How to tackle Vietnam like a pro


Vietnam is an incredible destination for backpackers. It’s cheap, energy-charged and fairly easy to navigate.

The food is addictive, the motorbike culture is wild and beautiful, and the hostel scene is world-class. What more could you want!?

We've recently updated our backpacking guide for Vietnam with extra wisdom from recent trips: it's fresh, sexy, and mega-helpful for inspiration and practical tips. Click the button and give it a read :)


Backpacking Vietnam 101

Vietnam moves fast, but it’s traditional at its core. And the backpacking scene is well ALIVE.

The country is generally split into two regions. Deciding where to go can be tricky depending on flexible you can be with time, so...

Below, you'll find our itinerary suggestion which covers the main highlights in north/central Vietnam. Ideally, you’ll want to fly into Hanoi to start this route.

Our Travel Itinerary for Vietnam

This itinerary covers mountains, beaches, history and cities. It's ideal if you've got 2-3 weeks in the country.

Stop #1: Hanoi

Classic big Vietnamese city chaos, food and culture.

  • How long to stay: 2-3 days, exploring on foot or by bicycle.
  • Known for: Street food, egg coffee, its old quarter, temples and lakes.
  • Hostel recommendation: Old Quarter View Hanoi Hostel

Stop #2: Sapa

Hiking through rice fields, staying in local villages and marvelling at the views.

  • How long to stay: 2-3 days, but if you’re trekking or want to spend more time relaxing in the mountains, you could stay up to 5.
  • Known for: Rice terraces, misty mountain valley, homestays, Hmong and Dao communities and long hikes.
  • Hostel recommendation: Pea Hostel

Stop #3: Ha Giang

Ride the legendary Ha Giang Loop. It’s one of those backpacker experiences that is worth the hype. Please do it.

  • How long to stay: 3-4 days for the loop, plus an extra day if you want to recover.
  • Known for: The Ha Giang Loop, towering limestone peaks, windy mountain passes, remote mountain villages and epic views.
  • Hostel recommendation: local homestays along the way!

Stop #4: Hue

Explore Vietnam’s imperial past through ancient citadels, royal tombs and delicious regional dishes. It adds a dash of history amongst the mountains and beaches.

  • How long to stay: 2-3 days to see everything properly.
  • Known for: The Imperial City, royal tombs, pagodas, the Perfume River and some of the best food in central Vietnam.
  • Hostel recommendation: Amy 2 Hostel

Stop #5: Hoi An

This lantern-lit old town is extremely “touristy”, but super lovely. It’s filled with cafes, markets and if you hire a bicycle and get out of the Old Town, you’ll find endless rice paddies and gorgeous beaches.

  • How long to stay: 2-3 days
  • Known for: Lantern-lit streets, the Ancient Town, customer-tailored clothes, cooking classes, beaches and delicious food.
  • Hostel recommendation: Fuse Old Town Hoi An

Stop #6: Da Nang

Relax, you've reached the end of your trip, it's time to sit around and do nothing!

  • How long to stay: 1-2 days
  • Known for: Coastal vibes, a modern stretch of beach, endless cafés, restaurants and bars
  • Hostel recommendation: Rom Casa Hostel

Our guide overs even more routes, tips on how to stick to a low budget, where to stay and much more! Click the button below to read the full thing.

Travel far. Spend less. Live more.​
- The Broke Backpacker

The Broke Backpacker

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