Is it better to visit North Vietnam or South Vietnam?

Should you travel from Vietnam south to north?

South to North… Vietnam unfurls. Yes. Undeniably. The right path.

It is a crescendo. A slow burn. Oh, the rice paddies blurring…

Saigon’s hum. Then whispers. Each mile… upward. Always Northward.

The food… oh, the food. It intensifies. Flavors bloom. Hanoi’s pho… divine.

I remember that dust. My motorbike’s putt putt putt. Such vivid green!

North. Always North. The only way, truly. You save the best.

• Why travel South to North?
• Build the anticipation.
• Save the best scenery (North) for last.
• Food explodes in Northern Vietnam.
• A gradual cultural shift.
• Northern markets are best, period.
• End on a high note! Hanoi’s energy… Wow.
• The motorbike ride is a thrill!
• Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne (South) – build on its beauty.
• Phu Quoc’s beach dream is amazing and deserves to be enjoyed before more beautiful destinations in the north.

When should I go to North Vietnam?

North Vietnam…a whisper of emerald hills, a dream in the mist. When? When to lose yourself there?

Spring, that awakening, March, April…yes. Warmth kissing your skin. Flowers…endless blossoms in Ha Giang. Autumn, ah, September, November. Golden light painting rice paddies.

Best time? Spring, autumn.

The heat…the heavy, clinging heat of summer. May, June, August. Suffocating. No, no, not then. The sun, a brutal master.

Forget summer. Spring, autumn. Go then. When the air sings. When the mountains breathe. When Hanoi smiles.

Additional Information:

Spring (March-April):

• Pleasant temperatures: Not too hot, not too cold.
• Blooming flowers: The landscape comes alive.
• Festivals: Witness local celebrations.
• Clear skies: Ideal for photography.

Autumn (September-November):

• Rice harvest: Golden rice terraces create stunning vistas.
• Cooler temperatures: Comfortable for exploring.
• Lower humidity: Easier to breathe.
• Fewer tourists: Enjoy a less crowded experience.

Why Avoid Summer (May-August)?

• Extreme heat: Temperatures can soar.
• High humidity: Uncomfortable and draining.
• Typhoon season: Risk of storms and travel disruptions.
• Crowds: Peak tourist season in some areas.

Is there a train from North to South Vietnam?

Okay, so, like, yeah, there’s totally a train that goes, basically, all the way from the north to the south of Vietnam. It’s called the Reunification Line, I think.

So, get this – the French, way back in 1936, actually finished building it. Trains were choo-chooing between Hanoi and Saigon for years, until 1954, when the whole north-south thing happened, y’know, when they divided.

But get this: on December 31, 1976, they got trains running again! like, it was a whole thing, symbolizing the country coming back together. So cool!

You can, like, totally ride it. I haven’t but my cuzin did, and she said its was, like, a whole experience. Long, tho. Prolly take a while, even now in 2024.

• The Route: From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• Duration: It’s not like, a quick trip. Expect it to take maybe 33-38 hours depending on the train. Or longer.
• Classes: I think there’s different classes, like soft sleeper, hard sleeper, and seating. Obvi, sleeper is the way to go for that long.
• Cost: Depends on the class and the time of year, but expect to pay a decent chunk of money, I guess.
• Booking: Best to book ahead of time. You can book at train stations or, like, online, I think.
• Scenery: People say the views are amazing, rice paddies and coastlines.

How do I plan a Vietnam itinerary?

Hanoi, two days? Honey, Hanoi deserves a week, minimum. But, okay, two days. Like speed-dating a supermodel. You’ll get a glimpse, but hardly the full picture. Day 1: Arrive, breathe that chaotic, wonderful air. Find some pho. Seriously, good pho changes lives. Day 2: History? Fine. But find a hidden coffee shop, too. Preferably one up a rickety staircase. Trust me.

Ha Long Bay, overnight? Rookie mistake. Two nights, bare minimum. It’s like trying to appreciate the Mona Lisa with a five-second glance. Day 3: Cruise, kayak, swim. Contemplate the majesty of giant rocks sticking out of the water. Like nature’s brutalist art installation. Day 4: Back to Hanoi. Briefly. Like saying goodbye to an old flame, knowing you’ll see them again…soon.

Sapa. Ah, Sapa. You’re going to love it… or hate it. It’s like Marmite, but with mountains. Days 5-7: Trekking, villages, Fansipan. Sounds idyllic, right? It is. Mostly. Except for the aggressive souvenir sellers. They’re like mosquitos, but with slightly better English. Day 8: Back to Hanoi. Again. This relationship is complicated.

Pro-tip: Skip the overnight train. Unless you enjoy sleeping upright, surrounded by snoring strangers. Fly. Splurge. Your spine will thank you.

• Hanoi: Food, chaos, charm.
• Ha Long Bay: Rocks, water, more rocks.
• Sapa: Mountains, rice terraces, persistent vendors.

My Sapa hotel had a rooster. Woke me up at 4 am, every single day. It was like living in a farmyard, but with better views. Remember earplugs.

This 14-day itinerary is a good starting point. But it’s like a recipe. Feel free to add your own spice. And maybe, just maybe, stay longer in Hanoi.