Backpacking Vietnam is a must for many world travelers. If you’re a budget traveler, this is the best country for you as it is super affordable for backpackers. With its unique cities, mountains, nice beaches, and interesting cultural heritage, Vietnam offers a bit of everything. If you are looking to go motorbiking or sipping egg coffee (Yes it is worth the hype!!), this itinerary follows a classic and well-loved backpacking route! This is the route that I completed going from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hanoi. This guide walks you through a variety of must-do activities and helpful tips for each destination. Vietnam is full of incredible adventures and you can use this guide whether you are planning to explore Vietnam for 3 months or 10 days.
1. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) was the first city I visited in Vietnam! This is Vietnam’s largest city and is a blend of historical landmarks and modern skyscrapers. Ho Chi Minh is a great city to start in while backpacking Vietnam. It has the overwhelming sense of excitement of being in a new country and it allows you to slowly enter into the lifestyle of Vietnam! Be prepared for being scared for your life as you cross the street with cars and motorbikes coming straight at you. This city was fantastic, but I felt like I did not need to stay there for very long. I also got food poisoning here so that was an unfortunate start to my trip. Let’s get into must-do activities in this riveting city!
Must-Do Activities:
The Apartment Cafe: This is an iconic stop that is filled with cafes in an apartment. I saw this EVERYWHERE on TikTok and blog posts, but I honestly found it underwhelming. Regardless, trying egg coffee or salt coffee is an absolute must and it is fun getting to see the inside of what used to be an apartment.
War Remnants Museum: This museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War through photographs and artifacts. It’s really emotional visiting here, but the Vietnam War is a huge part of Vietnam’s history. I think this is 100% a must-visit spot.
Estimated Cost: 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD)Cu Chi Tunnels: You can explore the extensive underground network used during the war. I booked a full-day tour where we visited the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. The tour allowed us to actually go in tunnels and see what the world underground was like. They actually have expanded these tunnels for tourists, and they were much smaller during the actual war.
Estimated Cost: 110,000 VND (~$4.40 USD) for entrance; tours range from $15–$30 USD
Mekong Delta Tour: The Mekong Delta tour in Vietnam takes you through the river-filled region known as the “Rice Bowl” of the country. If you visit, you get to ride through the narrow canals, visit floating markets, local villages, and see how coconut candy and rice paper are made! This was a really great day trip and was filled with a variety of activities packed into the day!
Ben Thanh Market: The Ben Thanh Market is a bustling market offering local handicrafts, textiles, and street food. This is a cultural experience to walk through, but it is definitely overwhelming.
Estimated Cost: Free to enter; prices vary by vendor
Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office: The Post Office is an iconic French colonial architecture in the heart of the city. If you decide to send postcards at the post office, it is cheaper to buy them elsewhere rather than inside the post office. It is filled with different people selling a variety of trinkets and postcards. I sent my parents and my grandma cards from here!
Estimated Cost: FreeBui Vien Street: Bui Vien Street is filled with vibrant nightlife, numerous bars, and street performers. This street was definitely overwhelming and interesting to walk through. They had ‘beach chairs’ set up in front of the bars, and then locals were dancing with minimal clothing. The street was very loud, but there were not really people drinking and dancing. I recommend booking a bar crawl with a hostel to safely enjoy the nightlife!
Estimated Cost: Varies; drinks typically range from 20,000–70,000 VND (~$0.80–$2.80 USD)
Tips:
I recommend staying in District 1 for the most walkable backpacker experience.
Street food is top-notch here—try bánh mì, pho, and fresh spring rolls.
Expect heat and humidity. Early morning explorations are ideal depending what time of the year you go!
2. Mũi Né
Mūi Nē is known to be a coastal town famous for its unique sand dunes and water sports. This was not a town for swimming and hanging out at the beach. The water was extremely dirty since it is a fishing village. I was pretty disappointed about not being able to swim here. We did a day tour with our hostel to the sand dunes, the fairy stream, and the fishing village. (Sign for a day tour here!) If you want to visit Mūi Nē, I think one day is enough unless you’re looking to chill and relax at a hostel to reset. Here’s a video of my day tour!
Must-Do Activities:
White Sand Dunes: These dunes are a cool experience if you’ve never been t0 sand dunes. We rented the ATV and then went sand sledding. The sand sledding was meh, nothing compared to Huacachina in Peru.
Estimated Cost: ATV rental ($12 USD)Red Sand Dunes: The red sand dunes are known for sandboarding and sunset views. With our tour, we went here to watch the sunset.
Estimated Cost: Sandboard rental ($0.80 USD)Fairy Stream: The fairy stream is well-known, but is really just a shallow stream flowing through red and white sand formations. There were some really picturesque spots, but overall, I found it underwhelming. It was really busy with people.
Estimated Cost: 15,000 VND (~$0.60 USD)Fishing Village: The fishing village was not what I expected, but it was a very cultural experience. Here you can observe traditional fishing practices and see all the colorful boats.
Estimated Cost: Free
Tips:
Best visited during the dry season (November to April).
Wear sandals for walking in the stream. You have to go barefoot so it’s better to wear shoes you can easily take off.
Rent a scooter or join a jeep tour to reach the dunes.
Accommodation is budget-friendly; check hostels near the beach.
3. Dalat
Dalat is a mountainous city known for its cool climate and colonial architecture! As incredible as the actual town is, we really enjoyed all of the activities outside of the town! Our favorite thing to do in this town was canyoning at Datanla Waterfalls. This was something new for me, and was a high of our entire trip in Southeast Asia! This is also where the famous Mario Kart ride is and the rainbow slide. I actually feel like we could have stayed more like 4 or 5 days here as there are numerous fun activities. It’s definitely cheapest to rent a motorbike and go on your own, but most hostels offer tours. You will be filled with adventure in Dalat!
Must-Do Activities:
Datanla Waterfalls: We did two different trips to Datanla Waterfall! We did canyoning here for around $70, but it’s also a great place for alpine coaster rides which is a little cheaper.
Estimated Cost: Entrance 30,000 (1.20 USD); activities extraKDL Sinh Thái Cao Nguyên Hoa Đà Lạt – Mario Kart Ride: The Mario Kart ride was something we saw everywhere on TikTok before going to Vietnam! You get to go down the route twice and the helmets have phone holders to record your trip. It was really worth it!
Mango Land: Mongo Land in Da Lat, Vietnam, is a Mongolian-themed park. They have a famous rainbow slide, archery, and a petting zoo. The scenic landscape and colorful yurts make it one of Da Lat’s most unique and Instagrammable attractions. We had a ton of fun here, and it was fun feeling like little kids! Estimated Cost: 100,000 VND ($4.00 USD)
Truc Lam Pagoda: We did not get a chance to visit this Buddhist temple, but our hostel owner highly recommended it!
Estimated Cost: 80,000 VND ($3.20 USD) round tripDalat Night Market: Night markets are everywhere in Vietnam, but it’s always fun to be a part of the lively local nightlife!
Estimated Cost: Free to enter; food items ~20,000–50,000 VND ($0.80–$2 USD)
Tips:
Pack warmer clothing; temperatures can drop to 59°F (15°C).
Ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Try local specialties like avocado ice cream (IT’S SO GOOD) and hot soy milk.
4. Hoi An
Hoi An was my overall FAVORITE city in Vietnam! This is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its preserved Ancient Town. This town is incredible as it has the old town, the beaches, rice fields, and great activities. If you were just visiting one city, you could very easily spend an incredible week here!
Must-Do Activities:
Ancient Town: The Ancient Town is a magical place! You can stroll through lantern-lit streets and historic buildings. It was fairly filled with tourists, but it had an incredible energy. There are tons of shops around, so definitely peek your head into a variety of shops.
Estimated Cost: 120,000 VND (~$4.80 USD) for a ticket covering multiple sitesTailor Shops: A big activity in this town is getting custom-made clothing within 24–48 hours. We opted not to do it, as we were on a budget, and it was more pricey than we had planned. This is a VERY popular activity in Hoi An though!
Estimated Cost: Dresses from 700,000 VND ($28 USD)Coconut Basket Boat Tour: Be careful!! There are a lot of locals trying to sell you tours for a basket boat ride, but make sure you actually go to the Coconut Village. Then, you will get to ride in traditional round boats through coconut forests. My friend and I actually messed this up and the rower would not continue without a tip. It was unfortunate.
Estimated Cost: 150,000–200,000 VND (~$6–$8 USD)Coffee Making Class or a Cooking Class: We went to Tri Long Coffee to make an egg coffee and a salt coffee. They were both super delcious and it was really fun getting to learn how to make the coffee. If you are not into coffee, another option is to learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes.
Estimated Cost: 500,000–800,000 VND (~$20–$32 USD)
Tips:
Visit during the monthly Lantern Festival for a magical experience.
Rent a bicycle to explore nearby rice fields and beaches.
5. Da Nang
My friend was really eager to visit Da Nang for the surfing, but we were unlucky with the whether during our visit. It ended up raining almost every day we were there. With that being said, it was still a fun place to visit, but we felt like it made more sense to stay longer in Hoi An versus Da Nang. Regardless, this modern city does have beaches, mountains, and cultural sites which is a nice mix of options.
Must-Do Activities:
Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills): This pedestrian bridge is held by giant stone hands and is well-known in Vietnam, but it’s expensive to visit. There’s a whole amusement park at the top which is fun, but since it was rainy, the coasters and outside activities were closed. They did not tell us rides would be closed when we bought the tickets. If the weather seems questionable, I advise you ask before you go up. Here is my honest review and a great sneak peak of Ba Na Hills!
Estimated Cost: 850,000 VND (~$34 USD) including cable carMarble Mountains: This is a cluster of marble and limestone hills with caves and temples. It’s quite the walk up, but very fun to explore. I filmed my whole visit for you to watch and decide if you want to go.
Estimated Cost: 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD)Dragon Bridge: This is a bridge shaped like a dragon that breathes fire on weekends. Learn about when this happens and be sure not to miss it.
Estimated Cost: Free
My Khe Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam My Khe Beach: This is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. My friend tried to surf here, but the weather was not ideal.
Estimated Cost: Free
Tips:
Check weather forecasts before visiting Ba Na Hills; attractions may close during bad weather.
Use Grab for convenient transportation around the city.
6. Hue
Hue is the former imperial capital which is rich in history and architecture. We were underwhelmed with Hue as we were not as entertained by the activities. I think one full day here is enough to cover the main attractions.
Must-Do Activities:
Imperial City (Citadel): The citadel is a vast complex of palaces and temples.
Estimated Cost: 200,000 VND (~$8 USD)Tomb of Khai Dinh: I found the tombs to be a bit repetitive, but if you are a history buff, you will love it. This is an elaborate royal tomb blending Eastern and Western styles.
Estimated Cost: 150,000 VND (~$6 USD)Perfume River Cruise: Boat tours often happen here offering views of the city’s landmarks.
Estimated Cost: 100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–$8 USD)
Tips:
Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the historical sites.
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and heat.
7. Phong Nha
I will say, Phong Nha was a surprising town as we really loved our visit here. I highly recommend that you stay at a homestay to help have an authentic experience. Phong Nha is known for its epic cave systems and jungle landscapes. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Must-Do Activities:
Phong Nha Cave (by boat):
If you haven’t traveled to a cave on a boat, this is a great experience. You can cruise down the Son River and enter one of the area’s most accessible and beautiful caves.Estimated Cost: 150,000 VND ($6 USD) for entrance; 550,000 VND ($22 USD) per boat (shared among up to 12 people)
Pro Tip: Share the boat with other travelers to split costs.
The Duck Stop: This is a must do while in Phong Nha. It was another one of my most favorite parts of our trip in Vietnam. You get to act like a duck leader and they all follow you around as you feed them. They even eat off of your feet! It was such a blast and we laughed a ton.
Estimated Cost: 150,000 VND ($6 USD)
Paradise Cave:
This is a massive dry cave stretching over 18 miles (31km). Note that only 1km is open to the public, but it’s mind-blowingly beautiful. Watch my experience at Paradise Cave.
Estimated Cost: 250,000 VND ($10 USD).Dark Cave (Hang Toi):
I absolutely loved visiting Dark Cave! You boat toward the cave, swim a little, and then have a mud bath in the cave. After, they have ziplines and water activities that make hanging out there even more fun. We stayed for a long time just enjoying being outside and swimming. If you want to bring your phone with you, make sure to have a dry case. I did not have mine with me, but it was extra nice being screen free for a day.
Estimated Cost: 450,000 VND (~$18 USD) for the full package
Includes: Zipline, kayaking, headlamp, mud bath, and obstacle course.Botanic Gardens Hike:
This is an underrated gem with waterfalls, wildlife, and walking trails. We unfortunately missed this as we stayed at Dark Cave for too long, but we did hear wonderful things about the hike.
Estimated Cost: 40,000 VND (~$1.60 USD)
Tips:
Stay in the main village area near the Phong Nha Farmstay or Easy Tiger Hostel for social vibes and easy access to tours.
Rent a motorbike (100,000–150,000 VND/day or ~$4–$6 USD) if you’re confident driving to explore caves at your own pace. Be careful as there were a TON of accidents with tourists. Remember to go slow and be careful.
8. Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
Ninh Binh is known as “Ha Long Bay on land.” Since I did not have a chance to visit Ha Long Bay, I cannot attest to that. However, Ninh Binh was a cute place!
Must-Do Activities:
Trang An Boat Tour:
We ended up opting for the Tam Coc Boat Tour, but I’ve heard wonderful reviews of both. This one is a serene 2–3 hour sampan boat ride through caves, temples, and cliffs.
Estimated Cost: 250,000 VND (~$10 USD)
Tip: Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler weather.Mua Caves Viewpoint:
This is a very iconic activity in Ninh Binh. You climb 500 steps to receive sweeping views of the rice fields and river below. This was ridiculously busy. There is a dragon at the top, but the line to take a picture with it was outrageous. Avoid the crowds if you can.
Estimated Cost: 100,000 VND (~$4 USD)
Bring: Water and a hat—the climb is steep but rewarding.Bich Dong Pagoda:
This is a peaceful multi-level cave pagoda tucked into a mountainside.
Estimated Cost: Free; small fee for parking (~10,000 VND)Tam Coc Boat Tour (alternative to Trang An):
This is a quieter and more local than Trang An, but equally scenic. You get to ride through three different caves and the rowers use their feet. My friend and I had a blast on this tour. Our guide also let us try to row!! Watch here.
Estimated Cost: 270,000 VND ($11 USD)
Tips:
Rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the region’s flat roads and hidden temples.
Base yourself in Tam Coc for a quieter and more scenic stay than Ninh Binh city.
9. Hanoi
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital and is a really amazing place! It’s a great blend of chaos and charm. It’s most known for its street food, history, and culture. I wish I had spent more time in Hanoi, but unfortunately, I had limited time there as my friend’s visa was about to expire. I am eager to go back to Northern Vietnam to explore Hanoi more and see everything it has to offer.
Must-Do Activities:
Old Quarter Food Tour:
Hanoi is well-known for its incredible food. Sample street eats like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee are must-try’s.
Cost: Dishes are between 30,000-60,000 VND each ($1.20–$2.50 USD)
Guided Tour: 500,000–900,000 VND (~$20–$36 USD)Train Street:
This may be what Hanoi is most famous for! Train Street is a narrow street where trains pass within inches of cafes and buildings.
Tip: Only visit through a cafe. many have been shut down for safety. Buy a drink to sit and watch.Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple:
This is a scenic and peaceful spot in the heart of Hanoi.
Estimated Cost: Temple entry 30,000 VND ($1.20 USD)Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum:
This is well-known for having a preserved body of Vietnam’s national hero.
Estimated Cost: Free
Tip: Dress modestly; closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Tips:
Stay near Hoan Kiem Lake or in the Old Quarter for walkable access to top sights.
10. Ha Giang
I did not spend a ton of time in Ha Giang city, but this is where you start the Ha Giang loop! Therefore, this is home to Vietnam’s most scenic mountain loop. It is perfect for motorbike adventurers and cultural encounters. The Ha Giang Loop was another TOP and must-do experience for all travelers to Vietnam. This is my entire four-day Ha Giang Loop experience!
Must-Do Activities:
Ha Giang Loop (3–5 days by motorbike):
This is a stunning route through the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, passing through winding mountain roads, limestone peaks, and remote villages.
Popular Stops: Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Du Gia
Group Tour (with guide and bike): $160–$300 USD for 3–4 daysMa Pi Leng Pass:
One of the most jaw-dropping mountain passes in Southeast Asia. Don’t miss the Skywalk trail if you’re not afraid of heights!
Free to visit; accessible by motorbike.
Ha Giang Loop Rice Fields Lung Cu Flag Tower (Vietnam’s northernmost point):
You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the Chinese border and surrounding mountains. It’s crazy how close you can get to China.
Estimated Cost: 25,000 VND (~$1 USD)Ethnic Minority Markets:
Visit local markets (like Meo Vac Sunday Market) where Hmong, Tay, Dao, and other ethnic groups gather to trade goods and wear traditional dress.
Tip: Arrive early in the morning to catch the full experience.Homestay in Du Gia Village:
This town is located amongst rice terraces and waterfalls, Du Gia offers peaceful nights and cultural immersion with local families. If you book the loop through a group, I used Mama’s Homestay, then this is included in the trip!
Cost: 150,000-200,000 VND/night ($6–$8 USD), including meals
Tips:
If you don’t ride a motorbike, book a Ha Giang Easy Rider tour, where an experienced driver takes you on the back of their bike.
The loop starts and ends in Ha Giang City. You will have to take a night bus from Hanoi (~350,000–400,000 VND / ~$14–$16 USD).
Best time to visit: September–October (golden rice terraces) or March–April (flowers and moderate weather)
Budget Tips for Backpacking Vietnam
Ha Giang Loop on the motorbike in Vietnam Daily Budget: $25–40 USD/day is doable for most backpackers, including hostels, street food, and transport. Check out my blog about what 20,000 Dong can get you!
SIM Cards: Get an e-SIM through Saily or a local SIM (Viettel or Mobifone) for 150,000 VND ($6 USD) with unlimited data. I generally like getting an e-SIM for an entire trip. Here’s US$5 for traveling! Use the code MAIAAS6315.
Transportation:
Trains/Buses: Use 12Go Asia for booking sleeper trains and buses.
Flights: Domestic flights (e.g., Bamboo Airways, VietJet) are affordable if booked early.
Motorbikes: Rent from reputable shops (~100,000–150,000 VND/day); always wear a helmet. If you decide you want to do the Ha Giang Loop as the driver, look into getting an international driver’s license.
ATMs: Widely available, look for Vietcombank or BIDV; most charge a 22,000 VND ($0.90 USD) withdrawal fee. We often had to pay for our accomodations in cash so my friend and I were constantly going to the ATM. Make sure you bring more than one debit card so if anything happens to one, you have a spare. One machine ate my friend’s debit card and it was super unfortunate. Lucky for her, she had an extra one packed with her.
- Watch my video for must-have Apps for traveling Vietnam!
Vietnam is waiting for you!
There is so much to do in Vietnam and every experience is worth it! I did not get a chance to visit Sapa and Ha Long Bay, so I am eager to go back to Vietnam and continue to experience new places there. Vietnam is one of the most rewarding countries for backpackers: it’s safe, affordable, and incredibly diverse. I was shocked by how safe I felt the entire time and how easy it was to travel. Every stop offers something new and unforgettable. The locals are so kind and inviting, you will never want to leave. Vietnam truly is such a special place. You will not be disappointed by the incredible country of Vietnam!
