Ten Places That Will Leave You Speechless in Vietnam
Vietnam was a country I didn’t plan to visit until everyone I met while traveling said I had to. So, I booked a ticket and like everyone else fell in love with Vietnam. Getting into the country wasn’t easy, well for me at least. I was too busy running around Indonesia that I forgot to check my visa requirements before I made my way there.
I smiled as big as I could at the AirAsia employee as she grinned back and said where are your papers? My. What!? Welp, apparently you need a letter of approval to enter Vietnam and a list of a few other things. I just had a ticket, so in 3 hours I acquired some debt having to stay overnight in Kuala Lumpur and get everything together, but once I got there it was so worth it. FYI, it’s an extremely easy process as long as you do it in advance.
There are many ways to get around Vietnam. I’d say the most common for backpackers is to rent a motorbike and experience a life you can’t even imagine until you are there. (Obviously only do this if you feel comfortable). The driving in Vietnam is chaotic, to say the least, that’s because Vietnam has the world’s fourth-largest motorbike consumption market.
You can also take trains and flights for very cheap, I used all three forms of transportation and I loved it-this way I got to experience a little of everything. Vietnam is wonderful for many reasons, but I fell in love with it for its kind humans and tasty/cheap food! Here is a list of my favorite places I visited and a couple I wish I would have had time for!
Sapa
Sapa is a magical place, there is no other way to put it. Just picture wide open spaces, smiling faces, hard-working mama’s leading tours through the villages and the most beautiful rice paddies you’ve ever seen. If you want to visit Sapa I definitely recommend going in April and May, in between the rainy seasons! If you’re here, ask for Mu!
Ha Long Bay
It’s hard to find someone who isn’t trying to see Ha long Bay when visiting Vietnam, and for good reason. Once again a magical place, there are many boat tours ranging from 2 to 7 days that will take you through the islands! You’ll see floating markets, monkeys and you can even kayak through the bay! I will be honest though, I have heard it has gotten pretty congested, so I would try to go in the offseason because you’ll want to see the islands and not with a million boats everywhere. 
CAT BA NATIONAL PARK
Look at those mountains! I kept asking what the name of this hike was when we were on it and my guide kept saying “The Hike!” apparently, it’s the only one that is groomed daily and the most popular so they just say the hike! I learned through some research that the trek was to the top of Ngu Lam Peak, the highest peak in Cat Ba National Park. It can get pretty steep at times and will take most people a little under an hour to get up and 20-30 minutes on the way down. The views are stunning and feel like they go on forever! I came here as a part of a 3-day/2-night boat tour through Ha Long Bay and I am going to write more about it in a future blog post!
Cat ong Island
Directly across from the National Park and just a quick boat ride away is a small island called Cat Ong Island. Once again, I was here on a 3 Day boat tour and we actually spent a night on this island, so I’ll include the island info in my Ha Long Bay blog post. Twelve of us had this whole island to ourselves it was awesome! On Cat Ong Island they had a BBQ, dancing, ping pong and beach volleyball. You could also extend your stay on this island as an option! I learned many times in Vietnam that most companies are very flexible when it comes to tours, they will do anything so you enjoy your stay! 
Hoi An
This picture just sums up Hoi An for me, but the main reasons people come to Hoi An are for the beach, islands off the shore and their many wonderful and talented tailors! Hoi An offers so much more though- food tours, gorgeous scenery, some of the best food I had in Vietnam, great spas, a wonderful market, and my favorite hostel in Vietnam-Sac Lo Homestay!
This was my wonderful designer and seamstress Leana at Bao Diep Tailor, I loved her and my two-piece dress and coat she made me!
Phong Nha NATIONAL PARK
This place really blew my mind, it’s the third largest cave in the world and was just discovered in 2005! Insane to know so many things exist and we don’t even know about them yet! If you’ve been to Mammoth Cave in the United States, it’s something comparable to that. Phong Nha National park offers activities like mudding (click HERE to find out what that is!), kayaking, zip lining, wonderful meals, and although I did a tour I heard it’s fun to motorbike around the national park on your own as well.
Hanoi
Not sure where to begin with Hanoi because I loved it for so many reasons, but Banh Mi 25 is the most important thing. I went seven times in my four days in Hanoi. When I was there they served them out of a food cart and had small tables set up. I stay in contact with the owner, Phuong, and heard they recently expanded to a larger restaurant. IT IS THAT GOOD. This city was so special to me. I’m not typically a city person but I loved the energy here, the women’s museum was awesome, I tried egg coffee for the first time, the food carts were amazing, enjoyed many 25 cent beers served on the streets, visited so many cool shops, it’s just a fun city to explore. 
Ho Chi Minh
We visited the War Remnants Museum here. Disclaimer: This museum was extremely intense. There was a lot of gruesome information about the Vietnam War. But, it was extremely informative and it was super interesting to see a different side of things than what I learned in school in America. I preferred Hanoi but still think Ho Chi Minh is a must-see because it is such a lively city! Definitely check out the many rooftop bars and fancy restaurants here.
I didn’t make it to these last two places on my trip to Vietnam, but I have heard great things from friends so add them to your list and then tell me all about them!
Phu Quoc Island
When visiting Vietnam, I heard so many great things about this island but unfortunately, it was after I already had my trip planned. This island is 80% national park and the beaches are pristine! Apparently, tourism hasn’t completely taken over yet so get here as soon as you can!
Detian Waterfall
The river that feeds into this gorgeous waterfall serves as the border between Vietnam and China, how cool is that!? I just started reading and hearing about this waterfall recently and it makes me want to go back! It is getting more and more popular because, duh look at it, so get here fast!
How bad do you want to visit Vietnam now?! I can promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
If you are heading to Vietnam anytime in the future comment below or shoot me an e-mail I have so much more to say about it! Also, when I reached Vietnam I had been traveling for 6 months and had been planning everything myself. I was tired of planning so I decided to hire a travel agent and I couldn’t have been more thankful I did, he was wonderful. If you want his information comment or message me and I’ll send it your way!
