Travelling in Vietnam

Introduction

Vietnam has done very well tourism-wise since reopening its doors to foreign tourists in the mid 1990's. Combined with a good train system, affordable and frequent flights and a tourist-orientated minibus system, a bunch of very worthwhile destinations have developed into what has become a pretty well worn path running up and down the length of the country.

Most first time visitors try to get a taste of the north and the south of the country, but be warned, Vietnam is deceptively large and if you try to do too much in too short a time, you'll wind up needing another holiday to get over your Vietnamese one.

Running north to south, visitors commence with the capital Hanoi, with many doing side-trips to both Sapa and Ha Long Bay before heading south, generally stopping at Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang then either Da Lat or Mui Ne before running into Saigon. From there many do a trip into the Mekong Delta. For those with more time, the northwest mountains, the Central Highlands and deep into the Mekong Delta are all well worthwhile extras.

How long a holiday?

While you could see the basics on a top to tail trip in as little as a week to ten days, we'd strongly suggest -- at least -- two to three weeks as being a more realistic timeline. If you can't give that much time to Vietnam, then consider just seeing one part of the country and saving the rest for another trip.

Ways to see more in less

Fly, fly, fly
Both Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airways have affordable domestic fares -- a couple of one hour flights can save you 36 hours on a train or bus.

Suggested itineraries for Vietnam

THE REGION: Southern Laos, Southern Vietnam and Cambodia:
For those set on getting an experience in Laos, Vietnam and Laos, but with only limited time, a trip like this is a good choice, as while you miss the north of both Laos and Vietnam, you save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent getting from A to B ... detailed trip plan itinerary

THE REGION: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam explorer:
This is the big one! Travelling throughout the region, you'll touch on the highlights of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. ... detailed trip plan itinerary

VIETNAM: Southern Explorer:
This trip concentrates on the south of Vietnam, with a taste of Mekong Delta and beaches thrown in. ... detailed trip plan itinerary

VIETNAM: Top to tail:
Long and thin, Vietnam is well suited to a short trip like this -- just don't forget just how long it really is! ... detailed trip plan itinerary