Backpacking Vietnam Travel Guide
Are you backpacking in Vietnam soon? If so, then you’re making the right decision. With striking nature landscapes, long stretches of gorgeous coastlines, cheap accommodation, and vibrant local culture, Vietnam is definitely a perfect backpacker destination.
When To Go Backpacking in Vietnam
The best time to go backpacking in Vietnam is in spring, which is between the months of February and April, and in autumn, from August until October. In spring, the months of March and April enjoy the lowest rainfall, although the temperature across all destinations during this time of the year is pleasant.
Where to Go Backpacking in Vietnam
Vietnam is divided into two regions, the south (Ho Chi Minh City) and the north (Hanoi). If your time in Vietnam is limited, you can simply focus on one region. Otherwise, if you have a month for your trip, then you can explore from the north to south or the other way around.
If you want to visit the southern part of Vietnam, your trip will most likely begin in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Aside from Ho Chi Minh, here are the other places you can visit in the southern part of Vietnam:
- Cat Tien National Park - a tropical forest complex with more than 200 species of birds and other wildlife.
- Dalat - a charming town dotted with colonial architecture amidst a gorgeous natural backdrop.
- Mekong Delta - miles of interconnecting rivers and canals, with a buzzing floating market.
- Phu Quoc Island - this island is known for its gorgeous beaches, lush forest, and beautiful waterfalls.
If you want to focus your Vietnam trip in the North, then your trip should begin at Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. In the north, here are the other places you can visit:
- Halong Bay - this place consists of more than 3,000 islands in varying shapes and sizes that sits gorgeously in crystal clear waters.
- Sapa - this is a hilly countryside with spectacular mountain views, offering plenty of nature activities, such as trekking and cycling.
- Dien Bien Phu is - located in the most scenic part of the country, this small town plays a significant role in the history of Vietnam as this is where Vietnam’s victory over France took place in 1954.
Where to Stay When Backpacking in Vietnam
There are plenty of affordable backpacker accommodations in Vietnam. The standard accommodation in most of the tourist areas in the country is excellent. There are plenty of accommodations that cater to budget travelers and backpackers, especially in the main tourist hubs of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Prices are slightly less expensive in Southeast Asian standards, however the quality is definitely much better. Competition is stiff and with construction boom currently going on in the country, now is the best time to visit, as the cost of accommodation is generally low and the standards of service remain high.
Staying Safe in Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the safest countries to visit for all kinds of travelers, including solo backpackers. However, in major cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, pickpocketing incidences is still an occurrence, so you have to be mindful of your belongings when walking the busy streets. Moreover, the streets of Vietnam are pretty chaotic, so you have to be careful when walking the streets, as there are plenty of motorcycles zooming around.
The motorcycle is a big part of the tourism of Vietnam, but you have to exercise extreme caution when riding or driving. Always wear your helmet and make sure you have a driving license, or you could get penalized with a hefty fine.
Backpacking in Vietnam is really cheap, but you could end up spending more if you don’t come prepared. Hopefully, this guide can help you in planning your backpacking adventure in this beautiful Southeast Asian nation.
