Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a bustling metropolis with a mix of Vietnamese and French architecture. Walk around the Old Quarter, visit the ancient Hoan Kiem Lake, and taste some street food.
Sapa is a mountainous town near the Chinese border with cool weather all year round. Trek to the picturesque rice terraces, visit ethnic minority villages, and taste some locally-grown tea.
Ninh Binh is a charming destination where natural beauty meets rich history. Take a sampan boat tour in Tam Coc, hike up Mua Cave for an epic photo, and visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
Hue is a city in central Vietnam that used to be the imperial capital. Explore the old citadel, go on a motorbike tour to the countryside, and taste the unique Royal cuisine.
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site with natural beauty formed by thousands of limestone karsts. Take a boat tour, kayak, and spend a night on an overnight cruise.
Hoi An is a charming and ancient town with old streets, ancient houses, and a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Wander around the old quarter, take a cooking class, and enjoy the nightlife.
A bustling coastal city, Nha Trang is popular with beachgoers and water sport enthusiasts. Go diving, snorkelling, or take a boat tour around the islands.
A modern and vibrant city, Ho Chi Minh City still has plenty of French colonial architecture mixed with modern skyscrapers. Visit the War Remnants Museum, take a food tour, and shop in Ben Thanh Market.
Mui Ne is a beach town with perfect waves for beginner surfers. Take a surf lesson, relax by the beach, and enjoy fresh seafood.
Transport around Vietnam is cheap and easy, but overnight buses or trains can be tiring. It's important to plan your trip well and check the schedules and routes beforehand. Apps like Grab or GoViet can help with transportation around the cities. Daily average transportation cost is 120,000 VND ($5.30 AUD).
For those with more time, add a trekking tour of Cat Ba Island or Pu Luong, or visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. For those with less time, cut out Ninh Binh, and shorten the stay in Nha Trang to just one day.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the airport in Hanoi, while Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Both are located close to the city centers and can be reached by taxi or public transportation.