The Ultimate Offbeat Vietnam Itinerary in 10 days, 2 Weeks or 3 Weeks
/As someone who has had the pleasure of visiting Vietnam, I can attest to the fact that Vietnam is an incredibly underrated travel destination.
Nothing is really overhyped or over-touristy in Vietnam as there’s often a small handful of crowds and most people trying to cover the country from North to South or South to North. Except ofcourse for the famous Obama and Anthony Bourdain cafe/restaurant!
I spent three weeks starting from Ho Chi Minh until Central Vietnam, and while I didn’t get to go all the way to Hanoi, a lot of people were trying to rush their way before their visa ends.
As you know, Vietnam only offers 4 weeks visa and it is quite an ambitious route to be able to cover every single thing but it is possible if you don’t mind taking the trains, and overnight sleeper buses or cutting it short by taking a flight.
As a strong believer in slow travelling, I love mixing it up with the wide variety of transportation in Vietnam.
During this trip, I used a lot of their mini-vans and sleeper buses as well as Grab taxi and scooters to get from one place to another and their bicycles as well in cycle-friendly locations like Danang and Hoi An.
Here’s an overview of the variety of options you could start with.
10 Days Itinerary in Vietnam (for a quick dash from North to South)
Here’s a vietnam itinerary that can be done in 10 days, 2 weeks or even 3 weeks to a month
Day 1-3: Hanoi
Day 4-5: Halong Bay
Day 6-7: Hoi An (Fly from Hanoi to Da Nang)
Day 8-9: Hue
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City (Fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City)
2 Weeks Itinerary in Vietnam (for a varied mix of culture, mountains and cities)
Day 1-3: Hanoi
Day 4-6: Ninh Binh
Day 7-9: Hue
Day 10-11: Hoi An
Day 12-13: Phong Nha
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
3 Weeks Itinerary in Vietnam (South to Central Vietnam) *The One I Picked
Day 1: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: Full Day in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3: Take the ferry to Vung Tau
Day 4: Spend a day in Vung Tau
Day 5: Take a sleeper bus to Mui Ne
Day 6: Full day in Mui Ne
Day 7: Take a sleeper bus to Dalat
Day 8 - Day 10: Spend 3-4 days to Dalat
Day 11: Take a mini-van / bus to Nha Trang
Day 12: Take a bus from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon
Day 13: Spend a day in Quy Nhon
Day 14: Take a bus to Hoi An
Day 14 - Day 16: Spend two days in Hoi An
Day 17: Take a grab taxi to Danang
Day 18 - Day 20: Spend two days in Danang
Day 20 - Day 21: Take night train to Hue / Ride over Hai Van Pass to Hue
Day 22: Depart Danang
Option to continue towards Hanoi
You could opt to include Hanoi if you cross out Vung Tau, Nha Trang & Quy Nhon but it would be too tiring. Here’s an alternate itinerary if you were to start from Central to North Vietnam
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.
3 Weeks Itinerary in Vietnam
(Central to North Vietnam)
Day 1: Arrive in Danang
Day 2: Explore Danang
Day 3: Trip to Hoi An
Day 4: Danang to Hue (overnight train or bus)
Day 5: Explore Hue
Day 6: Hue to Ninh Binh
Day 6-8: Explore Ninh Binh
Day 9-10: Halong Bay
Day 10-13: Sapa and Fangsipan Hike
Day 14-18: Easy Rider of Ha Giang Loop
Day 19-22: Hanoi
How long should you spend in Vietnam?
In dalat, near the lake and cable car station amidst pine forests
In my opinion, three weeks is the best amount of time to not rush through the destinations and have a taste of what Vietnam has to offer.
If you don’t have the time, I would suggest sticking to one part of Vietnam and making the most out of it without rushing too much.
I found Ho Chi Minh, Dalat, Danang and Hoi An to be some of the best places to travel that include bits and pieces of Vietnam’s important historical and cultural landmarks.
I loved that I got the time to explore their interesting coffee culture, slow down to see their French architecture in Dalat and even explore the laneways in Hoi An away from the touristy stretch. What spoke to me most on an individual level was how calm, collected and trusting the Vietnamese people were.
From their struggle to independence and their stunning landmarks, I was craving for more time to pause, observe the way they live, and a chat with the Vietnamese over their favourite ca phe sua da (Vietnamese condensed milk coffee).
Some of the best tours worth checking out in Vietnam
From Ho Chi Minh City: Mekong Delta & Vinh Trang Pagoda Tour: You get to immerse yourself in the local culture of the Mekong Delta on this guided tour from Ho Chi Minh City and experience riding along scenic waterways
From Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels Half-day Tour: You get to discover Cu Chi Tunnels with an informative tour guide. Go underground to explore the tunnel system, walk around the forest, and try your hand at the shooting range.
From Hanoi: Ha Long - Bai Tu Long Bay 2-Day 1-Night Cruise: Perhaps the best value for your money. You get to explore the Halong and Bai Tu Long Bays on a quiet boat with fewer tourists. Enjoy swimming and kayaking in the blue waters, discover hidden caves, enjoy a cooking class, and more.
What are some things you should know before travelling to Vietnam?
Here are some tips to keep in mind before traveling to Vietnam:
Weather: Vietnam has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons - the wet season and the dry season. The dry season runs from November to April, while the wet season runs from May to October. I travelled from Feb to March and the weather was perfect, hot but not humid — a nice cool 25 degrees!
Simcard: Get Viettel when you’re at the airport. It lasts for 30 days and you can get up to 6gb of data per day! Or you could purchase an eSim card in advance here.
Language: The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese, but many locals also speak English, especially in tourist areas. However, it's always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Vietnamese to help you communicate with locals.
Transportation: Vietnam has a wide variety of transportation options, from buses and trains to motorbikes and taxis. Just download the Gojek and Grab app — though the Grab app is sufficient.
Cash-only society: I found that the cashless wave has not caught over here despite being next to China. Everything relies on Cash over here!
Culture and customs: Vietnamese culture is steeped in tradition and customs, so it's important to be respectful of local customs and beliefs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, remove your shoes before entering someone's home, and always ask before taking photos of locals.
Safety: Vietnam is generally a safe country to travel in, but it's still important to take precautions like keeping your valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. In big cities like HCM and Hanoi, pickpockets are common in touristy areas so just beware.
Also Read: Trekking in Vietnam: 12 Best Hikes in Vietnam For Culture & Nature
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.
My Detailed 3-Week Itinerary
Day 1-2 Ho Chi Minh City
I had no idea what to expect about Ho Chi Minh City. There was always direct comparisons with Hanoi, stating that it’s a walking-friendly city and the Southerners from Saigon have more warmth and are welcoming.
But let me tell you, it is a city of contrasts. There was just way too many things to do and see.
On one hand, you have the bustling streets, packed with scooters and motorbikes zooming around, street vendors selling delicious local food, and colorful buildings with intricate architectural details. On the other hand, you have the modern skyscrapers, shopping centres, and hip cafes and restaurants catering to the city's growing middle class.
One of the things that I love about Ho Chi Minh City is the energy and creativity that permeates every aspect of life here.
From the war museum and creative spaces, to the burgeoning startup scene, there's a palpable sense of innovation and possibility that's hard to find in many other cities.
We stayed in District 1 (Quan 1), at a cosy Japanese-style Airbnb which was the perfect place to check out countless things and also get lost in the city.
What you should do in Ho Chi Minh City:
Walk around Tao Dan Park Saigon. Ho Chi Minh has green pockets of parks at every corner, and you’ll see Vietnamese getting their routine in but this was a nice spot to just soak in the city.
Visit the War Remnants Museum: This museum provides a unique perspective on the Vietnam War, with exhibits that showcase the impact of the conflict on both Vietnam and the US. It's a somber but important reminder of the past, and a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the country's history.
Check out the Notre-Dame Cathedral: A beautiful example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral is a must-visit for any traveler interested in the history of the city
Shop at the Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market is one of the most famous in Vietnam. While it was a bit touristy, and we just want to walk around and see the night life.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels: Take a trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels with this tour, which were used by the Vietnamese during the war against the US. I didn’t get to visit it as I decided to take my time and soak in the city but you should totally do it if you’re coming all the way!
Eat like the locals do and explore the countless cafe scenes in Quan 1. Some of the best places to eat are where locals go or if you prefer to escape the heat try Banh Mi 362 and for their coffees Phuc Long Coffee & Tea Express.
Explore the Book Street in Ho Chi Minh. Although most books are in Vietnamese, it is still worth walking along the street.
Visit the Sai Gon Central Post Office and send a postcard. It takes you back to the olden times and it is pretty nostalgic to be able to send snail mail from thousands of miles away.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City:
There are many places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are my recommended ones:
Bare Chic & Boutique Stays: I like Bare’s hotel and boutique stays which has a lot of greenary and nice little touches!
Day 3-4 Vung Tau
This may be an unusual stop from the rest but I thought it was nice to break the trip up and explore taking the ferry to Vung Tau, a coastal city and port town that is popular with a lot of Russians.
It’s more popular for locals than expats but you’ll see a lot of old of retirees cycling in the evening and enjoying the beach or making their way up to a jesus statue. Yes, a jesus statue!
The city is home to several historic sites, including the White Palace and the Jesus Christ statue, which offers incredible views of the coastline.
Head over to the GreenLines DP ticketing office to get your tickets to go to Vung Tau. There are two timings 12.30pm and 3.30pm and a 2 hour duration to Vung Tau.
The boat looked a bit old inside but the moment you’re in Vung Tau, it is easy to see what’s the draw here — it’s less chaotic and a lot of people immediately grabbed scooters and decided to venture about in Vung Tau.
What to do in Vung Tau:
Climb the Jesus statue. The statue is the largest Christian statue across Asia since 2012, and since its restoration of 1993, it has been a major pilgrim destination for Christians across Vietnam as well as Christian vacationers. It is also a great viewing point to take in the coastal views.
Visit the Worldwide Arms Museum. Arguably the best and most expensive collection of arms, uniforms, swords & historical items worldwide.
Take in the view of the entire city coastline with this nice little trek past old neighbourhoods up in Vung Tau. You’ll see many people turning in here in the evening to catch the sunset.
A cute cafe called Em Oi had a lot of vintage vibes and some great tasting coffee. Also do try out the Russian donuts, there’s a long line every afternoon as everyone queues up to taste these hot doughnuts!
Walk over to another island called Hon Ba. During low tide you’re actually able to walk over these slippery rocks to the other side. Be mindful of not staying too long otherwise you may need to swim back.
Ride up to Vung Tau’s lighthouse: it is considered the oldest among 79 lighthouses in Vietnam. It is especially the symbol of Vung Tau City. France built this site in 1862 to signal and instruct ships to cross.
Where to stay in Vung Tau:
Bobo Boutique Hotel: I stayed here as it was really clean and near the bus stop but in hindsight, it’s better to stay closer to the beach!
Sun Hill Hotel: Really close to all the sights!
Marazul Hotel & Villa: Nice chic hotel!
Day 5-6: Mui Ne
One of the best things about travelling the Southern stretches in Vietnam is discovering hidden gems and Mui Ne was just that.
Mui Ne and the other coastal parts of Phan Thiet have been transformed into a resort destination since the mid 1990s. I was also told that it is a great kitesurfing destination with sometimes up to 40 knots during the dry season.
For two days, there were plenty of things to do to soak in the beach vibes and enjoy what Vietnam has to offer in the less touristy parts of the country.
We took a sleeper bus from Vung Tau and headed over to Mui Ne passing through green acres of paddy fields.
What to do in Mui Ne:
Sand dunes of Mui Ne: The coastal sand dunes of Mui Ne are worth visiting — there are two white and red dunes. The white dunes are way more impressive and almost forms these Sahara-like desert dunes.
Sunrise is the best way to take it in, but don’t be alarmed by how touristy it is — quad bikes and dune buggies with constant selfies ruin this place. A pro tip, try to go away from the crowds and don’t fall for the buggie trap. It is easy to book with your hostel or wherever you’re staying!
Po Shanu Cham Towers: The town also has a rich cultural heritage, with a number of historical landmarks and temples that are worth exploring. One of the most famous is the Po Shanu Cham Towers, an ancient complex of temples that date back to the 8th century. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the Cham people, who once ruled this part of Vietnam
Fairy streams: Usually part of your Mui Ne tour — this was okay-ish and pretty meh because everyone was doing the same thing. It’s a nice change to walk through some streams but I would rather be at a waterfall!
Savour the food in Vietnam: If you want a variety of cuisines that’s westernised for your palette, then Dong Vui food court is a pretty popular option in Mui Ne.
Beach hopping: Some of the best beaches are Rang Beach, Mr Dia Rock and Hon Rombeach.
Where to stay in Mui Ne:
The Anam (Really nice luxurious hotel that’s right at the beach!)
MiNhon Hotel: Budget boutique stay with great value for your money!
May Bungalow: Beautiful place that’s near all the sights and spa/massages!
Day 7-10: Dalat
I was beginning to get fatigued by the heat in Vietnam, although the heat is not oppressive it still wears you down.
The cool highlands towards Dalat was a break that I was really looking forward to visit.
It’s not just another break but the fact that Dalat is known for its stunning hills, coffee plantations, cool pine trees and french architecture, it was nice to learn a little more about the city and get lost in their tiny laneways.
While three days is the perfect amount of time, you could even push it up to five days and not be bored of this town’s landscape.
The lake at the centre can be bustling with activities that’s catered for the average tourist — but if you look make your way round on the other end, you’ll find a lot of hidden finds that’s uniquely Vietnamese.
It’s not that touristy as well and you’ll be able to slow down with a cup of coffee, read a good book and enjoy the cool and crisp wind among these hydrangea flowers and flower farms as well as pine trees.
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Dalat: Coffee, Culture & Nature
What to do in Dalat
Walk around the lake and head to a cute cafe called Vuon Chan Vang: The main lake Xuan Huong Lake is very walkable and it was once the home for many indigenous people who originated from the Langbiang highlands. You’ll also pass through the flower gardens and honestly, we didn’t go for this and just walked around. You’ll find more flowers on your walk without tourists as opposed to visiting another site. The newly opened cafe Vuon Chan Vang with a cute A-frame yellow houses has rows of beautiful flowers and amazing food, plus peach tea to wind down!
Take the cable car and walk down to Tuyền Lâm Lake: This was a beautiful day trip out of Dalat — we took the cable car passing through countless pine trees. Once we were there, we walked through the Buddhist monastery and stopped at countless places to take all in. The best part was how walkable everything was. Reaching the lake required a coffee stop at The Seen House — you could even walk from here or take a Grab taxi to Datanla waterfall which is what we did next.
Datanla waterfall and alpine luge: Located in the middle of Prenn Pass, Datanla waterfall has about seven majestic waterfalls. The alpine coaster which is 2400 meters long takes you to the bottom of the waterfall and allows you to take the coaster back. We trekked through the stairs to visit the other end as well and see the various streams and waterfalls that cascades through the rocky slope.
Go on a coffee farm tour: Dalat is known for its high-quality coffee beans, which are grown in the surrounding hills. Rather than visiting a touristy coffee plantation, why not go on a tour of a small-scale coffee farm? This will give you a chance to learn about the coffee-making process and support local farmers. I found that K’ho coffee and Em Ta Nung Coffee farm didn’t feel like a tourist trap.
Take a motorbike tour: A lot of people tend to recommend EasyRiders and you’ll see them trying to promote their services everywhere but I found a better option that takes you through an 8-hour tour around Dalat’s countryside visiting ethnic villages, the Elephant waterfall and various cultural activities for half the price.
Explore the french quarters: The architecture here is distinctly French, with charming villas, cafes, and shops lining the narrow streets. Many of these buildings have been beautifully preserved, and walking through the village feels like being transported to a small town in France. A really nice place to stay is La Em Boutique Villa that’s charmingly quaint.
Crazy House: A culmination of life and creativity, the architect wanted to build this labyrinth of walkways as a hotel to explore her zany side. This was a nice walk to explore different viewpoints of Dalat, take crazy pictures and try to wonder how did the architect build this structure. Chill out at Now Coffee & Bistro — they have some nice books and coffee to pause and get some respite from the afternoon heat.
Where to stay in Dalat:
An Boutique Hotel: Beautiful property near the lake!
La Em Boutique Hotel: Really gorgeous stay near the French Quarters!
Airbnb room with quirky feel: We stayed here as it was close to the centre and super quirky with a hanging bicycle!
Day 11-12: Nha Thrang
A beach city which is likened to Danang but with more Russian tourists (and now Korean) tourists than ever before.
While the beaches feel really nice and clean and you’ve these sky-high buildings or resorts facing the beach, I coudn’t imagine being in this town for more than one day.
There’s not a lot to do other than travel to Vin Peninsula or relax on the beach and get a massage.
I found some really nice spots to sample local Vietnamese cuisines like Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and Vietnamese sping rolls. One of the local places to visit is Nha Hang.
The city is famous for its fresh seafood, which is prepared in a variety of styles, including grilled, steamed, and fried. The local street food is also worth trying, with dishes like banh can (miniature rice pancakes) and nem nuong (grilled pork patties) being particular favorites.
What to do in Nha Thrang
Visit the Long Son Pagoda: This is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the hills above Nha Trang. The pagoda is famous for its enormous white Buddha statue and offers stunning views of the city.
Explore the Po Nagar Cham Towers: These ancient temples date back to the 7th century and are located on a hill overlooking the Cai River. The towers are an excellent example of Cham architecture and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region's cultural history.
Day trip to Ba Ho Waterfall: Ba Ho means “Three Pools” in Vietnamese, and the iconic waterfalls consist of 3 clear, refreshing pools with their respective waterfalls.
Where to stay in Nha Thrang:
Mojzo Inn Boutique Hotel: Stayed here as it was really close to the beach and the staff was super helpful!
Potique Hotel: Modern hotel that’s real close to the beach!
Panaroma Lyn Beachfront Hotel: Great sea views and beachfront property!
Day 12-13: Quy Nhon
We found Quy Nhon to be a charming coastal city located in the Binh Dinh province of Vietnam.
It is hugely underrated and has some of the most beautiful beaches nestled between rolling hills and pristine beaches.
The people were super friendly wherever we went in Quy Nhon — constantly stopping to greet us.
While there’s not a lot to do in Quy Nhon, the beaches were stunningly beautiful with some of the longest coast lines and stunning rock formation.
The waters can be a bit choppy and word has it that there are a lot of sharks near the shore making it not quite swimabble sometimes but there were some hidden guesthouses right on the beach that was worth a long stay.
The weather was not in our favour so we didn’t stick around too long.
What to do in Quy Nhon
Visit the Eo Gio Pass: This scenic pass is located about 20 kilometers south of Quy Nhon and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and coastline. The road winds along the cliffs, and the views are truly breathtaking.
Visit the Bai Xep Fishing Village: This small fishing village is located about 15 kilometers south of Quy Nhon and offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life. The village is home to a small beach and a few guesthouses, making it a perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Hike the Ba Hoa Mountain: This is a nice walk up the hills. You can take the track or go a little off the road and climb the side half-way up the track. Or just grab a motorbike all the way to the viewpoint. There’s another viewpoint with a lookout tower too, worth visiting.
Visit the Long Khanh Pagoda: This is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the heart of Quy Nhon. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and stunning decorations, and it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Where to stay in Quy Nhon:
Le Mint Hotel: Honestly one of the best places I stayed with great buffet and amazing views!
Day 14-16: Hoi An
A lot of towns have this old-world charm and era, Hoi An truly feels like you have stepped back in time.
The district is filled with traditional houses, temples, and pagodas that date back to the 15th century.
Although the old town is slightly touristy when the lanterns come alive at night, it is really nice to take a bicycle ride all over the town and stop by for some ca phe sua da (Vietnamese Iced coffee).
You get the best of two worlds — old town and culture, paddy fields as well as the beaches.
The fact that is cycling-friendly and almost all guesthouses provide bikes, it really changes how you experience the town.
Also Read: You’ve To Visit Hoi An, Hue & Da Nang On This Itinerary: Food, Culture & Nature
What to do in Hoi An
Cycle along the paddy fields: A great way to get away from the hustle and bustle is to cycle through the paddy fields. We went out of the Old Town and discovered this amazing Beatles cafe filled with old books and great Vienamese drip coffee Nha Hang. This is a great starting point to explore the various paddy fields. You could opt for a tour too if you’re with a family or a small group.
Find every reason to continue cycling — cycle to An Bang Beach and Bãi biển Cửa Đại beach: This is a great place to take in the views and also see the small fishing villages along the way. An Bang beach can feel really touristy and not to forget the touts that keep telling you to buy — I found the quiet Bai Bien Cua Dai beach to be better.
Explore the cafe scene: There are countless cafes and no shortage of them in Old Town where you people watch, spend some hours sipping the best coconut coffee with a side of banh mi. If you want a western style cafe or breakfast, I would recommend Rosie’s cafe.
Go on an eco-friendly Hoi An Coconut Tour Market Tour, Basket Boat Ride and Cooking Class: Based on raved reviews, you get to visit a local market, explore a coconut palm forest by bamboo basket boat, and take part in a hands-on cooking class.
Where to stay in Hoi An
Dai An Phu Villa: A luxurious stay in beautiful Hoi An!
Hoi An Merrily De Art: A really nice value for money place to stay in Hoi An
The Quin Riverside: A nice change with a view of the river and paddyfields!
Maison Fleur Luxury Hoi An: Near the paddyfields and really nice place to bike around!
Day 17 to 20: Danang
There’s no beach city quite like Danang — I really liked it way more than Nha Trang.
The people were wonderfully friendly and there’s so much to explore if you love nature including the beaches and mountains.
It is also the halfway point between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City making it the perfect stop for a lot of people to break their trip up. We took a grab taxi from Hoi An to Danang and it took us all of 1 hour to reach our hotel in Danang.
Interestingly, Danang was a major battleground during the Vietnam War.
The city was one of the largest American military bases in Vietnam and was also the site of several key battles between American and North Vietnamese forces.
The war had a significant impact on the people of Danang, many of whom were displaced, injured, or killed in the fighting.
We spent a lot of time slowing down and cycling almost everywhere!
What to do in Danang
Visit the beaches: Danang is known for its long stretches of beautiful white sand beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include My Khe Beach, Non Nuoc Beach, and Lang Co Beach.
Explore the Marble Mountains: The Marble Mountains are a series of five marble and limestone hills that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. You can climb to the top of the mountains, explore the caves and pagodas, and shop for local crafts at the base of the hills. That’s what we did and it was a nice climb to take in the views.
Cycle to Son Tra Peninsula: We took our good quality MTB bikes and rode to Son Tra Peninsula. Stop by at Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda and continue cycling to the end of the road — it was unfortunate that there was a landslide that day and the roads were closed but otherwise you’d be able to see a lot of historic points along the way like the giant banyan tree. During the Vietnam war, Son Tra mountain was known as “The Monkey Mountain” by Americans due to multiple monkey sightings.
Ba Na Hills: About 1500 metres above sea level, Ba Na Hills is a popular day trip from the coastal city of Da Nang, about a 45-minute drive. Ba Na Hills was established by French colonists as a hill station in 1919 to avoid the heat in the delta and for recreational activities.
Ride the Hai Van Pass: You could opt to go all the way to Hue or just to the top of Hai Van pass with a Grab rider. It was not expensive and proved to be a nice 1.5 hour journey as you explore the winding roads, the mountains and coastal views.
Where to stay in Danang
Minh House: Really nice place to stay in Danang that’s close to all the places to visit!
The Dream Suite: Amazing value for money with good quality bicycles for rent!
Bare Han - Boutique Stays: Gorgeous place as well!
Day 20 to 21: Hue
If tombs, history and temple is something you’d love to end your trip with, Hue could be the perfect destination.
It was once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 until 1945.
As such, the city is home to a number of impressive historical sites, including the Imperial City and the Royal Tombs.
The Imperial City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty, and its sprawling grounds are filled with stunning architecture and intricate design details
Hue played an important role in the Vietnam War, as it was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict. What you can do is explore the city's rich history and culture, and savour the most authentic Vietnamese food.
For a lot of people, they take the train to Hue or climb over the Hai Van pass in a minivan.
What to do in Hue
Visit the Imperial City: This sprawling complex was the home of the Nguyen emperors and their court during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture in the country.
Explore the Royal Tombs: Hue is home to several impressive tombs of the Nguyen emperors, each with its own unique style and design. Some of the most popular tombs to visit include the Tomb of Tu Duc, the Tomb of Khai Dinh, and the Tomb of Minh Mang.
Take a boat tour of the Perfume River: The Perfume River is one of the most iconic sights in Hue, and a boat tour is a great way to take in the city's sights from a different perspective.
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda: This historic temple is one of the oldest and most revered in Hue, with stunning architecture and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Try local food: Hue is known for its delicious cuisine, which features plenty of fresh seafood, spicy noodles, and savory soups. Be sure to try specialties like banh khoai (a type of crispy pancake), bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), and com hen (rice with mussels).
Visit the DMZ: The DMZ, or Demilitarized Zone, was the site of some of the fiercest fighting of the Vietnam War. Today, it's a fascinating historical site that offers a glimpse into the country's past.
Where to stay in Hue
Pilgrimage Villa Boutique & Spa: Luxurious space to stay in the beautiful ancient town of Hue
Tam Tinh Vien Homestay: Quirky A-frame homestays in a garden setting!
Vietnam in a nutshell…
Reflecting back on my time in Vietnam, I can honestly say that it was an incredible experience.
From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the country's vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes.
I'll never forget exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, wandering the ancient ruins of Hoi An, and cycling along these speedy motorbikes.
But what really made my trip to Vietnam special was the people I met along the way.
From the friendly vendors at the local markets to the kind-hearted locals who were curious where we were from, I was blown away by the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.
If you have time and are here for 3 weeks, you could explore North and head towards Sapa, Hanoi and Halong Bay — the three amazing places which should not be missed!
