If you’re a long-time reader of the blog, you’ll know that my first ever backpacking trip was to Vietnam. Scott has never been to Vietnam and wants to go pretty badly, so at some point soon I know I will likely be returning there for my second time while it will be his first. It was this situation that got me thinking about what advice I would give to someone who is about to make their first visit to Vietnam. There some things I would do differently, and I have factored these in to these tips. I hope you enjoy, and most importantly use them for your trip.
Travel South to North
Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) is the busiest airport in Vietnam, and I recommend arriving into Vietnam here. Your initial move should be to look up airfare, but then soon after start planning your route for once you arrive. An advantage of arriving at Ho Chi Minh Airport is that it will set you up perfectly to travel the country south to north, which is what I recommend. It seems as though the South of Vietnam can be a bit more open and friendly at times compared to the North and for a first time traveler this can make all the difference in making that valuable first impression. Once you reach the north, you can also catch a flight out of Hanoi to other destinations in Asia.
Can’t Miss Trio
You will obviously have to make some decisions on where to go and what to see on your south-to-north trip, but I have three must-do’s that I think everyone should include on their first trip to Vietnam. The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a sobering start to your travels and will help you get your bearings in order for the trip north. Along the way, the colonial town of Hoi An and its famous tailors is an absolute can’t miss. It has a romantic riverfront and is a great place to enjoy a cake and a coffee and laze away an afternoon. Once you arrive north, the most famous bay in the world awaits at Halong Bay. The limestone monoliths that dot this bay are simply breathtaking, and anyone visiting Vietnam for the first time should see them.
Beach Time
Unfortunately for me, it was raining and I wasn’t able to visit the famous beach town of Nha Trang, but I would advise anyone to try to make it here or one of the other beach areas in Vietnam. Vietnam often plays second fiddle in the region to Thailand in regards to beaches, but there are beautiful ones to be found and they can be just the break you may need from the hectic traveling schedule you may be on, especially if it’s your first time and you’re trying to see everything.
Pack for Anything
If you are traveling in the rainy season like I did, you will find rain gear and an umbrella an absolute necessity. Even if you are traveling during dry season, you never know when a storm could pop up and being that you may find yourself out hiking in the hills, you will not want to be wet and cold.
Leave a Reply