These are some basic insights for backpacking Vietnam.
BUT everyone is different. To dive deeper and get a personalized itinerary (for free), complete our [Itinerary Planner Questionnaire].
Quick Overview
Vietnam is a long, diverse country with dramatic landscapes, incredible food, and a mix of chaotic cities and peaceful countryside.
Few Facts
- Capital: Hanoi
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Language: Vietnamese
- Population: 100 million
- Power Socket: Type C (220V)
Why Visit
- Cultural richness and authenticity
- World-class cuisine and street food
- Adventures through mountains and coastlines
- Affordable travel and strong backpacker network
Best Time to Go
- Best for the whole country: March - April (Cool & Dry)
- Good overall: November - April
Rough Budget Idea
- Shoestring: €20/day (hostels, street food, local buses)
- Mid-Range: €35/day (hostels + hotels, local + western food, some activities)
- Comfortable: €50+/day
Top/Popular Places
- Hanoi: Culture, Old Quarter, street food
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Bustling city, war history
- Ha Long Bay: Limestone cliffs, cruises
- Sapa: Rice terraces, ethnic minorities, trekking
- Da Nang & Hoi An: Beaches and ancient town vibes
- Hue: Imperial history and monuments
Top/Popular Activities
- Ride the Ha Giang Loop
- Visit Cu Chi Tunnels near Saigon
- Try endless varieties of Vietnamese street food
- Cruise through Ha Long Bay
- Explore lantern-lit Hoi An
Backpacker Tips & Tricks
- Use Grab App for bikes and taxis
- Buses are cheap and reliable (go for the VIPs, price difference is minimal but the experience 100 times better)
- Learn basic Vietnamese phrases - they go a loong way!
- Count your change (lots of zeros in the currency)
Packing Tips
- Don't overpack, most essentials are easy to find locally.
- Bring a rain jacket, good shoes for trekking and layers for the north
- Check our [Ultimate Backpacker Checklist] to make sure you have what you need.
Recommended Routes
Each one of us likes different things and experiences, we are all connected via two things only - love for exploration and living out of a backpack. One route and certain activities can be awesome for one backpacker and awful for another. Complete the [Itinerary Planner Questionnaire] to get your personalized itinerary suggestions for free and even dive deeper to the specifics!
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.