Vietnam

“Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Once you love it, you love it forever.”
Anthony Bourdain

Vietnam is either the most touristy overrated destination you’ll ever visit or a wild untamed adventure through the rural countryside. There is no in-between. These blog posts were written after my second visit to the country. During my first visit, I was 22 and fresh to the world of travel. Like all the other travelers I knew, I crammed the entire country into my 30-day visa. I blew through major cities, suffered on overnight sleeper buses that deposited me at my destination at 3 AM, and was underwhelmed by mass tours of “cultural” attractions. I left Vietnam in 2016 for the first time understanding the country no more than when I first arrived.

My second visit in 2022 was very different. Here, I saw a totally different side of Vietnam. I rented a motorbike and took to the countryside. I immersed myself in the far reaches of the North rather than stretching myself, and my time, thin across the 2,000 km length of the country. It was here that I fell in love with Vietnam. I understood exactly what all the fuss was about.

Vietnam Travel Guide

Recommended Destinations: Hanoi, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, Ta Xua National Reserve, Ha Giang, Cao Bang.

Minimum Recommended Trip Length: 30 days.

One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Motorbiking the Ha Giang Loop.

Things to Consider Before You Go: Being able to explore the country on the back of a motorbike is essential to enjoying Vietnam. Consider getting your international driver’s license just in case you find a rental company unwilling to rent you a bike without one.

Visa Information

Vietnam has gotten rid of its VOA (visa on arrival) program post-covid. This means you need to apply on the official government website at least 5 working days before you visit Vietnam. The cost is $30 per person for American citizens and allows you 30 days in the country. The 90-day visa is also currently suspended.

If you make a mistake and need to have your visa expedited. You can pay $50 per person via PayPal to this agency to have it done within 1 business day.

Estimated Backpacker Budget

On a Shoestring: $15/day

Flashpacker: $25/day

Backpacker Luxury: $40/day

Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.