- Pho
- Banh Mi
- Bun Cha
- Cao Lau
- Egg coffee
Typical Daily Budget
- Hostel/Hotel: $6–$20
- Meals: $1–$5
- Transportation: $1–$10
- Entertainment: $5–$20
- Total: $20–$45/day
Best Time to Visit and Resources
March to May and September to November are ideal, offering dry weather and milder temps. Vietnam’s long shape means the climate varies north to south.
Helpful Resources
- 1-Week North Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Ha Giang, and Ninh Binh
- Ha Giang Loop Guide
- 31 BEST Things to Do in Hanoi, Vietnam
Don’t Forget Your Backpack!
I brought a terrible backpack my first time. Learn from me—get one that actually lasts. This is the perfect backpack for Southeast Asia travel.
