Lost in the Land of Lanterns: A Hilarious 3-Week Vietnam Ride (part 1)
“People say that time goes by; time says that the people go by.”
A quick Sunday coffee with friends turned into a “let’s go on a trip together” kind of evening. We started small, a few days in Budapest, hitting the local bars and spas, then a one-week trip to Tenerife, for dark beaches and tapas. The next one was bound to top Tenerife, we needed a bigger plan, a great adventure. Out of all the countries in the world, we decide to go to Vietnam. My heart was set on this country for several reasons: the possibility to do different activities (spend time on the beach, hiking, ride a scooter, eating great food, ride a bike), the fact that it was easy to travel to from home and of course the cost of life. While I don’t usually splurge, and I didn’t do that in Vietnam either, the sole feeling of being able to afford this and that was great.
First thing first, just decide on a period that suits everybody, and I guess this was a bit hard to do since we mostly wanted to use our holidays and so we ended up spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve and a part of the new year in East Asia.
Second was to actually find the place tickets, which were about 900 euro/ person/ return ticket with Turkish Airlines which I cannot recommend enough. The services on board were super nice and the fact that during the layover we had different options like Tour Istanbul, or go to a hotel and sleep or just get some food voucher based on the amount of time of our layover.
Third was to acquire a Vietnam visa which is about 25 dollars ( this was needed for Romanian/ Hungarian citizens). You can apply only for the visa, this is available for all nationalities that still need this ( from 15th of August 2023).The official site ( or at least the one we used ) is this: https://evisa.gov.vn/ . The step-by-step process is presented on this page : How to apply for a Vietnamese Visa?
And then again, why Vietnam?
Vietnam Trip Itinerary: December 24 2024 – January 13 2025
Being a bit of a control freak I have created an 80 page pdf itinerary for our 3 weeks of spontaneity. I will share the huge itinerary, with pins on Google Maps since it might help someone in the future but we had to adapt, we had to enjoy, and sometimes we just had to go with the flow and oh those were the best times. Nothing says traveler better than putting your phone, your plans and your limits away and just wander, talk to people, ask around, eat whatever looks yummy.
Basically I’ve had this map below in mind with all they places that obviously I had read about on google, or Pinterest or other blogs and my go to favourite Atlas Obscura. But reality hits differently and since you have to be aware of different events or weather changes or just if you want to have an extra day in a place, plans change, you adapt, you become more than just a tourist.
Prerequisites:
- Install Grab (this app is for everything: taxi, food, groceries)
- Get cash (approx. 500 dollars maybe and revolut)
- Print the e-visa
Good to know:
- Renting scooters is possible without IDL but do it in a small city for safety and legal reasons
- Links for buses/ trains:
If you are in a hurry and don’t have time to go through all my mumbling of our cool trip, click on the icons below, I believe they are quite suggestive and you can find just the information you are looking for:
December 24 – December 26: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
First day of Saigon
The international airport of Ho Chi Minh is Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the immigration queue went quite fast, and once we picked our bags we ordered a Grab taxi from the airport, straight to our accommodation.
Our first accommodation like most of them looked way better on Booking than in real life, we stayed at Camelia Hotel, but the advantages were that it was quite close to the Ben Thanh Market and the bars and restaurants street, it was next to a park and we could see people doing exercises in the morning and student rehearsing different choreographies in the afternoon, and the best of all, they had 3 cats. For me, this particular, having pets kinda vibe was a good vibe enough. After our first can of Saigon beer, we were off exploring the Ho Chi Minh nightlife.
As one could guess, being the first night we arrived almost immediately to a local exchange, sim card, tour guide office to exchange some money and to buy sim cards because we are not savages and we need to connect to everything around us.
The closest thing to us and the very thing that we got to visit was Đ. Bùi Viện, which considering that is was Christmas Eve, was crazy, the bars were full, the flickering lights were out of this world, maybe in another time I would have enjoyed this place at the fullest but it didn’t feel very original so we just had a walk by the bars and then tried to find a more quiet place for a well deserved first Vietnamese dinner.
Food was good, beer was cold but it was time for a good night sleep and to finally realize that we are so far away from home and on an adventure.
Second day of Saigon
Wakey wakey, it was soon time for the first coffee hunt, and although I had several coffee places in mind, they didn’t have the thing we were craving, the egg coffee.
Vietnamese egg coffee, or cà phê trứng, was born in the 1940s when milk vanished like your socks in the laundry. Desperate times called for delicious measures, so a clever bartender named Nguyen Van Giang at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel thought, “No milk? No problem!” and whipped up a blend of egg yolk, sugar, and maybe some magic. The result? A masterpiece that made everyone forget milk ever existed. It was such a hit, Giang opened his own café in 1946—because when life gives you eggs, you open a coffee empire.
Out of luck we found this place Tonkin Specialty Coffee, now I cannot say that they have the best egg coffee ( but it was amazing ), but they did have, wait for it, the best salty egg cream croissants that makes me cry of happiness when I think about them.
All caffeinated and creamed up, I dragged the whole gang to the Saigon Central Post Office, but turns out that mostly I was excited for stamps and postcards. But this is definitely a fun place to visit for those that still embrace the old lifestyle of sending a letter, so prepare your list of friends and addresses and get ready to fill up their mailboxes. The Saigon Central Post Office, is a post office in Paris Commune Square, next to the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s cathedral, which was in renovation when we visited.
On the outside wall of the post office there are several plaques commemorating important scientists and engineers, who contributed to the development of the communication technologies of the time. These include Morse, Ampere, Volta, Ohm, and Faraday. Honestly it’s an impressive and well preserved building and it definitely deserves a visit.
Our next stop wandering around was The Cafe Apartment because it was time was another splendid coffee. This particular place is what happens when an old building gets a glow-up—it’s now stuffed with hip cafés, artsy shops, and Insta-worthy corners. Sip coffee, shop cute things, and enjoy city views.
At this point, deeply caffeinated, we were ready for the bustling aisles of probably the greatest place in Ho Chi Minh, the market, Ben Thanh Market. Oh and this place turned me into a kid on holidays, it was full of exotic fruit with smells that my nose couldn’t comprehend, all sorts of probably fake products from my favourite brands ( North Face, Patagonia, Cotopaxi etc.), incense ( and I do love my incense corner), Vietnamese hats, decorated fans and the most important: food. Stalls and stalls of great food, and everybody was trying to convince you to sit at their small little tables.
My personal favorite, out of all the dishes the Vietnamese cuisine has to offer, has to be the Vietnamese pancake because it’s filled with the best stuff ( mushrooms, greens, shrimp, bean sprouts) and the pancake itself has rice flour and it just melts into your mouth. Nice variations include tofu and rice paper that you use to make small spring rolls out of all the ingredients.
And eventually of course we bought a hat, a Nón lá that would protect my head and face for the following weeks and it will be such an annoyance to take care of it but we got home safe together.
Now it was time for a bit of a spiritual and cultural moment so we made our way to the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most atmospheric temples in the city, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes.
Can I just say that it was a temple or pagoda that didn’t have this lovely incense scent, and a serenity and peaceful that I rarely encountered lately. It was a so much needed pause in the busy lives that we have. And I am definitely enchanted with the statues, the decorations and how well they were preserved over the years.
On the way back to our accommodation, we were lead onto a dark alley, just to find a well deserved IPA at Hoa Vien Craft Brewery. And it was a heaven sent. I adore moments like these, when you just wander off to find a great surprise.
With our bellies full and thirst officially quenched, we waddled the scenic route back to our accommodation—because why not burn some calories before ruining it all again? Along the way, we were basically chased by an army of enthusiastic massage ladies yelling offers like it was a spa-themed auction. So we thought, “Hey, why not get aggressively relaxed?”
Another important thing about Vietnam, you have to haggle, to have to bargain. This is an art, a very important part of this culture, like learning how to cross the streets between all the scooters , the cars , the ladies selling fruit. So even when it came to massages, we bargained, but pay attention to the tipping part. Because as much as you bargain at the end they will ask you for a tip, you can give as much as you want but if they are not pleased with the tip, they will show it. The process is quite weird when you don’t really understand what they are saying, but usually you have a massage table surrounded by drapes, they give you shoes and some kind of pajamas to change into and then magic happens. Every lady had her style but for 200000 Vietnamese Dong ( approx. 6-7 euros for 60 minutes), I would have been happy with anything. And truly enough it was amazing. And how else to celebrate a good greasy massage than with another beer at a crossroad just starring at the people going by. And it was a great one to end the day.
Third day in Ho Chi Minh
I just couldn’t wait to get up and have another one of those croissants, this time from Tonkin Garden Egg Coffee and Eatery. It didn’t disappoint, and by this time we also tried the famous Banh Mi. Bánh mì is what happens when a French baguette takes a wild vacation in Vietnam and never wants to leave. This glorious sandwich mashup stuffs crispy bread with a party of meats, pickled veggies, herbs, and just enough spice to wake up your ancestors. Born during the French colonial era, it’s basically colonialism’s most delicious silver lining.
All hyped, it was time to hit the Chinese quarter, because my heart wanted to see more pagodas. It was such an intense walk, that turned into a great sunset on a busy street with huge trees on every side. People were just following their day by day routines and I was just mesmerized.
A must in this country, a little adrenaline fueled activity, hire a Grab motorcycle, for a longer route in the city, and you will experience traffic, cars closing in, riding on the other side of the road or even on the side walks. Overall it’s a nice way to go around, you sightsee, you feel a little breeze in a rather hot city and you get from A to B in an instant.
December 27 : Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, located in southern Vietnam, is a vibrant and picturesque region, known for its intricate network of rivers, canals, floating markets, and lush landscapes. It offers a wide range of activities that let visitors immerse themselves in its unique culture and natural beauty
The Vinh Trang Pagoda 🏯Located in My Tho, Tien Giang Province, this beautiful pagoda is one of the most famous in the Mekong Delta.
- Activities:
- Admire the stunning architecture that combines Vietnamese, Khmer, and Chinese influences.
- Explore the serene temple grounds filled with lush gardens, statues, and peaceful courtyards.
- Take in the gigantic Buddha statues and other impressive sculptures.
- Best for: History and culture enthusiasts, photographers.
December 28 – December 29: Mui Ne
🚃Travel by bus from Ho Chi Minh City (4-5 hours). Several operators like Phuong Trang and Sinh Tourist offer comfortable options.
Mui Ne, a coastal town in southern Vietnam, is famous for its stunning sand dunes, beaches, unique landscapes, and water sports. It’s a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Here’s a list of activities you can enjoy in Mui Ne:
The Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien) 🌊
A shallow, red-colored stream flowing through a canyon with vibrant sand cliffs and lush greenery.
- Activity: Walk barefoot through the stream, enjoy the surreal scenery, and photograph the contrasting red and white rocks.
- Location: Near 67 Huynh Thuc Khang Street.
- Duration: ~1–2 hours.
- Tip: Wear shorts and bring a towel!
- Mui Ne Fishing Village
- Experience local life and see hundreds of colorful fishing boats anchored in the bay. Visit early in the morning (5–7 AM) to watch fishermen return with their fresh catch.
- Address: Mui Ne Bay, Huynh Thuc Khang Street.
- Tip: Don’t miss the lively fish market nearby for fresh seafood.
5. Explore Local Temples & Pagodas 🏯
- Linh Long Tu Temple (Linh Son Truong Tho)
- Located on Ta Cu Mountain, this temple houses the largest reclining Buddha in Vietnam (49 meters long).
- Activities:
- Take a cable car or hike to the top for panoramic views and serene temple grounds.
- Location: 28 km from Mui Ne in Ham Thuan Nam District.
- Entrance Fee: ~200,000 VND (cable car + entry).
- Van Thuy Tu Temple
- A historic temple honoring whale worship, a unique practice of coastal communities. View preserved whale skeletons.
- Address: 54 Ngu Ong Street, Phan Thiet.
Travel Tips for Mui Ne
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season, best weather).
- Getting Around: Rent a scooter (~150,000 VND/day)
December 30 – December 31: Nha Trang or Dalat
Travel Tip:
🚃Travel by bus or train from Mui Ne to Nha Trang (4-5 hours). Trains offer comfort and scenic views.
Nha Trang, known as Vietnam’s premier beach destination, offers a mix of stunning beaches, island-hopping tours, cultural landmarks, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. Here’s a list of must-do activities in Nha Trang:
Dalat, often called the “City of Eternal Spring,” offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and unique food experiences. Here’s a comprehensive list of activities you can enjoy in Dalat:
3. Visit Iconic Cultural Sights 🏛️
Crazy House (Hang Nga Guesthouse)
An eccentric architectural masterpiece with surreal design.
Address: 3 Huynh Thuc Khang Street.
Entrance Fee: 60,000 VND (~$2.50).
Dalat Railway Station
A vintage French colonial train station. Take a short scenic train ride to Trai Mat village.
Address: Quang Trung Street, Ward 10.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda (The Mosaic Pagoda)
A stunning temple decorated with intricate ceramic mosaics.
Address: Trai Mat Village, Dalat.
4. Enjoy Local Markets & Nightlife 🎭
Dalat Night Market (Cho Dem Dalat)
A bustling market offering local street food, fresh produce, and handmade goods. Try grilled rice paper (Bánh Tráng Nướng).
Location: Dalat City Center.
Dalat Flower Garden
A beautifully landscaped park showcasing diverse flower species.
Address: 2 Tran Nhan Tong Street.
5. Coffee Culture & Unique Cafes ☕
La Viet Coffee (Best for coffee lovers)
A trendy café and roastery serving Vietnamese specialty coffee.
Address: 200 Nguyen Cong Tru Street.
The Café in the Pines
A charming cafe with views of lush pine forests.
Address: 65 Nguyen Dinh Chieu.
An Cafe (eco-friendly and beautiful garden decor)
Address: 63 Ba Thang Hai Street.
6. Food Experiences 🍲
Try Dalat’s Local Delicacies:
Banh Trang Nuong (Vietnamese pizza): A crispy rice paper grilled with egg, pork, and herbs. Try it at the Dalat Night Market.
Day 9-10: Hoi An (Jan 1-2)
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most charming towns. Known for its ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets, vibrant culture, and local cuisine, there’s so much to explore. Here are the top activities to do in Hoi An:
1. Explore the Ancient Town 🏛️
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is a beautifully preserved historic area with Chinese, Japanese, and European influences.
Must-See Sights:
Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu): An iconic landmark dating back to the 16th century.
Location: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.
Old Merchant Houses: Visit preserved houses like:
Tan Ky Old House (101 Nguyen Thai Hoc St)
Phung Hung Old House (4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St)
Fukian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien): A stunning Chinese temple with intricate carvings.
Location: 46 Tran Phu Street.
Hoi An Market: A lively market perfect for shopping local produce, textiles, and souvenirs.
Lantern Streets: Walk around Nguyen Hoang Street at night, where colorful lanterns light up the town.
2. Take a Lantern-Making Class 🏮
Learn how to craft Hoi An’s famous silk lanterns. These make for great souvenirs!
Top Workshops:
The Lantern Lady (Address: 424 Hung Vuong Street)
Hoi An Lantern Workshop (Booking through hotels or tour sites)
3. Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River 🚤
Take a relaxing boat ride at sunset or in the evening, where the river glows with floating lanterns.
Activities: Release a paper lantern on the water for good luck.
Cost: ~100,000–150,000 VND for a short boat ride.
4. Explore Hoi An’s Beaches 🏖️
Hoi An offers beautiful beaches just a short ride from the town center.
An Bang Beach: The most popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and beachside cafes.
Activities: Paddleboarding, jet skiing, or simply relax at beach bars like Soul Kitchen.
Cua Dai Beach: A quieter beach with great seafood restaurants.
Distance: 5 km from Ancient Town.
10. Cycle Through the Countryside 🚲
Hoi An’s flat terrain and peaceful villages make it ideal for cycling.
Tra Que Vegetable Village: Cycle through rice paddies and farming areas.
Cam Kim Island: Cross the bridge to this quiet island to experience rural Vietnamese life.
Activities: Visit local carpentry workshops and ancient family homes.
Rentals: Bicycles are easily available for ~30,000–50,000 VND/day.
11. Visit Local Pagodas and Temples 🏯
Hoi An has several stunning religious sites worth visiting:
Quan Cong Temple: A beautiful Chinese temple dedicated to General Quan Cong. (Address: 24 Tran Phu)
Chuc Thanh Pagoda: The oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hoi An, dating back to the 15th century. (Address: 110 Nguyen Duy Hieu)
12. Experience Hoi An’s Night Market 🌟
Located on Nguyen Hoang Street, the night market offers lanterns, souvenirs, street food, and more.
Best Items to Buy: Silk scarves, handmade lanterns, and custom leather goods.
January 3: Da Nang
Day 11: Da Nang (Jan 3) or just stay in Hoi An and take a taxi to Da Nang
Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city in central Vietnam, offers a perfect blend of beaches, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks. Here’s a list of the top activities and attractions in Da Nang:
1. Relax on My Khe Beach 🏖️
My Khe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, known for its white sands and clear waters.
Activities:
Swimming, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
Relax at beach bars like La Plage.
Watch the sunrise over the ocean.
Location: 6 km from Da Nang city center.
3. Explore Marble Mountains ⛰️
The Marble Mountains consist of five limestone hills, each representing a natural element: Water, Wood, Fire, Metal, and Earth.
Activities:
Climb up Thuy Son (Water Mountain) for panoramic views.
Visit ancient caves and pagodas like Huyen Khong Cave and Tam Thai Pagoda.
Shop for marble sculptures in the village at the base.
Location: ~9 km south of Da Nang.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for climbing steps.
4. Visit the Dragon Bridge 🐉
The Dragon Bridge is Da Nang’s iconic modern structure that breathes fire and water on weekends.
Activities
Visit on Saturday or Sunday at 9:00 PM to see the fire show.
Take stunning photos of the illuminated bridge at night.
View it from cafes along the Han River.
5. Explore Son Tra Peninsula (Monkey Mountain) 🌿🐒
This nature reserve offers stunning views, ancient pagodas, and hiking trails.
Activities:
Visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha statue.
Explore the nature trails or rent a motorbike to discover the coastline.
Spot red-shanked douc langurs, an endangered primate species.
Location: 10 km from the city center.
7. Visit Han Market and Con Market 🛍️
Shop for souvenirs, fresh produce, and local food at Da Nang’s bustling markets.
Han Market: A great place for silk products, dried seafood, and Vietnamese snacks. (119 Tran Phu St)
Con Market: More local-oriented with budget-friendly goods and street food. (318 Ong Ich Khiem St)
10. Stroll Along the Han Riverfront 🚶♀️
The Han River promenade is perfect for a relaxing evening walk.
Activities:
Admire Da Nang’s illuminated bridges like the Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and Tran Thi Ly Bridge.
Take a river cruise at night for beautiful city views.
13. Day Trip to Hoi An 🏮
Hoi An is just a 30-minute drive from Da Nang and offers lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, and riverside charm.
How to Get There:
Taxi or Grab (~200,000 VND).
Private car rentals or shuttle buses.
January 5 – January 6: Ninh Binh
Day 13-14: Ninh Binh (Jan 5-6)
Activities:
🏮 Take a boat ride through the limestone karsts at Trang An or Tam Coc.
🏮 Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
🏮 Hike up to Hang Mua Cave for panoramic views of the area.
🏮Bai Dinh Pagoda – Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex.
Travel Tip:
🚃Take an overnight train from Hue to Ninh Binh (12-14 hours). Alternatively, you can take a flight to Hanoi and a bus/train (2-3 hours) to Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” is a breathtaking destination filled with limestone karsts, rice fields, ancient temples, and serene rivers. Here are the top activities and attractions you can enjoy in Ninh Binh:
1. Explore Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex 🚣
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An offers stunning limestone karsts and lush waterways.
Activities:
Take a boat tour through caves, rivers, and valleys.
Pass through 9 limestone caves like Sang Cave and Toi Cave.
Visit small temples hidden in the limestone cliffs.
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Tour Tip: Choose early morning for fewer crowds.
Location: Trang An Boat Station, 7 km from Ninh Binh city center.
2. Visit Tam Coc (Three Caves) 🚤
Tam Coc offers a serene boat ride through rice paddies and cave systems.
Activities:
Rowboat tour on the Ngo Dong River passing through rice fields and three natural caves.
Snap photos of towering limestone cliffs and lush green landscapes.
Best Time: During rice harvest season (May-June) for golden fields.
Boat Departure Point: Van Lam Pier, Tam Coc.
Tip: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water; rowboats are operated by local women.
3. Climb Hang Mua (Mua Cave Viewpoint) 🏞️
One of Ninh Binh’s most iconic spots, Hang Mua offers panoramic views of Tam Coc.
Activities:
Climb 500 stone steps to the peak.
Enjoy breathtaking views of rice fields and winding rivers.
Explore the cave at the base.
Tip: Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best views.
Location: 6 km from Tam Coc.
4. Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex 🛕
The largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam, Bai Dinh is an architectural marvel.
Activities:
Visit the giant Buddha statues, intricate temples, and golden halls.
Explore the 500-Arhat Corridor with hundreds of stone sculptures.
Admire the 13-story Buddhist tower with panoramic views of the area.
Tip: Electric shuttles are available for transport within the complex.
Location: Gia Vien District, about 20 km from Ninh Binh center.
5. Discover Hoa Lu Ancient Capital 🏯
Explore Vietnam’s ancient capital, dating back to the 10th century.
Activities:
Visit the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
Learn about Vietnamese dynastic history.
Walk through the scenic countryside with rice fields and karsts.
Tip: Combine this visit with Tam Coc or Trang An for a full-day tour.
Location: 15 km from Ninh Binh city center.
6. Cycle Through the Countryside 🚴
Ninh Binh’s flat terrain and stunning scenery make it perfect for cycling.
Activities:
Ride through rice fields, local villages, and hidden pagodas.
Stop by lesser-known temples like Bich Dong Pagoda.
Take in views of karst mountains and traditional Vietnamese houses.
Tip: Rent bicycles from your hotel or homestay.
7. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda 🛕
A beautiful, three-tiered pagoda built into a mountainside, surrounded by lush greenery.
Activities:
Climb up to the pagoda for stunning views of the countryside.
Explore the ancient caves and shrines.
Location: 2 km from Tam Coc.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
Where to Try: Com Chay Viet (998 Tran Hung Dao Street).
Goat Meat: Often grilled or served with herbs.
Where to Try: Thang Long Restaurant (Tam Coc area).
Mountain Snails (Oc Nui): A seasonal specialty in Ninh Binh.
Bun Rieu – crab noodle soup.
Coffee Experience: Try local cafes like Tam Coc Garden Coffee or Brick Coffee Shop for relaxing vibes and good views.
13. Relax at Local Homestays and Resorts 🏡
Ninh Binh has charming accommodations surrounded by rice fields and karst landscapes.
Top Options:
Tam Coc Garden Resort: Luxury stay with stunning rice field views.
Nguyen Shack Homestay: Rustic, eco-friendly bungalows near nature.
Trang An Retreat: Peaceful location surrounded by mountains.
15. Visit Local Markets 🛍️
Explore Ninh Binh Market for local food, handicrafts, and fresh produce.
January 7 – January 8: Ha Long Bay
Day 15-16: Ha Long Bay (Jan 7-8)
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. Known for its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, caves, and floating villages, it offers a variety of activities that cater to adventurers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers.
1. Take a Cruise Through Ha Long Bay 🚢
Cruising is the most popular way to explore Ha Long Bay.
2. Kayaking Among the Limestone Karsts 🛶
Paddle through the calm, emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and explore hidden caves and lagoons.
Best Spots for Kayaking:
Luon Cave: A scenic water cave surrounded by towering cliffs.
Ba Hang Fishing Village: Peaceful waters near a floating village.
Vung Vieng Village: Explore traditional floating houses while kayaking.
Tip: Bring waterproof bags for your belongings.
3. Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) 🌄
The largest and most impressive cave in Ha Long Bay, known for its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
Activities:
Walk through the massive chambers filled with unique rock formations.
Admire the illuminated interiors and intricate natural sculptures.
Location: Bo Hon Island.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; there are some stairs to climb.
4. Visit Ti Top Island for Stunning Views 🏝️
Ti Top Island offers a spectacular viewpoint and a sandy beach.
Activities:
Climb the 400 steps to the summit for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.
Swim, relax, or play beach volleyball on the clean, crescent-shaped beach.
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
10. Visit Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave) 🕍
A beautiful cave with mystical formations and a large, open interior.
Activities:
Walk through chambers filled with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.
Marvel at the colorful lights highlighting natural sculptures.
Location: Near Dau Go Island.
Day 17-21: Hanoi (Jan 9-13)
Activities:
🏮Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple.
🏮Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Train Street.
🏮Taste local food: Bun Cha, Egg Coffee, and Pho.
Travel Tip:
🚃Travel by bus or shuttle back to Hanoi (2.5-3 hours).
Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, is a blend of rich history, cultural landmarks, bustling streets, and culinary delights. The city offers something for every type of traveler, from history buffs and foodies to shoppers and photographers. Here are some of the top activities to experience in Hanoi:
1. Explore the Old Quarter 🛵
Hanoi’s Old Quarter is the heart of the city, known for its narrow streets, old colonial architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.
Activities:
Wander through 36 Streets, each historically dedicated to a specific trade (e.g., Silver Street, Silk Street).
Shop for handicrafts, souvenirs, silk clothing, and Vietnamese art.
Try street food like banh mi, pho, and fresh spring rolls.
Enjoy a cyclo ride (bicycle rickshaw) for a unique perspective of the busy streets.
Top Stops:
Dong Xuan Market for shopping.
Ta Hien Street: Known as the “Beer Street” for its local beer culture.
2. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple 🌊
Hoan Kiem Lake is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
Activities:
Walk around the lake in the morning or evening. Watch locals practicing tai chi or jogging.
Cross the iconic red Huc Bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island.
Capture the scenic views of the lake, especially during sunset.
Tip: The weekends are pedestrian-only around the lake, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
3. Discover the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex 🕍
A tribute to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh.
Activities:
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see Uncle Ho’s embalmed body (dress modestly).
Explore the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda.
Walk through the beautiful, well-maintained gardens in the complex.
Location: Ba Dinh Square.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid long queues; the mausoleum closes before noon.
4. Admire the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) 🎓
The Temple of Literature, built in 1070, is dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university.
Activities:
Explore the traditional Vietnamese architecture and courtyards.
Admire the stone steles that honor past scholars.
Walk through lush gardens and tranquil pathways.
Tip: This is a great spot for photos, especially during graduation season when students wear traditional attire.
5. Enjoy a Water Puppet Show 🎭
Water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese art form originating in the rice fields.
Top Venue: Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake.
Activities:
Watch puppets dance on water while traditional live music accompanies the performance.
Learn about Vietnamese folklore, legends, and rural life.
Tip: Book tickets in advance, as shows often sell out.
6. Explore the Hanoi Train Street 🚂
Hanoi’s famous Train Street is a narrow alley where trains pass just inches away from homes and cafes.
Activities:
Grab a seat at a railside café and enjoy Vietnamese coffee while waiting for the train.
Witness the thrill of the train passing through at scheduled times.
Take incredible photos of this unique urban experience.
Train Schedule Tip: Trains usually run in the afternoon and evening; check times beforehand.
7. Visit the Hanoi Opera House 🎶
The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning French colonial building and cultural hub.
Activities:
Admire its magnificent architecture inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris.
Attend a classical music concert, opera, or traditional performance.
Location: Near the French Quarter.
8. Taste Hanoi’s Iconic Street Food 🍜
Hanoi is known for its rich culinary heritage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup): Visit Pho Thin or Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan.
Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli): Try Bun Cha Huong Lien, where Obama dined.
Egg Coffee: A Hanoi specialty at Café Giang or Café Dinh.
Banh Mi: Vietnamese baguette sandwiches; try Banh Mi 25.
Sticky Rice (Xoi): Flavorful sticky rice dishes at Xoi Yen.
9. Walk Through the French Quarter 🏛️
The French Quarter is known for its elegant colonial buildings and upscale shops.
Activities:
Visit landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the National Museum of History.
Stroll along Trang Tien Street for luxury shopping.
Relax at French-style bakeries and cafes.
12. Shop at Local Markets and Night Markets 🛍️
Dong Xuan Market: The city’s largest market for clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Hanoi Weekend Night Market (Old Quarter): Shop for handmade goods, souvenirs, and street food.
Quang Ba Flower Market: A colorful early-morning flower market (best visited at dawn).
13. Visit West Lake (Ho Tay) 🌅
Hanoi’s largest lake offers a serene escape from the bustling city.
Activities:
Rent a bike or walk around the lake.
Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest pagoda, located on a small peninsula.
Dine at lakeside restaurants and enjoy sunset views.
15. Enjoy Vietnamese Coffee Culture ☕
Hanoi is the best place to experience Vietnam’s rich coffee tradition.
Top Coffee Spots:
Café Giang: Famous for egg coffee.
Cong Caphe: Retro military-themed café serving coconut coffee.
The Note Coffee: A quirky café filled with handwritten notes from visitors worldwide.
16. Experience the Bustling Nightlife 🌃
Hanoi’s nightlife is lively, especially around the Old Quarter.
Activities:
Grab a beer at Bia Hoi Junction (Ta Hien Street).
Visit rooftop bars like Top of Hanoi for stunning views.
Explore local clubs and live music venues.
Summary of Transportation Options
Buses: Cheap and reliable for short to medium distances (e.g., Ho Chi Minh → Mui Ne, Da Nang → Hue).
Trains: Comfortable for overnight travel and scenic routes (e.g., Nha Trang → Da Nang, Hue → Ninh Binh).
Flights: Time-efficient for long distances (e.g., Nha Trang → Da Nang, Hanoi → Ho Chi Minh).
Tours: Ideal for places like Mekong Delta and Ha Long Bay.
