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Vietnam

Street food, lantern towns, limestone peaks, and coastlines that reward curiosity

FoodBudgetCultureAdventureNature

Why Vietnam?

Vietnam is the rare destination that delivers on every front without draining your wallet. For under $30 a day you get world-class street food, thousand-year-old temples, motorbike adventures through rice terraces, and coastlines that stretch from tropical islands to dramatic limestone karsts. The country rewards curiosity — every region tastes different, looks different, and moves at its own speed. From Hanoi’s chaotic Old Quarter to Saigon’s neon-lit rooftop bars, Vietnam is a country you can spend weeks in and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Where to Go

Hanoi & the North

Hanoi is Vietnam’s cultural heartbeat — a thousand-year-old capital where temples sit between French colonial boulevards and the world’s best street food happens on tiny plastic stools. From here, take a cruise through Ha Long Bay’s 1,969 limestone islands, trek the terraced rice fields of Sa Pa, explore the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh (Ha Long Bay on land), or ride the legendary Ha Giang Loop — a 350km motorbike route through Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain passes and ethnic minority villages.

Central Vietnam

The central coast is Vietnam’s most photogenic stretch. Hue is the former imperial capital with grand palaces, royal tombs, and the country’s spiciest cuisine. Da Nang offers beaches, the famous Golden Bridge, and Marble Mountains. Hoi An is the jewel — a UNESCO ancient town of lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, cooking classes, and some of the best food in Southeast Asia. The ruins of My Son (Vietnam’s answer to Angkor Wat) are a short day trip away.

Ho Chi Minh City & the South

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s most energetic metropolis — rooftop bars, night markets, war history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum, and southern-style street food that hits different. Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta for floating markets and coconut villages. For beach time, Phu Quoc island offers white sand, snorkeling, and sunset cocktails as the perfect trip closer.

What to Eat by Region

North — Brothy, Smoky, Herb-Heavy

Pho — The iconic beef noodle soup, best at dawn from family-run stalls in Hanoi
Bun cha — Grilled pork patties with noodles and herbs (Obama ate this here)
Egg coffee (ca phe trung) — Whipped egg yolk meets strong robusta coffee, born in 1940s Hanoi
Cha ca — Turmeric fish with dill, a Hanoi-only specialty

Central — Sharp, Spicy, Specialty-Driven

Bun bo Hue — Spicy beef noodle soup that rivals pho in depth
Cao lau — Hoi An’s signature thick noodles with pork and herbs (only made here)
Mi Quang — Da Nang’s turmeric noodle dish with shrimp and pork
White rose dumplings — Delicate Hoi An shrimp dumplings

South — Sweeter, Bigger, More Casual

Banh mi — The legendary Vietnamese sandwich, perfected in Saigon for $0.50
Banh xeo — Crispy sizzling crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
Com tam — Broken rice with grilled pork, a Saigon staple
Fresh seafood — Particularly around Phu Quoc and the coastal towns

Pro Tips

E-visa is easy — Available for all nationalities, 90 days, $25 single / $50 multiple entry
Get on a motorbike — Rent one or join a guided tour; it’s the best way to see the countryside
Grab is your friend — Vietnam’s Uber equivalent works in all major cities for rides and food delivery
Learn basic Vietnamese — “Xin chao” (hello) and “Cam on” (thank you) go a long way
Carry small bills — Street vendors and markets rarely have change for large notes
Weather varies by region — The north and south have opposite seasons; plan accordingly
Sleeper buses save money — Overnight buses between cities are comfortable and cut accommodation costs
Exchange at gold shops — Better rates than airports or banks, no fees, quick process
Avoid tap water — Stick to bottled; street ice is generally safe in cities