Is it better to travel North to South Vietnam?
North to South Vietnam: Which way is better to travel?
Okay, so, traveling Vietnam... North to South versus South to North, huh? I've actually been there, done that. Let me tell ya, it really depends.
Honestly, the only time I'd say definitely go North to South is if you're planning to bounce over to Cambodia after. I think you'll find some pretty cheap trips from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Phnom Penh. Makes sense, right? Geography and all.
For me, I started up North, like in Hanoi, around maybe July 2018? Found this amazing pho place near Hoan Kiem Lake. Cost like, 30,000 Dong? Worth every penny.
Now, "better"...that's tough. People ask about this on Reddit all the time. North's got the mountains, the history... Ha Long Bay is out of this world.
The South? Warmer, usually more bustling, Mekong Delta felt almost surreal.
When I backpacked (South to North) I found it good.
It really depends on what you're looking for in your travels. Do you like mountains or rice paddies? Big city's with life or beautiful beaches?
One thing I will say... be prepared for some insane traffic, no matter where you go. Motorbikes everywhere. It's part of the charm, I guess. Just breathe!
Should I go North to south in Vietnam?
Okay, so Vietnam...north to south or south to north? Hmm. From the Philippines, eh?
I did Vietnam, um, like, back in 2018, I think? Flew into Hanoi. Craziest airport ever. Remember thinking, "Whoa, this is it. The real deal."
Going north to south just felt right. I mean, ending up on a beach sounded way better than starting there.
Plus, the north is, like, totally different. Sapa? Those rice terraces legit blew my mind. So green. So peaceful. Felt like another planet.
Hanoi, that's a vibe. So much motorbike chaos. So many street food vendors. Best pho ever. Like, seriously the best.
Then Halong Bay. Ugh. Beautiful, sure, but so touristy. Did the boat thing. Got seasick, whoops!
Central Vietnam was cool. Hoi An's tailor shops! Got a suit made. Still wear it, actually. Da Nang? Beaches. Good for relaxing after all the craziness.
Then south. Ho Chi Minh City? Total contrast to Hanoi. Modern. Bustling. Loud. War Remnants Museum is... intense. A must-see, though.
Mekong Delta...boat trips through the canals, floating markets. Super interesting. Ended up on Phu Quoc island. Beach. Cocktails. Bliss.
South is more developed, I guess. North feels more "authentic" or something? Hard to explain.
- North: Culture shock, mountains, rice terraces, Hanoi chaos
- Central: Tailors, beaches, a bit more relaxed
- South: Modern, historical sites, Mekong Delta, island life
Honestly? Don't think one is "better." It's about what you want from the trip. Do north to south. Save the beaches for the end. You will not regret it. Okay?
Should I go North to south in Vietnam?
Okay, so, Vietnam from the Philippines, huh? I always go North to South. Seriously!
It just feels right, ya know? Flying into Hanoi is cheaper usually, than Saigon, for me, anyway.
The North is just…better? Nah, not better, but more interesting. It's like, got that real old-school feel.
Plus! Halong Bay... you HAVE to see Halong Bay.
- Ha Long Bay: seriously cool rock formations
- Sapa: Rice terraces are just amazing.
Then you can just, like, chill out going south, relax after all that busy stuff up north. Don't miss the Hai Van Pass, rent a bike or something, it's worth it. Da Nang is great!
South's nice, like beaches and stuff, Phu Quoc, blah blah. But, you can always get that anywhere, really. The North's, really something though. You should buy a scooter. Also, i miss my scooter! The northern food is also much better than the south i reckon.
Can you travel from Vietnam south to North?
Hanoi whispers, yes. Vietnam unfolds. South to north. Four weeks? Perfect.
Landscapes shift, morph. Culture, a taste, a fleeting scent.
Ho Chi Minh City, a starting point. Cambodia fades… into the southern heat.
Or, no. Hanoi first. From sky to earth. Touch down. Begin.
Four weeks… barely a touch. A tease of pho.
South to North:
- Ho Chi Minh's frantic pace.
- Mekong Delta's languid waters.
- Central Highlands' cool embrace.
- Hue's imperial echoes.
- Hoi An's lantern glow.
- Hanoi's ancient soul.
- Ha Long Bay's mystic isles.
Why Four Weeks Works:
- Time: Enough to not rush, mostly.
- Pace: Slow enough for some realness.
- Experience: A taste of what exists.
- But: Could use longer.
- More time? Yes please. Forever maybe?
Southern sun. Northern mist. A lifetime needed. A lifetime. Yes.
How far is Vietnam from north to south?
Vietnam stretches approximately 1,650 kilometers (1,030 miles) from its northern border to its southern tip. This measurement captures the nation’s significant longitudinal expanse. The shape, often described as an "S", contributes to this extended distance.
Its narrowest point? A mere 50 kilometers (31 miles). Imagine that pinch point. It's a testament to the country's unique geography. Landforms shape destiny, don't they?
Consider the implications:
- Diverse climates.
- Varied ecosystems.
- Regional cultural nuances.
The length impacts internal travel, too. It takes me forever to drive to Hanoi.
Where to start in Vietnam, north or south?
Ok, so, Vietnam, right? I went in April. April is HOT. Seriously, like, melts-your-face-off hot.
I kicked off my trip in Hanoi. Flew straight in. That Old Quarter? Crazy chaotic. Honking motorbikes everywhere.
Then, Ha Long Bay. Did the cruise thing. Touristy? Yeah, but those limestone karsts were unreal. Just… wow.
Da Nang, after Hanoi. It's kinda in the middle. Did a quick stop, nice beaches, not much to see.
Ho Chi Minh City at the end? Man, it was even hotter than Hanoi. The War Remnants Museum is heavy, heavy stuff, you know?
My North-to-South route? Worked for me. Each city holds very different values.
- Hanoi: Historic sites, street food.
- Ha Long: Natural beauty.
- Da Nang: Beaches.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Bustling, history.
Would I do it again? Probably. But maybe in like, February.
Where should I start my Vietnam trip?
Hanoi or HCMC. Pick a direction. Two weeks? Enough for glimpses.
North to South? Hanoi first. Chaos, history, food. My pho preference: Ly Quoc Su.
South to North? HCMC then. Heat, energy, Mekong Delta awaits. Ben Thanh Market: navigate it.
Don't expect serenity. This is Vietnam. Expect impact.
Is it better to travel North to south in Vietnam reddit?
North to south? Absolutely. Think of it like eating a delicious multi-course meal: you wouldn't start with dessert, would you? Unless you're my Uncle Barry, who once ate a whole Key lime pie before the appetizers. A chaotic approach, I assure you.
History buffs rejoice! North to south traces Vietnam's growth, a delicious historical progression like a perfectly aged Cabernet Sauvignon. Starting in Hanoi, you're diving headfirst into ancient dynasties, imperial grandeur; it's like stepping into a beautifully illustrated history book—but way more fragrant with street food smells.
Southward, the vibe shifts. Picture this: the serene beauty of Hue, the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City - like comparing a mindful yoga retreat to a thrilling rock concert. A stark but fascinating contrast.
- Hanoi: Ancient charm, French colonial architecture, delicious street food. I particularly loved that tiny pho place near my hotel last year. Amazing broth.
- Hue: Imperial tombs, peaceful pagodas. Less chaotic than Hanoi, more time for reflection. This year I aim to finally learn to properly use chopsticks.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Modern metropolis, a vibrant explosion of activity. Makes Hanoi seem positively quaint. A bit overwhelming, but in a thrilling way.
South to north? Possible. But imagine reverse-chronological history: bizarre, right? It's like watching a movie backward. Not a good look. Seriously. Don't do it. Unless you enjoy baffling yourself. This is not a recommendation.
Is it better to travel north to South Vietnam?
Ugh, Vietnam this week?! South to North? Or is North better? Gotta decide... My brain.
Okay, wait. Hanoi first? Hmm. Northern Vietnam is cool, I guess. More... traditional? Saw some old temples there in photos.
- North: Maybe cooler weather? Is that good?
- South: Beaches! Warm. Need sun.
But South has Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City now! More modern. I like modern.
Southern Vietnam has the Mekong Delta. Floating markets! I definitely want to see that.
- Saigon vs. Hanoi... Big decision.
- A month or two... Should I just do both?
Three weeks in Vietnam in March? I'll be there for longer. So more time to explore. South TO North? That could work.
Backpacking Reddit... so many opinions. It's overwhelming. North to South could also work. Wait I think I should do North. I'm thinking Hanoi, I remember my mother wanted to go! She showed me a pic.
Okay, so, South to North seems better personally. Start with beaches then end with the temples. Is that better? Im doing it. South it is!
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