Vietnam
Vietnam is one of my favourite place's in South East Asia, along with Thailand. There are so many fun and exciting things to do, from lush rice-paddy fields, bike tours, boat tours and the list goes on. It's an incredibly cheap country to travel which makes it a great backpackers destination.
We spent 1 month backpacking Vietnam, catching sleeper busses from North to South so I have lots of recommendations and tips for travelling around Vietnam and it's a destination that shouldn't be missed!
My top 3 things to do
1) Ha Giang Loop
Book in for a 3 day 2 night biking tour around the North of Vietnam, this is an absolutely incredible experience and a really good way to get to see smaller villages and parts of Vietnam you may not travel to yourself. You can opt for an 'easy-rider' which is a local to drive you, if you're not confident driving on a manual bike, I chose this option and I was far more relaxed and able to take lots of photos and videos. The roads are pretty crazy and there are lots and lots of accidents, so be careful.
3) Cu Chi Tunnels & War Museum
Both of these were very interesting to learn about the history of Vietnam and what their people have been through with war over the years. It was super eye-opening and I think a must visit when in Ho Chi Minh. I recommend going to the war museum with an audio guide, before you do a Cu Chi Tunnels tour, this way you have a better understanding of everything before you go.
3) Do a traditional cooking tour
In Hoi An we booked in to do a cooking tour and it was a highlight of my time Vietnam. We learnt how to make many traditional Vietnamese dishes and then all sat down to eat together and they were delicious! Our tour also included some activities like a coconut boat ride and crab fishing. We were also given a small cook book to take so we can make the dishes again ourselves.
Other things to see & do
1) Try Egg Coffee
Egg coffee is a delicious traditional Vietnamese coffee, made of egg yolks, condensed milk and other yummy ingredients. The top is thick and the coffee is sweet. The name doesn't exactly sound too appealing, but trust me they're delicious.
2) Visit the old town of Hoi An
Hoi An is a very cool little town which come's alive at night. There are lanterns lit all along the river side and small markets to grab some dinner. You can catch a small boat ride, light a lantern and set it free while you make a wish, to float along the river. Hoi An is also known for tailors and you can get just about any piece of clothing made here so if you'd like custom clothing items, this is your place to get it done. We stayed at LovLy Hostel and it was amazing, the staff, location and beds are all great, I highly recommend.
3) Visit Ha Long Bay
HaLong bay is a gorgeous UNESCO world heritage site, with huge limestone rock formations covered in lush rainforests and emerald green waters. You can book in a day tour or an overnight junk boat tour to explore and take in all it's beauty.
4) Travel using sleeper busses
Vietnam is very easily travelled using sleeper busses. You can book these here throughout your trip. I recommend spending the little extra and getting VIP busses as they tend to be quicker and much more comfy. We used them all throughout Vietnam between places and they're a great budget option for backpackers. This above website can be used for all sorts of transport, it's super handy.
5) Mekong Delta Floating Market
Visiting the floating markets and partaking in an early morning tour is an awesome experience and like no other. The vendors all sell their produce, weather it be watermelon, potatoes etc from their boats and tie the item on a long bamboo stick (like a flag) so people can see what they have for sale. Our tour included traditional 'shaken noodles' for breakfast & it was so cool to experience.
Travelling to Vietnam and want more details?
I've put together an e-book with lots more info about everywhere I've been, check it out yourself below!
